What was the most significant event on June 7 during the U.S. Civil War??

2016-06-09T21:33:48-04:00

Executions in 1862: Leader of Andrews Raiders and the Great Locomotive Chase, James Andrews is hung in Atlanta. Maj Gen Benjamin Butler has William Mumford executed for tearing down the U. S. flag from the Mint in New Orleans.
Hand to hand combat between Confederate Texans and white and black Federal Troops at Milliken's Bend, Louisiana in 1863.
Federal Gunboats force the Confederates to withdraw in 1863: Battle of Milliken's Bend and Young's Point, Louisiana. One Texan recorded the march with these words: "In sections four abreast, and close order, the troops took up the line of march, in anticipation of meeting almost certain death, but with undaunted, unquailing spirits. In breathless silence, with the high glittering stars looking down upon them, through dark and deep defiles marched the dense array of men, moving steadily forward; not a whisper was heard — no sound of clanking saber, or rattle of canteen and cup."
Biased Texan wrote, "It was impossible for our troops to keep in line of battle, owing to the many hedges we had to encounter, which it was impossible to pass, except through a few gaps that had been used as gates or passageways." Once passed the hedgerows, CSA Brig. Gen. Henry E. McCulloch reformed his brigade within twenty-five paces of the main Federal line. Shouting, "No quarter for the officers, kill the damned abolitionists," the Texans scaled the levee and closed on the enemy. A withering volley stunned the Southerners, but the poorly trained blacks were unable to reload their cumbersome weapons before the Texans were upon them. McCulloch reported, "The line was formed under a heavy fire from the enemy, and the troops charged the breastworks, carrying it instantly, killing and wounding many of the enemy by their deadly fire, as well as the bayonet." The brigadier noted, "This charge was resisted by the negro portion of the enemy's force with considerable obstinacy, while the white or true Yankee portion ran like whipped curs almost as soon as the charge was ordered." Clubbed muskets and bayonets were freely used as the Texans surged over the cotton bale barricades atop the levee. Joseph P. Blessington of the 16th Texas recalled, "The enemy gave away and stampeded pell-mell over the levee, in great terror and confusion. Our troops followed after them, bayoneting them by hundreds."
Union perspective of same battle in 1863: Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, of the 11th Iowa Infantry, records in his journal the news about the fight at Milliken’s Bend: “The rebels made an attack on our forces at Duck’s Point, Louisiana, where, it is reported, two negro regiments met the attack and captured two hundred prisoners and five pieces of artillery. Who says that the negro will not fight? I say he will fight! Arm the negroes and let them fight for their liberty! There are some Northern troops with them at Duck’s Point, and together they make a strong garrison.”
Debates between yanks and rebs in no-mans-land in 1864: Of the unauthorized meetings between soldiers of the two sides, Major Theodore Lyman, a staff officer serving with Gen. Meade, recounts this incident: “Some extraordinary scenes occurred during the armistice. Round one grave, where ten men were laid, there was a great crowd of both sides. The Rebels were anxious to know who would be next President. “Wall,” said one of our men, “I am in favor of Old Abe.” “He’s a damned Abolitionist!” promptly exclaimed a grey-back. Upon which our man hit his adversary between the eyes, and a general fisticuff ensued, only stopped by officers rushing in.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1864

Pictures: 1863 battle-of-millikens-bend-granger; 1863 Battle of Milliken's Bend, Louisiana; 1863 USS Choctaw; 1864 Unburied dead at Cold Harbor

FYI CWO4 Terrence Clark MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. MSG Roy Cheever Maj Bill Smith, Ph.D. SMSgt Lawrence McCarter PO3 Edward Riddle MAJ Roland McDonald SSG Byron Hewett CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw COL Private RallyPoint Member SPC Michael Terrell COL Lisandro Murphy SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL] MAJ Ken Landgren LTC Trent Klug CWO3 Dennis M. CPT Kevin McComas]SSgt David M.

