Jan. 7—Three blockade runners captured.” 11—Two more were destroyed, making 22 in a few months.” 25—Mr. Vanderbilt, having presented a steamer worth $800,000 to the U. S. government, received the thanks of Congress.Feb. 1—The President of the U. S. ordered a draft of 500,000 men.” 5—Two English steamers, with supplies for the South, captured.” 9—Cotton worth $700,000 burned at Wilmington, N. C.” 20—Negro troops cover the retreat of a defeated white Union force at Olustee, Fla.” 28—The large armies being broken up or concentrated, and the lines of communication very much interrupted, many Union cavalry raids, aiming to break the lines of communication by railroad completely, to lay waste the country, and to free the negroes, who were raising supplies for the Southern armies, in the far interior, were undertaken. That of Sherman to Meridian, in Miss., and of Grierson and Smith, and many smaller ones, were executed during this month. The damage to railroads and the supplies destroyed were incalculable. 18 blockade runners and other vessels bringing supplies to the South were destroyed during the month.Mar. 2—Gen. Grant made Lt. General; the only one who had reached that dignity since Gen. Washington—Gen. Scott being Lt. Gen. only by brevet.” 12—Gen. Grant made Commander-in-chief of the U. S. armies.” 15—The President of the U. S. calls for 200,000 more men.” 25—Confederate Gen. Forrest makes three assaults on Paducah, Ky., with loss of 1,500 men, in vain.” 28—A severe defeat inflicted on Southern forces at Cane River, La.Apr. 4—Gen. Marmaduke defeated by Gen. Steele, Unionist, at Little Missouri, Ark.” 8—Gen. Banks suffers reverses on the Red River, and retreats with loss.” 12—Gen. Forrest takes Ft. Pillow and massacres the garrison, many being negroes.” 21—Salt works in North Carolina destroyed—value $100,000. As salt was indispensable to army operations, the utmost effort was made to ruin as many as possible.” 23—Governors of Western States offer the U.S. government 85,000 men for 100 days. President accepts them.May 2—400 Union prisoners are brought to Annapolis nearly starved.” 4—Gen. Grant crosses the Rapidan in Va. and commences operations in the Wilderness. He, with 140,000 men, confronts Lee, who has 60,000.” 5—Fighting in the Wilderness for two days without decided result. Costs Grant 30,000 (5,000 were prisoners) and Lee 10,000. Lee was intrenched and familiar with the ground, which was highly unfavorable to the Union army.” 6—Gen. Sherman confronts Gen. Joe Johnson near Chattanooga. Sherman has near 100,000; Johnson 60,000.” 7—Lee retreats toward Spottsylvania Court-House. Union army follows, fighting.To this date 150,000 Southern soldiers had been made prisoners during the course of the war.May 8—Battle of Spottsylvania; result indecisive.” 10—Battle of Spottsylvania continued. Still indecisive. Losses to each side 10,000 men.” 12—Lee and Grant fight again, without victory by either.” 13—Sheridan destroyed Lee’s depot of supplies in his rear, at Beaver Dam.” 15—Sherman drives Johnson from Resaca after two days’ fighting.” 21—Lee is flanked at Spottsylvania, and retires to the North Anna.” 23—Morgan (Confederate cavalry) enters Ky. with 4,000 men.” 25—Sheridan rejoins Grant, after a brilliant series of daring deeds in the rear of Lee. Gen. Stuart, a very able Confederate cavalry leader, is killed in this raid.” 27—Grant again flanked Lee, crossing the Pamunky to Hanovertown.June 1—Battle of Cold Harbor, north of, and near, Richmond. It was fought with the utmost bravery and obstinacy, but gained no more decisive end than the destruction of men and material involved. This was very severe on Lee, from the smaller number he had to fall back on.” 7—Abraham Lincoln renominated for the presidency of the U. S.” 14—Gen. Polk (a Southern bishop) killed.” 15—An unsuccessful assault for three days on Petersburg. Union losses 10,000 men.” 18—To this time Grant had lost 64,000 men—Lee 38,000 during this campaign.” 19—Steamer Kearsarge sinks the famous Alabama, on the coast of France.” 20—Petersburg strongly reinforced by Lee.” 27—Sherman, pushing Johnson at Keneshaw, meets a severe repulse. In one month he had driven Johnson 100 miles, fought six battles, and killed, wounded or taken prisoner 17,000 men. He followed Grant’s principle, and “flanked” him. A retreat was the result.July 1—Public debt over $1,740,000,000.” 9—Gen. Early, with 20,000 Confederate troops, passes into Grant’s rear, and makes a hasty march north into Maryland. This day he gained a victory over Gen. Wallace, but his losses were so great that he was hindered in his design of capturing Washington, though within six miles of it at one time. He retreats, but soon turns back.” 18—President Lincoln calls for 500,000 more troops.” 19—Gen. Averill (Union) gives Early a check, but finally falls back.” 20-22—Severe battles in the neighborhood of Atlanta, Geo. Gen. Sherman victorious. Confederate losses in all over 15,000; Union about 5,500. Union Gen. McPherson killed.” 22—A mine, made under the fortifications of Petersburg, completed. It was charged with 8,000 lbs. of powder.” 28—Early sent a detachment into Penn., which burnt Chambersburg.” 30—Gen. Stoneman defeated and taken prisoner at Macon, Geo., by Confederates.The mine exploded at Petersburg, blowing up a fort and its garrison; but, from unskillful management, proved a Union disaster; 4,000 men were lost in killed, wounded and prisoners. A constant artillery attack was kept up on Petersburg through this month.Aug. 2—Gen. Banks puts all the negroes in his region in the army (Grand Gulf, La.).” 3—Constant fighting at Atlanta. Hood (Confederate) repulsed.” 5—Admiral Farragut enters Mobile bay with 18 vessels, and captures or destroys the vessels and forts. It was the last seaport of the Confederacy.” 7—Union Gen. Averill gains a complete victory at Moorfield, West Va.” 9—Atlanta, Geo., bombarded by Sherman’s army.” 11—The Confederate vessel Tallahassee burns 5 vessels, and 5 more in the course of Aug.” 13—Mosby, Confederate, captures an immense supply train at Berryville, Va.” 19—Success of Southern forces before Petersburg. Took 2,000 prisoners.” 21—Lee fails to dislodge Warner, who is destroying the Weldon R. R. In three days Grant lost 4,500 men in this undertaking.” 31—Gen. Howard, of Sherman’s army, gains a decided victory at Jonesborough, Geo.Sept. 2—Gen. Hood evacuates Atlanta, Geo., a very important place, which Sherman at once occupies. Sherman had lost 30,000 men in this campaign, the Confederates 42,000.” 5—Gen. Morgan, an active Southern cavalry officer, is killed at Granville, Tenn.” 12—Sherman sends away all the families and burns a good part of Atlanta, preparatory to great and brilliant operations.” 13—General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, Va.” 16—A strong force of Confederate cavalry drive off 2,500 beeves belonging to the Union army on James river.” 19—Sheridan defeats Early, (at Oquequan, Shenandoah valley,) inflicting a loss of 8,000 men.” 22—Sheridan again inflicts a loss of near 4,000 on Early, at Fisher’s Hill, Va.” 29—Gen. Grant advances to within ten miles of Richmond, on the north.Gen. Price again invades Missouri.” 30—The blockading force captured and destroyed 50 vessels this month.Oct. 5—A repulse of the Southern forces at Allatoona, Geo.” 7—The Confederate steamer Florida captured by the Wachusett, on the coast of Brazil.Sheridan, having laid waste the Shenandoah valley, returns South.” 8—Sheridan defeats the Confederates again in the Shenandoah valley.” 11—Maryland votes for a constitution abolishing slavery.” 19—Sheridan annihilated Early, at Cedar Creek, by his famous “ride from Winchester,” and rallying his men, after they had been defeated.Confederate refugees from Canada rob a bank in St. Albans, Vt.” 23—Gen. Price defeated at Blue river, Missouri.” 27—Gen. Grant closes the active campaign by an extensive reconnaissance.” 28—Gen. Blunt defeats Price and drives him out of Missouri. He returns no more.Nov.—Gen. Hood, in command of the forces in Georgia, withdrew from the neighborhood of Atlanta, for the purpose of destroying Sherman’s base of supplies, and invading Tennessee and Kentucky. He had now about 40,000 men. Gen. Thomas was sent into Tennessee, by Sherman, with a strong force, to contend with him; and Sherman, breaking away from his northern connections, commences his celebrated “march to the sea,” in which he is lost to his friends for 40 days, but reaches Savannah in safety.” 