10/26, October 26th In Civil War History

Jimklag

Lt. Colonel
Joined
Mar 3, 2017
Location
Chicagoland
on this day 4.jpg
On this day in Civil War history
Compiled by Mitchell Werksman and Jim Klag

October 26, 1804 - Lorenzo Thomas, American Brevet Major General (Union Army), born in New Castle, Delaware (d. 1875)

October 26, 1810 - US annexes western Florida.

October 26, 1824 - Arthur Middleton Manigault, Brigadier General (Confederate Army), born in Charleston, South Carolina (d. 1886)

October 26, 1830 - Stephen Elliott, Jr., Brigadier General (Confederate Army), born in Beaufort, South Carolina (d. 1866)

October 26, 1837 - James Lawlor Kieran, Irish-American Brigadier General (Union Army), born in Mountbellew, County Galway (d. 1869)

October 26, 1861 - Pony Express (Missouri to California) shuts down after 19 months in operation.

October 26, 1861 - William Henry Carroll, CSA, is appointed Brig. Gen.

October 26, 1861 - Brig. Gen. Alexander Robert Lawton, CSA, is assigned to the command of the Confederate Dept. of Georgia.

October 26, 1861 - Federal expedition to Eddyville and skirmish at Saratoga, KY, by Brig. Gen. C. F. Smith, USA, transported aboard the USS Conestoga.

October 26, 1961 - Maj. Gen. John Charles Fremont, USA, commanding the Western Dept., and Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, Missouri State Guard, commanding the Confederate forces in Missouri, conclude an agreement for the exchange of POW's.

October 26, 1861 - Col. George Wright, 9th US Infantry, assumes the command of the Dept. of the Pacific.

October 26, 1861 - Action at Romney, or Mill Creek Mills, WV, where Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, USA, forces a Confederate withdrawal.

October 26, 1861 - Skirmish at the South Branch Bridge, WV.

October 26, 1861 - Skirmish near Springfield, WV.

October 26, 1862 - Major General Samuel Heintzelman [US] is put in command of Union forces protecting Washington D. C., replacing Nathaniel Banks.

October 26, 1862 - The Union Army of the Mississippi is discontinued.

October 26, 1862 - Operations in Loudoun, Faquier, and Rappahannock Counties, VA, as Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, USA, crosses the Potomac River with the Army of the Potomac. (Oct 26-Nov 10)

October 26, 1863 - Stephen Miller, USA, is appointed Brig. Gen.

October 26, 1863 - Skirmishes near Cane Creek and at Barton's Station, AL, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.

October 26, 1863 - Skirmish in Johnson County, AR, with Col. Joseph Shelby, CSA.

October 26, 1863 - Maj. Gen. Napoleon J. T. Dana, USA, assumes the command of the 13th US Army Corps, LA.

October 26, 1863 - Skirmish at Vincent's Cross-Roads, near Bay Springs, MS, as the Federals move to intercept a raiding party reported to be on their return from Walker County, AL.

October 26, 1863 - Federal scout from Cape Girardeau to Doniphan, MO, and Pocahontas, AR. (Oct 26-Nov 12)

October 26, 1863 - Skirmish at King's House, near Waynesville, MO.

October 26, 1863 - Skirmish at Warm Springs, NC.

October 26, 1863 - 2nd massive Federal bombardment of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, SC, gets under way.

October 26, 1863 - The Reopening of the Tennessee River, (the "cracker line") by Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker, USA, from Virginia, crosses the river at Bridgeport, AL, moving eastward toward Chattanooga, TN, including skirmish at Brown's Ferry, (Oct 27) and engagement at Wauhatchie, TN. (Oct 28 & 29)

October 26, 1863 - Skirmish at Jones'Hill, TN.

October 26, 1863 - Skirmishes at and near Sweet Water, TN. (Oct 26-27)

October 26, 1863 - Confederate attack led by Maj. John S. Mosby, CSA, and 50 Partisan Rangers, on a 50 wagon train 2 miles from New Baltimore, and Warrenton where there are large Union camps. Union cavalry arrives in time to prevent Mosby from burning many wagons, although he does make off with 145 horses and mules and upwards of 30 Negroes and Yankees before losing many of his horses in the dark.

October 26, 1863 - Skirmish at Ravens wood, WV.

October 26, 1864 - The siege of Petersburg is ongoing.

October 26, 1864 - Battle of Decatur, Alabama.

October 26, 1864 - Federal expedition from Brownsville to Cotton Plant, AR. (Oct 26-Nov 2)

October 26, 1864 - Federal expedition from Little Rock to Irving's Plantation, AR. (Oct 26-28)

October 26, 1864 - Federal expedition from Atlanta to Trickum's Crossroads, GA, and skirmishes (Oct 27) near Trickum's Crossroads and Lawrenceville. (Oct 26-29)

October 26, 1864 - Federal scout from Vidalia to the York Plantation, LA. (Oct 26-27)

October 26, 1864 - Skirmish at Albany, MO, with Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, CSA.

