The FReeper Foxhole Remembers The Vicksburg Campaign (March - July, 1863)

Battle of Raymond
May 12, 1863

On the morning of May 12, 1863, Major General James B. McPherson's XVII Corps was marching along the road from Utica toward Raymond. Shortly before 10:00 a.m., the Union skirmish line swept over a ridge and moved cautiously through open fields into the valley of Fourteenmile Creek, southwest of Raymond. Suddenly a deadly volley ripped into their ranks from the woods which lined the almost-dry stream. During the course of the battle, McPherson massed 22 guns astride the road to support his infantry.

Confederate artillery also roared into action, announcing the presence of Brigadier General John Gregg's battle-hardened brigade. The ever-combative Gregg decided to strike with his 3,000-man brigade, turn the Federal right flank, and capture the entire force. Faulty intelligence led Gregg to believe that he faced only a small Union force, when in reality McPherson's 10,000-man corps was on the road before him.

Thick clouds of smoke and dust obscured the field and neither commander accurately assessed the size of the force in his front. Gregg enjoyed initial success, but as successive Confederate regiments attacked across the creek en echelon to the left, resistance stiffened and it became clear that a much larger Federal force was on the field. By early afternoon, the Confederate attack was checked and Union forces counterattacked.

Union brigades continued to arrive on the field and deploy in line of battle on either side of the Utica road. In piecemeal fashion, McPherson's men pushed forward at 1:30 p.m. and drove the Confederates back across Fourteenmile Creek. The fighting which ensued was of the most confused nature for neither commander knew where their units were or what they were doing.

Union strength of numbers, however, prevailed. The Confederate right flank along the Utica road broke under renewed pressure, and Gregg had no alternative but to retire from the field. His regiments retreated through Raymond and out the Jackson road bivouacking for the night near Snake Creek. There was no Federal pursuit as McPherson's troops bedded down for the night in and around the town.

The fight at Raymond cost Gregg 73 killed, 252 wounded, and 190 missing, most of whom were from the 3rd Tennessee and the 7th Texas. McPherson's losses totaled 446 of whom 68 were killed, 341 wounded, and 37 missing.

Battle of Jackson
May 14, 1863

The engagement at Raymond led Grant to change the direction of his army's march and move on Jackson, the state capital. It was Grant's intention to destroy Jackson as a rail and communications center and scatter any Confederate reinforcements which might be on the way to Vicksburg. McPherson's Corps moved north through Raymond to Clinton on May 13, while Major General William T. Sherman pushed northeast through Raymond to Mississippi Springs. To cover the march on Jackson, Major General John A. McClernand's Corps was placed in a defensive posture on a line from Raymond to Clinton.

Late in the afternoon of May 13, as the Federals were poised to strike at Jackson, a train arrived in the capital city carrying Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston. Ordered to Jackson by President Jefferson Davis, Johnston was to salvage the rapidly deteriorating situation in Mississippi. Establishing his headquarters at the Bowman House, General Johnston was appraised of troop strength and the condition of the fortifications around Jackson. He immediately wired authorities in Richmond, "I am too late." Instead of fighting for Jackson, Johnston ordered the city evacuated. Gregg was ordered to fight a delaying action to cover the evacuation.

A heavy rain fell during the night which turned the roads into mud. Advancing slowly through a torrential rain, the corps of Sherman and McPherson converged on Jackson by mid-morning of May 14. Around 9 o'clock, the lead elements of McPherson's corps were fired upon by Confederate artillery posted on the O. P. Wright farm. Quickly deploying his men into line of battle, the Union corps commander prepared to attack. Suddenly, the rain fell in sheets and threatened to ruin the ammunition of his men by soaking the powder in their cartridge-boxes. The attack was postponed until the rain stopped around 11:00 a.m. The Federals then advanced with bayonets fixed and banners unfurled. Clashing with the Confederates in a bitter hand-to-hand struggle, McPherson's men forced the Southerners back into the fortifications of Jackson.

Sherman's corps meanwhile reached Lynch Creek southwest of Jackson at 11 o'clock and was immediately fired upon by Confederate artillery posted in the open fields north of the stream. Union cannon were hurried into position and in short order drove the Confederates back into the city's defenses. The stream was bank full and Sherman's men crossed on a narrow wooden bridge. Reforming their lines, the Federals advanced at 2:00 p.m. until they were stopped by canister fire. Not wishing to expose his men to the deadly fire, Sherman sent one regiment to the right (east) in search of a weak spot in the defense line. These men reached the works and found them deserted, only a handful of state troops and civilian volunteers were left to man the guns in Sherman's front.