4—Johnsonville, Tenn., bombarded. 3 gunboats and 8 transports, with $1,500,000 of stores destroyed.” 8—President Lincoln re-elected. Gen. McClellan resigns his commission.” 11—A gunboat, the Tulip, blows up on Potomac river. Her boiler burst.” 13—Gen. Breckenridge attacks Gillem, near Morristown, Tenn., capturing his artillery, and several hundred prisoners.” 14—Atlanta completely destroyed by Sherman, before his march South.” 16—Gen. Stoneman attacks Breckenridge, at Marion, Tenn., and captures his artillery and 200 prisoners.Gen. Sherman starts for Savannah through the heart of the Confederacy, with over 65,000 troops. He destroys railroads and lays the country waste wherever he is treated in a hostile manner.” 22—Sherman’s army reach Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia. The Gov. and Legislature hastily retire. The soldiers amuse themselves by holding a mock legislature, passing loyal resolutions, &c.” 24—The Union army in Va., receive nearly 100,000 pounds of turkeys, sent from the North to supply them a Christmas dinner.” 25—An attempt to fire New York city miscarries.” 30—Gen. Hood, Confederate, with 40,000 men, attacks Schofield, 18 miles from Nashville. Gen. Schofield had only 17,000 men. Hood made four attacks, and was each time repulsed. He lost6,000 men. At midnight Schofield retreated to Nashville, and joined Thomas, followed by Hood’s army.Dec. 1—The U. S. navy has 671 vessels, carrying over 4,000 guns, and 51,000 men. It has captured 324 vessels during the year—during the war, 1,379—267 being steamers.” 5—65 blockade runners, ships and cargoes worth $12,000,000, have been captured or destroyed by the U. S. navy, at Wilmington, N. C.” 6—Mr. Chase, ex-Sec. of the U. S. Treasury, appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.” 12—Gen. Sherman’s army reaches the rear of Savannah, Geo., which is occupied by the Confederate Gen. Hardee, with 15,000 men.” 13—Gen. Hazen, of Sherman’s command, captures Ft. McAllister, near Savannah. It had been frequently attacked by gunboats, in vain.” 15—Gen. Rousseau defeats the Southern forces under Forrest at Murfreesborough, Tenn., with great loss.” 15-16—Battle of Nashville, Tenn., in which Gen. Hood is completely defeated by Gen. Thomas, Federal commander. Hood’s flying troops pursued 200 miles. It was one of the most fatal blows of the war for the South.” 19—President Lincoln calls for 300,000 volunteers to finish the war.” 20—Gen. Stoneman, Unionist, captures forts and destroys salt works, lead mines, and railway bridges at Saltville, East Tennessee.Gen. Sherman summons Savannah to surrender. Gen. Hardee retreated in the night. Gen. Sherman takes possession next day.
Jan. 7—Three blockade runners captured.
” 11—Two more were destroyed, making 22 in a few months.
” 25—Mr. Vanderbilt, having presented a steamer worth $800,000 to the U. S. government, received the thanks of Congress.
Feb. 1—The President of the U. S. ordered a draft of 500,000 men.
” 5—Two English steamers, with supplies for the South, captured.
” 9—Cotton worth $700,000 burned at Wilmington, N. C.
” 20—Negro troops cover the retreat of a defeated white Union force at Olustee, Fla.
” 28—The large armies being broken up or concentrated, and the lines of communication very much interrupted, many Union cavalry raids, aiming to break the lines of communication by railroad completely, to lay waste the country, and to free the negroes, who were raising supplies for the Southern armies, in the far interior, were undertaken. That of Sherman to Meridian, in Miss., and of Grierson and Smith, and many smaller ones, were executed during this month. The damage to railroads and the supplies destroyed were incalculable. 18 blockade runners and other vessels bringing supplies to the South were destroyed during the month.
Mar. 2—Gen. Grant made Lt. General; the only one who had reached that dignity since Gen. Washington—Gen. Scott being Lt. Gen. only by brevet.
” 12—Gen. Grant made Commander-in-chief of the U. S. armies.
” 15—The President of the U. S. calls for 200,000 more men.
” 25—Confederate Gen. Forrest makes three assaults on Paducah, Ky., with loss of 1,500 men, in vain.
” 28—A severe defeat inflicted on Southern forces at Cane River, La.
Apr. 4—Gen. Marmaduke defeated by Gen. Steele, Unionist, at Little Missouri, Ark.
” 8—Gen. Banks suffers reverses on the Red River, and retreats with loss.
” 12—Gen. Forrest takes Ft. Pillow and massacres the garrison, many being negroes.
” 21—Salt works in North Carolina destroyed—value $100,000. As salt was indispensable to army operations, the utmost effort was made to ruin as many as possible.
” 23—Governors of Western States offer the U.S. government 85,000 men for 100 days. President accepts them.
May 2—400 Union prisoners are brought to Annapolis nearly starved.
” 4—Gen. Grant crosses the Rapidan in Va. and commences operations in the Wilderness. He, with 140,000 men, confronts Lee, who has 60,000.
” 5—Fighting in the Wilderness for two days without decided result. Costs Grant 30,000 (5,000 were prisoners) and Lee 10,000. Lee was intrenched and familiar with the ground, which was highly unfavorable to the Union army.
” 6—Gen. Sherman confronts Gen. Joe Johnson near Chattanooga. Sherman has near 100,000; Johnson 60,000.
” 7—Lee retreats toward Spottsylvania Court-House. Union army follows, fighting.
To this date 150,000 Southern soldiers had been made prisoners during the course of the war.
May 8—Battle of Spottsylvania; result indecisive.
” 10—Battle of Spottsylvania continued. Still indecisive. Losses to each side 10,000 men.
” 12—Lee and Grant fight again, without victory by either.
” 13—Sheridan destroyed Lee’s depot of supplies in his rear, at Beaver Dam.
” 15—Sherman drives Johnson from Resaca after two days’ fighting.
” 21—Lee is flanked at Spottsylvania, and retires to the North Anna.
” 23—Morgan (Confederate cavalry) enters Ky. with 4,000 men.
” 25—Sheridan rejoins Grant, after a brilliant series of daring deeds in the rear of Lee. Gen. Stuart, a very able Confederate cavalry leader, is killed in this raid.
” 27—Grant again flanked Lee, crossing the Pamunky to Hanovertown.
June 1—Battle of Cold Harbor, north of, and near, Richmond. It was fought with the utmost bravery and obstinacy, but gained no more decisive end than the destruction of men and material involved. This was very severe on Lee, from the smaller number he had to fall back on.
” 7—Abraham Lincoln renominated for the presidency of the U. S.
” 14—Gen. Polk (a Southern bishop) killed.
” 15—An unsuccessful assault for three days on Petersburg. Union losses 10,000 men.
” 18—To this time Grant had lost 64,000 men—Lee 38,000 during this campaign.
” 19—Steamer Kearsarge sinks the famous Alabama, on the coast of France.
” 20—Petersburg strongly reinforced by Lee.
” 27—Sherman, pushing Johnson at Keneshaw, meets a severe repulse. In one month he had driven Johnson 100 miles, fought six battles, and killed, wounded or taken prisoner 17,000 men. He followed Grant’s principle, and “flanked” him. A retreat was the result.
July 1—Public debt over $1,740,000,000.
” 9—Gen. Early, with 20,000 Confederate troops, passes into Grant’s rear, and makes a hasty march north into Maryland. This day he gained a victory over Gen. Wallace, but his losses were so great that he was hindered in his design of capturing Washington, though within six miles of it at one time. He retreats, but soon turns back.
” 18—President Lincoln calls for 500,000 more troops.
” 19—Gen. Averill (Union) gives Early a check, but finally falls back.
” 20-22—Severe battles in the neighborhood of Atlanta, Geo. Gen. Sherman victorious. Confederate losses in all over 15,000; Union about 5,500. Union Gen. McPherson killed.
” 22—A mine, made under the fortifications of Petersburg, completed. It was charged with 8,000 lbs. of powder.
” 28—Early sent a detachment into Penn., which burnt Chambersburg.
” 30—Gen. Stoneman defeated and taken prisoner at Macon, Geo., by Confederates.
The mine exploded at Petersburg, blowing up a fort and its garrison; but, from unskillful management, proved a Union disaster; 4,000 men were lost in killed, wounded and prisoners. A constant artillery attack was kept up on Petersburg through this month.
