Prior to the war and despite the growing abolitionist movement, discriminatory laws against black citizens were common in the North. Known as “black laws,” the regulations often prevented blacks from voting, serving on juries, testifying in court against a white person or signing contracts. Freedom, in short, while real nonetheless came with restrictions for black…
Today, while his forces are fanning out north of Savannah, U.S. General William T. Sherman is at Hilton Head, South Carolina. His movements are designed to convince Confederate forces that an attack on Charleston is imminent. The ruse works, confusing the enemy. In reality, Sherman’s goal is Columbia, the state’s capital. Meanwhile, in Springfield, Illinois…
In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley this day, Union forces deal a decisive blow to Confederates in the Battle of Cedar Creek. So conclusive is the Federal victory over Confederate General Jubal Early‘s army that Confederate resistance in the valley effectively comes to an end. Meanwhile, in Bridgeport, Alabama, Lewis Raymond, Baptist minister and chaplain of the…