At 2:00 p.m., Gregg was notified that the army's supply train had left Jackson and decided to withdraw his command. The Confederates moved quickly to evacuate the city and were well out the Canton Road to the north when Union troops entered Jackson around 3 o'clock. The "Stars and Stripes" were unfurled atop the capitol by McPherson's men, symbolic of Union victory.

Confederate casualties in the battle of Jackson were not accurately reported, but estimated at 845 killed, wounded, and missing. In addition, 17 artillery pieces were taken by the Federals. Union casualties totaled 300 men of whom 42 were killed, 251 wounded, and 7 missing.

Not wishing to waste combat troops on occupation, Grant ordered Jackson neutralized militarily. The torch was applied to machine shops and factories, telegraph lines were cut, and railroad tracks destroyed. With Jackson neutralized and Johnston's force scattered to the winds, Grant turned his army west with confidence toward his objective--Vicksburg.

Battle of Champion Hill
May 16, 1863

Early on the morning of May 16, 1863, General Grant received news that Confederate forces were at Edwards Station preparing to march east. He ordered his columns forward. Moving westward from Bolton and Raymond, blueclad soldiers slogged over rapidly drying roads in three parallel columns. About 7 a.m. the southernmost column made contact with Confederate pickets near the Davis Plantation and shots rang out. The battle of Champion Hill,the decisive engagement of the Vicksburg campaign, had begun.

Once contact had been made, Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton, the Confederate commander, quickly deployed his three divisions. The Confederate battleline, three miles in length, ran from southwest to northeast along the military crest of a ridge overlooking Jackson Creek. The crest of Champion Hill, on the left of the line, was picketed as a security measure. Pemberton's position was suited for defense and was especially formidable against attacks via the Middle and Raymond roads. The Confederate commander, however, was unaware that a strong Union force was pushing down the Jackson Road toward his unprotected left flank. If unchecked, this Union force would capture Edwards and cut the Confederates off from their base of operation--Vicksburg.

Shortly after 9 a.m. a courier brought warning of the Federal advance along the Jackson Road. Confederate troops were shifted to the left to cover Champion Hill and protect the vital crossroads. As the Confederates hastened into position on the crest of Champion Hill, Federal soldiers near the Champion house swung from column into double line of battle. Union artillery was wheeled into position and unlimbered. The bloodshed began in earnest when the guns roared into action.

Grant arrived near the Champion house around 10 o'clock. After surveying the situation, he ordered the attack. Two Union divisions, 10,000 men in battle array, moved forward in magnificent style with flags flying. The long blue lines extended westward beyond the Confederate flank. To meet this threat, Confederate troops shifted farther to the west creating a gap between the forces defending the Crossroads and those defending the Raymond Road.

By 11:30, the Northerners closed in on the Confederate main line of resistance. With a cheer they stormed the position. The fighting was intense as the battle raged on Champion Hill. The lines swayed back and forth as charge and countercharge were made. But the strength of numbers prevailed; and the blue tide swept over the crest of Champion Hill shortly after 1 p.m.

The Confederates fell back in disorder to the Jackson Road followed closely by the hard-driving Federals. The powerful Union drive captured the Crossroads; and, on the right, severed the Jackson Road escape route. Confronted by disaster, Pemberton ordered his two remaining divisions to counterattack. Leaving one brigade to guard the Raymond Road, the Confederates marched from their right along the Ratliff Road toward the Crossroads. With characteristic abandon the 4,500 soldiers of Brigadier General John S. Bowen's division attacked. With fury and determination they hit the Federals near the Crossroads. At the point of bayonet they drove the Federals back three-quarters of a mile and regained control of Champion Hill. The attack, however, was made with insufficient numbers and faltered short of the Champion house.

Grant exerted himself to prevent a breakthrough and ordered up fresh troops to drive back the Confederates. In addition, the Federals along the Middle and Raymond roads began to drive hard. All morning they had operated under instructions to "move cautiously," but now were thrown forward. In a matter of moments, Confederate resistance was shattered and Pemberton ordered his army from the field.

With only one avenue of escape open to them, the Confederates fled toward the Raymond Road crossing of Bakers Creek. Brigadier General Lloyd Tilghman's Brigade, acting as the rear guard for the Confederate army, was ordered to hold its ground at all cost. In so doing, General Tilghman was killed. His brigade, along with the rest of Major General William W. Loring's division, was cut off from Edwards and eventually made its way to Jackson by a circuitous route.

The victorious Federals gained control of the Bakers Creek bridge late in the afternoon and, about 8 p.m., entered Edwards. This smashing victory cost Grant 410 killed, 1,844 wounded, and 187 missing out of 32,000 men. But victory at Champion Hill guaranteed the success of his campaign.

May 16, 1863, was a disastrous day for Pemberton. His army lost 381 killed, 1,018 wounded, and 2,441 missing out of the 23,000 men he carried into battle. In addition, 27 artillery pieces were lost.

