165 YEARS AGO: John C. Fremont faces removal from command of the Federal Army of the West due to unauthorized actions and corruption in his department. Fremont is ultimately replaced by David Hunter, but not without desperate resistance.
Tag: Department of the West
Repairing the Disaster at Lexington
165 YEARS AGO: Despite the recent loss of Lexington and the scattering of his forces, John C. Fremont reports that his troops are somehow “gathering around the enemy” in Missouri.
Writing in a Spirit of Caution
165 YEARS AGO: Abraham Lincoln addresses the delicate issue of John C. Fremont’s proclamation imposing martial law in Missouri and freeing slaves belonging to disloyal masters.
The Controversial Fremont Proclamation
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: John C. Fremont, commanding the Federal Military Department of the West, issues controversial orders imposing martial law throughout Missouri and authorizing Federal troops to confiscate the property of disloyal Missourians, including slaves.