The American Civil War 150 Years Ago Today: Search results for June 7, 1864

A no-frills day-by-day account of what was happening 150 years ago, this blog is intended to be a way that we can experience or remember the Civil War with more immediacy, in addition to understanding the flow of time as we live in it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 9 at 2016 9:37 PM

2016-06-09T21:37:29-04:00

Intel report to CSA Leader in Tennessee in 1862: Saturday, June 7, 1862 Knoxville, Tennessee: To Brig. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON, Cmdg., Cumberland Gap: “From information received there seems to be no doubt that the enemy contemplate an attack in large force upon Chattanooga, and probably the invasion of East Tennessee, via Kingston, by column from the direction of McMinnville. Col. Reynolds' brigade has already passed this place en route to Chattanooga, wither the major-general commanding went this afternoon. Brig.-Gen. Barton has been ordered with his brigade from Powell's Valley to the terminus of the Kentucky Railroad, 10 miles from Clinton, with the view of following his (Col. Reynolds') command.
I am directed, in communicating this intelligence to you, to say that these movements of the enemy, constraining the withdrawal of the forces from Powell's Valley, will deprive you of the support it was contemplated to render you, should it become necessary. Will therefore have to rely upon your own resources in the event of being attacked. Should the enemy be defeated at Chattanooga, the command will return and give you such aid as it may be in the power of the commanding general to render you. If defeated, then Gen. Smith will fall back in this direction, that he may effect a junction with your command. Col. Allston has instructions to watch the approaches over the mountains, and to give your prompt information of any demonstration which may be made from that quarter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.”
Tuesday, June 7, 1864: William P. Derby, of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry, describes part of what he saw: “Four days of sun and rain, with the severe heat of summer, had passed over our slain, and the air was laden with insufferable putrescence. We breathed it in every breath, tasted it in the food we ate and water we drank. What seemed intolerable to us, was doubly so to the enemy, from their nearness to the dead, and from the fact that the prevailing winds, wafting over the field, carried the fumes directly to them. The granting of the truce was a necessity rather than a virtue.
The ground was strewn with bloated and discolored forms, every feature so distorted that recognition from this source was impossible. . . . Now and then some poor wounded one was found, in all the horrors of a living death. For four long days and nights they had remained upon that field, with ghastly wounds, without food, water or care, and surrounded by remains exuding a stifling stench. Who can depict the terrible sufferings of those long, long hours of horror . . . ? Nature gave but few the endurance to bridge such an awful chasm, so that the work was chiefly with the dead.
Long trenches were dug, in which they were laid, side by side, with such winding-sheets as their blankets afforded. . . . The utmost haste failed to entomb the immense mass of our slain, before a signal-gun gave notice that the “truce had expired.” At the next gun the dogs of war would be let loose upon any remaining on the field, and hence our burial party hastily retired. A few moments later we were again engaged in the deadly fray. Those comrades participating in the burial were so overcome by the stench as to be unfit for duty for several days.”

Pictures: 1862 The Attack on Chattanooga, June 7; 1862 Jackson valley campaign 1862 May 21-June 9; 1864 Shenandoah Valley May-July; xx
Since RallyPoint truncates survey selection text I am posting events that were not included and then the full text of each survey choice below:

