Today in the American Civil War

Today in the Civil War April 7

1861-P. G. T. Beauregard orders all transports to Fort Sumter cut off. This ended the fort's supply of fresh food.

1862-Island No. 10, in the Mississippi River downstream from New Madrid, is captured. More than 5,000 Confederates are taken prisoner.

1862-Union General Ulysses S. Grant pushed the Confederates, now under General Pierre G. T. Beauregard, back to Corinth. The previous day Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston had conducted a surprise attack that forced Union troops back to Shiloh. (Battle of Shiloh).

1862-Skirmish, Columbia Furnace, Shenandoah County Virginia.

1863-A fleet of 9 Union ironclads under the command of Samuel Dupont sailed into Charleston Harbor and attacked Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter. Sumter is visibly damaged but the Confederate batteries from the shore heavily damage the 9 ironclads and they are forced to withdraw. Naval occupation of the harbor is ruled out.

1864-James Longstreet recalled to Virginia.

1865-Grant begins communication with Lee known as the "Surrender Letters."

1865-Engagement at High Bridge, Virginia concludes.

1865-Engagement at Cumberland Church, Virginia.