Battle of Big Black River Bridge
May 17, 1863

Pemberton ordered Bowen's division and a fresh brigade commanded by Brigadier General John Vaughn to hold the bridges across Big Black River long enough for Loring to cross. Unbeknownst to Pemberton, however, Loring was not marching toward the river. Instead, Federal troops appeared early in the morning and prepared to storm the defenses. McClernand's XIII Corps quickly deployed astride the road and artillery opened on the Confederate fortifications with solid shot and shell.

The Confederate line was naturally strong and formed an arc with its left flank resting on Big Black River and the right flank on Gin Lake. A bayou of waist-deep water fronted a portion of the line and 18 cannon were placed to sweep the flat open ground to the east. As both sides prepared for battle, Union troops took advantage of terrain features and Brigadier General Mike Lawler, on the Federal right, deployed his men in a meander scar not far from the Confederate line of defense.

Believing that his men could cover the intervening ground quickly and with little loss, Lawler boldly ordered his troops to fix bayonets and charge. With a mighty cheer the Federals swept across the open ground, through the bayou, and over the parapets. From beginning to end, the charge lasted three minutes.

Overwhelmed by the charge, Confederate soldiers threw down their rifle-muskets and ran toward the bridges across the river. In the panic and confusion of defeat, many Confederate soldiers attempted to swim across the river and drowned. Luckily, Pemberton's chief engineer, Major Sam Lockett, set the bridges on fire effectively cutting off pursuit by the victorious Union army. Badly shaken, the Confederates staggered back into the Vicksburg defenses and prepared to resist the Union onslaught.

Confederate losses at the Big Black River Bridge were not accurately reported, but 1,751 men, 18 cannon, and 5 battleflags were captured by the Federals. Union casualties totaled only 279 men of whom 39 were killed, 237 wounded, and 3 missing. Grant's forces bridged the river at three locations and, flushed with victory, pushed hard toward Vicksburg on May 18.

First Assault on Fortress Vicksburg
May 19, 1863

Anxious for a quick victory, Grant made a hasty reconnaissance of the Vicksburg defenses and ordered an assault. Of his three corps, however, only one was in proper position to make the attack--Sherman's corps astride the Graveyard Road northeast of Vicksburg. Early in the morning Union artillery opened fire and bombarded the Confederate works with solid shot and shell.

With lines neatly dressed and their battle flags blowing in the breeze above them, Sherman's troops surged across the fields at 2:00 p.m. and through the abatis (obstructions of felled trees) toward Stockade Redan. Although the men of the 1st Battalion, 13th United States Infantry, planted their colors on the exterior slope of Stockade Redan (a powerful Confederate fort which guarded the road), the attack was repulsed with Federal losses numbering 1,000 men.

Grant Seeks to Storm the
Vicksburg Stronghold
May 22, 1863

Undaunted by his failure on the 19th and realizing that he had been too hasty, Grant made a more thorough reconnaissance then ordered another assault. Early on the morning of May 22, Union artillery opened fire and for four hours bombarded the city's defenses. At 10:00 the guns fell silent and Union infantry was thrown forward along a three-mile front. Sherman attacked once again down the Graveyard Road, McPherson in the center along the Jackson Road, and McClernand on the south along the Baldwin Ferry Road and astride the Southern Railroad of Mississippi. Flags of all three corps were planted at different points along the exterior slope of Confederate fortifications. McClernand's men even made a short-lived penetration at Railroad Redoubt. But the Federals were again driven back with a loss in excess of 3,000 men.

The Siege of Vicksburg
May 26 - July 3, 1863

Following the failure of the May 22 assault, Grant realized that Vicksburg could not be taken by storm and decided to lay siege to the city. Slowly his army established a line of works around the beleaguered city and cut Vicksburg off from supply and communications with the outside world. Commencing on May 26, Union forces constructed thirteen approaches along their front aimed at different points along the Confederate defense line. The object was to dig up to the Confederate works then tunnel underneath them, plant charges of black powder, and destroy the fortifications. Union troops would then surge through the breach and gain entrance to Vicksburg.

Throughout the month of June, Union troops advanced their approaches slowly toward the Confederate defenses. Protected by the fire of sharpshooters and artillery, Grant's fatigue parties neared their objectives by late June. Along the Jackson Road, a mine was detonated beneath the Third Louisiana Redan on June 25, and Federal soldiers swarmed into the crater attempting to exploit the breach in the city's defenses. The struggle raged for 26 hours during which time clubbed muskets and bayonets were freely used as the Confederates fought with grim determination to deny their enemy access to Vicksburg. The troops in blue were finally driven back at the point of bayonet and the breach sealed. On July 1, a second mine was detonated but not followed by an infantry assault.

