A contingent of Union General William T. Sherman‘s troops, under the command of General Hugh Judson Kilpatrick, have been on the march toward Fayetteville, North Carolina. Nearby Confederates, however, learn of the enemy’s intentions and today carry out a surprise attack at Monroe’s Crossroads. The Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads is a dizzying affair that lasts…
While Union forces under Sherman overwhelm South Carolina, Confederate legislators in Mississippi struggle to cope with the public despair evident in their state. Called by governor Charles Clark, a special session of the legislature convenes this day at the First Baptist Church in Columbus. There is little to no good news in sight. The numbers…
In Virginia, Union cavalry raiders continue their retreat to safety following several weeks of partially successful attempts to disrupt Confederate rail lines. Today they are surprised yet again by an unexpected encounter with a contingent of Confederate forces in what becomes known as the First Battle of Ream’s Station. Outnumbered about 7,000 to 4,000, Federal…