Aug. 2—Gen. Banks puts all the negroes in his region in the army (Grand Gulf, La.).
” 3—Constant fighting at Atlanta. Hood (Confederate) repulsed.
” 5—Admiral Farragut enters Mobile bay with 18 vessels, and captures or destroys the vessels and forts. It was the last seaport of the Confederacy.
” 7—Union Gen. Averill gains a complete victory at Moorfield, West Va.
” 9—Atlanta, Geo., bombarded by Sherman’s army.
” 11—The Confederate vessel Tallahassee burns 5 vessels, and 5 more in the course of Aug.
” 13—Mosby, Confederate, captures an immense supply train at Berryville, Va.
” 19—Success of Southern forces before Petersburg. Took 2,000 prisoners.
” 21—Lee fails to dislodge Warner, who is destroying the Weldon R. R. In three days Grant lost 4,500 men in this undertaking.
” 31—Gen. Howard, of Sherman’s army, gains a decided victory at Jonesborough, Geo.
Sept. 2—Gen. Hood evacuates Atlanta, Geo., a very important place, which Sherman at once occupies. Sherman had lost 30,000 men in this campaign, the Confederates 42,000.
” 5—Gen. Morgan, an active Southern cavalry officer, is killed at Granville, Tenn.
” 12—Sherman sends away all the families and burns a good part of Atlanta, preparatory to great and brilliant operations.
” 13—General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, Va.
” 16—A strong force of Confederate cavalry drive off 2,500 beeves belonging to the Union army on James river.
” 19—Sheridan defeats Early, (at Oquequan, Shenandoah valley,) inflicting a loss of 8,000 men.
” 22—Sheridan again inflicts a loss of near 4,000 on Early, at Fisher’s Hill, Va.
” 29—Gen. Grant advances to within ten miles of Richmond, on the north.
Gen. Price again invades Missouri.
” 30—The blockading force captured and destroyed 50 vessels this month.
Oct. 5—A repulse of the Southern forces at Allatoona, Geo.
” 7—The Confederate steamer Florida captured by the Wachusett, on the coast of Brazil.
Sheridan, having laid waste the Shenandoah valley, returns South.
” 8—Sheridan defeats the Confederates again in the Shenandoah valley.
” 11—Maryland votes for a constitution abolishing slavery.
” 19—Sheridan annihilated Early, at Cedar Creek, by his famous “ride from Winchester,” and rallying his men, after they had been defeated.
Confederate refugees from Canada rob a bank in St. Albans, Vt.
” 23—Gen. Price defeated at Blue river, Missouri.
” 27—Gen. Grant closes the active campaign by an extensive reconnaissance.
” 28—Gen. Blunt defeats Price and drives him out of Missouri. He returns no more.
Nov.—Gen. Hood, in command of the forces in Georgia, withdrew from the neighborhood of Atlanta, for the purpose of destroying Sherman’s base of supplies, and invading Tennessee and Kentucky. He had now about 40,000 men. Gen. Thomas was sent into Tennessee, by Sherman, with a strong force, to contend with him; and Sherman, breaking away from his northern connections, commences his celebrated “march to the sea,” in which he is lost to his friends for 40 days, but reaches Savannah in safety.
” 4—Johnsonville, Tenn., bombarded. 3 gunboats and 8 transports, with $1,500,000 of stores destroyed.
” 8—President Lincoln re-elected. Gen. McClellan resigns his commission.
” 11—A gunboat, the Tulip, blows up on Potomac river. Her boiler burst.
” 13—Gen. Breckenridge attacks Gillem, near Morristown, Tenn., capturing his artillery, and several hundred prisoners.
” 14—Atlanta completely destroyed by Sherman, before his march South.
” 16—Gen. Stoneman attacks Breckenridge, at Marion, Tenn., and captures his artillery and 200 prisoners.
Gen. Sherman starts for Savannah through the heart of the Confederacy, with over 65,000 troops. He destroys railroads and lays the country waste wherever he is treated in a hostile manner.
” 22—Sherman’s army reach Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia. The Gov. and Legislature hastily retire. The soldiers amuse themselves by holding a mock legislature, passing loyal resolutions, &c.
” 24—The Union army in Va., receive nearly 100,000 pounds of turkeys, sent from the North to supply them a Christmas dinner.
” 25—An attempt to fire New York city miscarries.
” 30—Gen. Hood, Confederate, with 40,000 men, attacks Schofield, 18 miles from Nashville. Gen. Schofield had only 17,000 men. Hood made four attacks, and was each time repulsed. He lost6,000 men. At midnight Schofield retreated to Nashville, and joined Thomas, followed by Hood’s army.
Dec. 1—The U. S. navy has 671 vessels, carrying over 4,000 guns, and 51,000 men. It has captured 324 vessels during the year—during the war, 1,379—267 being steamers.
” 5—65 blockade runners, ships and cargoes worth $12,000,000, have been captured or destroyed by the U. S. navy, at Wilmington, N. C.
” 6—Mr. Chase, ex-Sec. of the U. S. Treasury, appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
” 12—Gen. Sherman’s army reaches the rear of Savannah, Geo., which is occupied by the Confederate Gen. Hardee, with 15,000 men.
” 13—Gen. Hazen, of Sherman’s command, captures Ft. McAllister, near Savannah. It had been frequently attacked by gunboats, in vain.
” 15—Gen. Rousseau defeats the Southern forces under Forrest at Murfreesborough, Tenn., with great loss.
” 15-16—Battle of Nashville, Tenn., in which Gen. Hood is completely defeated by Gen. Thomas, Federal commander. Hood’s flying troops pursued 200 miles. It was one of the most fatal blows of the war for the South.
” 19—President Lincoln calls for 300,000 volunteers to finish the war.
” 20—Gen. Stoneman, Unionist, captures forts and destroys salt works, lead mines, and railway bridges at Saltville, East Tennessee.
Gen. Sherman summons Savannah to surrender. Gen. Hardee retreated in the night. Gen. Sherman takes possession next day.
The year 1864 closed in general disaster to the Confederacy. Sherman had broken the Confederate power in Georgia, destroyed its communications with the Mississippi States, and taken Savannah. Gen. Thomas had broken up Hood’s army, in Tennessee, and Grant had closely beleagured the Southern army in Virginia within Richmond and its defenses; while Sheridan had dealt blow after blow on Early, in the Shenandoah Valley, and quite ruined his army.
The future operations required the subjugation of the interiors of North and South Carolina, the taking of a few forts on the coast, and the capture of Lee’s army in Richmond. The only other army of strength, the remnant of Hood’s forces, was in the Southern interior. The Federal government was stronger than ever, both by sea and land. The Southern people were much discouraged; their finances ruined; their fighting men mostly disabled, scattered, forced into submission, or, hopeless of ultimate success,had voluntarily withdrawn from the contest in so large numbers that the Confederate forces were everywhere inferior, and only upheld by the indomitable pride and bravery inherent in the Anglo-American. They would submit only when necessity absolutely compelled them; and thus saved their honor, in their own eyes. They had made a fatal mistake, and they reaped the full harvest of ruin. Yet, their prolonged resistance served to utterly annihilate slavery; raised the negroes to the honorable position of Defenders of the Union; and, the last of Jan., 1865, an amendment to the U. S. Constitution was prepared forever abolishing slavery in the country. In the end the blacks became citizens. We have now but a short record to complete our View of the Civil War. The South had still over 100,000 men in arms, but they were surrounded, cut off from supplies, outnumbered, and pressed with relentless vigor. This was Grant’s policy.
