What was the most significant event on August 13 during the U.S. Civil War?

2016-09-10T23:38:12-04:00

An incident of two union steamers carrying wounded soldiers reminded me that even in modern warfare ambulances and air ambulances have been attacked with soldiers and marines being killed after they thought they were being rescued.
"England and the North" In 1861, at this point in the war the South clung to a belief that the British would break the blockade for them to get the South's cotton. That belief would shape Southern attitudes and policy in important ways during the first half of the Civil War. From the August 13, 1861 edition of the Daily Dispatch; England and the North. “The reported determination of the English Admiral off the American coast to break the blockade is giving special uneasiness, as well it may, in those Northern cities which have sought to take away our liberties for the benefit of their commerce. That such an interposition by England will take place, sooner or later, is what they feel to their heart's core. The extraordinary exasperation manifested towards Great Britain by the Northern press finds its solution, not in anything she has done, but in what with good reason, they apprehend she will do. In declaring her perfect neutrality between the two sections, and even in acknowledging the South as a belligerent, whilst, as yet, she has accorded us in relation to prizes taken by our privateers, none of the rights of a belligerent nation, she has given no just cause for that outburst of indignation which has issued from the whole Northern press.
The real motive of all this outcry is that the shrewd, commercial mind of the North not only recognizes in Europe its real rival, but is aware that her manufacturing and commercial necessities render it indispensable that her supply of cotton should not be interrupted. She now has on hand, we believe, enough for three months only, and it is not likely she will wait till that short period has expired before she provides for the future. Cotton she must have — that the North understands as well as the South. Hitherto the North has endeavored to delude England with the idea that cotton would be forwarded from the South by railroad to the Northern ports, and then, when this game was blocked by the determination of the people and the law of Congress not to permit a bale to leave the country in that manner, they swore they would come and take it But that was an oath more easily taken than fulfilled. They have not yet got tobacco country, and the cotton region is more distant still. Even if they could seize the Southern seaports and centres of the cotton trade, the coveted prey would not be there, for the cotton factors have requested the planters not to send it from their plantations, the underwriters refuse to insure it in transits, and the planters themselves are keeping it at home, and will rather burn it than permit it to fall into the enemy's hands. These facts cannot be without their influence abroad, and it is a through conviction of their truth that makes the Northern press so irritable, and even belligerent, towards England.
The influence of the great battle of Manassas, in this point of view, cannot be overestimated. It was all important to the North, in more respects than one, that the war should be ‘"short and sharp."’ Richmond and Memphis in their hands by the 20th of July, and England would have assurance that the rebellion would be put down, and that she would get her cotton supply in time. For that purpose the greatest army that this continent has ever seen, the most formidable in numbers, the best equipped and provided, was hurled upon the Southern forces on the 21st of July, and hurled there only to be dashed back in the most ignominious rout and ruin that history records. Let the Northern journalists give what false explanation of it they please, they cannot explain away the fact. Let them talk of masked batteries and of superior numbers, and of a causeless panic which made ‘"the grand army"’ take to its heels like a herd of frightened deer, England will observe that the masked batteries and the superior numbers, and the possibility of another panic, are as much in the way of future operations as of past. She has been led to wait till the North could get her the cotton, and Manassas will lead her to conclude that she cannot wait much longer. We doubt whether she will be disposed to wait till McClellan can get up another army, better than the last. Most devoutly do we hope that the North will be made to feel her heavy arm. Not that we desire English interposition for the sake of Southern independence, for we have already shown our ability to maintain that with our own arms, but for the sake of vengeance on the wretches who have made a war of avowed plunder and rapine upon an unoffending people, and are conducted that war with atrocities unknown, except among the Sepoys and Druses. A just Heaven will yet visit them in their own homes for their horrible crimes.”
On August 13, 1862, the Union steamers USS George Peabody and USS West Point carrying wounded Union soldiers were travelling on the Potomac River when unfortunately, both ships collided into each other. Over 70 men were killed in the accident.
In 1863, the Confederacy prepared to abandon western Mississippi. On August 13, 1863, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston reported on the situation in Mississippi. That same day, in Atlanta, Georgia, plans were underway to evacuate the remaining Confederate railroad material stranded west of the Pearl River by the burned railroad bridge in Jackson, Mississippi. The plan was to rebuild the bridge, recover as much rolling stock from the west bank of the Pearl as possible, and then tear out the iron rails for use elsewhere. With the railroads gone, the Confederacy would be unable to support a major army in Mississippi west of the Pearl River.
MORTON, August 13, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: “GENERAL: The condition of military affairs in this department, according to the reports of our scouts, is almost unchanged since the enemy fell back from Jackson.
McPherson's corps is said to be encamped around Vicksburg; Ord's between Bovina and the railroad bridge; and Sherman's west of the Big Black, near Messinger's Ferry; Ransom's brigade and 600 cavalry at Natchez. We have various reports of troops sent to New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana, but they are conflicting.
Colonel Logan's command (mounted) is operating in front of Port Hudson and Natchez. Brigadier-General Jackson's division is at Raymond and Livingston protecting the undevastated country from Federal marauders. Two of his regiments are between the Yazoo and the railroad.
The troops in the northern part of the State are nearly as arranged by Lieutenant-General Pemberton.
A brigade of infantry is at Meridian in readiness to protect Selma and Demopolis in case of raids, and there are two at Enterprise in readiness to join the garrison of Mobile should that place be threatened.
Being unable to find good ground for the encampment of the three divisions together, I have been compelled to separate them; two are near this place and the third is between Lake Station and Newton.
Should the Vicksburg troops soon be exchanged and reorganized, I propose to put all the troops, except those at Enterprise and Meridian, west of Pearl River.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, General.”
In 1864, the price gouging for food in Richmond. Both from his garden and the market--remained very much on the mind of Confederate war clerk John B. Jones. “August 13th.—Hot and dry. Large green worms have attacked my tomatoes, and from the leaves are proceeding to the fruit. But not many of them will escape! I am warring on them.
No war news, except the continuation of the movement of troops northward. Hampton’s division of cavalry, at least three brigades, passed this morning.
From Mobile and Atlanta we have nothing of interest.
Flour is falling: it is now $200 per barrel—$500 a few weeks ago; and bacon is falling in price also, from $11 to $6 per pound. A commission merchant said to me, yesterday, that there was at least eighteen months’ supply (for the people) of breadstuffs and meats in the city; and pointing to the upper windows at the corner of Thirteenth and Cary Streets, he revealed the ends of many barrels piled above the windows. He said that flour had been there two years, held for “still higher prices.” Such is the avarice of man. Such is war. And such the greed of extortioners, even in the midst of famine—and famine in the midst of plenty!”

