What was the most significant event on August 10 during the U.S. Civil War?

2016-09-03T17:58:51-04:00

In 1861 Brig Gen Nathaniel Lyon is killed instantly while leading a charge at the Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri.
In 1861, Sam Houston, the former senator, hero and later President of the Republic of Texas, and then Governor of Texas at the time of secession in 1861, who—as he refused to take the oath of loyalty to the Confederacy—warned all Texans: “Your fathers and husbands, your sons and brothers, will be herded at the point of the bayonet. . . . You may after the sacrifice of countless millions of treasure and hundreds of thousands of lives, as a bare possibility, win Southern independence . . . but I doubt it. I tell you that, while I believe with you in the doctrine of state rights, the North is determined to preserve this Union. They are not a fiery, impulsive people as you are, for they live in colder climates. But when they begin to move in a given direction…they move with the steady momentum and perseverance of a mighty avalanche. . . . To secede from the Union and set up another government would cause war. If you go to war with the United States, you will never conquer her, as she has the money and the men. . . . For this reason I predict the civil war which is now at hand will be stubborn and of long duration. In the name of the Constitution of Texas, I refuse to take this oath. In the name of my own conscience and manhood, which this Convention would degrade by dragging me before it, to pander to the malice of my enemies, I refuse to take this oath.”
In 1863, “South Carolina has set an example in the prices of supplies for the army, under the Impressment Act, fixed by the Commissioners. By this schedule (for August, and it will be less in succeeding months) bacon is to be from 65 to 75 cents per pound; beef, 25 cents; corn, $2 per bushel; flour $20; pork, 35 cents; hay, $1.50 per 100 pounds; oats, $2 per bushel; potatoes, $3; rice, 10 cents; sugar, 80 cents; soap, 40 cents; and wheat, $3.50 per bushel.
Gen. Lee writes that the railroad brings him but 1000 bushels of corn per day; not enough to bring up his exhausted cavalry and artillery horses; and he suggests that passenger cars be occasionally left behind for the purpose of supplying the army—an indispensable measure.”

Pictures: 1861-08-10 battle of Wilson's Creek; 1861-08-10 battle at Nueces River; 1861-08-10 Battle of Wilsons Creek Map; 1st Alabama Cavalry

A. 1861: Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri. Gen. Brig Gen Nathaniel Lyon, advancing through Springfield with 5,200 men (mostly Missouri and Kansas troops and Regulars with some from Iowa), meets a combined Rebel force of two Confederate brigades under Gen. Benjamin McCullough (mostly Arkansas troops, with a regiment from Louisiana and another from Texas) and the Missouri State Guard–technically not Confederate troops–under Gen. Sterling Price, for a total of over 13,000. Lyon splits his army, sending a brigade under Gen. Franz Sigel around the Rebel right, and then launches an attack at a superior enemy line. He is pushed back and then drives back two Rebel attacks. Lyon is killed instantly while leading a charge. The Federal troops fall back to Springfield, and eventually to the railhead at Rolla, Missouri. Losses:
U.S .– 258 killed, 873 wounded, 186 missing Total: 1,317
C.S. – 277 killed, 945 wounded, 10 missing Total: 1,232
B. 1862: Battle of the Nueces River, Texas. Confederate Texas troops capture and massacre 28 Texans of German descent. The Germans who settled the Hill Country of central Texas were Unionists to a man, and opposed slavery, secession, and the whole Southern movement. The Hill Country Germans also refused to take an oath of loyalty to the Confederacy, and as the Confederate Draft Laws of 1862 began to take effect, Texas authorities found no cooperation from the Hill Country. They sent in troops to sack and burn farms, and a group of over 60 Germans fled south to escape from Confederate Texas. At a crossing of the Nueces River, on this date, they were caught by Texas troops, and in the ensuing fight, 19 of them were killed. Then, the Confederate Texas troops shot another 9 wounded in cold blood.
C. 1862: The Confederate steamer, CSS General Lee, was captured near Fort Pulaski, on the Savannah River in Georgia by a local Union force which had spotted the Lee and was able to capture it.
D. 1864: Confederate Calvary Commander General Joe Wheeler, in an attempt to hamper the Union offensive against Atlanta, begins raiding activities behind Federal lines in North Georgia, targeting Federal railroad supply lines. Wheeler operates in North Georgia and Tennessee for a month.
Although the Confederate general does manage to temporarily destroy some stretches of rail, his efforts assist, rather than damage, Union fortunes. Union General William T. Sherman is grateful to have the Confederate cavalry away from Atlanta. Federals pursue and eventually force Wheeler to abandon his efforts, but even more importantly, the absence of Rebel cavalry on the Atlanta battle front helps cement Sherman’s September capture of Atlanta.