Jan. 14—Vessels are sent from Boston and New York with large supplies from the charitable, for Southern sufferers in Savannah, Geo.” 15—Ft. Fisher, on the coast of N. C., captured by Gen. Terry, in conjunction with the U. S. fleet. It is the last stronghold of the South on the sea.Edward Everett died, at Boston, Mass.” 16—The magazine at Ft. Fisher exploded, killing and wounding 300 Union men.” 17—A Federal monitor blown up by torpedoes, in Charleston Harbor, S. C.” 20—Corinth, Miss., evacuated by Southern troops.” 23—Gen. Hood surrenders his command in the Southern army to Gen. Taylor.” 28—Gen. Breckenridge becomes Confederate Sec. of War.” 29—Southern Commissioners seek an interview with President Lincoln at Fortress Monroe, in the interest of Peace. They failed to make any satisfactory terms.” 31—Joint resolution of Congress to amend the U. S. Constitution abolishing slavery (14th Amendment).Feb.—Nine States ratify the Constitutional Amendment in this month.” 5—Grant suffers a repulse at Hatcher’s Run. Loss 2,000 men.” 17—Columbia, S. C., accidentally burned on its evacuation by Southern troops. A Confederate dollar (paper) worth but two cents in Richmond, Va.” 18—Union troops take possession of Charleston, S. C., as a result of Sherman’s march from Savannah north-eastward toward Richmond. Many buildings in Charleston burned in the destruction of Confederate stores by the retiring army.Gen. Lee in favor of arming the negroes for the defense of the South. It is declined by the Confederate government, until too late.” 25—800 Southern soldiers desert, and come into Union lines.Mar. 2—Sheridan completely routs Gen. Early again, taking 1,700 troops prisoners.” 4—President Lincoln inaugurated for his second term.” 10—Gen. Bragg defeated, at Kingston, N. C.” 15—Gen. Hardee (Confederate) defeated by Sherman’s army.” 18—The Confederate Congress adjourned. It never met again.Battle of part of Sherman’s army with Johnston, Confederate, 24,000 strong. Southern forces made six assaults which were withstood. After fighting and manouvering 3 days, Johnston retreated having lost 3,000 men. Sherman lost 1,646.” 25—Ft. Steadman, near Petersburg, Va., captured by Confederates, but was immediately retaken, with 2,000 prisoners. This attack was made by Lee, preparatory to evacuating Richmond. Grant had about 120,000 troops, Lee 70,000.” 29—Sheridan commences an expedition to the rear of Richmond to cut off Lee’s retreat South.” 31—Sheridan attacked and hard pushed by Lee’s forces, but at night they fall back.Apr. 1—Sheridan, in turn, follows the Confederates, and drives them toward Richmond. He takes more than 5,000 prisoners. This was the battle of Five Forks. It was fatal to Lee’s retreat.” 2—Grant’s forces make a grand assault. It is successful, and Lee prepares to evacuate Richmond. President Davis leaves his capital in haste, for Danville, N. C. Gen. Lee commences his retreat in the night.” 3—Richmond occupied by colored Federal troops. They find the city in flames.” 4—President Davis endeavors to make a stand against disaster. He issues a proclamation from Danville.” 9—Terms of surrender arranged by Gens. Grant and Lee.” 10—Gen. Lee issues his farewell address to his army.” 12—Confederate army yielded prisoners of war at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. 27,805 Confederate soldiers paroled.Gen. Stoneman defeats a Confederate force, at Salisbury, N. C.Gen. Canby, Union, occupies Mobile, Ala.” 14—President Lincoln assassinated in Washington, by J. Wilkes Booth.Mr. Seward stabbed in bed, but not killed.” 15—Abraham Lincoln died at 7A. M.The whole country is in mourning.Andrew Johnson assumes the office of President of the U. S.” 18—Paine, or Powell, who endeavored to assassinate Sec. Seward, arrested at Mrs. Surratt’s house in Washington. Mrs. Surratt arrested.Gen. Sherman arranges preliminaries for the surrender of all theremaining Confederate forces, with Gen. Johnston, commanding Southern army in N. C., with consent of Confederate Sec. of War and Jeff. Davis. It includes the basis of a general peace, and a policy of reconstruction. It is sent to the Federal government for their approval or rejection.” 19—Funeral ceremonies of President Lincoln, at Washington. Funeral services are held all over the North. The body is carried in state to Springfield, Ill., stopping at prominent places on the route; and visited by great numbers of the people. 700,000 were said to have been in the procession at New York.” 21—Gen. Sherman’s arrangement with Johnston disapproved by the government, and he is ordered to resume hostilities. Steamboat Sultana blows up on the Mississippi, and about 1,300 U. S. soldiers returning home were killed.” 24—Gen. Grant visits Sherman.” 25—J. W. Booth, the assassin of the President, taken prisoner near Port Royal, Va. Refusing to surrender, a soldier shot him, contrary to orders. He died in 4 hours. No assassin ever met with more universal execration than Booth. Its necessary effect was to render the Reconstruction policy much more stern and painful to the South.” 26—Johnston surrenders to Gen. Sherman all the Confederate troops in his command, on the terms granted Gen. Lee.” 29—Arms and stores of Gen. Johnston’s army delivered to U. S. authorities, at Greensboro, N. C.May 2—Reward offered for capture of Jeff. Davis, of $100,000. He was, at first, believed accessory to the murder of President Lincoln.” 3—President Lincoln’s remains arrive at Springfield, Ill.” 4-9—All the Confederate forces disbanded, or surrendered to U. S. officers, east and west of Mississippi river.” 10—Jeff. Davis captured in Geo., in woman’s clothes.
Jan. 14—Vessels are sent from Boston and New York with large supplies from the charitable, for Southern sufferers in Savannah, Geo.
” 15—Ft. Fisher, on the coast of N. C., captured by Gen. Terry, in conjunction with the U. S. fleet. It is the last stronghold of the South on the sea.
Edward Everett died, at Boston, Mass.
” 16—The magazine at Ft. Fisher exploded, killing and wounding 300 Union men.
” 17—A Federal monitor blown up by torpedoes, in Charleston Harbor, S. C.
” 20—Corinth, Miss., evacuated by Southern troops.
” 23—Gen. Hood surrenders his command in the Southern army to Gen. Taylor.
” 28—Gen. Breckenridge becomes Confederate Sec. of War.
” 29—Southern Commissioners seek an interview with President Lincoln at Fortress Monroe, in the interest of Peace. They failed to make any satisfactory terms.
” 31—Joint resolution of Congress to amend the U. S. Constitution abolishing slavery (14th Amendment).
Feb.—Nine States ratify the Constitutional Amendment in this month.
” 5—Grant suffers a repulse at Hatcher’s Run. Loss 2,000 men.
” 17—Columbia, S. C., accidentally burned on its evacuation by Southern troops. A Confederate dollar (paper) worth but two cents in Richmond, Va.
” 18—Union troops take possession of Charleston, S. C., as a result of Sherman’s march from Savannah north-eastward toward Richmond. Many buildings in Charleston burned in the destruction of Confederate stores by the retiring army.
Gen. Lee in favor of arming the negroes for the defense of the South. It is declined by the Confederate government, until too late.
” 25—800 Southern soldiers desert, and come into Union lines.
Mar. 2—Sheridan completely routs Gen. Early again, taking 1,700 troops prisoners.
” 4—President Lincoln inaugurated for his second term.
” 10—Gen. Bragg defeated, at Kingston, N. C.
” 15—Gen. Hardee (Confederate) defeated by Sherman’s army.
” 18—The Confederate Congress adjourned. It never met again.
Battle of part of Sherman’s army with Johnston, Confederate, 24,000 strong. Southern forces made six assaults which were withstood. After fighting and manouvering 3 days, Johnston retreated having lost 3,000 men. Sherman lost 1,646.
” 25—Ft. Steadman, near Petersburg, Va., captured by Confederates, but was immediately retaken, with 2,000 prisoners. This attack was made by Lee, preparatory to evacuating Richmond. Grant had about 120,000 troops, Lee 70,000.
” 29—Sheridan commences an expedition to the rear of Richmond to cut off Lee’s retreat South.
” 31—Sheridan attacked and hard pushed by Lee’s forces, but at night they fall back.
Apr. 1—Sheridan, in turn, follows the Confederates, and drives them toward Richmond. He takes more than 5,000 prisoners. This was the battle of Five Forks. It was fatal to Lee’s retreat.
” 2—Grant’s forces make a grand assault. It is successful, and Lee prepares to evacuate Richmond. President Davis leaves his capital in haste, for Danville, N. C. Gen. Lee commences his retreat in the night.
” 3—Richmond occupied by colored Federal troops. They find the city in flames.
” 4—President Davis endeavors to make a stand against disaster. He issues a proclamation from Danville.
” 9—Terms of surrender arranged by Gens. Grant and Lee.
” 10—Gen. Lee issues his farewell address to his army.
” 12—Confederate army yielded prisoners of war at Appomattox Court House, Virginia. 27,805 Confederate soldiers paroled.
Gen. Stoneman defeats a Confederate force, at Salisbury, N. C.
Gen. Canby, Union, occupies Mobile, Ala.
” 14—President Lincoln assassinated in Washington, by J. Wilkes Booth.
Mr. Seward stabbed in bed, but not killed.
” 15—Abraham Lincoln died at 7A. M.The whole country is in mourning.
Andrew Johnson assumes the office of President of the U. S.