Pictures: 1863-08 Battery B of the last U.S. artillery (Henry's battery) active during siege operations against Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg; 1863 Charleston case shot; 1863 Charleston, SC Harbor Defenses Map; 1863-08 In the trenches before Battery Wagner

A. 1862: Union decisive victory at the Battle of Yellow Creek (also known as Skirmish at Yellow Creek) was an action along the Yellow Creek in Chariton County, Missouri. Union forces under Colonel Odon Guitar and Brigadier General Benjamin F. Loan pursued CSA Colonel John A. Poindexter, intercepting his force two days later at Yellow Creek. Poindexter's force was routed with and effectively ceased to exist. Poindexter was wounded in the action, but escaped. The strategic result of the battle was its culmination of a campaign which led to the effective suppression of Confederate recruiting efforts and major guerrilla operations north of the Missouri River in the northwest Missouri.
B. 1862: Union victory at the Battle of Clarendon, Arkansas: The Federal army was on day ten of a fourteen-day expedition to Helena and Clarendon. In eastern Arkansas, near Clarendon, Rebel troops from Gen. Thomas Hindman’s rapidly building army attacked the Federal troops of Gen. Hovey, both infantry and cavalry. There was heavy fighting for several hours, with the Rebels getting the worst of it. They retreated, leaving nearly 700 prisoners in Union hands. Union Victory.
C. 1863: Siege of Charleston Harbor: Federal ranging fire continues, now from both land batteries and naval guns. The Confederates at Battery Wagner continue to fire their cannons at the Union controlled end of Morris Island. Union troops there are busy building a platform to support a huge cannon with enough range to do damage on Charleston.
D. 1864: Siege of Petersburg: “Starting today a fearsome group of Union gunboats began steaming around the James River east of Richmond. They sailed around Fussell’s Mill, Deep Bottom, Gravel Hill, and White Tavern. They roamed short distances up Four-Mile, Dutch and Bailey’s Creeks. Charles’ City Road and New Market Road received attention too. They were trying to distract Lee’s attention from Petersburg and force him to divert some troops. The project lasted a week, and didn’t work.”

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 [~1052540:LTC Wayne Brandon

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 10 at 2016 11:41 PM

2016-09-10T23:41:33-04:00

Slave labor to support the confederate defenses in 1862, CSA Maj Gen D.H. Hill issued orders for eastern North Carolina for one-fourth of the region’s able-bodied slaves to be given up for government service in digging the fortifications around Richmond: “In compliance with instructions from Major Genl. D.H. Hill commanding the District of North Carolina, all the counties in the eastern part of the state bordering on the lines of the enemy are required to furnish at once one fourth of the able bodied slave laborers within their limits, to be used in the vicinity of the cities of Richmond and Petersburg, Va.
The following counties are specially designated: New Hanover, Onslow, Duplin, Lenoir, Craven, Jones, Carteret, Pitt, Martin, Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Green
As the loyal and patriotic citizens of these counties have suffered, and are suffering much from the depredations and outrage of the enemy, it is earnestly and confidently hoped that they will promptly respond to this call and by so doing contribute to the expulsion of the invader from our soil.”

