In Washington, the main issues were the abolition of slavery and reconstruction. Rumors spread of peace negotiations, but the opposing governments resisted. A controversial Federal general was replaced, and the last major Confederate seaport came under Federal attack. In the South, desperate command changes were made, and talk increased of using slaves as soldiers.
Benjamin F. Butler’s project on the James River intended to allow Federal naval vessels to get to Richmond ends in failure.
The Second Fort Fisher Campaign Begins
After failing to capture Fort Fisher in December, Federals prepare to launch another army-navy expedition from Bermuda Hundred and Fort Monroe on the Virginia coast.
Butler’s Usefulness Finally Runs Out
The controversial military career of Federal Major-General Benjamin F. Butler finally comes to an end.
The Thirteenth Amendment: Debate Begins
The U.S. House of Representatives opens debate on a constitutional amendment abolishing slavery that had been defeated last year. Supporters highlight moral imperatives, while opponents raise concerns about implications for states’ rights.
Sherman Looks to South Carolina
William T. Sherman prepares for what promises to be another devastating Federal march through the southern heartland. Meanwhile, Confederate reinforcements are scarce.
Securing Peace to the Two Countries
Prominent statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. visits Confederate President Jefferson Davis at Richmond and proposes a possible peace settlement between North and South that involves joining forces to drive the French out of Mexico.
The Bombardment of Fort Fisher Begins
The largest naval fleet ever assembled by the U.S. arrives off Beaufort, North Carolina, in preparation for a second assault on Fort Fisher.
The Federal naval bombardment of Fort Fisher on the North Carolina coast enters its third day as Federal land forces prepare a two-pronged attack to capture the stronghold once and for all.
Securing Peace to Our One Common Country
President Abraham Lincoln meets with statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. and responds to Confederate President Jefferson Davis’s offer to negotiate an end to the war. Lincoln’s response angers many within his own political party.
The South Carolina Campaign Begins
William T. Sherman issues orders for his Federal troops to start moving north, out of Savannah and into South Carolina. Sherman plans to feint against Charleston and Augusta while actually targeting the state capital of Columbia.
Federal troops occupy Fort Fisher, the gateway to the last Confederate seaport at Wilmington, North Carolina. The loss of this fort effectively shuts the Confederacy off from the outside world.
Sherman’s Order of Redistribution
William T. Sherman issues directives for Federal troops to seize abandoned land along the Atlantic coast and redistribute it to newly freed slaves. These become the most radical military orders of the war.
The Confederate Peace Commission
Elder statesman Francis P. Blair, Sr. returns to Richmond to deliver President Abraham Lincoln’s letter regarding potential peace negotiations to Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
The Resignation of John Bell Hood
Confederate President Jefferson Davis accepts the resignation of John Bell Hood as commander of the Army of Tennessee and replaces him with Richard Taylor.
The Confederate General-in-Chief
Confederate President Jefferson Davis signs a bill into law creating the military rank of general-in-chief of all Confederate armies.
William T. Sherman’s Federals begin turning inland, away from the coast, as they inch northward from Savannah into South Carolina.
Peace Talks: Confederate Envoys Arrive
Three Confederate emissaries cross the siege lines at Petersburg to meet with Federal officials and discuss a possible end to the war. President Lincoln sets terms for peace negotiations, emphasizing national authority and an end to slavery.
The Thirteenth Amendment: The Vote
The U.S. House of Representatives passes a constitutional amendment permanently abolishing slavery in America. This significant legislation marked the first constitutional restriction on individual rights, solidifying emancipation.
Last Update: 1/31/2025