” 18—Paine, or Powell, who endeavored to assassinate Sec. Seward, arrested at Mrs. Surratt’s house in Washington. Mrs. Surratt arrested.
Gen. Sherman arranges preliminaries for the surrender of all theremaining Confederate forces, with Gen. Johnston, commanding Southern army in N. C., with consent of Confederate Sec. of War and Jeff. Davis. It includes the basis of a general peace, and a policy of reconstruction. It is sent to the Federal government for their approval or rejection.
” 19—Funeral ceremonies of President Lincoln, at Washington. Funeral services are held all over the North. The body is carried in state to Springfield, Ill., stopping at prominent places on the route; and visited by great numbers of the people. 700,000 were said to have been in the procession at New York.
” 21—Gen. Sherman’s arrangement with Johnston disapproved by the government, and he is ordered to resume hostilities. Steamboat Sultana blows up on the Mississippi, and about 1,300 U. S. soldiers returning home were killed.
” 24—Gen. Grant visits Sherman.
” 25—J. W. Booth, the assassin of the President, taken prisoner near Port Royal, Va. Refusing to surrender, a soldier shot him, contrary to orders. He died in 4 hours. No assassin ever met with more universal execration than Booth. Its necessary effect was to render the Reconstruction policy much more stern and painful to the South.
” 26—Johnston surrenders to Gen. Sherman all the Confederate troops in his command, on the terms granted Gen. Lee.
” 29—Arms and stores of Gen. Johnston’s army delivered to U. S. authorities, at Greensboro, N. C.
May 2—Reward offered for capture of Jeff. Davis, of $100,000. He was, at first, believed accessory to the murder of President Lincoln.
” 3—President Lincoln’s remains arrive at Springfield, Ill.
” 4-9—All the Confederate forces disbanded, or surrendered to U. S. officers, east and west of Mississippi river.
” 10—Jeff. Davis captured in Geo., in woman’s clothes.
The number of volunteer troops to be mustered out of the Union army, May 1st, 1865, was 1,034,064. They were mostly discharged and paid in the next three months. The entire enlistments in the Federal army, during the whole war, were 2,688,523. Many were re-enlistments. It is believed that the whole number of individuals forming the armies was only 1,500,000. 75 per cent. were native Americans, 9 per cent. Germans, and 7 per cent. Irish. Various nationalities made up the remaining 9 per cent.
Of this million and a half 56,000 were killed in battle, 35,000 died in hospitals of their wounds received in battle, and 184,000 died in hospitals of disease. Many afterwards died, and others were ruined in health for life.
It has been stated by the Adjutant General of the Confederate army, since the close of the war, that the available Confederate force during the entirewar was 600,000, and that they never had more than 200,000 in the field at any one time. This would seem likely to be an underestimate, but is the nearest to official data that we have. He states the entire force opposing the 1,000,000 men in the closing campaign to have been 100,000. There is reason to believe that the Confederates killed, and the wounded and sick who died in hospital, was about 300,000.
The entire amount expended by the National government, by States, counties and towns, and contributed in other ways to the comfort or sustenance of the army, is computed at $4,000,000,000. The support of the Southern army cannot be ascertained, but it is thought that those expenses and the destruction of property inflicted about an equal loss on them.
These losses in life and property are fearful; but they are the price of Freedom and of Nationality. The general prosperity of the country has made it richer than before, while natural increase and immigration have filled the places vacant by death.
The South was hopeless and exhausted at the close of the war. It had been feared that a guerrilla war, the most desolating and bloody of all wars, would follow the defeat of the great armies. It could result only in destruction of what remained to the Southern people, and they submitted quietly to their fate. Various excesses and deeds of blood were indeed committed, but they were not sympathized with by the mass of the people. It was only the desperate and lawless class that came to the surface naturally in war.
Many of the influential Southern leaders counseled submission to inevitable necessity, and themselves set the example. The policy of reconstruction adopted by the National government, excluded, at first, all who had taken a part in the rebellion from political influence. The loyal element, small as it was, was alone to restore the Southern States to their place in the Union. It was, however, proposed to admit others, both individuals and classes, to participation in political action as they proved themselves trustworthy and loyal to the new order of things. After some years, and when it was felt to be quite safe, these disabilities were nearly all removed.
The most distasteful act of the General Government, to the people of the South, was clothing the blacks with the rights of citizens. They received the elective franchise, and assisted to rule over their former masters. It was considered necessary, since they had now no masters to be interested in them, to give them the power to protect themselves, and to elevate them to something of influence and respectability by force of the ballot. That advantage given them, they must take their chances with others, and win their own way. They had been loyal to the Union, which strongly recommended this policy to the government. The Northern people who now settled in the South and the blacks mainly reorganized the State governments. This was the chief punishment inflicted on the Southern people in retaliation for the war they had waged with such fearful energy. It was a clemency quite unexampled in history. No blood was shed after theylaid down their arms. The assassination of the beloved President Lincoln made the North thoroughly angry, but no vengeance was taken except on those believed to be immediately connected with the atrocious deed. The most lively indignation had long been felt at the dreadful treatment experienced by prisoners of war in some of the prisons of the South; but the government and the people contented themselves with the punishment of the governor of Andersonville prison, on due civil trial and conviction.
On the whole, the conduct of the Northern people was extremely magnanimous. The dissolution of the Union would have been an irreparable loss to them; they resolved not to suffer it; and, with extraordinary energy, they put in the field more than a million and a half of men, and near 700 vessels, to subdue it, and suffered no reverses to discourage them until this was done. When resistance ceased and the Union was secure, they exacted only the pledges necessary to keep it safe. Appreciating the unfortunate condition to which nearly all the before prosperous classes of the South were reduced, they aided them in their distress, ceased at once all hostile action, and left them to recover from their disasters under as favorable circumstances as their own conduct warranted. The South naturally felt an affection for her Lost Cause, proportionate to the sacrifices she had made and the suffering she had endured for it. Time, and busy care to develop the vast resources that slavery had, in great part, neglected, would gradually restore them to right feeling, and the state of mind fitting them for citizenship. This, in part, has already taken place, and, by and by, the Bonds of the Whole Union will be more firmly cemented than ever before. May it be soon.
May 13—During the week ending with this day there was subscribed to the U. S. seven-thirty loan $98,000,000. It was an expression of the enthusiastic confidence of the people in the government and its resources.” 22-23—Grand review of Gen. Sherman’s army at Washington. There were 200,000 men.” 26—Kirby Smith, the last leader of a Southern military organization, surrendered his command.” 30—The great Sanitary Fair opened at Chicago.” 31—Gen. Hood and his staff surrendered prisoners of war.June 1—A day of fasting and national humiliation for the death of President Lincoln.” 4—Toombs, of Georgia, prominent in the early days of secession, shothimself to avoid arrest. Yet no one was capitally punished for treason.” 5—The four confederates of Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, were found guilty. They were hanged on the 6th and 7th. These were Harold, Atzerott, Powell and Mrs. Surratt.” 11—Gen. R. E. Lee appointed president of the Washington College, Va. It was done by Southern people as a mark of respect, and to furnish him a support; he having lost his property in the war.Sept. 20—The marking of the graves of 12,000 of the unfortunate Andersonville prisoners completed.” 29—Cession of 1,000,000 acres of land to the government by the Osage Indians, for $300,000.Oct. 20—Champ Ferguson, noted for his crimes in guerilla warfare, hung at Nashville, Tenn.Nov. 10—Henry Wirz, the inhuman keeper of Andersonville prison, hung, after trial and condemnation.Dec. 18—Secretary Seward officially announces that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States, has been adopted by three-fourths of the States, and it is now the law of the land.
May 13—During the week ending with this day there was subscribed to the U. S. seven-thirty loan $98,000,000. It was an expression of the enthusiastic confidence of the people in the government and its resources.
” 22-23—Grand review of Gen. Sherman’s army at Washington. There were 200,000 men.
” 26—Kirby Smith, the last leader of a Southern military organization, surrendered his command.
” 30—The great Sanitary Fair opened at Chicago.
” 31—Gen. Hood and his staff surrendered prisoners of war.
June 1—A day of fasting and national humiliation for the death of President Lincoln.
” 4—Toombs, of Georgia, prominent in the early days of secession, shothimself to avoid arrest. Yet no one was capitally punished for treason.
” 5—The four confederates of Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, were found guilty. They were hanged on the 6th and 7th. These were Harold, Atzerott, Powell and Mrs. Surratt.