A. Friday, June 7, 1861: CSA Gen Robert E. Lee sent his adjutant, Colonel Robert S. Garnett, to northwestern Virginia, with instructions to take command of whatever troops could be gathered from the people in the counties around Grafton and Beverly and block the penetration of the enemy into the region.
B. Sunday, June 7, 1863: Battle of Milliken's Bend and Young's Point, Louisiana. Confederate forces attack the Union garrison driving federals to the banks of the Mississippi, where the gunboats Lexington and Choctaw turn back the advancing Rebels. The Confederate plan of action called for a night march. The Texans left Richmond at 6:00 p.m. on June 6, in hopes of arriving at the enemy camps at sunrise.
At Oak Grove Plantation the road forked, the left leading to Milliken's Bend, the right to Young's Point. CSA Maj. Gen. John G. Walker's sent CSA Brig. Gen. Henry E. McCulloch's Brigade toward Milliken's Bend and CSA Brig. Gen. James M. Hawes' Brigade toward Young's Point, while he remained at Oak Grove with Col. Horace Randal's Brigade.
McCulloch's Brigade, 1,500 strong, arrived within 1.5 miles of Milliken's Bend at 2:30 a.m., when it was fired upon by enemy pickets. McCulloch quickly deployed his brigade into line of battle with Col. Richard Waterhouse's* 19th Texas Infantry on the right, Col. R. T. P. Allen's 17th Texas Infantry in the center, and Lt. Col. E.P. Gregg's 16th Texas Cavalry (dismounted) on the left, while Col. George Flournoy's 16th Texas Infantry was held in reserve.
The Confederate cavalry scouts in front fell back precipitably when fired upon. In the darkness and confusion, the cavalrymen were then shot at by McCulloch's skirmishers. Fortunately, no men were injured.
As the Federal pickets began falling back, Lieb placed his men on the levee behind cotton bales. His units consisted of the 8th, 9th, 11th, and 13th Louisiana Infantry Regiments (African Descent), 1st Mississippi Infantry (African Descent), and the 23d Iowa Infantry, totaling 1,061 men. The Black troops were recently recruited, poorly trained, and poorly armed. In many cases, they were also poorly led. But, they had the advantage of position, and were supported by the guns of the powerful ironclad Choctaw.
McCulloch placed his Texans into line of battle astride the Richmond road and drove the Federals from hedgerow to hedgerow. Sweeping through the Federal encampment, McCulloch's men raced toward the second levee next to the river. Their efforts, however, were driven back repeatedly by the rapid fire of Choctaw's big guns.
Unable to cross the levee, McCulloch's men mopped-up isolated pockets of resistance and plundered the Federal camp. The brigadier sent an urgent request to Walker for reinforcements, but before help arrived, McCulloch spotted a second gunboat, the Lexington, coming upriver. Realizing that his troops were no match for gunboats, and without waiting for Walker's arrival, McCulloch ordered a withdrawal to Oak Grove Plantation.
In the engagement at Milliken's Bend, the Union troops under Col. Lieb suffer over 600 casualties; McCullough’s Texans suffer 185. Union Victory.
Background June 6: Convinced that his post was in danger, Col. Hermann Lieb requested reinforcements. In response to the colonel's urgent request, the 23d Iowa (a white regiment) was hurried from Young's Point to Milliken's Bend, and the ironclad Choctaw was sent by Admiral Porter to provide additional support. That night, the Federals fortified their camp by constructing abatis and barricades of cotton bales. His confidence bolstered by these preparations, Lieb had his men under arms at 3:00 a.m. on June 7.
C. Tuesday, June 7, 1864: Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia [May 31-June 12, 1864] Day 7: CSA Gen Robert E. Lee and Lt Gen Ulysses S. Grant agree to two-hour truce to allow the Federals a chance to retrieve their wounded. However, by then few of the wounded were found alive as thousands had died under the summer sun during those five days. Grant later wrote, "I have always regretted that the last assault at Cold Harbor was ever made... No advantage whatever was gained to compensate for the heavy loss we sustained." Northern newspapers will criticize Grant heavily for not making the truce sooner, but they are unaware that it was mostly Lee’s reticence that prevented an earlier truce.
D. Tuesday, June 7, 1864: Lt Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, seeing that Gen. Hunter and Crook, now combined in the Shenandoah Valley, had the potential to cross the Blue Ridge and capture Charlottesville, thus threatening CSA Gen Robert E. Lee’s rear, decides on a comprehensive strategic shift. He sent Maj Gen Philip Sheridan with two divisions of cavalry westward to strike at Charlottesville and the railroads that supply Lee’s army. He also plans to shift the Army of the Potomac southward, from his left flank, to end run Lee’s men. Lee’s response is predictable: first, he pulls Breckinridge’s division off the lines and sends him post-haste to the Valley to stem the Union tide there; he also sent two divisions of cavalry to chase Sheridan and keep him busy.