Below are a number of journal entries from 1862 and 1863 which shed light on what life was like for soldiers and civilians – the good, the bad and the ugly. In 1863, After being imprisoned a short time as a suspected Confederate spy, Rose O'Neal Greenhow had been released on the condition that she stay within the Confederacy and not spy. She wrote to friends from the island of Bermuda about how she had just successfully run the Blockade on her way to Great Britain.
Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Capt. William J. Bolton, of the 51st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, writes in his journal of this movement, which shows the urgency and dispatch of their movement to aid Pope: “After a most tedious march all night we came to a halt about 4 o’clock A.M. and went into bivouac without any shelter and nothing to eat, as we were too tired to prepare it. Left our bivouac at 9 o’clock A.M. came to a halt at noon for rest near a peach orchard, and the boys soon made short work of the fruit. This was near the Yellow House, some eight miles from Fredericksburg. After our short rest we started again. The heat had now become intense, but kept up our march until 9 o’clock P.M. when we came to a halt, and bivouacked in an open field for the night.”
Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Miss Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge, having fled the city, is on the run from Yankee gunboats amongst the plantations along the west bank of the Mississippi. She records in her diary her reaction to the news that the family’s hidden possessions have been looted by Yankee troops—and in doing so, once again considers the complexities of her desires for peace and her thirst for revenge: “I am in despair. Miss Jones, who has just made her escape from town, brings a most dreadful account. She, with seventy-five others, took refuge at Dr. Enders’s, more than a mile and a half below town, at Hall’s. It was there we sent the two trunks containing father’s papers and our clothing and silver. Hearing that guerrillas had been there, the Yankees went down, shelled the house in the night, turning all those women and children out, who barely escaped with their clothing, and let the soldiers loose on it. They destroyed everything they could lay their hands on, if it could not be carried off; broke open armoirs, trunks, sacked the house, and left it one scene of devastation and ruin. They even stole Miss Jones’s braid! She got here with nothing but the clothes she wore.
This is a dreadful blow to me. Yesterday, I thought myself beggared when I heard that our house was probably burnt, remembering all the clothing, books, furniture, etc., that it contained; but I consoled myself with the recollection of a large trunk packed in the most scientific style, containing quantities of nightgowns, skirts, chemises, dresses, cloaks, — in short, our very best, — which was in safety. Winter had no terrors when I thought of the nice warm clothes; I only wished I had a few of the organdie dresses I had packed up before wearing. And now? It is all gone, silver, father’s law papers, without which we are beggars, and clothing! Nothing left!
I could stand that. But as each little article of Harry’s came up before me (I had put many in the trunk), I lost heart. . . . They may clothe their negro women with my clothes, since they only steal for them; but to take things so sacred to me! O my God, teach me to forgive them! . . .
I have always been an advocate of peace — if we could name the conditions ourselves — but I say, War to the death! I would give my life to be able to I take arms against the vandals who are laying waste our fair land! I suppose it is because I have no longer anything to lose that I am desperate. . . . Tell me it would be of service to the Confederacy, and I would set fire to my home—if still standing —willingly! But would it?”
Wednesday, August 13, 1862: The ever-candid Union Army surgeon Alfred L. Castleman writes with furious exasperation (if not a little exaggeration) at the deceptions and prevaricating delays of the Army of the Potomac high command—indeed, that of the whole Union army: “Our leaders here are rapidly losing the confidence of the army and becoming objects of ridicule to the enemy. At White Oak Bridge, when we retreated, we left our pickets at their posts, without notifying them of our movements. They were of course taken prisoners. . . . they were being examined by a rebel Colonel, when Stonewall Jackson came up and upbraided the Colonel for spending time with the prisoners. "Let the prisoners go," said he, and "press on after the enemy. So accustomed have they become to digging that if you give them twelve hours’ rest, they will dig themselves clear under ground." Flattering, truly! I hope General McClellan will note it. But these things must not be talked about. Oh, no! We must see army after army sacrificed, the bones of hundreds of thousands of our bravest men bleaching on the plains, the nation draped in mourning, and not speak of it lest we shake confidence in our Generals, who through selfishness or incompetency, I will not yet say treason, are so frequently subjecting us to such contumely and sacrifices. History will make sad revelations of this war. I verily believe that, could its abuses be fully told, it would arouse the people to an enthusiasm which no acts of the enemy can excite. Under our present leaders, God knows what is to become of us. I have lost all confidence in them. In only four months from the time we landed on the Peninsula we had lost nearly two-thirds of the vast army brought with us, without one decisive battle! . . . At any time between October and June last, it has been in the power of this army to crush out this rebellion in a month; and yet the rebellion is more formidable to-day than at any previous time. Even now we are receiving reports of the discomfiture of Pope’s army, and, notwithstanding that its struggles are for our relief, it is unmistakeably evident that the report gives pleasure to the staffs of McClellan and Hancock. It may be so with other staffs; these are the only ones I have seen. Jealousy, jealousy—what will be the end of this? God preserve us.
Whilst I am noting down these abuses, a strange feeling possesses me; I lose all sense of my determination to abandon this rotten thing, and I resolve here to fight to the bitter end. Oh, if we had a Wellington, a Napoleon, a Scott, or even a Jackson, to do—something—anything, but dig and watch and —! falsely report!
Just as I close this journal of the day, a man rides up and tells me that General Pope has had a fight, and "holds his own." I hope this is true, but I cannot forget that on the 26th of June, General McClellan made the army boisterously joyful by his assertion that McCall had thoroughly whipped Stonewall Jackson. On the next morning at daylight, it was claimed that McCall had only "held his own." Two hours later we find that instead of even holding his own, he had retreated four miles, but it was only a "strategic movement," and next day it became necessary for the whole army to—not retreat—but—"change its base." All this it required to tell the simple truth that we were overpowered, whipped, and on the retreat. I hope it may not now be the beginning of a like history of General Pope’s movements.
Thursday, August 13, 1863: George Templeton Strong, of New York City, ponders in his journal the irony of the immigrant Irish in the city opposing the war and the Negro, who has been badly treated in America, supporting it. It is interesting to note that his use of the “N” word does not seem to carry with it the disdain that the word usually signifies: “Nigger recruiting prospers. Rumors of a Corps d’Afrique to be raised here. Why not? Paddy, the asylum-burner, would swear at the dam Naygurs, but we need bayonets in Negro hands if Paddy is unwilling to fight for the country that receives and betters him in his poverty and transmutes him into an alderman and a wealthy citizen. If he back out, let us accept, with contrition and humiliation, the services of this despised and rejected race, and be thankful that it is willing to enlist in the cause of a nation from which it has received only contumely and persecution.”
Thursday, August 13, 1863: Oliver Willcox Norton, of the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry, writes home and relates a humorous incident about the commander of his brigade: “Beverly Ford, Va., Thursday, August 13, 1863. Dear Mother:—I received your letter of the 5th night before last. Yesterday it was so hot that I could not write or do anything else but lie in the shade and sweat. I don’t know where the mercury stood, but I think it must have been above 100. It was as hot as any day we had on the Peninsula except one. Last night we had a furious thunder storm. The ground was completely soaked and I had fun enough this morning to last me a week.
Yesterday Colonel Rice had a large force of men putting up booths or shades of poles and brush over the tents. This morning they all fell down one after another and smashed down the tents. The colonel’s was the first, just about daylight. He came crawling out under the edge sans everything but shirt. He came in such a hurry that he could not keep his perpendicular and went sprawling in the mud. Then Lieutenant Grannis’ tent came down and he came out in the same cool dress like a mouse from a shock of corn.”
Thursday, August 13, 1863: Rose O'Neal Greenhow runs the Blockade. After being imprisoned a short time as a suspected Confederate spy, Rose O'Neal Greenhow had been released on the condition that she stay within the Confederacy and not spy. On this day 150 years ago, Greenhow wrote to friends from the island of Bermuda. She had just successfully run the Blockade on her way to Great Britain.
St George Bermuda August 13th [1863] “My Good friend. I have as you will see arrived here in despite of Yankee crusiers who gave us a close chase all the way. I was seasick of course but I am now entirely recovered and enjoying the dolce faneanti of this seducing climate with its beauti[ful] tropical trees and fruits.
I shall leave here the middle of the coming week en route for Southampton. And when I reach this point I will tell you your impressions of matters and things. I have met with kind friends Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Walker with whom I spend all my time are very charming and cultured people. He is certainly a most indefatigable and valuable officer to the Confederacy and by his prudence and high trust conduct him the consideration of all here, and is there by enabled to render service to the country of a magnitude that would be startling if it were prudent to speak yet.
My good friend I thank you for your salutation and kind wishes towards me. I trust that I shall always be as fortunate as to retain the officers whose appreciation elevates me and my own esteem.
With my best wishes and friendship, Rose ON Greenhow”

Pictures: 1862-08-13 skirmish at Yellow Creek, MO; 1864-08 The “USS Mendota” gunboat on the James River in August 1864; 1863-08 Battery Hays cannon; 1862 Yorktown 13 in mortars

A. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Union decisive victory at the Battle of Yellow Creek (also known as Skirmish at Yellow Creek) was an action along the Yellow Creek in Chariton County, Missouri. Union forces under Colonel Odon Guitar and Brigadier General Benjamin F. Loan pursued CSA Colonel John A. Poindexter, intercepting his force two days later at Yellow Creek. Poindexter's force was routed with and effectively ceased to exist. Poindexter was wounded in the action, but escaped. The strategic result of the battle was its culmination of a campaign which led to the effective suppression of Confederate recruiting efforts and major guerrilla operations north of the Missouri River in the northwest Missouri.
Background: The Battle of Yellow Creek followed an earlier battle at Compton's Ferry, on August 11. During that action Colonel John A. Poindexter and his force of 1200 to 1500 Confederate recruits were caught by Federal forces under Union Colonel Odon Guitar while crossing the Grand River. Poindexter's forces suffered significant losses and continued to retreat to Chariton County.
Aftermath: He was later captured on September 1, 1863 while wearing civilian clothes.
Federal authorities debated executing Poindexter (who held a Confederate commission) as a spy or guerrilla (because he had been captured within Federal lines out of uniform), but instead released him on parole after he publicly disavowed guerrilla warfare.
B. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Union victory at the Battle of Clarendon, Arkansas: The Federal army was on day ten of a fourteen-day expedition to Helena and Clarendon. In eastern Arkansas, near Clarendon, Rebel troops from Gen. Thomas Hindman’s rapidly building army attacked the Federal troops of Gen. Hovey, both infantry and cavalry. There was heavy fighting for several hours, with the Rebels getting the worst of it. They retreated, leaving nearly 700 prisoners in Union hands. Union Victory.
C. Thursday, August 13, 1863: Siege of Charleston Harbor: Federal ranging fire continues, now from both land batteries and naval guns. The Confederates at Battery Wagner continue to fire their cannons at the Union controlled end of Morris Island. Union troops there are busy building a platform to support a huge cannon with enough range to do damage on Charleston.
D. Saturday, August 13, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: “Starting today a fearsome group of Union gunboats began steaming around the James River east of Richmond. They sailed around Fussell’s Mill, Deep Bottom, Gravel Hill, and White Tavern. They roamed short distances up Four-Mile, Dutch and Bailey’s Creeks. Charles’ City Road and New Market Road received attention too. They were trying to distract Lee’s attention from Petersburg and force him to divert some troops. The project lasted a week, and didn’t work.”