” 11—Gen. R. E. Lee appointed president of the Washington College, Va. It was done by Southern people as a mark of respect, and to furnish him a support; he having lost his property in the war.
Sept. 20—The marking of the graves of 12,000 of the unfortunate Andersonville prisoners completed.
” 29—Cession of 1,000,000 acres of land to the government by the Osage Indians, for $300,000.
Oct. 20—Champ Ferguson, noted for his crimes in guerilla warfare, hung at Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 10—Henry Wirz, the inhuman keeper of Andersonville prison, hung, after trial and condemnation.
Dec. 18—Secretary Seward officially announces that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States, has been adopted by three-fourths of the States, and it is now the law of the land.
Jan. 1—Third anniversary of Emancipation celebrated by the colored people.” 2—Funeral of Hon. Henry Winter Davis, U. S. Senator, at Baltimore.” 12—The Kentucky University purchases the homestead of Henry Clay.” 23—The 13th Constitutional Amendment reconsidered by the Legislature of New Jersey and passed. It had been rejected in the previous year.” 25—Kentucky refused to pass the 13th Amendment.” 31—Commissary and quartermaster warehouses burned, at Ft. Riley, Kansas. $1,000,000 lost.Feb. 2—The Civil Rights bill passed the Senate.” 11—The U. S. Sanitary Commission closed with an anniversary meeting at Washington.” 12—Memorial services in honor of President Lincoln held in the capitol, at Washington; address delivered by the Hon. Geo. Bancroft, statesman and historian.” 19—President Johnson vetoed the Freedmen’s Bureau bill.” 22—The 134th anniversary of Washington’s birthday celebrated.” 26—Meeting held at Richmond to ratify President Johnson’s policy.Mar. 10—North Carolina passes a Negro Rights bill.” 12—North Carolina passes a Negro Testimony bill.Texas Convention declares their Secession ordinance null and void.” 13—The Civil Rights bill passed the House of Representatives.” 19—The Reciprocity Treaty with Canada expires.” 27—The Civil Rights bill vetoed by President Johnson.April 2—Gen. Hawley elected republican governor of Connecticut.” 4—Gen. Burnside elected governor of Rhode Island.” 6-7—Civil Rights bill passed Congress over the veto.” 30—Two churches of colored people burned by incendiaries in Richmond, Va.May 15—The President vetoes the bill admitting Colorado as a State.” 29—Gen. Scott died at West Point, N. Y.June 3—Gen. Meade goes to Buffalo to prevent the Fenians (Irish Patriots) from invading Canada.” 6—President Johnson issues a proclamation forbidding belligerent operations against Canada from the United States.” 8-13—The 14th Constitutional Amendment passed by Congress.July 4—Great fire at Portland, Me. Loss, $15,000,000. The U. S. government a heavy loser by this fire.” 23—Tennessee readmitted as a State in the Union, by joint resolution of Congress. This was the first State readmitted after the war.” 25—Lieut. Gen. Grant nominated General—the highest grade known in our military organization—never before occupied. Vice Admiral Farragut nominated Admiral.” 27—Hon. J. H. Harlan, Sec. of the Interior, resigns. O. H. Browning appointed.” 28—The Great Eastern reaches Hearts Content, Newfoundland, with the Atlantic Telegraphic Cable, which proved successful. It had failed in the previous year. Great rejoicings. It was one of the most important events of this century.” 30—Great riot at New Orleans, in which many were killed. It was thought the result of President Johnson’s policy of reconstruction, which was not in harmony with the system adopted by Congress.Aug. 1—Gen. Sherman commissioned as Lieut. General.” 8—Queen Emma, wife of the late King of the Sandwich Islands, arrives at New York, and is received as a National Guest.” 12—Telegraphic communication between New York and Europe complete, by the Atlantic Cable.” 31—American and English naval forces unite to break up piracy by Chinese junks in the East Indies.Sept. 6—The monument to S. A. Douglas, at Chicago, inaugurated. President Johnson made many speeches on his journey to attend this celebration, which were indiscreet, and disrespectful to Congress. It was called his “Swinging around the Circle,” in derision; a figure employed in one of his speeches.Oct. 9—Gen. Geary elected governor of Pennsylvania.” 23—Dedication of The Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, at Winchester, Va.Nov. 6—State elections in 12 States are held to-day.” 20—The Grand Army of the Republic, formed of the present and previous officers of the U. S. Army serving in the late war, hold a convention at Indianapolis, Ind.” 22—Raphael Semmes, former Commander of the Confederate war steamer Alabama, appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy in the Louisiana State Seminary.Dec. 7—The Louisiana Legislature rejects the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.” 13—Territorial Legislature of Colorado organized.” 16—The U. S. frigate New Ironsides burned at League Island.” 22—Massacre of nearly a hundred soldiers near Ft. Kearney.” 24—U. S. Minister John A. Dix enters on his duties in France.
Jan. 1—Third anniversary of Emancipation celebrated by the colored people.
” 2—Funeral of Hon. Henry Winter Davis, U. S. Senator, at Baltimore.
” 12—The Kentucky University purchases the homestead of Henry Clay.
” 23—The 13th Constitutional Amendment reconsidered by the Legislature of New Jersey and passed. It had been rejected in the previous year.
” 25—Kentucky refused to pass the 13th Amendment.
” 31—Commissary and quartermaster warehouses burned, at Ft. Riley, Kansas. $1,000,000 lost.
Feb. 2—The Civil Rights bill passed the Senate.
” 11—The U. S. Sanitary Commission closed with an anniversary meeting at Washington.
” 12—Memorial services in honor of President Lincoln held in the capitol, at Washington; address delivered by the Hon. Geo. Bancroft, statesman and historian.
” 19—President Johnson vetoed the Freedmen’s Bureau bill.
” 22—The 134th anniversary of Washington’s birthday celebrated.
” 26—Meeting held at Richmond to ratify President Johnson’s policy.
Mar. 10—North Carolina passes a Negro Rights bill.
” 12—North Carolina passes a Negro Testimony bill.
Texas Convention declares their Secession ordinance null and void.
” 13—The Civil Rights bill passed the House of Representatives.
” 19—The Reciprocity Treaty with Canada expires.
” 27—The Civil Rights bill vetoed by President Johnson.
April 2—Gen. Hawley elected republican governor of Connecticut.
” 4—Gen. Burnside elected governor of Rhode Island.
” 6-7—Civil Rights bill passed Congress over the veto.
” 30—Two churches of colored people burned by incendiaries in Richmond, Va.
May 15—The President vetoes the bill admitting Colorado as a State.
” 29—Gen. Scott died at West Point, N. Y.
June 3—Gen. Meade goes to Buffalo to prevent the Fenians (Irish Patriots) from invading Canada.
” 6—President Johnson issues a proclamation forbidding belligerent operations against Canada from the United States.
” 8-13—The 14th Constitutional Amendment passed by Congress.
July 4—Great fire at Portland, Me. Loss, $15,000,000. The U. S. government a heavy loser by this fire.
” 23—Tennessee readmitted as a State in the Union, by joint resolution of Congress. This was the first State readmitted after the war.
” 25—Lieut. Gen. Grant nominated General—the highest grade known in our military organization—never before occupied. Vice Admiral Farragut nominated Admiral.
” 27—Hon. J. H. Harlan, Sec. of the Interior, resigns. O. H. Browning appointed.
” 28—The Great Eastern reaches Hearts Content, Newfoundland, with the Atlantic Telegraphic Cable, which proved successful. It had failed in the previous year. Great rejoicings. It was one of the most important events of this century.
” 30—Great riot at New Orleans, in which many were killed. It was thought the result of President Johnson’s policy of reconstruction, which was not in harmony with the system adopted by Congress.
Aug. 1—Gen. Sherman commissioned as Lieut. General.
” 8—Queen Emma, wife of the late King of the Sandwich Islands, arrives at New York, and is received as a National Guest.
” 12—Telegraphic communication between New York and Europe complete, by the Atlantic Cable.
” 31—American and English naval forces unite to break up piracy by Chinese junks in the East Indies.
Sept. 6—The monument to S. A. Douglas, at Chicago, inaugurated. President Johnson made many speeches on his journey to attend this celebration, which were indiscreet, and disrespectful to Congress. It was called his “Swinging around the Circle,” in derision; a figure employed in one of his speeches.
Oct. 9—Gen. Geary elected governor of Pennsylvania.
” 23—Dedication of The Stonewall Jackson Cemetery, at Winchester, Va.
Nov. 6—State elections in 12 States are held to-day.
