In Washington, President Abraham Lincoln faced opposition from Radical Republicans, Peace Democrats, and even members of his own cabinet. Federals advanced on Meridian, and a major battle took place in Florida. A raid on Richmond was planned, and Federals plotted to escape from a notorious prison camp. Confederates turned to increasingly desperate measures to stem the Federal momentum.
Sherman’s Meridian Campaign Begins
William T. Sherman leads a Federal army out of Vicksburg. Bound for Meridian, Sherman seeks to wreak havoc in central Mississippi.
George Pickett leads a Confederate effort to take back New Bern on the North Carolina coast. The Confederates capture one of the largest Federal ships in the region, but their main mission proves more difficult to accomplish.
Davis Urges Suspension of Habeas Corpus
President Jefferson Davis delivers a message to the Confederate Congress asking for the authority to suspend the writ of habeas corpus.
Meridian: Sherman Targets Jackson Again
William T. Sherman’s Federals continue their drive through central Mississippi, approaching the state capital of Jackson, which had been captured and ransacked twice before. Sherman anticipates Confederate resistance as he encounters logistical challenges due to delayed cavalry support.
The Pomeroy Circular and Other Political Intrigues
President Abraham Lincoln learns that a pamphlet is being circulated urging Republicans to drop their support for him in the upcoming presidential election in favor of a candidate who will pursue a much harsher war policy against the Confederacy.
Meridian: Federals Move Out of Jackson
William T. Sherman’s Federal Army of the Tennessee begins marching out of war-torn Jackson, heading east toward the last Confederate-controlled railroad center in Mississippi. Meanwhile, Federal cavalry finally prepare to invade northern Mississippi, and a Federal naval squadron enters the Yazoo River in a diversionary probe.
The Daring Escape from Libby Prison
A Federal colonel masterminds a breakout from Libby Prison in Richmond, which becomes the war’s largest and most sensational prison escape of the war.
Meridian: Federals Continue Moving East
Federal cavalry finally starts riding out of Tennessee to support William T. Sherman’s Federal army moving east through central Mississippi. Leonidas Polk prepares his Confederates for a possible retreat into Alabama.
The Proposed Dalton Demonstration
Ulysses S. Grant looks to George H. Thomas’s Federal army at Chattanooga to advance into northern Georgia and threaten Dalton as a means to keep the Confederate army stationed there occupied and unable to reinforce the armies in Mississippi or northeastern Tennessee.
William T. Sherman’s Federal Army of the Tennessee completes its destructive march through central Mississippi by capturing and destroying the last Confederate-controlled railroad center in the state.
North Carolina: Confederate Deserters Executed
Thirteen men who deserted the North Carolina militia to join the Federal army are executed by Confederate officials, despite having never officially joined the Confederate army.
One of the first submarine attacks in history occurs when a “submersible” Confederate vessel confronts a Federal warship on blockade duty at Charleston Harbor.
More Sacrifice Needed in the South
The Confederate Congress approved vital but controversial legislation that sparked mass protest and resentment, and had varying degrees of enforcement. All measures were deemed necessary by the Confederate government for the fledgling war effort.
Federals Begin Operations in Florida
Federal forces are assigned to invade Florida to try restoring the state to the Union. The Federals soon find that there is not as much Union sentiment in Florida as expected. As they move westward from the Atlantic coast, Confederates scramble to put up a defense near the hamlet of Olustee.
The first and only major confrontation in Florida takes place near Olustee Station, where Confederates attempt to halt Federal efforts to destroy a vital railroad link.
Northern Mississippi: Smith’s Incursion
William Sooy Smith’s Federal cavalry faces challenges in trying to reach the main Federal army in Mississippi. These include strong opposition from Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederates.
Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Confederate horsemen catch up to William Sooy Smith’s withdrawing Federals, and a running fight takes place near Okolona, Mississippi.
The Republican Party splits into factions as the presidential election approaches. Conservatives support Abraham Lincoln for a second term, while radicals look to replace Lincoln with Salmon P. Chase. This division makes headlines throughout the North.
Skirmishing intensifies in northern Georgia, as John M. Palmer seeks to unite his Federals at Rocky Face Ridge and drive the Confederates out of Dalton.
From Frederick Bartleson, 100th Illinois
Letter from Col. Frederick Bartleson, 100th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to his wife while captive in Libby Prison at Richmond.
Confederate officials open a new prisoner of war camp in Georgia that soon becomes notorious for its inhumane living conditions.
H. Judson Kilpatrick proposes to raid the Confederate capital of Richmond. Despite skepticism, this proposal is approved by President Lincoln, but it quickly faces challenges from Confederate opposition and harsh weather conditions.
The Federal Lieutenant-General
Congress passes a measure reviving the rank of lieutenant-general, or general-in-chief of all U.S. armies. Most expect Ulysses S. Grant to be appointed to this new rank.
Last Updated: 3/2/2024