October 26, 1864 - Skirmish near Glasgow, MO, with Maj. Gen. Sterling Price, CSA.

October 26, 1864 - The outlaw Confederate guerrilla, "Bloody" Bill Anderson, is killed in a Federal ambush near Richmond, MO.

October 26, 1864 - Affair in Scott County, VA, as the Federals kill the notorious guerrilla leader, Capt. Burleson.

October 26, 1864 - Skirmish at Winfield, WV, with Confederate Cavalry.
 
Battle of Decatur:
Today marks the start of the 157th​ anniversary of the Battle of Decatur. The Battle of Decatur was fought October 26th​ – 29th​. The battle took place in Decatur Alabama. The result of the battle was a union victory. Union Army Commander was Brig. General Robert S. Granger. Union army casualties and losses were 155. Confederate Army commander was General John Bell Hood. Confederate Army casualties and losses were 450.
 
October 26th Civil War Events timeline:
October 26, 1861 (This day fell on a Saturday):
  • Federal troops under Brig. General Kelley took Romney, an important post in the northern part of western Virginia with small losses.
  • There was action reported at South Branch Bridge and Springfield Western Virginia.
  • The Federal converted gunboat U.S.S. Conestoga carried Union troops up the Cumberland River for a successful attack on Saratoga Kentucky.
  • Federal Colonel George Wright formally assumed command of the Department of the Pacific succeeding Edwin V. Sumner.
  • October 26, 1862 (This day fell on a Sunday):
  • The Army of the Potomac, nearly idle since the Battle of Antietam in mid – September, began crossing the Potomac into Virginia.
  • Confederate General Braxton Bragg completed the evacuation of Kentucky, retiring into Tennessee toward Knoxville and Chattanooga.
  • Samuel Heintzelman succeeded Banks in command of the defenses of Washington D.C.
  • There were operations October 26th – November 10th in Loudoun, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties of Virginia.
  • Indianola Texas fell to Union gunboats.
  • In Washington President Lincoln wrote General McClellan that he "rejoiced" that the army had begun to cross the Potomac. In an interview with the English Quaker leader Mrs. Eliza Gurney President Lincoln is reported to have said "If I had my way, this war would never have been commenced; If I had been allowed my way this war would have ended before this, but we find it still continues."
  • October 26, 1863 (This day fell on a Monday):
  • Grant's operations to reopen the Tennessee River route into Chattanooga got under way.
  • Joseph Hooker's force from Virginia crossed the Tennessee at Bridgeport and moved eastward toward Chattanooga.
  • The guns roared at Charleston as the second great bombardment opened from land and sea. Guns and mortars fired on into the night.
  • Shelby fought in Johnson County Arkansas after his lengthy Missouri raid, and a fight broke out at King's House near Waynesville Missouri.
  • Confederates attacked a wagon train near New Baltimore Virginia.
  • Action was reported at Ravenswood West Virginia.
  • Action was reported at Warm Springs North Carolina
  • Action was reported at Jones Hill and Sweet Water Tennessee.
  • Action was reported at Vincent's Cross Roads near Bay Springs Mississippi.
  • Action was reported near Cane Creek and Barton's Station Alabama
  • Until November 15th Federal troops operated Cape Girardeau to Doniphan Missouri and Pocahontas Arkansas.
  • October 26, 1864 (This day fell on a Wednesday):
  • The Army of Tennessee at Decatur Alabama demonstrated against the Federals holding the position and they proceeded westward giving up any idea of crossing the Tennessee River at Decatur.
  • Skirmishing was reported near Glasgow and Albany Missouri marked Price's continuing retreat.
  • By now Pleasanton believed the pursuit had gone far enough and took his two brigades to Fort Scott Kansas. A squabble over command seriously hindered the follow – up. But Curtis continued marching against Price.
  • Confederate guerrilla Bloody Bill Anderson was killed in an ambush near Richmond Missouri.
  • Small fighting was reported at Scott County Virginia
  • Small fighting was reported at Winfield West Virginia
  • Federal expedition operated from Vidalia to the York Plantation in Louisiana.
  • Federal expedition operated from Little Rock to Irving's Plantation in Arkansas.
  • Federal expedition operated from Brownsville to Cotton Plant Arkansas.
 
Battle of Decatur:
Today marks the start of the three – day Battle of Decatur. This battle took place on October 26th thru October 29th, 1864. The battle was one of the first of the Franklin – Nashville Campaign. The battle was fought in Decatur Alabama which is located in Morgan County Alabama.