1. Tuesday, August 13, 1861: Robert E. Lee issues orders in preparation for the Army of Northern Virginia's movement north to engage John Pope's [US] Army of Virginia.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186208
2. Tuesday, August 13, 1861: Confederate Secretary of the Navy Mallory reports, that there are no iron ships in England that can carry the weight of big guns, and that he has arranged to contract with two distinguished builders for a gun vessel each.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-a/part-eighteen
3. Tuesday, August 13, 1861: "England and the North" At this point in the war, the South clung to a belief that the British would break the blockade for them to get the South's cotton. That belief would shape Southern attitudes and policy in important ways during the first half of the Civil War. From the August 13, 1861 edition of the Daily Dispatch; England and the North.
The reported determination of the English Admiral off the American coast to break the blockade is giving special uneasiness, as well it may, in those Northern cities which have sought to take away our liberties for the benefit of their commerce. That such an interposition by England will take place, sooner or later, is what they feel to their heart's core. The extraordinary exasperation manifested towards Great Britain by the Northern press finds its solution, not in anything she has done, but in what with good reason, they apprehend she will do. In declaring her perfect neutrality between the two sections, and even in acknowledging the South as a belligerent, whilst, as yet, she has accorded us in relation to prizes taken by our privateers, none of the rights of a belligerent nation, she has given no just cause for that outburst of indignation which has issued from the whole Northern press.
The real motive of all this outcry is that the shrewd, commercial mind of the North not only recognizes in Europe its real rival, but is aware that her manufacturing and commercial necessities render it indispensable that her supply of cotton should not be interrupted. She now has on hand, we believe, enough for three months only, and it is not likely she will wait till that short period has expired before she provides for the future. Cotton she must have — that the North understands as well as the South. Hitherto the North has endeavored to delude England with the idea that cotton would be forwarded from the South by railroad to the Northern ports, and then, when this game was blocked by the determination of the people and the law of Congress not to permit a bale to leave the country in that manner, they swore they would come and take it But that was an oath more easily taken than fulfilled. They have not yet got tobacco country, and the cotton region is more distant still. Even if they could seize the Southern seaports and centres of the cotton trade, the coveted prey would not be there, for the cotton factors have requested the planters not to send it from their plantations, the underwriters refuse to insure it in transits, and the planters themselves are keeping it at home, and will rather burn it than permit it to fall into the enemy's hands. These facts cannot be without their influence abroad, and it is a through conviction of their truth that makes the Northern press so irritable, and even belligerent, towards England.
The influence of the great battle of Manassas, in this point of view, cannot be overestimated. It was all important to the North, in more respects than one, that the war should be ‘"short and sharp."’ Richmond and Memphis in their hands by the 20th of July, and England would have assurance that the rebellion would be put down, and that she would get her cotton supply in time. For that purpose the greatest army that this continent has ever seen, the most formidable in numbers, the best equipped and provided, was hurled upon the Southern forces on the 21st of July, and hurled there only to be dashed back in the most ignominious rout and ruin that history records. Let the Northern journalists give what false explanation of it they please, they cannot explain away the fact. Let them talk of masked batteries and of superior numbers, and of a causeless panic which made ‘"the grand army"’ take to its heels like a herd of frightened deer, England will observe that the masked batteries and the superior numbers, and the possibility of another panic, are as much in the way of future operations as of past. She has been led to wait till the North could get her the cotton, and Manassas will lead her to conclude that she cannot wait much longer. We doubt whether she will be disposed to wait till McClellan can get up another army, better than the last. Most devoutly do we hope that the North will be made to feel her heavy arm. Not that we desire English interposition for the sake of Southern independence, for we have already shown our ability to maintain that with our own arms, but for the sake of vengeance on the wretches who have made a war of avowed plunder and rapine upon an unoffending people, and are conducted that war with atrocities unknown, except among the Sepoys and Druses. A just Heaven will yet visit them in their own homes for their horrible crimes.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1861
4. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Potomac River, Virginia - On August 13, the Union steamers, USS George Peabody and USS West Point, were travelling on the Potomac River. Unfortunately, both ships collided into each other. Over 70 men were killed in the accident.
http://www.mycivilwar.com/battles/1862s.html
5. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Gen. Robert E. Lee, becoming more certain that McClellan will not attack him, sends Gen. John B. Hood with two brigades marching for Gordonsville to reinforce Jackson—partly to encounter what is reported to him: that Burnside’s troops are moving west to reinforce Pope.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862　
6. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Pope has discovered Jackson’s withdrawal from his front at Cedar Mountain, but his scouts estimate Jackson’s 21,000 men to be 35,000, making Pope believe that he is not strong enough to attack across the Rapidan.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862　
7. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: On the evening of Aug. 12, a Federal division of 12 regiments, 4 batteries of artillery, and a squadron of cavalry under the command of Gen. Jesse Reno begins marching west from Falmouth, Virginia, across the river from Fredericksburg. Gen. Burnside remains in Falmouth with his second division for the time being. Reno’s force marches all night.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862　
8. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Gen. Jacob Cox, in command in mountainous West Virginia, sets out eastward with a division of troops to reinforce Pope.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862　
9. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Gen. McClellan fires off one more telegram to Gen. Halleck with reasons why moving his army now to Aquia Creek (as Halleck has ordered him) and abandoning the Peninsula front would be impossible, and arguing why he ought to be allowed to make a movement toward Richmond and distract Lee from where he was. Halleck replies curtly: ""I have read your dispatch. There is no change of plans. You will send your troops as rapidly as possible. There is no difficulty in landing them. According to your own accounts there is now no difficulty in withdrawing your forces. Do so with all possible rapidity."
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862　
10. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Capt. William J. Bolton, of the 51st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, writes in his journal of this movement, which shows the urgency and dispatch of their movement to aid Pope: “After a most tedious march all night we came to a halt about 4 o’clock A.M. and went into bivouac without any shelter and nothing to eat, as we were too tired to prepare it. Left our bivouac at 9 o’clock A.M. came to a halt at noon for rest near a peach orchard, and the boys soon made short work of the fruit. This was near the Yellow House, some eight miles from Fredericksburg. After our short rest we started again. The heat had now become intense, but kept up our march until 9 o’clock P.M. when we came to a halt, and bivouacked in an open field for the night.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
11. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: The Richmond Daily Dispatch, with some satisfaction, publishes the contents of a Northern telegram detailing President Lincoln’s rejection of negro troops: “The efforts of those who love the negro more than the Union to induce the President to swerve from his established policy are unavailing. He will neither be persuaded by promise nor intimidated by threats. To-day he was called upon by two U. S. Senators, and rather peremptorily requested to accept the services of two negro regiments. They were flatly and unequivocally rejected. The President did not appreciate the necessity for employing the negroes to fight the battles of the country, and take the positions which the white men of the nation, the voters and sons of patriotic sires, should be proud to occupy; there were employments in which the negroes of rebel masters might well be engaged, but he was not willing to place them upon an equality with our volunteers, who had left home and family and lucrative occupation to defend the Union and the Constitution, while there were volunteers or militia enough in the loyal States to maintain the Government without resort to this expedient.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
12. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Miss Sarah Morgan of Baton Rouge, having fled the city, is on the run from Yankee gunboats amongst the plantations along the west bank of the Mississippi. She records in her diary her reaction to the news that the family’s hidden possessions have been looted by Yankee troops—and in doing so, once again considers the complexities of her desires for peace and her thirst for revenge: “I am in despair. Miss Jones, who has just made her escape from town, brings a most dreadful account. She, with seventy-five others, took refuge at Dr. Enders’s, more than a mile and a half below town, at Hall’s. It was there we sent the two trunks containing father’s papers and our clothing and silver. Hearing that guerrillas had been there, the Yankees went down, shelled the house in the night, turning all those women and children out, who barely escaped with their clothing, and let the soldiers loose on it. They destroyed everything they could lay their hands on, if it could not be carried off; broke open armoirs, trunks, sacked the house, and left it one scene of devastation and ruin. They even stole Miss Jones’s braid! She got here with nothing but the clothes she wore.