FYI MSG Roy Cheever Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. PO3 Edward Riddle Maj William W. 'Bill' Price COL Private RallyPoint Member COL Lisandro Murphy SSgt David M. MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. SPC Maurice Evans SPC Jon O. 1SG Steven Imerman SGT Jim Arnold Amn Dale Preisach CW4 Private RallyPoint Member Sgt Jerry Genesio SSG Private RallyPoint Member SPC Matt Ovaska SFC Ralph E Kelley LTC Wayne Brandon

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 3 at 2016 6:01 PM

2016-09-03T18:01:24-04:00

In 1861 in Texas and in other areas later, Confederate recruiters were ruthless. Those able bodied me who lived in the southern states either volunteered, conscripted or executed in too many cases.
In 1862, the Union ironclad, USS Essex, was with a Union transport when they arrived at Bayou Sara, Louisiana. “The local Confederates saw the two ships and opened fire on them. The Essex was protecting the transport while it was removing a large quantity of sugar from the area. Once finished, the transport and the Essex quickly departed the area.”
In 1864, per Maj Gen William T. Sherman: “On the 10th of August the Parrott thirty-pounders were received and placed in Position; for a couple of days we kept up a sharp fire from all our batteries converging on Atlanta, and at every available point we advanced our infantry-lines, thereby shortening and strengthening the investment; but I was not willing to order a direct assault, unless some accident or positive neglect on the part of our antagonist should reveal an opening. However, it was manifest that no such opening was intended by Hood, who felt secure behind his strong defenses. He had repelled our cavalry attacks on his railroad, and had damaged us seriously thereby, so I expected that he would attempt the same game against our rear. Therefore I made extraordinary exertions to recompose our cavalry divisions, which were so essential, both for defense and offense. Kilpatrick was given that on our right rear, in support of Schofield’s exposed flank; Garrard retained that on our general left; and McCook’s division was held somewhat in reserve, about Marietta and the railroad.
On the 10th, having occasion to telegraph to General Grant, then in Washington, I used this language: “Since July 28th Hood has not attempted to meet us outside his parapets. In order to possess and destroy effectually his communications, I may have to leave a corps at the railroad-bridge, well intrenched, and cut loose with the balance to make a circle of desolation around Atlanta. I do not propose to assault the works, which are too strong, nor to proceed by regular approaches. I have lost a good many regiments, and will lose more, by the expiration of service; and this is the only reason why I want reenforcements. We have killed, crippled, and captured more of the enemy than we have lost by his acts.”
Below are a number of journal entries from 1861, 1862 and 1863 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Saturday, August 10, 1861: The Diary of Margaret Ann Meta Morris Grimbal, Charleston, South Carolina. Margaret Ann Meta Morris Grimball was the wife of a South Carolina planter. She noted in her diary loss of a son by a neighboring family during the Battle of Bull Run, which she refers to as "the Victory" and "the fight." “We heard from Lewis, a full account of his fatigue & the Victory. Henry Middleton, a private in Hampton's Legion was Mortally wounded during the fight, since dead, a great lose to his family. He managed all the Large Planting interest brought home and interrod at the Magnolia.
The Town since the Battle has been divided into societies for the Relief of the Wounded & Clothing for the troops. Elizabeth belongs to both. Miss Hayne requested me to be one of the managers to the Aid Society which I declined, but we made some long hospital shirts and when they were sent to Miss Hayne, 10 of them, she said they were very nice and afterwards meeting Elizabeth on the Batery said they were the best sent to them & should be ticketed for "Officers". It is amusing for when we made them we all said as we sewed this is for a Col. &c. &c. E. goes to Miss Drayton's twice a week to cut & to sew I think she will learn to sew &c which she does not know much about. Mr Grimball applied to Gov. Pic for a Commission for Lewis and got an answer to day, he could not offer him anything but an Assistant Sergeant's Place. I don't know if Lewis will accept it.”