1. Friday, June 7, 1861
2. Saturday, June 7, 1862: James Andrews is hung in Atlanta [The Great Locomotive Chase]
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186206
3. Saturday, June 7, 1862: Benjamin Butler has William Mumford executed for tearing down the U. S. flag from the Mint in New Orleans.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186206
4. Saturday, June 7, 1862: Unionists reconnaissance units came into sight of Richmond. In New Orleans, General Butler sentenced William Mumford to death for tearing down the Union flag flying over the city’s mint.
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/the-american-civil-war/american-civil-war-june-1862/
5. Saturday, June 7, 1862: Union forces shell Chattanooga from the north side of the Tennessee River.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186206
6. Saturday, June 7, 1862 Knoxville, Tennessee: To Brig. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON, Cmdg., &c., Cumberland Gap: From information received there seems to be no doubt that the enemy contemplate an attack in large force upon Chattanooga, and probably the invasion of East Tennessee, via Kingston, by column from the direction of McMinnville. Col. Reynolds' brigade has already passed this place en route to Chattanooga, wither the major-general commanding went this afternoon. Brig.-Gen. Barton has been ordered with his brigade from Powell's Valley to the terminus of the Kentucky Railroad, 10 miles from Clinton, with the view of following his (Col. Reynolds') command.
I am directed, in communicating this intelligence to you, to say that these movements of the enemy, constraining the withdrawal of the forces from Powell's Valley, will deprive you of the support it was contemplated to render you, should it become necessary. Will therefore have to rely upon your own resources in the event of being attacked. Should the enemy be defeated at Chattanooga, the command will return and give you such aid as it may be in the power of the commanding general to render you. If defeated, then Gen. Smith will fall back in this direction, that he may effect a junction with your command. Col. Allston has instructions to watch the approaches over the mountains, and to give your prompt information of any demonstration which may be made from that quarter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. L. CLAY, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.
http://www.southernhistory.co/2015/06/530-312015-tennessee-civil-war-notes.html
7. Sunday, June 7, 1863 --- Siege of Vicksburg, Day 16
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1863
8. Sunday, June 7, 1863 --- Siege of Port Hudson, Day 11
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1863
9. Sunday, June 7, 1863: Battle of Milliken's Bend, Louisiana. Confederate forces attack the Union garrison driving federals to the banks of the Mississippi, where the gunboats Lexington and Choctaw turn back the advancing Rebels
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186306
10. Sunday, June 7, 1863 --- Sergeant Alexander G. Downing, of the 11th Iowa Infantry, records in his journal the news about the fight at Milliken’s Bend: The rebels made an attack on our forces at Duck’s Point, Louisiana, where, it is reported, two negro regiments met the attack and captured two hundred prisoners and five pieces of artillery. Who says that the negro will not fight? I say he will fight! Arm the negroes and let them fight for their liberty! There are some Northern troops with them at Duck’s Point, and together they make a strong garrison.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1863
11. Tuesday, June 7, 1864: The Republican (National Union) Convention opens in Baltimore, Maryland.
http://blueandgraytrail.com/year/186406
12. Tuesday, June 7, 1864: Of the unauthorized meetings between soldiers of the two sides, Major Theodore Lyman, a staff officer serving with Gen. Meade, recounts this incident: “Some extraordinary scenes occurred during the armistice. Round one grave, where ten men were laid, there was a great crowd of both sides. The Rebels were anxious to know who would be next President. “Wall,” said one of our men, “I am in favor of Old Abe.” “He’s a damned Abolitionist!” promptly exclaimed a grey-back. Upon which our man hit his adversary between the eyes, and a general fisticuff ensued, only stopped by officers rushing in.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1864
13. Tuesday, June 7, 1864 --- William P. Derby, of the 27th Massachusetts Infantry, describes part of what he saw: “Four days of sun and rain, with the severe heat of summer, had passed over our slain, and the air was laden with insufferable putrescence. We breathed it in every breath, tasted it in the food we ate and water we drank. What seemed intolerable to us, was doubly so to the enemy, from their nearness to the dead, and from the fact that the prevailing winds, wafting over the field, carried the fumes directly to them. The granting of the truce was a necessity rather than a virtue.
The ground was strewn with bloated and discolored forms, every feature so distorted that recognition from this source was impossible. . . . Now and then some poor wounded one was found, in all the horrors of a living death. For four long days and nights they had remained upon that field, with ghastly wounds, without food, water or care, and surrounded by remains exuding a stifling stench. Who can depict the terrible sufferings of those long, long hours of horror . . . ? Nature gave but few the endurance to bridge such an awful chasm, so that the work was chiefly with the dead.
Long trenches were dug, in which they were laid, side by side, with such winding-sheets as their blankets afforded. . . . The utmost haste failed to entomb the immense mass of our slain, before a signal-gun gave notice that the “truce had expired.” At the next gun the dogs of war would be let loose upon any remaining on the field, and hence our burial party hastily retired. A few moments later we were again engaged in the deadly fray. Those comrades participating in the burial were so overcome by the stench as to be unfit for duty for several days.”
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1864