This is a dreadful blow to me. Yesterday, I thought myself beggared when I heard that our house was probably burnt, remembering all the clothing, books, furniture, etc., that it contained; but I consoled myself with the recollection of a large trunk packed in the most scientific style, containing quantities of nightgowns, skirts, chemises, dresses, cloaks, — in short, our very best, — which was in safety. Winter had no terrors when I thought of the nice warm clothes; I only wished I had a few of the organdie dresses I had packed up before wearing. And now? It is all gone, silver, father’s law papers, without which we are beggars, and clothing! Nothing left!
I could stand that. But as each little article of Harry’s came up before me (I had put many in the trunk), I lost heart. . . . They may clothe their negro women with my clothes, since they only steal for them; but to take things so sacred to me! O my God, teach me to forgive them! . . .
I have always been an advocate of peace — if we could name the conditions ourselves — but I say, War to the death! I would give my life to be able to I take arms against the vandals who are laying waste our fair land! I suppose it is because I have no longer anything to lose that I am desperate. . . . Tell me it would be of service to the Confederacy, and I would set fire to my home—if still standing —willingly! But would it?”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
13. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: The ever-candid Union Army surgeon Alfred L. Castleman writes with furious exasperation (if not a little exaggeration) at the deceptions and prevaricating delays of the Army of the Potomac high command—indeed, that of the whole Union army: “Our leaders here are rapidly losing the confidence of the army and becoming objects of ridicule to the enemy. At White Oak Bridge, when we retreated, we left our pickets at their posts, without notifying them of our movements. They were of course taken prisoners. . . . they were being examined by a rebel Colonel, when Stonewall Jackson came up and upbraided the Colonel for spending time with the prisoners. "Let the prisoners go," said he, and "press on after the enemy. So accustomed have they become to digging that if you give them twelve hours’ rest, they will dig themselves clear under ground." Flattering, truly! I hope General McClellan will note it. But these things must not be talked about. Oh, no! We must see army after army sacrificed, the bones of hundreds of thousands of our bravest men bleaching on the plains, the nation draped in mourning, and not speak of it lest we shake confidence in our Generals, who through selfishness or incompetency, I will not yet say treason, are so frequently subjecting us to such contumely and sacrifices. History will make sad revelations of this war. I verily believe that, could its abuses be fully told, it would arouse the people to an enthusiasm which no acts of the enemy can excite. Under our present leaders, God knows what is to become of us. I have lost all confidence in them. In only four months from the time we landed on the Peninsula we had lost nearly two-thirds of the vast army brought with us, without one decisive battle! . . . At any time between October and June last, it has been in the power of this army to crush out this rebellion in a month; and yet the rebellion is more formidable to-day than at any previous time. Even now we are receiving reports of the discomfiture of Pope’s army, and, notwithstanding that its struggles are for our relief, it is unmistakeably evident that the report gives pleasure to the staffs of McClellan and Hancock. It may be so with other staffs; these are the only ones I have seen. Jealousy, jealousy—what will be the end of this? God preserve us.
Whilst I am noting down these abuses, a strange feeling possesses me; I lose all sense of my determination to abandon this rotten thing, and I resolve here to fight to the bitter end. Oh, if we had a Wellington, a Napoleon, a Scott, or even a Jackson, to do—something—anything, but dig and watch and —! falsely report!
Just as I close this journal of the day, a man rides up and tells me that General Pope has had a fight, and "holds his own." I hope this is true, but I cannot forget that on the 26th of June, General McClellan made the army boisterously joyful by his assertion that McCall had thoroughly whipped Stonewall Jackson. On the next morning at daylight, it was claimed that McCall had only "held his own." Two hours later we find that instead of even holding his own, he had retreated four miles, but it was only a "strategic movement," and next day it became necessary for the whole army to—not retreat—but—"change its base." All this it required to tell the simple truth that we were overpowered, whipped, and on the retreat. I hope it may not now be the beginning of a like history of General Pope’s movements.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
14. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Manassas/Second Manassas Campaign: With McClellan’s Army of the Potomac leaving the peninsula and Pope’s Army of Virginia having received a setback at Cedar Run, General Lee can now make some strategic moves. He orders General Longstreet to take 4 divisions and reinforce General Jackson (recent research indicates Longstreet’s troops may have begun moving earlier, on the 9th or 10th). General Stuart is also ordered to take his cavalry to Gordonsville, and Lee orders General Hood’s division to Hanover Junction.
https://bjdeming.com/2012/09/24/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-13-19-1862/
15. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Confederate Heartland Offensive: After CS General Morgan’s successful attack on the Twin Tunnels, US Colonel Miller travels to the Pilot Knob Bridge with an infantry brigade and an artillery battery. They attack Morgan’s rearguard, killing 3 Confederates, and enter Gallatin, warning the citizens not to help the rebels. Then they return to Pilot Knob and take the train back to Nashville. Meanwhile, L&N work crews reach the Twin Tunnels but the rock is too hot for them to do any repair work. Then Morgan’s cavalrymen arrive and drive them off.
https://bjdeming.com/2012/09/24/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-13-19-1862/
16. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Orders are issued for eastern North Carolina by Gen. D.H. Hill for one-fourth of the region’s able-bodied slaves to be given up for government service in digging the fortifications around Richmond: “In compliance with instructions from Major Genl. D.H. Hill commanding the District of North Carolina, all the counties in the eastern part of the state bordering on the lines of the enemy are required to furnish at once one fourth of the able bodied slave laborers within their limits, to be used in the vicinity of the cities of Richmond and Petersburg, Va.
The following counties are specially designated: New Hanover, Onslow, Duplin, Lenoir, Craven, Jones, Carteret, Pitt, Martin, Bertie, Hertford, Gates, Green
As the loyal and patriotic citizens of these counties have suffered, and are suffering much from the depredations and outrage of the enemy, it is earnestly and confidently hoped that they will promptly respond to this call and by so doing contribute to the expulsion of the invader from our soil.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
17. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: John Houston Bills continued in his diary: “Still very dry & hot. No favourable change in the War Matters. Just beyond endurance. 850 have Sworn allegiance to the U.S.”
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy
18. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: The Union steamers, USS George Peabody and USS West Point, were travelling on the Potomac River. Unfortunately, both ships collided into each other. Both were carrying wounded men from Burnside’s corps, who had recovered enough to go to a convalescent hospital. The death toll in the collision was 73.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy
19. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: General Robert E. Lee (CSA) issues orders in preparation for the Army of Northern Virginia's movement north to engage John Pope's (US) Army of Virginia.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy
20. Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Skirmish near Medon, Tennessee.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-b/part-seventy
21. Thursday, August 13, 1863: The Confederacy prepares to abandon western Mississippi. On August 13, 1863, Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston reported on the situation in Mississippi. That same day, in Atlanta, Georgia, plans were underway to evacuate the remaining Confederate railroad material stranded west of the Pearl River by the burned railroad bridge in Jackson, Mississippi. The plan was to rebuild the bridge, recover as much rolling stock from the west bank of the Pearl as possible, and then tear out the iron rails for use elsewhere. With the railroads gone, the Confederacy would be unable to support a major army in Mississippi west of the Pearl River.
MORTON, August 13, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General: “GENERAL: The condition of military affairs in this department, according to the reports of our scouts, is almost unchanged since the enemy fell back from Jackson.
McPherson's corps is said to be encamped around Vicksburg; Ord's between Bovina and the railroad bridge; and Sherman's west of the Big Black, near Messinger's Ferry; Ransom's brigade and 600 cavalry at Natchez. We have various reports of troops sent to New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana, but they are conflicting.
Colonel Logan's command (mounted) is operating in front of Port Hudson and Natchez. Brigadier-General Jackson's division is at Raymond and Livingston protecting the undevastated country from Federal marauders. Two of his regiments are between the Yazoo and the railroad.
The troops in the northern part of the State are nearly as arranged by Lieutenant-General Pemberton.
A brigade of infantry is at Meridian in readiness to protect Selma and Demopolis in case of raids, and there are two at Enterprise in readiness to join the garrison of Mobile should that place be threatened.
Being unable to find good ground for the encampment of the three divisions together, I have been compelled to separate them; two are near this place and the third is between Lake Station and Newton.
Should the Vicksburg troops soon be exchanged and reorganized, I propose to put all the troops, except those at Enterprise and Meridian, west of Pearl River.
Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, General.
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