Sunday, August 10, 1862: Gen. McClellan writes home to his wife Ellen that "If I succeed in my coup, everything will be changed in this country so far as we are concerned & my enemies will be at my feet." He also adds cryptically, that Halleck’s order for him to withdraw from the Peninsula is "a fatal error." Such officers, are "enemies of the country & of the human race." He even wishes for his comrades’ defeat: "I have a strong idea that Pope will be thrashed during the coming week & very badly whipped he will be & ought to be – such a villain as he is ought to bring defeat upon any cause that employs him."
Monday, August 10, 1863: The Diary of John B. Jones - Lee is short of firearms. Confederate war clerk John B. Jones recorded a complaint from General Robert E. Lee that his Army of Northern Virginia had a serious and growing shortage of firearms. “August 10th.—No army news of immediate importance. South Carolina has set an example in the prices of supplies for the army, under the Impressment Act, fixed by the Commissioners. By this schedule (for August, and it will be less in succeeding months) bacon is to be from 65 to 75 cents per pound; beef, 25 cents; corn, $2 per bushel; flour $20; pork, 35 cents; hay, $1.50 per 100 pounds; oats, $2 per bushel; potatoes, $3; rice, 10 cents; sugar, 80 cents; soap, 40 cents; and wheat, $3.50 per bushel.
Gen. Lee writes that the railroad brings him but 1000 bushels of corn per day; not enough to bring up his exhausted cavalry and artillery horses; and he suggests that passenger cars be occasionally left behind for the purpose of supplying the army—an indispensable measure.
Gen. Lee also writes that he has 1700 unarmed men in his army; in two weeks there will be 5000, and in a month 10,000. He suggests that the troops for local defense here, and even the militia, be disarmed, to supply his men. This indicates that Lee is to have an immense army, and that Richmond is to be defended. But the Central and Fredericksburg Railroads must be repaired immediately, and at any expense to the government, or else all will fail!”
Monday, August 10, 1863: Judith White McGuire, of Richmond, writes in her journal of a story she hears from a young soldier who has just died at home of his wounds: “August 10.—Spent this morning in the house of mourning. Our neighbour Mrs. S. has lost her eldest son. The disease was “that most fatal of Pandora’s train,” consumption. He contracted it in the Western Army. His poor mother has watched the ebbing of his life for several months, and last night he died most suddenly. That young soldier related to me an anecdote, some weeks ago, with his short, oppressed breathing and broken sentences, which showed the horrors of this fratricidal war. He said that the day after a battle in Missouri, in the Fall of 1861, he, among others, was detailed to bury the dead. Some Yankee soldiers were on the field doing the same thing. As they turned over a dead man, he saw a Yankee stop, look intently, and then run to the spot with an exclamation of horror. In a moment he was on his knees by the body, in a paroxysm of grief. It was his brother. They were Missourians. The brother now dead had emigrated South some years before. He said that before the war communication had been kept up between them, and he had strongly suspected that he was in the army; he had consequently been in constant search of his brother. The Northern and Southern soldier then united in burying him, who was brother in arms of the one, and the mother’s son of the other!”
Monday, August 10, 1863: Lucy Johnston Ambler, of Faquier County in Northern Virginia, writes in her diary of the condition of the Rebel troops and problems with the Federals encouraging her slaves to run off: “Again there seems to be apprehension of the negroes going off. At Leeds, Mrs. J. K. Marshall’s farm, 29 went off with the Yankey army reducing their numbers very much. They still think more are going. There is a body of Yankey cavalry within five miles of us and it is probable they are there for the purpose of helping off the blacks. Poor creatures! They seem doomed to utter extirpation. Some of the Yankeys advise them to go, and others tell [them] they had better stay where they are.
We hear nothing of our army that is at all reliable, but trust that God will be with them and give them a signal victory over our enemies. We hear a good deal of riots at the North resisting the draft but I fear Lincoln has placed his foot too firmly on the necks of the people for them to offer resistance, unless the hand of God interfere. We must as far as we can judge be prepared to fight fresh hordes of these barbarous people who seem bent in every way on our entire destruction. Lord, save or we perish. May it please the Lord that our universal cry for peace may ascend to him who is more ready to than we to ask good at his hand. O may his mercy be upon us even as our trust is in his army mighty to save those who in humble reliance on him put all their trust in him and cast their cares on his strong arm mighty to save through Christ.”

