Letter from William B. Darst, 21st Virginia Volunteer Infantry, to his mother.
Category: Military
The “Anaconda Plan”
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: George McClellan, a young but respected U.S. Army veteran, suggests a quick strike on the Confederate capital of Richmond. But Winfield Scott, the venerated U.S. General-in-Chief advises caution and prefers a more methodical approach.
The Old Dominion Mobilizes
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: After Virginia seceded from the Union, the governor mobilizes state militia to defend against an impending Federal invasion from Washington.
Washington in Isolation
President Lincoln’s call for volunteers is enthusiastically answered but getting them to Washington is another matter. This leads to chaos in the capital, where fears of a Confederate attack heighten.
Destroying What I Cannot Defend
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Virginians seize the important military arsenal at Harpers Ferry after retreating Federals fail to destroy it completely.
Federals Abandon a Vital Naval Base
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Virginia militia seize the Gosport Navy Yard at Norfolk after Federals abandon the vital naval base with controversial haste.