Result of Battle: Union Victory :us34stars:



Union Army Commander:
Brig. General Robert S. Granger (Ohio) 1816 – 1894

Union Army Strength:
- (between 3,000 and 5,000)

Union Army Casualties and Losses: 155



Confederate Army Commander:
General John Bell Hood (Kentucky) 1831 – 1879

Confederate Army Strength: - (around 39,000)

Confederate Army Casualties and Losses: 450

Decatur_Battlefield_Alabama.jpg
 
October 26, 1804: Today marks the birthday of Union Brig. General Lorenzo Thomas. General Thomas was born in New Castle Delaware. In 1823 Thomas graduated from West Point Military Academy standing 17th in the class. Thomas was a career military officer rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel and Chief of Staff to General Winfield Scott by the start of the Civil War. In 1861 Thomas was promoted to Colonel and Assistant Adjutant General of the United States Army. From 1861 thru 1863 Thomas was Assistant Adjutant General of the United States Army. From 1861 thru 1869 Thomas was Brigadier General and Assistant Adjutant General of the United States Army. From 1863 thru 1865 Thomas organized African American Soldiers. From 1867 thru 1869 Thomas did Inspection tour of National cemeteries. In 1868 Thomas was acting United States Secretary of War. General Thomas retired from the United States Army on February 22, 1869. Brig. General Lorenzo Thomas died on March 2, 1875 in Washington D.C. at the age of 70 years old. General Thomas is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington D.C.



October 26, 1824:
Today marks the birthday of Confederate Brig. General Arthur Middleton Manigault. General Manigault was born in Charleston South Carolina. Manigault attended Charleston College but didn't graduate. From 1841 thru 1846 Manigault was Export businessman in Charleston South Carolina. From 1846 thru 1856 Manigault was a commission Merchant in Charleston. During the Mexican – American War Manigault served as 1st Lt. From 1856 thru 1861 Manigault was a rice plantation owner in Georgetown South Carolina. In 1861 Manigault was Lt. Colonel and Inspector during the Battle of Fort Sumter. From 1861 thru 1863 Manigault was Colonel of 10th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. In 1863 thru 1865 Manigault was Brigadier General. In 1864 General Manigault was wounded at the Battle of Resaca. He would be wounded again at the Battle of Franklin. After the Civil War from 1864 thru 1886 Manigault was Rice Plantation Manager in Georgetown South Carolina. From 1880 thru 1886 Manigault served as South Carolina State Adjutant General. Brig. General Arthur Manigault died on August 17, 1886 in South Island South Carolina at the age of 61 years old. General Manigault is buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Charleston South Carolina.



October 26, 1830:
Today marks the birthday of Confederate Brig. General Stephen Elliott Jr. General Elliott was born in Beaufort South Carolina. In 1850 Elliott graduated from South Carolina College. Before the Civil War Elliott was a planter in Paris Island South Carolina. Elliott served as South Carolina State Representative. He would be captain of South Carolina Militia Artillery. Elliott was known for his skills in Yachting and fishing. In 1861 Elliott was Captain in 11th South Carolina Infantry Regiment. In 1861 Elliott was wounded in the leg at the Battle of Fort Beauregard. From 1862 thru 1863 Elliott was Chief of Artillery for 3rd Military District of South Carolina. In 1863 Elliott was Major of Confederate Army Artillery. From 1863 thru 1864 Elliott was Lt. Colonel of Confederate Army Artillery. In 1863 Elliott was wounded in the head during the bombardment of Charleston. From 1863 thru 1864 Elliott was Colonel of Holcombe's South Carolina Legion. From 1864 thru 1865 Elliott was Brigadier General. After the Civil War Elliott was a fisherman in Charleston South Carolina. He would be elected State Representative again but died before taking office. Brig. General Stephen Elliott died on February 21, 1866 in Aiken South Carolina at the age of 35 years old. General Elliott is buried at Saint Helena's Episcopal Churchyard in Beaufort South Carolina.



October 26, 1837:
Today marks the birthday of Union Brig. General James Lawlor Kiernan. General Kiernan was born in Mountbellew County Galway Ireland. Kiernan attended Trinity College in Dublin Ireland. In 1857 Kiernan graduated from New York University Academy of Medicine. From 1857 thru 1861 Kiernan was a medical doctor on the lower East side of New York. From 1859 thru 1861 Kiernan was publisher of New York Medical Press. In 1861 Kiernan was assistant surgeon of 69th New York Militia Regiment. In 1862 Kiernan was surgeon for 6th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. From 1862 thru 1863 Kiernan was major of 6th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. In 1863 at the Battle of Port Gibson Kiernan was wounded in the left lung. He was captured at Port Gibson but escaped. In 1863 Kiernan resigned as Surgeon of 6th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. From 1863 thru 1864 Kiernan was Brigadier General. Kiernan resigned from the Union Army on February 3, 1864. General Kiernan was United States Consular at Chinkiag China. He would be a medical doctor in New York City New York. He would serve as examining physician in United States Pension bureau. Brig. General James Kiernan died on November 26, 1869 in New York City New York at the age of 32 years old. General Kiernan is buried at Green – Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn New York.

Thomas.jpg


Manigault.jpg


Elliott.jpg


Kiernan.jpg
 
Back
Top