Pictures: 1863 Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, weapon of choice for the Confederate infantry; 1862 Resistance to Confederate conscription; 1862-08-10 CSS Robert E. Lee; 1861-08-10 Battle of Wilsons Creek – stylized

A. August 10, 1861: Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri. Gen. Brig Gen Nathaniel Lyon, advancing through Springfield with 5,200 men (mostly Missouri and Kansas troops and Regulars with some from Iowa), meets a combined Rebel force of two Confederate brigades under Gen. Benjamin McCullough (mostly Arkansas troops, with a regiment from Louisiana and another from Texas) and the Missouri State Guard–technically not Confederate troops–under Gen. Sterling Price, for a total of over 13,000. Lyon splits his army, sending a brigade under Gen. Franz Sigel around the Rebel right, and then launches an attack at a superior enemy line. He is pushed back and then drives back two Rebel attacks. Lyon is killed instantly while leading a charge. The Federal troops fall back to Springfield, and eventually to the railhead at Rolla, Missouri. Losses:
U.S .– 258 killed, 873 wounded, 186 missing Total: 1,317
C.S. – 277 killed, 945 wounded, 10 missing Total: 1,232
B. Sunday, August 10, 1862: Battle of the Nueces River, Texas - In an unusual turn of events, Texas troops capture and massacre 28 Texans of German descent. The Germans who settled the Hill Country of central Texas were Unionists to a man, and opposed slavery, secession, and the whole Southern movement. They agreed with Sam Houston, the former senator, hero and later President of the Republic of Texas, and then Governor of Texas at the time of secession in 1861, who—as he refused to take the oath of loyalty to the Confederacy. The Hill Country Germans also refused to take such an oath, and as the Confederate Draft Laws of 1862 began to take effect, Texas authorities found no cooperation from the Hill Country. They sent in troops to sack and burn farms, and a group of over 60 Germans fled south to escape from Confederate Texas. At a crossing of the Nueces River, on this date, they were caught by Texas troops, and in the ensuing fight, 19 of them were killed. Then, the state troops shot another 9 wounded in cold blood.
C. Sunday, August 10, 1862: The Confederate steamer, CSS General Lee, was captured near Fort Pulaski, on the Savannah River in Georgia by a local Union force which had spotted the Lee and was able to capture it.
D. Wednesday, August 10, 1864: Confederate Calvary Commander General Joe Wheeler, in an attempt to hamper the Union offensive against Atlanta, begins raiding activities behind Federal lines in North Georgia, targeting Federal railroad supply lines. Wheeler operates in North Georgia and Tennessee for a month.
Although the Confederate general does manage to temporarily destroy some stretches of rail, his efforts assist, rather than damage, Union fortunes. Union General William T. Sherman is grateful to have the Confederate cavalry away from Atlanta. Federals pursue and eventually force Wheeler to abandon his efforts, but even more importantly, the absence of Rebel cavalry on the Atlanta battle front helps cement Sherman’s September capture of Atlanta.
Fighting under Sherman is the 51st Illinois Regiment, one of a number of Illinois regiments on the battle front. Baptist minister Lewis Raymond of Chicago is the chaplain of the 51st, a position he has held throughout the war.

