Chronological History of the American Civil War

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was inflicted on the Federal ships, until the Cotton started to run low on ammunition. Captain Fuller ordered his men to cut off their pants legs, and tie the ends to make additional powder bags to extend the fight. The Union ships withdrew. Near Rose Hill, Missouri, Col. E.C. Catherwood (U.S.) learned that Col. William Quantrill and the Confederate guerrillas were in the area that his wagon train was heading through. Catherwood gathered up 150 men from his post and headed out after them. When they came near Harrisonville, the Federals discovered the burning remains of the Union wagon train. Catherwood found the trail of the guerrillas and followed it. When they were near Rose Hill, they finally caught up with the Confederates. A brief firefight ensued and the Federals chased after them. The Confederates managed to escape because the Union horses were too exhausted to continue. The Confederates suffered 8 killed. Tuesday, November 4, 1862 : Now moving south from Bolivar, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant (U.S.) enters La Grange and Grand Junction, Tennessee. More skirmishes at Jumpertown, Mississippi and reconnaissance missions from LaGrange toward Somerville, Tennessee. Just as it is now, it was election day across the northern states. In Lincoln’s own Republican party, the first time since the party was founded, Republicans lose 10 seats in Congress, but still held onto its control; dashing Confederate hopes that such a change might increase the odds of Congressional opposition to the war. Wednesday, November 5, 1862 : The blame for the government’s poor showing in the election was blamed on General McClellan, (U.S.) and his lack of action. Lincoln tells McClellan, “If you don't want to use the army, I should like to borrow it for a while.” His decision was made to replace him with General Ambrose E. Burnside as the new Commander of the Army of the Potomac. After his removal, McClellan will battle with Lincoln once more-- next time for the presidency, in 1864. McClellan will win the Democratic nomination, but would be easily defeated by his old boss. Also on this night, Col. William Quantrill and Col. Warner Lewis led their 300+ Confederate guerrillas to the town of Lamar, Kansas. Quantrill's men entered Lamar from the north and Lewis's men from the south. They were after the Union outpost located there. They rode down the streets to the courthouse, where they encountered Union soldiers. Capt. Martin Breeden (U.S.) and a company of the 8th Missouri Cavalry knew of the raid and were waiting for the Confederates. A firefight ensued for 1 1/2 hours. The Confederates were forced out of town, but not before setting 1/3 of the town's houses on fire and losing 6 killed & over 20 wounded. Thursday, November 6, 1862 : In southern elections, Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens are elected President and Vice-President, respectively, of the Confederate States of America. With a shift in command of the Northern Army of the Potomac, the South today, made a few changes itself. The Army of Northern Virginia (CSA) promoted James Longstreet from major general to lieutenant general and bestowed on him command of the First Corps of the Army. Likewise, Thomas Jonathan Jackson, known to press and peers as “Stonewall”, moved from and to the same ranks as Longstreet, the only difference being, that he was given command of the Second Corps. A New York to San Francisco direct telegraphic link are made for the first time. Friday, November 7, 1862 : Ambrose E. Burnside (U.S.) assumes command of the Army of the Potomac, relieving George B. McClellan. At Clark's Mill, Missouri after a 5 hour fight, 100 Union soldiers surrender to southern forces. This helped the Confederates to maintain a toehold in southwest Missouri. Saturday, November 8, 1862 : General Butler (U.S.) is relieved of his command of New Orleans. No one was quite sure why, Butler was replaced, but because of his total disregard of the civilian population, as a last act, Butler closes all breweries and distilleries to retaliate against the civilians there. It is thought that the political hierarchy in the capital believed that, he was using his command to boost his own wealth. General Banks (U.S.) replaced him. Sunday, November 9, 1862 : After five days of paper-shuffling and delays, caused by both bureaucracy and the limitations of travel time, it took until today for General Ambrose Burnside (U.S.) to assume command of the Army of Potomac as ordered by the President. Burnside did not want an army command, and had told Lincoln so; when the President offered him the job. He felt it was beyond his capabilities,