Compiled by Jim Hachtel, President
Gen. William T. Sherman Memorial Civil War Roundtable
June 28,1861 - The Blockade Strategy Board plans to seize ports in South Carolina and Georgia as coaling stations for the blockading fleet.
June 28,1861 - In spite of the blockade of Charleston Harbor, the privateer Jefferson Davis slips out of port and commences a successful career raiding Union commerce.
June 29,1861 - Pres. Lincoln in a meeting with Generals Winfield Scott and Irvin McDowell is briefed on military strategy. Scott argues (unsuccessfully) against seeking victory in a single, decisive battle considering the poor training level of troops and leaders.
June 29,1861 - The 11th Massachusetts and 12th New York reach Washington, DC and encamp around the White House.
June 30,1861 - Off New Orleans, Louisiana, Captain Raphael Semmes, commanding the CSS Sumter, evades the USS Brooklyn and goes on to a celebrated career as a commerce raider.
July 1,1861 - The U.S. Navy reports it has 82 ships in commission and carries 1100 guns plus 13,000 men including officers.
July 1,1861 - A total of 259 U.S. Navy Officers have resigned or been dismissed since March 1,1861, most to join the Confederacy.
July 1,1861 - In spite of Kentucky's claim of neutrality, the War Dept. in Washington, D.C. begins recruitment of volunteers in the state. Volunteers are also recruited with some success from Tennessee even after that state seceded.
July 2,1861 - President Lincoln suspends the writ of habeas corpus for special cases.
July 2,1861 - Generals Robert Patterson (Union) and Joseph E. Johnston (Confederate) begin to maneuver near Washington, D.C. Patterson tries to pin Confederate forces at Williamsport, MD and Johnston shifts his forces west of Washington, near Fairfax, VA.
July 3,1861 - Gen. Patterson advances down the Shenandoah Valley and occupies Martinsburg, VA. Gen. Johnston falls back to Winchester, VA.
July 3,1861 - Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, New Mexico, and the Indian Territory are named the "Western Department" by the War Department.
July 4,1861 - An additional 400,000 to 500,000 troops are called for by Pres. Lincoln in a special session of Congress. He also pleads for $4 million to conduct the coming war.
July 4,1861 - Joseph E. Johnston becomes a Full General in the CSA.
July 5,1861 - Near Newport News, VA forces under Generals Benjamin Butler (Union) and John B. Magruder (Confederate) skirmish at the Curtis Farm. They had a previous encounter at Big Bethel, VA. See June 9,1861
July 4,1861 - Simon Cameron, Secretary of War announces that 260,000 men are in active service. That includes 165,000 volunteers signed up for three years.