1. Saturday, August 10, 1861: The Diary of Margaret Ann Meta Morris Grimbal, Charleston, South Carolina. Margaret Ann Meta Morris Grimball was the wife of a South Carolina planter. On August 10, 1861, she noted in her diary loss of a son by a neighboring family during the Battle of Bull Run, which she refers to as "the Victory" and "the fight." The female citizens of Charleston, South Carolina were busily engaged in the Southern war effort. 10 August. We heard from Lewis, a full account of his fatigue & the Victory. Henry Middleton, a private in Hampton's Legion was Mortally wounded during the fight, since dead, a great lose to his family. He managed all the Large Planting interest brought home and interrod at the Magnolia.
The Town since the Battle has been divided into societies for the Relief of the Wounded & Clothing for the troops. Elizabeth belongs to both. Miss Hayne requested me to be one of the managers to the Aid Society which I declined, but we made some long hospital shirts and when they were sent to Miss Hayne, 10 of them, she said they were very nice and afterwards meeting Elizabeth on the Batery said they were the best sent to them & should be ticketed for "Officers". It is amusing for when we made them we all said as we sewed this is for a Col. &c. &c. E. goes to Miss Drayton's twice a week to cut & to sew I think she will learn to sew &c which she does not know much about. Mr Grimball applied to Gov. Pic for a Commission for Lewis and got an answer to day, he could not offer him anything but an Assistant Sergeant's Place. I don't know if Lewis will accept it.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1861
2. Sunday, August 10, 1862: Sam Houston, the former senator, hero and later President of the Republic of Texas, and then Governor of Texas at the time of secession in 1861, who—as he refused to take the oath of loyalty to the Confederacy—warned all Texans: “Your fathers and husbands, your sons and brothers, will be herded at the point of the bayonet. . . . You may after the sacrifice of countless millions of treasure and hundreds of thousands of lives, as a bare possibility, win Southern independence . . . but I doubt it. I tell you that, while I believe with you in the doctrine of state rights, the North is determined to preserve this Union. They are not a fiery, impulsive people as you are, for they live in colder climates. But when they begin to move in a given direction…they move with the steady momentum and perseverance of a mighty avalanche. . . . To secede from the Union and set up another government would cause war. If you go to war with the United States, you will never conquer her, as she has the money and the men. . . . For this reason I predict the civil war which is now at hand will be stubborn and of long duration. In the name of the Constitution of Texas, I refuse to take this oath. In the name of my own conscience and manhood, which this Convention would degrade by dragging me before it, to pander to the malice of my enemies, I refuse to take this oath.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1862
3. Sunday, August 10, 1862: Gen. McClellan writes home to his wife Ellen that "If I succeed in my coup, everything will be changed in this country so far as we are concerned & my enemies will be at my feet." He also adds cryptically, that Halleck’s order for him to withdraw from the Peninsula is "a fatal error." Such officers, are "enemies of the country & of the human race." He even wishes for his comrades’ defeat: "I have a strong idea that Pope will be thrashed during the coming week & very badly whipped he will be & ought to be – such a villain as he is ought to bring defeat upon any cause that employs him." Such are the thoughts which rule the mind of the genius Little Napoleon.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1862
4. Sunday, August 10, 1862: in Bayou Sara, Louisiana - On August 10, the Union ironclad, USS Essex, was with a Union transport when they arrived at Bayou Sara. The local Confederates saw the two ships and opened fire on them. The Essex was protecting the transport while it was removing a large quantity of sugar from the area.
Once finished, the transport and the Essex quickly departed the area.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1862s.html
5. Sunday, August 10, 1862: Manassas/Second Manassas Campaign: At Cedar Run, all is quiet, for the most part, but Jackson realizes that fresh Union troops are being brought up. Indeed, though General Pope puts the remainder of Banks’ corp at 5,000 men and so not fit for combat, Jackson’s 22,000-23,000 battle-weary men are facing at least 27,000 fresh infantry and artillery, in addition to Bayard’s cavalry in front and Buford’s on Jackson’s left flank. Another 18,000 Union troops are hurrying to the battlefield. Jeb Stuart is sent out on reconnaissance but otherwise the day passes quietly in the brutal Southern August heat.
https://bjdeming.com/2012/09/17/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-6-12-1862/
6. Sunday, August 10, 1862: Chattanooga Campaign of 1862: General Buell tells Halleck, “The enemy is advancing in Kentucky.” He also notes there are 60,000 Confederates in Knoxville and more are arriving. In East Tennessee, CS General Nathan Bedford Forrest leaves his cavalry at McMinnville under the command of Colonel Hood of the Second Georgia and heads to Chattanooga. In Forrest’s absence, a large Union column moves on McMinnville and Hood falls back to Sparta.
https://bjdeming.com/2012/09/17/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-6-12-1862/
7. Monday, August 10, 1863: Judith White McGuire, of Richmond, writes in her journal of a story she hears from a young soldier who has just died at home of his wounds: “August 10.—Spent this morning in the house of mourning. Our neighbour Mrs. S. has lost her eldest son. The disease was “that most fatal of Pandora’s train,” consumption. He contracted it in the Western Army. His poor mother has watched the ebbing of his life for several months, and last night he died most suddenly. That young soldier related to me an anecdote, some weeks ago, with his short, oppressed breathing and broken sentences, which showed the horrors of this fratricidal war. He said that the day after a battle in Missouri, in the Fall of 1861, he, among others, was detailed to bury the dead. Some Yankee soldiers were on the field doing the same thing. As they turned over a dead man, he saw a Yankee stop, look intently, and then run to the spot with an exclamation of horror. In a moment he was on his knees by the body, in a paroxysm of grief. It was his brother. They were Missourians. The brother now dead had emigrated South some years before. He said that before the war communication had been kept up between them, and he had strongly suspected that he was in the army; he had consequently been in constant search of his brother. The Northern and Southern soldier then united in burying him, who was brother in arms of the one, and the mother’s son of the other!”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1863
