Letter from 2nd Lt. Thomas Lightfoot, 6th Alabama Volunteer Infantry, to his cousin.
The Death of Stephen A. Douglas
Prominent U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas, a Democrat who supports the Lincoln administration’s war effort, dies at 48.
Unprovoked and Unparalleled Outrages
A conference between Federal officers and Missouri state officials leads to open warfare between the Federals and Missourians.
The Battle of Philippi
Federal forces win a minor victory in western Virginia and secure the railroad line between Washington and the West.
The Military Situation in Northern Virginia
The first land battle of the war takes place in northern Virginia, and Confederates blockade the Potomac waterway into Chesapeake Bay.
Chained Down by a Merciless Tyranny
William S. Harney is ousted as Federal commander in Missouri, leaving his successor free reign to make war on secessionists in the state.
Contraband of War
Benjamin F. Butler causes another controversy, this time by refusing to return fugitive slaves to their masters. This sets a wartime precedent.