On This Day - 4th January Prev / Next
Friday January 4 1861
- The US Arsenal at Mount Vernon, AL, under Capt. Jesse L. Reno, is seized by the Alabama state troops by order of Governor A. B. Moore.
Saturday January 4 1862
- The occupation of Bath, WV, by Maj. Gen. Thomas J.Jackson, CSA.
- Skirmishes at Slane's Cross-Roads, Great Cacapon Bridge, Sir John's Run, and Alpine Depot, WV, with Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, CSA.
Sunday January 4 1863
- Brig. Gen. Roger Weightman Hanson, CSA, dies from wounds he received at the Battle of Murfreesboro, TN on Jan 2.
- The unauthorized Federal expedition by Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand, USA, against, and the successful capture of Arkansas Post or Fort Hindman, AR. (Jan 4-17)
- Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand, USA, assumes command of the Army of the Mississippi.
- The unauthorized transfer of the Army of the Mississippi from Milliken's Bend, LA, to the mouth of the White River, AR, by Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand, USA. (Jan 4-8)
- Federal scout from Ozark, MO, to Dubuque, AR. (Jan 4-6)
- Federal operations against Indians in the New Mexico Territory. (Jan 4-May 8)
- The USS Quaker City captures a Confederate blockade runner off the coast of Charleston, SC.
- Skirmish on the Manchester Pike, TN, as Gen. Braxton Bragg, CSA, withdraws to Manchester, TN.
- Skirmish at Monterey, TN.
- Skirmish at Murfreesborough, TN.
- Maj. Gen. John F. Reynolds, USA, resumes the command of the 1st US Army Corps, the Army of the Potomac, VA.
Monday January 4 1864
- Affair at Lockwood's Folly Inlet, NC.
- Federal operations about Sparta, TN, where the Union men kill, wound, and capture bushwackers, recapture supplies taken from sutlers, seize Confederate stragglers, horses, arms, clothing, etc. (Jan 4-14)
- In an unpopular move, President Jefferson Davis authorizes Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA, to requisition food supplies from the civilian population.
Wednesday January 4 1865
- Skirmish near Thorn Hill, AL, with remnants of the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
- Federal expedition from Brownsville, across the White River aboard the steamers, Belle Peoria and Ella, to Augusta, AR. The Yankees seize 407 head of cattle, sending 330 head back by boat to Devall's Bluff; the men got their stomach's full at the expense of the Confederates. (Jan 4-27)
- Skirmish at the Ponds, MS, along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, as Brig. Gen. Benjamin H. Grierson's expedition which began back on Dec 21, effectively comes to an end, with a partial list of destruction: 200,000 feet of bridges and trestle-work; 10 miles of track (rails bent and ties burned); 20 miles of telegraph (poles cut down and wire destroyed), 14 locomotives and tenders, 95 railroad cars, over 300 army wagons, 30 warehouses full of Confederate commissaries, machine shops, 5,000 new arms, 700 head of fat hogs, immense amount of grain, etc..
- Federal expedition from Bloomfield to Poplar Bluff, MO, and vicinity, as the Yankees brave ice and snow, crossing swamps, and swimming across the St. Francis River. The men suffer greatly from exposure to the elements, but manage to kill 19 Confederates, wounding and capturing more, in addition to seizing depleted Confederate stock. (Jan 4-16)
- The 2nd expedition to Fort Fisher, near Wilmington, NC, embarks at Bermuda Landing, VA, Brig. Gen. Alfred H. Terry, USA, commanding the armed forces and Admiral David D. Porter, USN, commanding the large naval fleet. Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, USA, remaining behind this time. 1/4-5/1865.
On This Day information kindly provided by Martin Cross, 2nd U.S. Artillery, Bty B.