8. Monday, August 10, 1863: Lucy Johnston Ambler, of Faquier County in Northern Virginia, writes in her diary of the condition of the Rebel troops and problems with the Federals encouraging her slaves to run off: “Again there seems to be apprehension of the negroes going off. At Leeds, Mrs. J. K. Marshall’s farm, 29 went off with the Yankey army reducing their numbers very much. They still think more are going. There is a body of Yankey cavalry within five miles of us and it is probable they are there for the purpose of helping off the blacks. Poor creatures! They seem doomed to utter extirpation. Some of the Yankeys advise them to go, and others tell [them] they had better stay where they are.
We hear nothing of our army that is at all reliable, but trust that God will be with them and give them a signal victory over our enemies. We hear a good deal of riots at the North resisting the draft but I fear Lincoln has placed his foot too firmly on the necks of the people for them to offer resistance, unless the hand of God interfere. We must as far as we can judge be prepared to fight fresh hordes of these barbarous people who seem bent in every way on our entire destruction. Lord, save or we perish. May it please the Lord that our universal cry for peace may ascend to him who is more ready to than we to ask good at his hand. O may his mercy be upon us even as our trust is in his army mighty to save those who in humble reliance on him put all their trust in him and cast their cares on his strong arm mighty to save through Christ.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1863
9. Monday, August 10, 1863: The Diary of John B. Jones - Lee is short of firearms. In their book Why the South Lost the Civil War, Richard E. Beringer, Herman Hattaway, Archer Jones, and William N. Still, Jr. claimed that "no Confederate army lost a major engagement because of lack of arms," but they make no allowance for opportunities that the South lost because of a lack of arms. On this day 150 years ago, Confederate war clerk John B. Jones recorded a complaint from General Robert E. Lee that his Army of Northern Virginia had a serious and growing shortage of firearms.
“ August 10th.—No army news of immediate importance.
South Carolina has set an example in the prices of supplies for the army, under the Impressment Act, fixed by the Commissioners. By this schedule (for August, and it will be less in succeeding months) bacon is to be from 65 to 75 cents per pound; beef, 25 cents; corn, $2 per bushel; flour $20; pork, 35 cents; hay, $1.50 per 100 pounds; oats, $2 per bushel; potatoes, $3; rice, 10 cents; sugar, 80 cents; soap, 40 cents; and wheat, $3.50 per bushel.
Gen. Lee writes that the railroad brings him but 1000 bushels of corn per day; not enough to bring up his exhausted cavalry and artillery horses; and he suggests that passenger cars be occasionally left behind for the purpose of supplying the army—an indispensable measure.
Gen. Lee also writes that he has 1700 unarmed men in his army; in two weeks there will be 5000, and in a month 10,000. He suggests that the troops for local defense here, and even the militia, be disarmed, to supply his men. This indicates that Lee is to have an immense army, and that Richmond is to be defended. But the Central and Fredericksburg Railroads must be repaired immediately, and at any expense to the government, or else all will fail!”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1863
10. Monday, August 10, 1863: President Lincoln meets with former slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Among the topics discussed are the treatment and pay of black soldiers in the U. S. Army.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186308
11. Monday, August 10, 1863: General Hooker accepts Lincolns offer of a command under General Meade.
https://bjdeming.com/2013/08/05/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-5-11-1863/
12. Wednesday, August 10, 1864: Mississippi operations: Per source: “[O]n the morning of August 10, [General Smith] sent 10,000 infantry against McCulloch’s brigade of cavalry, 1,500 strong. The enemy closed column and moved around and in front of Chalmers, expecting evidently to overpower and capture him. Chalmers had but four guns, while the enemy used twenty. Like hungry wolves they charged the little ‘game cock,’ but were twice repulsed. When Chalmers fell back to Hurricane creek, six miles north of Oxford, the enemy did not advance further and made no attempt to pursue.
Chalmers then fell back to Oxford, where he received advice from Forrest that he had left Pontotoc with Bell’s Brigade and Morton’s Battery and would pick up Neeley’s Brigade, hoping to reach Oxford by midnight. Chalmers was ordered to fall back slowly, and if possible draw the enemy’s cavalry out south of Oxford. The federal cavalry did follow, but hearing that a Confederate force was approaching from the east, fell back on the column, before Forrest reached Oxford, at 1 o’clock.
Chalmers returned with McCulloch’s and Mabry’s Brigade, the latter having joined him south of Oxford.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/03/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-4-10-1864/
13. Wednesday, August 10, 1864: Atlanta campaign: Per General Sherman: “On the 10th of August the Parrott thirty-pounders were received and placed in Position; for a couple of days we kept up a sharp fire from all our batteries converging on Atlanta, and at every available point we advanced our infantry-lines, thereby shortening and strengthening the investment; but I was not willing to order a direct assault, unless some accident or positive neglect on the part of our antagonist should reveal an opening. However, it was manifest that no such opening was intended by Hood, who felt secure behind his strong defenses. He had repelled our cavalry attacks on his railroad, and had damaged us seriously thereby, so I expected that he would attempt the same game against our rear. Therefore I made extraordinary exertions to recompose our cavalry divisions, which were so essential, both for defense and offense. Kilpatrick was given that on our right rear, in support of Schofield’s exposed flank; Garrard retained that on our general left; and McCook’s division was held somewhat in reserve, about Marietta and the railroad.
On the 10th, having occasion to telegraph to General Grant, then in Washington, I used this language: “Since July 28th Hood has not attempted to meet us outside his parapets. In order to possess and destroy effectually his communications, I may have to leave a corps at the railroad-bridge, well intrenched, and cut loose with the balance to make a circle of desolation around Atlanta. I do not propose to assault the works, which are too strong, nor to proceed by regular approaches. I have lost a good many regiments, and will lose more, by the expiration of service; and this is the only reason why I want reenforcements. We have killed, crippled, and captured more of the enemy than we have lost by his acts.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/03/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-4-10-1864/

