Chronological History of the American Civil War

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Friday, February 17, 1865 : Lt. Cornelius C. Platter (U.S.) with the 81st Ohio Infantry Regiment, during march North through the Carolinas writes in his diary: “This has been a day long to be remembered - We entered the Capital of the state. which first passed the Ordinance of Secession. We rec’d orders to march at 7 a.m. but we did not get off at the time ordered. After breakfast Lieut Johnson Captain McCain and I, went down to Broad River. Our men were busy laying pontoons. Col Stones Brigade 1st Div 15 A. C was thrown across in pontoon boats and were advancing and driving the enemy easily before them. At 12 N. we rec’d orders to move with 4 day's Rations and no transportation allowed, except one ambulance. We crossed Broad River in rear of 1st Div and went through Columbia with bands playing Colors flying, etc. It was indeed a grand sight to see a “victorious army” marching through the “stronghold of secession.” A great many stores were plundered and the negroes were wild with delight. A great many soldiers were drunk having obtained whiskey from a distillery. Columbia was quite a nice city. Contains some splendid residencies - The new state House will be a splendid edifice, when completed. We went in camp one mile from the city - 15th Corps in line of battle. About dusk excitement and as the wind was very high, it was just impossible to extinguish the flames. The boys were loaded with delicacies. Tobacco was plenty - more than we know, what to do with - Most of it was taken from the stores in the city. The burning of Columbia does not reflect much credit on our army - A very disgraceful affair - but whisky done it and not the soldiers.” Confederate forces, under Lieut. General William J. Hardee, (CSA) evacuate Charleston and heads to Cheraw, South Carolina. The Union troops finally retake Fort Sumter. Major General Jacob D. Cox (U.S.) moves his men towards Fort Anderson (CSA). At Fort Buchanan (U.S.) in the Arizona Territory, Apaches Indians on the warpath attack the Fort; capturing rations, weapons, killing and mutilating some Federal soldiers, before fleeing. Saturday, February 18, 1865: General Sherman (U.S.) orders the burning of all important buildings, railroad tracks, and military stores that were not already burned by the fire that, swept through Columbia, South Carolina. Near Wilmington, North Carolina, Union troops bombards Fort Anderson, and Cox’s men arrive south of Wilmington. The Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina, surrenders control of the city to Union Brigadier General Alexander Schimmelfennig (U.S.). The city has been under siege since July 10, 1863, but with the fall of Fort Sumter, it was hopeless in Charleston. The Confederate commerce raider, C.S.S. Shenandoah , leaves the port of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday, February 19, 1865 : Yesterday a Federal expedition left from Camp Averell (near Winchester) into Loudoun County, Virginia. The Federals take 2 deserters, from Lieut. Col. John S. Mosby’s (CSA) command along to point out the houses, that belonged to Mosby’s men. Today, they found more than they wanted at at Ashby’s Gap, as the Yankees find themselves being attacked by a superior Confederate Cavalry force, when the majority of the expeditionary force is either killed, captured, or wounded (78 men). Near Wilmington, North the city was set on fire (pictured) and from then. until midnight the fire raged, and as the wind was blowing fiercely the sight is said to have beggared description. -- It was indeed grand as seen from our Camp. The streets were full of drunken soldiers, guards, firemen, women and children, etc. All was confusion &