A Friday, June 7, 1861: Robert E. Lee sent his adjutant, Colonel Robert S. Garnett, to northwestern Virginia, with instructions to take command of whatever troops could be gathered from the people in the counties around Grafton and Beverly and block the penetration of the enemy into the region.
http://americancivilwar.com/authors/Joseph_Ryan/150-Year-Anniversary/June-1861/What-Happened-June+1861.html
B Sunday, June 7, 1863: Battle of Milliken's Bend, Louisiana. Convinced that his post was in danger, Lieb requested reinforcements. In response to the colonel's urgent request, the 23d Iowa (a white regiment) was hurried from Young's Point to Milliken's Bend, and the ironclad Choctaw was sent by Admiral Porter to provide additional support. That night, the Federals fortified their camp by constructing abatis and barricades of cotton bales. His confidence bolstered by these preparations, Lieb had his men under arms at 3:00 a.m. on June 7.
The Confederate plan of action called for a night march. The Texans left Richmond at 6:00 p.m. on June 6, in hopes of arriving at the enemy camps at sunrise. One Texan recorded the march with these words: "In sections four abreast, and close order, the troops took up the line of march, in anticipation of meeting almost certain death, but with undaunted, unquailing spirits. In breathless silence, with the high glittering stars looking down upon them, through dark and deep defiles marched the dense array of men, moving steadily forward; not a whisper was heard — no sound of clanking saber, or rattle of canteen and cup."
At Oak Grove Plantation the road forked, the left leading to Milliken's Bend, the right to Young's Point. Walker sent McCulloch's Brigade toward Milliken's Bend and Hawes' Brigade toward Young's Point, while he remained at Oak Grove with Col. Horace Randal's Brigade.
McCulloch's Brigade, 1,500 strong, arrived within 1.5 miles of Milliken's Bend at 2:30 a.m., when it was fired upon by enemy pickets. McCulloch quickly deployed his brigade into line of battle with Col. Richard Waterhouse's* 19th Texas Infantry on the right, Col. R. T. P. Allen's 17th Texas Infantry in the center, and Lt. Col. E.P. Gregg's 16th Texas Cavalry (dismounted) on the left, while Col. George Flournoy's 16th Texas Infantry was held in reserve.
The Confederate cavalry scouts in front fell back precipitably when fired upon. In the darkness and confusion, the cavalrymen were then shot at by McCulloch's skirmishers. Fortunately, no men were injured.
As the Federal pickets began falling back, Lieb placed his men on the levee behind cotton bales. His units consisted of the 8th, 9th, 11th, and 13th Louisiana Infantry Regiments (African Descent), 1st Mississippi Infantry (African Descent), and the 23d Iowa Infantry, totaling 1,061 men. The Black troops were recently recruited, poorly trained, and poorly armed. In many cases, they were also poorly led. But, they had the advantage of position, and were supported by the guns of the powerful ironclad Choctaw.
