The Civil War Book

On this day in the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman’s army completes the “March to the Sea” by capturing Savannah, Georgia. General Sherman wires Lincoln, “I beg to present you, as a Christmas gift, the city of Savannah”.

Sherman’s Headquarters-Savannah, Georgia

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Confederate troops under General Earl Van Dorn capture over 1 million dollars of Union supplies at Holly Springs, Mississippi.

General Earl Van Dorn

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, Union General Alfred Torbert, along with 8,000 troops, operate against the Virginia Central Railroad in the Shenandoah Valley.

General Alfred Torbert

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)

On this day in the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln and his cabinet discuss the Trent Affair. Great Britain demands the immediate release of Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell.

In November 1861 the Federal warship San Jacinto  intercepted the British mail packet Trent and removed Confederate commissioners Mason and Slidell from the ship. This caused an uproar in Great Britain with threats of war against the Union.

U.S.S. San Jacinto

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress) 

On this day in the Civil War, Federal Secretary of the Treasury Salmon Chase and Secretary of State William Seward are involved in conflicts with each other. Seward submits his resignation to President Lincoln; however, it is not accepted.

William Seward

(Photo Credit: Library of Congress)