A Saturday, August 10, 1861: Battle of Wilson's Creek [US] Springfield [CS], Missouri. Confederate victory. Brigadier General Nathaniel Lyon is killed in the Confederate victory.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186108
A+ Saturday, August 10, 1861: Battle of Wilson's Creek, Missouri. Gen. Nathaniel Lyon, advancing through Springfield with 5,200 men (mostly Missouri and Kansas troops and Regulars with some from Iowa), meets a combined Rebel force of two Confederate brigades under Gen. Benjamin McCullough (mostly Arkansas troops, with a regiment from Louisiana and another from Texas) and the Missouri State Guard–technically not Confederate troops–under Gen. Sterling Price, for a total of over 13,000. Lyon splits his army, sending a brigade under Gen. Franz Sigel around the Rebel right, and then launches an attack at a superior enemy line. He is pushed back and then drives back two Rebel attacks. Lyon is killed instantly while leading a charge. The Federal troops fall back to Springfield, and eventually to the railhead at Rolla, Missouri. Losses:
U.S .– 258 killed, 873 wounded, 186 missing Total: 1,317
C.S. – 277 killed, 945 wounded, 10 missing Total: 1,232
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1861
B Sunday, August 10, 1862: Battle of the Nueces River, Texas - In an unusual turn of events, Texas troops capture and massacre 28 Texans of German descent. The Germans who settled the Hill Country of central Texas were Unionists to a man, and opposed slavery, secession, and the whole Southern movement. They agreed with Sam Houston, the former senator, hero and later President of the Republic of Texas, and then Governor of Texas at the time of secession in 1861, who—as he refused to take the oath of loyalty to the Confederacy. The Hill Country Germans also refused to take such an oath, and as the Confederate Draft Laws of 1862 began to take effect, Texas authorities found no cooperation from the Hill Country. They sent in troops to sack and burn farms, and a group of over 60 Germans fled south to escape from Confederate Texas. At a crossing of the Nueces River, on this date, they were caught by Texas troops, and in the ensuing fight, 19 of them were killed. Then, the state troops shot another 9 wounded in cold blood.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+10%2C+1862
C Sunday, August 10, 1862: near Fort Pulaski, Georgia - On August 10, the Confederate steamer, CSS General Lee, was on the Savannah River, near Fort Pulaski. The local Union force spotted the Lee and was able to capture it.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1862s.html
C+ Sunday, August 10, 1862: The Confederate steamer General Lee was captured near Fort Pulaski, Savannah, Georgia.
http://thisweekinthecivilwar.com/?p=1322
D Wednesday, August 10, 1864: Joe Wheeler [CS] begins raiding in North Georgia with his cavalry.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186408
D+ Wednesday, August 10, 1864: Atlanta Campaign: CS General Joe Wheeler’s raid begins.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/03/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-4-10-1864/
D++ Wednesday, August 10, 1864: Confederate Calvary Commander General Joe Wheeler, in an attempt to hamper the Union offensive against Atlanta, begins raiding activities behind Federal lines in North Georgia, targeting Federal railroad supply lines. Wheeler operates in North Georgia and Tennessee for a month.
Although the Confederate general does manage to temporarily destroy some stretches of rail, his efforts assist, rather than damage, Union fortunes. Union General William T. Sherman is grateful to have the Confederate cavalry away from Atlanta. Federals pursue and eventually force Wheeler to abandon his efforts, but even more importantly, the absence of Rebel cavalry on the Atlanta battle front helps cement Sherman’s September capture of Atlanta.
Fighting under Sherman is the 51st Illinois Regiment, one of a number of Illinois regiments on the battle front. Baptist minister Lewis Raymond of Chicago is the chaplain of the 51st, a position he has held throughout the war.
http://civilwarbaptists.com/thisdayinhistory/1864-august-10/
FYI GySgt Jack Wallace CWO4 Terrence Clark SPC Michael Oles SR SMSgt Lawrence McCarter A1C Pamela G Russell LTC Trent Klug PO2 Russell "Russ" Lincoln SFC Bernard Walko SFC Stephen King SFC Ralph E Kelley SSG Franklin Briant MSgt Robert C AldiSSG Byron Howard Sr Cpl Samuel Pope Sr CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SFC William Farrell CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw SPC Lyle Montgomery Deborah Gregson SPC Miguel C.

