ACWS - On This Day in the American Civil War 2nd January

President James Buchanan refuses to receive a letter from the South Carolina Commissioners, who, wanting to reach an agreeable solution, inform the President of the situation of Major Robert Anderson's' USA, men at Fort Sumter, SC, and of their unprotected position. This letter prompts the United States Government to order reinforcements for Fort Sumter, SC.
Fort Johnson, Charleston Harbor, SC, which has been evacuated by the US troops and stands empty, is seized by the South Carolina state troops.
The US Government orders that the naval vessel, the USS Brooklyn, stationed at Norfolk, VA, be readied for the possible aid of Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, SC.
Charles Pomeroy Stone, Inspector General, USA, is placed in charge of securing the safety of the nation's capital, Washington, DC.

The Honorable William G. Brownlow states his case to President Jefferson Davis, and asks leave to withdraw from the Confederacy, East Tennessee.

James Murrell Schackelford, USA, is appointed Brig. Gen.
Skirmish at White Spring, Boston Mountains, AR, with Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke, CSA.
Union forces, under Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman, USA, re-embark and proceed to Milliken's Bend, LA, giving up in their attempt on Vicksburg, MS. (Jan 2-3)
New Madrid, MO, is reoccupied by the Union forces.
Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest's, CSA, Cavalry recrosses the Tennessee River at Clifton, TN.
Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan's, CSA, Cavalry recrosses the Cumberland River, TN.
Skirmish between Fort Donelson and Fort Henry, TN, with an attack by Spaulding's Confederate guerrillas with Spaulding being killed.
The 2nd day of fighting at Murfreesboro, or Stone's River, TN, sees Maj. Gen. John C. Breckinridge, CSA, repulsed by Maj. Gen. William S. Rosecran, USA, with total combined casualties of about 24,500.
Brig. Gen. Roger Weightman Hanson, CSA, is mortally wounded at the Battle of Murfreesboro, TN, while leading his men in a charge, dying two days later.
Skirmish at Jonesville, Lee County, VA.
Brig. Gen. James S. Wadsworth, USA, is temporarily in command of the 1st US Army Corps, the Army of the Potomac, VA.
Skirmish at Bath Springs, WV.
Federal expedition to Moorefield and Petersburg, WV. (Jan 2-5)

The Federal occupation of Santa Catalina Island, off Los Angeles, C A.
Skirmish at La Grange, TN.
Senator George Davis from North Carolina, succeeds Wade Keyes as Attorney General of the Confederate States of America.

Engagement at Franklin, MS, with Confederates along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, as Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson's latest Federal expedition moves on.
Skirmish at Lexington, MS, with Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson, USA.
Federal scout for bushwackers in Shannon County, MO, with excursions to Jack's Ford, Birch Prairie and within 8 miles of Thomasville. The Yankees report the whole county is full of bushwackers as the notorious guerrilla, Freeman, disbanded his whole army until spring. While the Federals were down in Shannon County, the guerrillas were active in Texas County in the neighborhood of Rolla, MO, robbing several families of everything they had. (Jan 2-7)
Federal scout from Fort Wingate to Sierra del Datil, the New Mexico Territory, as they followed the trail of Indians who stole a number of sheep from people residing near the post. After forced Marches in severe snow-storms, the Yankees give up trying to catch the thieves. The Union men living on boiled wheat for 3 days. (Jan 2-10)
Federal scout from Benvard's Mills to South Quay, VA, on the Blackwater.
Bvt. Maj. Gen. Samuel W. Crawford, USA, is placed in temporary command of the 5th US Army Corps, the Richmond, VA, Campaign.
Brig. Gen. Charles Devens, USA, is placed in temporary command of the 24th US Army Corps, the Richmond, VA, Campaign.

On This Day information kindly provided by Martin Cross, 2nd U.S. Artillery, Bty B.