McCulloch placed his Texans into line of battle astride the Richmond road and drove the Federals from hedgerow to hedgerow. One Texans wrote, "It was impossible for our troops to keep in line of battle, owing to the many hedges we had to encounter, which it was impossible to pass, except through a few gaps that had been used as gates or passageways." Once passed the hedgerows, McCulloch reformed his brigade within twenty-five paces of the main Federal line. Shouting, "No quarter for the officers, kill the damned abolitionists," the Texans scaled the levee and closed on the enemy. A withering volley stunned the Southerners, but the poorly trained blacks were unable to reload their cumbersome weapons before the Texans were upon them. McCulloch reported, "The line was formed under a heavy fire from the enemy, and the troops charged the breastworks, carrying it instantly, killing and wounding many of the enemy by their deadly fire, as well as the bayonet." The brigadier noted, "This charge was resisted by the negro portion of the enemy's force with considerable obstinacy, while the white or true Yankee portion ran like whipped curs almost as soon as the charge was ordered."
Clubbed muskets and bayonets were freely used as the Texans surged over the cotton bale barricades atop the levee. Joseph P. Blessington of the 16th Texas recalled, "The enemy gave away and stampeded pell-mell over the levee, in great terror and confusion. Our troops followed after them, bayoneting them by hundreds." Sweeping through the Federal encampment, McCulloch's men raced toward the second levee next to the river. Their efforts, however, were driven back repeatedly by the rapid fire of Choctaw's big guns.
Unable to cross the levee, McCulloch's men mopped-up isolated pockets of resistance and plundered the Federal camp. The brigadier sent an urgent request to Walker for reinforcements, but before help arrived, McCulloch spotted a second gunboat, the Lexington, coming upriver. Realizing that his troops were no match for gunboats, and without waiting for Walker's arrival, McCulloch ordered a withdrawal to Oak Grove Plantation.
In the engagement at Milliken's Bend, McCulloch's Brigade suffered losses of 44 killed, 131 wounded, and 10 missing. The Texans, however, inflicted 652 casualties on the Federals of which number 101 were killed, 285 wounded, and 266 captured or missing.
*(Richard Waterhouse was the only colonel then serving in the Texas Division who would rise up to be named a brigadier general. Born in Rhea County, Tennessee, on January 12, 1832, he ran away from home to serve in the Mexican War. At the outbreak of the Civil War he helped raise the 19th Texas and on May 13, 1862, was named colonel of the regiment. He served in the Trans-Mississippi Department throughout the war and saw action in both Arkansas and Louisiana. "Assigned to command" as a brigadier general by Kirby Smith in 1864, Waterhouse was not officially appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate until March 1865.) https://www.nps.gov/vick/learn/historyculture/battle-of-millikens-bend-june-7-1863.htm