22. Thursday, August 13, 1863: WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., ENGINEER BUREAU, Richmond, Va., August 13, 1863. Captain L. P. GRANT, Corps of Engineers, Atlanta, Ga.: CAPTAIN: Under instructions from the honorable Secretary of War I have to request that you will proceed, at the earliest moment that you can leave the works on which you are now engaged for the defense of Atlanta to the temporary direction of your civil assistants, to the headquarters of General Joseph E. Johnston, at Morton, Miss., and confer with him as to the practicability of rebuilding in a short time the railroad bridge over Pearl River, at Jackson, Miss., with a view to securing the rolling-stock on the Mississippi Rail-road and as much of the iron rails as possible in the vicinity of Jackson. Your absence from the works at Atlanta must be as short as possible, but the importance of saving all the rolling-stock from railroad abandoned is so great that the Secretary of War urges that no effort be spared to collect all that can be reached. I must, therefore, call on you as an engineer of many years' experience in all railroad constructions to go for a few days to the locality to advise as to the most expeditious method of accomplishing the much desired results.
The engineers serving with General Johnston can then with his authority execute the work. I will send a copy of these instructions to General Johnston with a letter asking his full assistance and support. It is believed that you can engaged, if you have not already done so, such assistants at Atlanta as can direct the works the during the short period of your absence. Very respectfully, J. F. GILMER, Colonel of Engineers and Chief of Bureau.
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
23. Thursday, August 13, 1863: George Templeton Strong, of New York City, ponders in his journal the irony of the immigrant Irish in the city opposing the war and the Negro, who has been badly treated in America, supporting it. It is interesting to note that his use of the “N” word does not seem to carry with it the disdain that the word usually signifies: “Nigger recruiting prospers. Rumors of a Corps d’Afrique to be raised here. Why not? Paddy, the asylum-burner, would swear at the dam Naygurs, but we need bayonets in Negro hands if Paddy is unwilling to fight for the country that receives and betters him in his poverty and transmutes him into an alderman and a wealthy citizen. If he back out, let us accept, with contrition and humiliation, the services of this despised and rejected race, and be thankful that it is willing to enlist in the cause of a nation from which it has received only contumely and persecution.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
24. Thursday, August 13, 1863: Oliver Willcox Norton, of the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry, writes home and relates a humorous incident about the commander of his brigade: “Beverly Ford, Va., Thursday, August 13, 1863. Dear Mother:—I received your letter of the 5th night before last. Yesterday it was so hot that I could not write or do anything else but lie in the shade and sweat. I don’t know where the mercury stood, but I think it must have been above 100. It was as hot as any day we had on the Peninsula except one. Last night we had a furious thunder storm. The ground was completely soaked and I had fun enough this morning to last me a week.
Yesterday Colonel Rice had a large force of men putting up booths or shades of poles and brush over the tents. This morning they all fell down one after another and smashed down the tents. The colonel’s was the first, just about daylight. He came crawling out under the edge sans everything but shirt. He came in such a hurry that he could not keep his perpendicular and went sprawling in the mud. Then Lieutenant Grannis’ tent came down and he came out in the same cool dress like a mouse from a shock of corn.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
25. Thursday, August 13, 1863: Rose O'Neal Greenhow runs the Blockade. After being imprisoned a short time as a suspected Confederate spy, Rose O'Neal Greenhow had been released on the condition that she stay within the Confederacy and not spy. On this day 150 years ago, Greenhow wrote to friends from the island of Bermuda. She had just successfully run the Blockade on her way to Great Britain.
St George Bermuda August 13th [1863] “My Good friend. I have as you will see arrived here in despite of Yankee crusiers who gave us a close chase all the way. I was seasick of course but I am now entirely recovered and enjoying the dolce faneanti of this seducing climate with its beauti[ful] tropical trees and fruits.
I shall leave here the middle of the coming week en route for Southampton. And when I reach this point I will tell you your impressions of matters and things. I have met with kind friends Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Walker with whom I spend all my time are very charming and cultured people. He is certainly a most indefatigable and valuable officer to the Confederacy and by his prudence and high trust conduct him the consideration of all here, and is there by enabled to render service to the country of a magnitude that would be startling if it were prudent to speak yet.
My good friend I thank you for your salutation and kind wishes towards me. I trust that I shall always be as fortunate as to retain the officers whose appreciation elevates me and my own esteem.
With my best wishes and friendship, Rose ON Greenhow”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
26. Thursday, August 13, 1863: The Diary of John B. Jones. On this day 150 years ago, John B. Jones wrote of prisoners of war, hostages, and blockade running. “August 13th.—No news. It turns out that Gen. Taylor got only 500 prisoners at Donaldsonville, La., instead of 4000.
A writer in the New York Tribune says the Northern troops burnt Jackson, Miss.
Lincoln has marked for close confinement and hostages three of our men for three free negroes taken on Morris Island.
The government here has, at last, indicated blockade-goods (U. S.) which are to be seized; also sent circular letters to the generals at Wilmington, Charleston, and Mobile to impose restrictions on blockade running steamers belonging to private parties. The government must first have such articles as its necessities require, at fair prices, before the merchandise can be offered to the public, and the vessels must be freighted out partly with government cotton. This is a good arrangement, even if it is “locking the stable after the horse is stolen.”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
27. Thursday, August 13, 1863: On this date, three Union gunboats---the Lexington, Cricket, and Mariner, ascend the White River in Arkansas, and take the Rebel gunboats Tom Suggs and Kaskaskia, as well as destroying some mills and a bridge.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
28. Thursday, August 13, 1863: Mr. Theodore Wagner, of Charleston, South Carolina, in concern for that besieged city, offers a $100,000.00 reward to stir some enterprise toward sinking the USS New Ironsides, the USS Wabash, or $50,000.00 for “one of the monitors.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
29. Thursday, August 13, 1863: In Arkansas, Gen. Sterling Price, now the ranking field commander for the Confederacy in that state, announces his intention to launch a campaign that would sweep the Yankees from Arkansas and invade up into Missouri. Gen. Frederick Steele, the Union commander of troops along the White River, east of Little Rock, plans a counteroffensive, until the Federals learn that Price is more brag than bite. Desertion has been plaguing the Confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi area, especially since the fall of Vicksburg has cut them off from the eastern states. Gov. Flannagan of Arkansas puts out a call to all able-bodied men to report for military service, hardly anyone heeds the call. Steele advances his troops from Helena, and Rebel bases at Jacksonport and Clarendon are abandoned without anyone firing a shot. Steele stops at the White River, content that Price is not, in fact, launching an invasion with his skeleton crew.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1863
30. Saturday, August 13, 1864: The price of food in Richmond. On this day 150 years ago, food--both from his garden and the market--remained very much on the mind of Confederate war clerk John B. Jones. “August 13th.—Hot and dry. Large green worms have attacked my tomatoes, and from the leaves are proceeding to the fruit. But not many of them will escape! I am warring on them.
No war news, except the continuation of the movement of troops northward. Hampton’s division of cavalry, at least three brigades, passed this morning.
From Mobile and Atlanta we have nothing of interest.
Flour is falling: it is now $200 per barrel—$500 a few weeks ago; and bacon is falling in price also, from $11 to $6 per pound. A commission merchant said to me, yesterday, that there was at least eighteen months’ supply (for the people) of breadstuffs and meats in the city; and pointing to the upper windows at the corner of Thirteenth and Cary Streets, he revealed the ends of many barrels piled above the windows. He said that flour had been there two years, held for “still higher prices.” Such is the avarice of man. Such is war. And such the greed of extortioners, even in the midst of famine—and famine in the midst of plenty!”
http://www.civilwar-online.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1864
31. Saturday, August 13, 1864: Mississippi operations: Around 3 p.m., US troops attack the Confederate left flank and are repulsed. Fighting becomes widespread along Hurricane Creek. General Chalmers and his men fall back to a point halfway between the creek and Oxford.
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/10/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-11-17-1864/
32. Saturday, August 13, 1864: the Siege of Atlanta. General Sherman again: “…[O]n the 13th of August, I gave general orders for the Twentieth Corps to draw back to the railroad-bridge at the Chattahoochee, to protect our trains, hospitals, spare artillery, and the railroad-depot, while the rest of the army should move bodily to some point on the Macon Railroad below East Point.
Luckily, I learned just then that the enemy’s cavalry, under General Wheeler, had made a wide circuit around our left flank, and had actually reached our railroad at Tilton Station, above Resaca, captured a drove of one thousand of our beef-cattle, and was strong enough to appear before Dalton, and demand of its commander, Colonel Raum, the surrender of the place. General John E. Smith, who was at Kingston, collected together a couple of thousand men, and proceeded in cars to the relief of Dalton when Wheeler retreated northward toward Cleveland.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/10/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-11-17-1864/