The American Civil War: Search results for August 10, 1861

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 3 at 2016 6:17 PM

2016-09-03T18:17:21-04:00

LTC Stephen F. great post, this is one high speed read and share, thanks for all the hard work you put forth. I am going to go with :
1864: Confederate Calvary Commander General Joe Wheeler, in an attempt to hamper the Union offensive against Atlanta, begins raiding activities behind Federal lines in North Georgia, targeting Federal railroad supply lines. Wheeler operates in North Georg

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Sep 3 at 2016 6:45 PM

2016-09-03T18:45:03-04:00

Thanks for another fantastic post LTC Stephen F. - Your history of the Civil War is outstanding sir.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 3 at 2016 7:56 PM

2016-09-03T19:56:39-04:00

Great Post... Thanks for The Share...

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Sep 3 at 2016 8:49 PM

2016-09-03T20:49:45-04:00

Confederate General "Fighting Joe" Wheeler was a very interesting Charactor. A West Point Grad, after the war he served as senator from Alabama and at age 61 was appointed a Brig General of Volunteers and fougnt the Spanish in the Span-Am War. Despite coming down with Malaria he stayed with thew troops and once in the heat of battle refered to the Spanish as "Damn Yankees" I guess old habits die hard.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 3 at 2016 10:00 PM

2016-09-03T22:00:58-04:00

Thanks for the post LTC Stephen F.

Response by SFC William Farrell made Sep 3 at 2016 10:55 PM

2016-09-03T22:55:58-04:00

Thanks LTC Stephen F.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Sep 4 at 2016 1:11 AM

2016-09-04T01:11:05-04:00

What an awesome read this afternoon LTC Stephen F.! I'd have to go with the events in 1862, particularly the CSS General Lee getting captured by Union troops.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Aug 9 at 2022 2:31 AM

2022-08-09T02:31:43-04:00

Well Sam Hoiston was a very prescient man. Good for him..I learned something today.