B+ Sunday, June 7, 1863 --- Battle of Milliken’s Bend, Louisiana. Under a plan proposed by the War Department in Richmond, and planned by Gen. Edmund Kirby-Smith, chief of the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, three columns of Southern infantry marched against three separate points believed to be key to Grant’s supply line at Vicksburg. (What Richmond did not know---nor apparently did Kirby-Smith---is that Grant no longer maintained a supply line on the west bank of the Mississippi River, and brought his supplies directly by ship to his new base on the Yazoo River near the Vicksburg lines.) These columns are commanded by Maj. Gen. Richard Taylor, a Louisianian, the son of Gen. (and later President) Zachary Taylor, and veteran of Jackson’s Shenandoah Valley Campaign the previous year. Taylor objects to the plan, arguing that no recent intelligence shows that the Yankees still kept a supply line on the west bank; he believed that his column should attack the scantily-garrisoned New Orleans, since most of Banks’ army is besieging Port Hudson. But Taylor’s plan is rejected.
Taylor has John G. Walker’s division of Texas troops to use for this campaign. Walker advances from Richmond, Louisiana, and splits his columns. (One column has already marched on Lake Providence, but never arrived.) Walker splits his division in two, sending one part toward reaches Young’s Point, just opposite the spot where the Yazoo entered the Mississippi---but these troops find the Union garrison in a cozy fortification, watched over by three Union gunboats. The third column, a brigade under Henry McCulloough, strikes the supply depot at Milliken’s Bend, garrisoned by a brigade of black troops, ncluding some recently raised regiments of contrabands, ill-trained. McCullough’s troops surge forward, in the face of stiff volleys from the black men in blue, and were able to flank the Federals, mowing down the Negro troops in large numbers on the exposed levee. However, in spite of the heavy losses, and their compromised position, the negro troops refuse to back down: they do not break. Soon, the USS Lexington and Choctaw appear on the river, and begin to shell the Rebels. The African Brigade is also reinforced by the 23rd Iowa Infantry Regiment. The Federals rally, and push the Rebels back inland, and pursue, inflicting scores of casualties on their former assailants. McCullough withdraws to Walnut Bayou, having captured some Federal troops and a few white officers. These black are sold into slavery, although Gen. McCullough makes a gift of several of them to one his officers. There are rumors that the Rebels have massacred some black prisoners, but no firm evidence exists for this.
The Union troops under Col. Lieb suffer over 600 casualties; McCullough’s Texans suffer 185. Union Victory.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1863
C Tuesday, June 7, 1864: Lee and Grant a two-hour truce to allow the Federals a chance to retrieve their wounded. However, by then few of the wounded were found alive as thousands had died under the summer sun during those five days. Grant later wrote, "I have always regretted that the last assault at Cold Harbor was ever made... No advantage whatever was gained to compensate for the heavy loss we sustained."
http://www.civilwar.org/battlefields/cold-harbor.html?tab=facts
C+ Tuesday, June 7, 1864 --- Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia [May 31-June 12, 1864] Day 7: At last, a truce is called between the two armies in order that burial teams may go out to bury the stench-ridden corpses from the last several days of fighting. By this time, of course, most of the wounded who had lain there for four days were dead. Northern newspapers will criticize Grant heavily for not making the truce sooner, but they are unaware that it was mostly Lee’s reticence that prevented an earlier truce.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1864
D Tuesday, June 7, 1864: Gen. Grant, seeing that Gen. Hunter and Crook, now combined in the Shenandoah Valley, has the potential to cross the Blue Ridge and capture Charlottesville, thus threatening Lee’s rear, decides on a comprehensive strategic shift. He send Sheridan with two divisions of cavalry westward to strike at Charlottesville and the railroads that supply Lee’s army. He also plans to shift the Army of the Potomac southward, from his left flank, to end run Lee’s men. Lee’s response is predictable: first, he pulls Breckinridge’s division off the lines and sends him post-haste to the Valley to stem the Union tide there; he also sends two divisions of cavalry to chase Sheridan and keep him busy.
http://civilwarsesquicentdaily-wolfshield.blogspot.com/search?q=June+7%2C+1864
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Civil War Timeline / Chronology for June 1862

Response by SFC William Farrell made Jun 9 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-06-09T21:43:20-04:00

Always good LTC Stephen F.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Jun 9 at 2016 10:35 PM

2016-06-09T22:35:43-04:00

Time for some great reading - Thanks LTC Stephen F.

Response by TSgt Joe C. made Jun 10 at 2016 12:55 AM

2016-06-10T00:55:37-04:00

I love the Civil War history! Thanks for the insight LTC Stephen F.,