” 20—The Grand Army of the Republic, formed of the present and previous officers of the U. S. Army serving in the late war, hold a convention at Indianapolis, Ind.
” 22—Raphael Semmes, former Commander of the Confederate war steamer Alabama, appointed Professor of Moral Philosophy in the Louisiana State Seminary.
Dec. 7—The Louisiana Legislature rejects the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
” 13—Territorial Legislature of Colorado organized.
” 16—The U. S. frigate New Ironsides burned at League Island.
” 22—Massacre of nearly a hundred soldiers near Ft. Kearney.
” 24—U. S. Minister John A. Dix enters on his duties in France.
Jan. 7—A suffrage bill for the Dist. of Columbia vetoed by President Johnson, but passed over the veto by Congress. Congress was laboring to harmonize the laws of the country with the changes produced by the war. President Johnson did his utmost to prevent the success of this policy. Congress, however, succeeded in carrying its point. This is an important and interesting history, since it shows how the Representatives of the People may check and neutralize the power of a President when his designs conflict with the interests of the country and the purposes of the people.” 8-10—14th Amendment ratified by two States (Missouri and New York) and rejected by another (Virginia).” 28—Nebraska bill vetoed, but passed over the veto.Most of the Northern States ratified the 14th Amendment in this month.Feb. 20—Military government bill passed Congress.Mar. 1—Nebraska proclaimed a State by the President.” 2—The President vetoes the Military Government and Civil Tenure of Office Bills. They are passed over his veto.” 4—The 39th Congress ends, and the 40th is organized.” 11—Military governors assigned to various districts in the South.” 30—The President announces the ratification of the treaty with Russia, by which the United States bought all her North American Possessions for $7,200,000.Apr. 3—Gen. Burnside re-elected governor of Rhode Island.May 13—Jeff. Davis admitted to bail in $100,000; Horace Greeley and others furnish the bonds.June 19—The Arch Duke Maximilian, Titular Emperor of Mexico, shot by order of the Mexican Republican government. The remonstrances of the U. S. government obliged the French to withdraw their support from Maximilian.July 13—The steamer Dunderberg, bought by France, sailed for Cherbourg.Aug. 1—Gov. Brownlow re-elected governor of Tennessee.” 5—The President requires Mr. Stanton, Sec. of War, to resign. He refuses, when the President suspends him and appoints Gen. Grant.” 23—Grand ovation to Admiral Farragut, by Russian officers at Cronstadt.Sept. 17—The National Cemetery at Antietam dedicated.Dec. 4—The Patrons of Husbandry, or Farmers’ Grange, organized, in Washington.” 7—A resolution in the House of Representatives to impeach President Johnson fails by three votes.
Jan. 7—A suffrage bill for the Dist. of Columbia vetoed by President Johnson, but passed over the veto by Congress. Congress was laboring to harmonize the laws of the country with the changes produced by the war. President Johnson did his utmost to prevent the success of this policy. Congress, however, succeeded in carrying its point. This is an important and interesting history, since it shows how the Representatives of the People may check and neutralize the power of a President when his designs conflict with the interests of the country and the purposes of the people.
” 8-10—14th Amendment ratified by two States (Missouri and New York) and rejected by another (Virginia).
” 28—Nebraska bill vetoed, but passed over the veto.
Most of the Northern States ratified the 14th Amendment in this month.
Feb. 20—Military government bill passed Congress.
Mar. 1—Nebraska proclaimed a State by the President.
” 2—The President vetoes the Military Government and Civil Tenure of Office Bills. They are passed over his veto.
” 4—The 39th Congress ends, and the 40th is organized.
” 11—Military governors assigned to various districts in the South.
” 30—The President announces the ratification of the treaty with Russia, by which the United States bought all her North American Possessions for $7,200,000.
Apr. 3—Gen. Burnside re-elected governor of Rhode Island.
May 13—Jeff. Davis admitted to bail in $100,000; Horace Greeley and others furnish the bonds.
June 19—The Arch Duke Maximilian, Titular Emperor of Mexico, shot by order of the Mexican Republican government. The remonstrances of the U. S. government obliged the French to withdraw their support from Maximilian.
July 13—The steamer Dunderberg, bought by France, sailed for Cherbourg.
Aug. 1—Gov. Brownlow re-elected governor of Tennessee.
” 5—The President requires Mr. Stanton, Sec. of War, to resign. He refuses, when the President suspends him and appoints Gen. Grant.
” 23—Grand ovation to Admiral Farragut, by Russian officers at Cronstadt.
Sept. 17—The National Cemetery at Antietam dedicated.
Dec. 4—The Patrons of Husbandry, or Farmers’ Grange, organized, in Washington.
” 7—A resolution in the House of Representatives to impeach President Johnson fails by three votes.
Jan. 1—Fifth Emancipation Anniversary celebrated by the colored people in various places.” 6—Censure of the President by Congress for removing Gen. Sheridan from command of the 5th Military District.Feb. 7—The resignation of U. S. Minister to England, Hon. C. F. Adams, announced.” 19—Senate refuse his seat to P. F. Thomas, of Maryland, on account of disloyalty.” 20—The Legislature of New Jersey withdraws its ratification of the 14th Amendment. Ohio and Oregon did the same. This action, considered as absurd as Secession, was not recognized.” 21—President Johnson expels Mr. Stanton, Sec. of War, and appoints Gen. Thomas. This is done in defiance of the Senate, by whose “advice and consent” the Constitution requires it to be supported.” 24—The House of Representatives adopt articles of impeachment of the President presented by Thaddeus Stephens, of Pa., by a vote of 126 to 57. This was 12 more than the requisite two-thirds.Mar. 5—The Senate is organized as a Court of Impeachment, Chief Justice Chase presiding.May 16—The impeachment trial terminated by a vote in the Senate of 35 for, to 19 against. As a two-thirds vote was necessary the impeachment failed by three votes. A few Republican Senators incurred great odium by voting for the President’s acquittal.” 20—Gen. Grant nominated for President by the Republican Convention at Chicago.” 22—A Chinese embassy, headed by Hon. Anson Burlingame, who had been U. S. Minister to China and acquired the confidence of the government of China to such an extent as to be chosen by them as the leader of their embassy to this country and the governments of Europe, arrived at New York.” 29—Gen. Schofield appointed Sec. of War.June 5—Mr. Burlingame and the Chinese embassy presented to the President.” 6—A Bill for the re-admission of Arkansas passes Congress.” 9—Bills for the re-admission of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida are passed.” 12—Hon. Reverdy Johnson appointed Minister to England.” 20—Bill for re-admission of Ark. vetoed by the President, but passed over his veto by a two-thirds vote.” 24—The Bill for the admission of the other States being vetoed by the President was likewise passed over his veto.July 4—Horatio Seymour of N. Y. and F. P. Blair of Mo. nominated for President and Vice-President by the Democrats.A political amnesty proclamation issued by the President.” 16—Admiral Farragut received with distinguished honor by the Queen of England.” 20—A Bill to exclude the electoral votes of the Southern States not re-admitted vetoed by the President and passed by Congress over the veto.” 21—The 14th Amendment declared ratified, and a part of the Constitution.” 28—Military government ceases in Arkansas, North and South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.Aug. 6—Jefferson Davis lands in Liverpool, England.” 13—U. S. steamers Wateree and Fredonia destroyed during an earthquake at Lima, Peru; 40,000 lives were lost in this dreadful catastrophe.Sept. 7—Negro members of the Georgia Legislature expelled on account of race, contrary to the 14th Amendment.” 18—Battle with the Indians on Republican River. Lt. Beecher and others killed.” 19—Riot at Camilla, Geo., caused by hostility of Southern people to the political privileges of the blacks. Many negroes killed.” 29—Gen. Reynolds, military governor of Texas, forbids the election in that State for President, Texas not having been re-admitted. This was in accordance with the law of Congress passed the 20th of July.Oct. 17—The Legislature of Oregon withdraws its assent once given to the 14th Amendment.Nov. 3—U. S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax elected President and Vice-President. Popular majority 309,722. Electoral votes for Grant and Colfax, 214; for Seymour and Blair, 80. Virginia, Mississippi and Texas did not vote, and Nevada was not counted in. The whole popular vote was 5,722,984. In Florida the electors were chosen by the Legislature.” 27—The Indians defeated by Gen. Custer, on the Washita river. Black Kettle, the chief, and more than a hundred warriors killed.Dec. 1—Ft. Lafayette, N. Y., destroyed by fire.” 3—Political troubles in Arkansas, in which many murders are committed.” 7—Third session of the 40th Congress begins.” 15—A social gathering of the Union soldiers at Chicago.
