Chronological History of the American Civil War

P a g e | 203

June had been one of the worst months for both sides with over a total of 43,000 casualties. Unless something changes neither side could withstand these kinds of losses. President Lincoln’s election was in trouble and in the South, President Davis was drafting anyone that could walk. Friday, July 1, 1864 : Yesterday, when Abraham Lincoln had finally accepted the resignation of Secretary of the Treasury, powerful politician and presidential hopeful Salmon P. Chase, he about fell down in shock, when Lincoln finally took him up on it. Reluctant to give up this post in the Finance Committee of the U.S. Senate for a Cabinet position, William Pitt Fessenden of Maine was named by Lincoln as Chase’s replacement in the Treasury post. It was fortunate that he accepted, as the Treasury Department was a mess under Chase’s management, and improves greatly under his successor. A Federal expedition, from Fort Myers sailed for Bayport on the west coast of Florida, near Cedar Keys. It was composed of the 2nd U.S. Colored Infantry and the 2nd Union Florida Cavalry [white], some 240 men in all. Their mission is to destroy railroad tracks, cotton, mills, livestock, storehouses, etc. The fighting continues in Georgia at Allatoona, Howell’s Ferry and Lost Mountain. Saturday, July 2, 1864: General Joseph E. Johnston (CSA) withdraws from Kennesaw Mountain to below Marietta, Georgia. Skirmish on the Byhalia, Mississippi Road, 10 miles south of Collierville, Tennessee, as the Confederates achieve an early victory, but the Federals regroup and drive the Rebels off. General Lee (CSA) ordered that Confederate troops had to destroy the Baltimore to Ohio railway. If this was successful, it would greatly hinder the movement of Union troops should they be required to defend the capital. Sunday, July 3, 1864 : The Memphis Daily Appeal [Atlanta, Georgia] reported: “Our readers are aware that when Forrest tackled Sturgis, the headquarters of the latter were at Brice’s house, at the crossroads of that name. It is said that the Yankee general was in high spirits as courier after courier came in repeating that they were driving the enemy, and rewarded the bringer of good tidings with a drink from his private bottle, at the same time partaking freely himself. At last, a messenger came in with a different story. “What’s the news?” asked the general. “Well, sir, they have broken through the line and are flanking us!” This took him quite by surprise, and calling Mrs. Brice, he said, “Madam, I know you are a Rebel, but I believe you will answer me a question,” Certainly, general, if I can,” was the reply. “Tell me, then, he asked, “whom am I fighting and how many men has he?” “You are fighting General Forrest,” said the lady, “and he has about fifteen thousand men.” “The H_ll he has!” exclaimed the general, then it is time to leave here.” And he left.” At Buckton, Virginia, Lieut. General Jubal Early (CSA) drives Major General Franz Sigel (U.S.) across the Potomac River into Maryland. Washington, D.C. was awash with rumours that the South was about to launch an attack on it; the numbers talked about were grossly inflated, but this would have fitted in with Lee’s desire to destroy the Ohio-Baltimore railway. General Sherman continues his advance on Atlanta, not by attacking head on again, but more flanking movements. Monday, July 4, 1864 : The headlines read, “Retreating Joe” Johnston, as he is now called in the Richmond papers, withdraws to his previously prepared Chattahoochee River Line. In some places Sherman’s forces, were actually nearer to Atlanta than Southern troops. Union troops leave Memphis for Grand Gulf, Mississippi on steamers. It has been one year since the fall of Vicksburg and Gettysburg, nothing to celebrate today in the South.