A Wednesday, August 13, 1862: At Yellow Creek, Missouri, Rebels (Poindexter’s guerillas) and Federal troops under Col. Guitar (yep—his real name) clash in a sharp fight, resulting in the rout of the Rebels, and the Yankees capturing about 60 of them.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
A+ The Battle of Yellow Creek (also known as Skirmish at Yellow Creek) was an action during the American Civil War, occurring August 13, 1862, along the Yellow Creek in Chariton County, Missouri.
The Battle of Yellow Creek followed an earlier battle at Compton's Ferry, on August 11. During that action Colonel John A. Poindexter and his force of 1200 to 1500 Confederate recruits were caught by Federal forces under Union Colonel Odon Guitar while crossing the Grand River. Poindexter's forces suffered significant losses and continued to retreat to Chariton County.
Union forces under Guitar and Brigadier General Benjamin F. Loan pursued Poindexter, intercepting his force two days later at Yellow Creek. Poindexter's force was routed and effectively ceased to exist. Poindexter was wounded in the action, but escaped. He was later captured on September 1, 1863 while wearing civilian clothes.
Federal authorities debated executing Poindexter (who held a Confederate commission) as a spy or guerrilla (because he had been captured within Federal lines out of uniform), but instead released him on parole after he publicly disavowed guerrilla warfare.
The strategic result of the battle was its culmination of a campaign which led to the effective suppression of Confederate recruiting efforts and major guerrilla operations north of the Missouri River in the northwest Missouri.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Yellow_Creek_(1862)
B Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Battle of Clarendon, Arkansas: In eastern Arkansas, near Clarendon, Rebel troops from Gen. Thomas Hindman’s rapidly building army attacked the Federal troops of Gen. Hovey, both infantry and cavalry. There was heavy fighting for several hours, with the Rebels getting the worst of it. They retreated, leaving nearly 700 prisoners in Union hands. Union Victory.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=August+13%2C+1862
B+ Wednesday, August 13, 1862: Battle of Clarendon, On August 13, 1862, the Federal army was on day ten of a fourteen-day expedition to Helena and Clarendon.
http://arkansastoothpick.com/2016/08/today-arkansas-civil-war-august-13/
C Thursday, August 13, 1863: Siege of Charleston Harbor: Federal ranging fire continues, now from both land batteries and naval guns.
https://bjdeming.com/2013/08/12/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-12-18-1863/
C+ Thursday, August 13, 1863: The Confederates at Battery Wagner continue to fire their cannons at the Union controlled end of Morris Island. Union troops there are busy building a platform to support a huge cannon with enough range to do damage on Charleston.
https://sites.google.com/site/civilwarhardemancotn/departments/department-c/week-122
D Saturday, August 13, 1864: Siege of Petersburg: “Starting today a fearsome group of Union gunboats began steaming around the James River east of Richmond. They sailed around Fussell’s Mill, Deep Bottom, Gravel Hill, and White Tavern. They roamed short distances up Four-Mile, Dutch and Bailey’s Creeks. Charles’ City Road and New Market Road received attention too. They were trying to distract Lee’s attention from Petersburg and force him to divert some troops. The project lasted a week, and didn’t work.”
https://bjdeming.com/2014/08/10/the-american-civil-war-150th-anniversary-august-11-17-1864/

FYI 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 SSG Byron Howard Sr CPL Ronald Keyes Jr SFC William Farrell SPC Lyle Montgomery Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM SrA Ronald Moore SGT Mark Anderson MSgt James Parker

Civil War Timeline / Chronology for August 1862

Response by 1stSgt Eugene Harless made Sep 11 at 2016 12:31 AM

2016-09-11T00:31:30-04:00

I'm going with the Siege of Petersburg commencing. Once Grant had Lee pinned and defending a fixed line all he had to do was keep pouring assets into the siege and extend the works to the west. He had the numbers and eventually Lee's Army would be stretched so thin that a weak point could be breached, Once it became siege warfare the Fat Lady started warming up just off stage,

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Sep 11 at 2016 1:39 AM

2016-09-11T01:39:18-04:00

Great read LTC Stephen F.! I chose all events today.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 11 at 2016 7:03 AM

2016-09-11T07:03:48-04:00

LTC Stephen F. great read and share, I chose all!

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Sep 11 at 2016 7:39 AM

2016-09-11T07:39:42-04:00

Thanks for my daily fix of Civil War trivia LTC Stephen F.

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 11 at 2016 9:51 PM

2016-09-11T21:51:30-04:00

Most interesting... A good part of History