Jan. 1—Fifth Emancipation Anniversary celebrated by the colored people in various places.
” 6—Censure of the President by Congress for removing Gen. Sheridan from command of the 5th Military District.
Feb. 7—The resignation of U. S. Minister to England, Hon. C. F. Adams, announced.
” 19—Senate refuse his seat to P. F. Thomas, of Maryland, on account of disloyalty.
” 20—The Legislature of New Jersey withdraws its ratification of the 14th Amendment. Ohio and Oregon did the same. This action, considered as absurd as Secession, was not recognized.
” 21—President Johnson expels Mr. Stanton, Sec. of War, and appoints Gen. Thomas. This is done in defiance of the Senate, by whose “advice and consent” the Constitution requires it to be supported.
” 24—The House of Representatives adopt articles of impeachment of the President presented by Thaddeus Stephens, of Pa., by a vote of 126 to 57. This was 12 more than the requisite two-thirds.
Mar. 5—The Senate is organized as a Court of Impeachment, Chief Justice Chase presiding.
May 16—The impeachment trial terminated by a vote in the Senate of 35 for, to 19 against. As a two-thirds vote was necessary the impeachment failed by three votes. A few Republican Senators incurred great odium by voting for the President’s acquittal.
” 20—Gen. Grant nominated for President by the Republican Convention at Chicago.
” 22—A Chinese embassy, headed by Hon. Anson Burlingame, who had been U. S. Minister to China and acquired the confidence of the government of China to such an extent as to be chosen by them as the leader of their embassy to this country and the governments of Europe, arrived at New York.
” 29—Gen. Schofield appointed Sec. of War.
June 5—Mr. Burlingame and the Chinese embassy presented to the President.
” 6—A Bill for the re-admission of Arkansas passes Congress.
” 9—Bills for the re-admission of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama and Florida are passed.
” 12—Hon. Reverdy Johnson appointed Minister to England.
” 20—Bill for re-admission of Ark. vetoed by the President, but passed over his veto by a two-thirds vote.
” 24—The Bill for the admission of the other States being vetoed by the President was likewise passed over his veto.
July 4—Horatio Seymour of N. Y. and F. P. Blair of Mo. nominated for President and Vice-President by the Democrats.
A political amnesty proclamation issued by the President.
” 16—Admiral Farragut received with distinguished honor by the Queen of England.
” 20—A Bill to exclude the electoral votes of the Southern States not re-admitted vetoed by the President and passed by Congress over the veto.
” 21—The 14th Amendment declared ratified, and a part of the Constitution.
” 28—Military government ceases in Arkansas, North and South Carolina, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
Aug. 6—Jefferson Davis lands in Liverpool, England.
” 13—U. S. steamers Wateree and Fredonia destroyed during an earthquake at Lima, Peru; 40,000 lives were lost in this dreadful catastrophe.
Sept. 7—Negro members of the Georgia Legislature expelled on account of race, contrary to the 14th Amendment.
” 18—Battle with the Indians on Republican River. Lt. Beecher and others killed.
” 19—Riot at Camilla, Geo., caused by hostility of Southern people to the political privileges of the blacks. Many negroes killed.
” 29—Gen. Reynolds, military governor of Texas, forbids the election in that State for President, Texas not having been re-admitted. This was in accordance with the law of Congress passed the 20th of July.
Oct. 17—The Legislature of Oregon withdraws its assent once given to the 14th Amendment.
Nov. 3—U. S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax elected President and Vice-President. Popular majority 309,722. Electoral votes for Grant and Colfax, 214; for Seymour and Blair, 80. Virginia, Mississippi and Texas did not vote, and Nevada was not counted in. The whole popular vote was 5,722,984. In Florida the electors were chosen by the Legislature.
” 27—The Indians defeated by Gen. Custer, on the Washita river. Black Kettle, the chief, and more than a hundred warriors killed.
Dec. 1—Ft. Lafayette, N. Y., destroyed by fire.
” 3—Political troubles in Arkansas, in which many murders are committed.
” 7—Third session of the 40th Congress begins.
” 15—A social gathering of the Union soldiers at Chicago.
Jan. 7—John Minor Botts, a statesman of Va., imprisoned by the Confederate government during the war for his Union sentiments, died.Feb. 27—A joint resolution of Congress recommends to the States the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution.Mar. 4—Gen. Grant inaugurated eighteenth President.” ”—First session of the 41st Congress commenced.” 13—James Guthrie, a statesman of Ky., died.” 25—Hon. E. Bates, of Mo., Att’y Gen’l under Lincoln, died.May 15—The Union Pacific Railroad was completed by joining the two ends at Ogden, Utah. Distance from Omaha to San Francisco 1904 miles. This completed the line of railroad joining the Atlantic and Pacific. The greatest triumph of engineering yet known was accomplished in the Nevada Mts., by carrying the road to a height of over 7000 feet in 105 miles.July 30—Hon. I. Toucey, of Conn., who had filled many offices in the State and United States government, died.Sept. 8—William B. Fessenden, of Me., a statesman of reputation, died.” 10—John Bell, of Ky., candidate for the Presidency in 1860, died.” 6—Gen. J. A. Rawlins, Sec. of War, died. He had been Gen. Grant’s Chief of Staff during the war.Oct. 8—Franklin Pierce, of N. H., ex-President, died.Nov. 7—Rear Admiral Stewart, of U. S. Navy, died.Dec. 24—Edwin M. Stanton, of Pa., Sec. of War during most of the civil war, died.This year closes a most important era in the history of the United States, and of the world. The account with the civil war was definitely closed, and the final seal set on the policy of reconstruction by the inauguration of Gen. Grant, and the continuance of the Republican party in power by the people, together with the readmission of most of the Southern States and the possibility of the reversal of the decision in regard to slavery done away by the adoption of the fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving the elective franchise to the colored population. Much emphasis was given to all these things by the prosperity of the country, and the rapid reduction of the debt, by the generally wise conduct of the Southern people, and the slowly increasing prosperity of that section. These results reacted in other countries to strengthen the tendency to freer and more popular governments, and seem, in some respects to have introduced the Era of Republicanism.However slow may be the changes in this direction, they are sure to be made.
Jan. 7—John Minor Botts, a statesman of Va., imprisoned by the Confederate government during the war for his Union sentiments, died.
Feb. 27—A joint resolution of Congress recommends to the States the adoption of the 15th Amendment to the Constitution.
Mar. 4—Gen. Grant inaugurated eighteenth President.
” ”—First session of the 41st Congress commenced.
” 13—James Guthrie, a statesman of Ky., died.
” 25—Hon. E. Bates, of Mo., Att’y Gen’l under Lincoln, died.
May 15—The Union Pacific Railroad was completed by joining the two ends at Ogden, Utah. Distance from Omaha to San Francisco 1904 miles. This completed the line of railroad joining the Atlantic and Pacific. The greatest triumph of engineering yet known was accomplished in the Nevada Mts., by carrying the road to a height of over 7000 feet in 105 miles.
July 30—Hon. I. Toucey, of Conn., who had filled many offices in the State and United States government, died.
Sept. 8—William B. Fessenden, of Me., a statesman of reputation, died.
” 10—John Bell, of Ky., candidate for the Presidency in 1860, died.
” 6—Gen. J. A. Rawlins, Sec. of War, died. He had been Gen. Grant’s Chief of Staff during the war.
Oct. 8—Franklin Pierce, of N. H., ex-President, died.
Nov. 7—Rear Admiral Stewart, of U. S. Navy, died.
Dec. 24—Edwin M. Stanton, of Pa., Sec. of War during most of the civil war, died.
This year closes a most important era in the history of the United States, and of the world. The account with the civil war was definitely closed, and the final seal set on the policy of reconstruction by the inauguration of Gen. Grant, and the continuance of the Republican party in power by the people, together with the readmission of most of the Southern States and the possibility of the reversal of the decision in regard to slavery done away by the adoption of the fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving the elective franchise to the colored population. Much emphasis was given to all these things by the prosperity of the country, and the rapid reduction of the debt, by the generally wise conduct of the Southern people, and the slowly increasing prosperity of that section. These results reacted in other countries to strengthen the tendency to freer and more popular governments, and seem, in some respects to have introduced the Era of Republicanism.However slow may be the changes in this direction, they are sure to be made.