Ulysses S. Grant increased pressure on the Confederates defending Petersburg and Richmond. William T. Sherman’s Federals invaded South Carolina. All major Confederate seaports were sealed by Federal naval forces. Officials on both sides clamored for peace as the futility and desperation of southern resistance became more apparent.
South Carolina: The Federal Destruction Begins
William T. Sherman’s Federal armies continue moving into South Carolina, disregarding the elements, logistical challenges, and sporadic Confederate resistance along the way.
President Abraham Lincoln accepts a suggestion to meet with Confederate envoys in person to discuss possible peace, despite political opposition in the North.
Peace Conference at Hampton Roads
President Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of State William H. Seward meet with three Confederate envoys to discuss a possible end to the war. Lincoln insists that no terms can be accepted without restoring the Union and ending slavery.
South Carolina: Sherman’s Entire Force Arrives
William T. Sherman’s two Federal armies are now entirely in South Carolina. Despite difficulties traversing obstacles, the Federals push on against what remains of a Confederate resistance.
Fighting erupts south of Petersburg, Virginia, when Ulysses S. Grant looks to seize extend his Federal siege line and cut a key Confederate supply line.
Guarantees Which the Conqueror May Grant
President Jefferson Davis submits his report on the Hampton Roads peace conference to the Confederate Congress, along with his denunciation of the Federals’ insistence on reunion. Davis remains defiant, calling for continued resistance, while envoys express skepticism about the possibility of successful peace efforts.
The Battle of Hatcher’s Run Ends
The fighting in the southwestern sector of the Petersburg lines ends inconclusively, which by this time means Federal victory because the dwindling Confederate Army of Northern Virginia can no longer afford to just hold off the enemy.
Compensated Emancipation and the Hampton Roads Fallout
President Abraham Lincoln unveils a new plan for slave emancipation, and members of Congress demand to know what happened at Hampton Roads.
Robert E. Lee issues his first order as the new general-in-chief of the Confederacy. This is intended to reduce President Jefferson Davis’s tendency to micromanage the military.
South Carolina: Federals Destroy Orangeburg
By this time, Major-General William T. Sherman’s Federals had wrecked the South Carolina Railroad, cutting the connection between the Confederate garrisons at Augusta and Charleston.
South Carolina: Federals Cross the Congaree
By this time, William T. Sherman’s Federal armies are moving directly toward the South Carolina capital of Columbia.
William T. Sherman’s Federals capture the South Carolina capital of Columbia. The city endures the worst destruction inflicted on any city during the war.
City officials surrender Charleston, South Carolina, to Federal forces this morning. The city’s devastation symbolizes the Confederacy’s struggle.
The Confederate garrison guarding Wilmington, North Carolina, becomes one of many to fall to overwhelming Federal numbers this month. The city of Wilmington itself becomes the next target.
Our Whole Theory of Slavery is Wrong
The failure of the Hampton Roads conference prompted the Confederacy to consider radical measures. The Confederate Congress approves a measure allowing for the recruitment of slaves into the military.
John Schofield’s new Federal army captures a once-vital Confederate port city on the North Carolina coast.
A King’s Cure for All the Evils
Minnesota becomes the 15th state to ratify the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution permanently abolishing slavery.
Joseph E. Johnston reluctantly takes command of the shattered Army of Tennessee and all other Confederates in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Johnston focuses on uniting scattered forces against overwhelming odds.
The South Carolina Campaign Ends
William T. Sherman’s Federals continue their devastating northward march and approach the North Carolina state line by month’s end.
Ulysses S. Grant plans a coordinated offensive against all major Confederate targets. Part of this consists of Philip Sheridan’s Federals doing one more sweep through the devastated Shenandoah Valley.
Last Update: 3/2/2025