Confederate Lines, Vicksburg, Mississippi, 19 May 1863. In this assault against bitter resistance the 1st Battalion, 13th Infantry, lost forty-three percent of its men, but of the attacking force, it alone fought its color up the steep slope to the top. General Sherman called its performance "unequalled in the Army" and authorized the 13th Infantry to inscribe "First at Vicksburg" on its color. Although it took two more months of hard fighting to capture Vicksburg and split the Confederacy, no episode illustrates better the indomitable spirit of Americans on both sides.

Throughout the weary month of June the gallant defenders of Vicksburg suffered under the constant bombardment of enemy guns from reduced rations and exposure to the elements. Reduced in number by sickness and battle casualties, the garrison of Vicksburg was spread dangerously thin. Soldiers and citizens alike began to despair that relief would ever come. At Jackson and Canton General Johnston gathered a relief force which took up the line of march toward Vicksburg on July 1. By then it was too late as the sands of time had expired for the fortress city on the Mississippi River.

The Fortress Surrenders
July 4, 1863

On the hot afternoon of July 3, 1863, a cavalcade of horsemen in gray rode out from the city along the Jackson Road. Soon white flags appeared on the city's defenses as General Pemberton rode beyond the works to meet with his adversary--Grant. The two generals dismounted between the lines, not far from the Third Louisiana Redan, and sat in the shade of a stunted oak tree to discuss surrender terms. Unable to reach an agreement, the two men returned to their respective headquarters. Grant told Pemberton he would have his final terms by 10 p.m. True to his word, Grant sent his final amended terms to Pemberton that night. Instead of an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison, Grant offered parole to the valiant defenders of Vicksburg. Pemberton and his generals agreed that these were the best terms that could be had, and in the quiet of his headquarters on Crawford Street, the decision was made to surrender the city.

At 10 a.m., on July 4, white flags were again displayed from the Confederate works and the brave men in gray marched out of their entrenchments, stacked their arms, removed their accouterments, and furled their flags, at which time the victorious Union army marched in and took possession of the city.

When informed of the fall of Vicksburg, President Lincoln exclaimed, "The Father of Waters again goes unvexed to the sea."

The fall of Vicksburg, coupled with the defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the battle of Gettysburg fought on July 1-3, marked the turning point of the Civil War.

Additional Sources:

www.americancivilwar.com
www.civilwarprints.com
www.army.mil
www.battleofchampionhill.org
www.swcivilwar.com

'Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until the key is in our pocket. '

US President Abraham Lincoln

'Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South's two halves together.'

Confederate President Jefferson Davis

The former President disembarks from his airplane after a trip back to Arkansas. Although the hoopla is less now that he is out of office, Clinton still occasionally finds himself greeted by military personnel. This is one such occasion. He climbs down the stairs, carrying two huge pigs, one under each arm. He gets to the bottom, and nods his head in return to the soldier's salute. "Son, what do you think about these?" he says. "Nice pigs, SIR!" comes the reply. Clinton gets mildly miffed and lectures, "I'll have you know these aren't just pigs but the finest of Arkansas Razorbacks. Top notch. I got one for Hillary, and one for Chelsea. What do you think about that?" "Nice trade, SIR!

Free Republic
Your donations keep us laughing at liberals

The former President disembarks from his airplane after a trip back to Arkansas. Although the hoopla is less now that he is out of office, Clinton still occasionally finds himself greeted by military personnel. This is one such occasion.

He climbs down the stairs, carrying two huge pigs, one under each arm. He gets to the bottom, and nods his head in return to the soldier's salute. "Son, what do you think about these?" he says. "Nice pigs, SIR!" comes the reply. Clinton gets mildly miffed and lectures, "I'll have you know these aren't just pigs but the finest of Arkansas Razorbacks. Top notch. I got one for Hillary, and one for Chelsea. What do you think about that?"

"Nice trade, SIR!

Free Republic

Your donations keep us laughing at liberals

.......FALL IN to the FReeper Foxhole!

.......Good Morning Everyone!

If you would like added or removed from our ping list let me know.

Is it not great to see schools supporting the troops.
The same school system that supported the rally also did this too.

Vet Website WI Chippewa Valley's Contribution to World War II

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/935811/posts

The Vicksburg Campaign tore the guts out of the Confederacy.

Good Morning, SAMWolf. How's it going?

Hurrah for the Union!

Good morning SAM, Snippy, everyone.

Have a wonderful day.

Today's classic warship, USS Newport (PG-12)

Newport class gunboat
Displacement. 1,153 t.
Lenght. 204'5"
Beam. 36'
Draft. 12'9"
Speed. 12.8 k.
Complement. 156
Armament. 1 4", 2 3", 2 6-pdr.

The USS Newport (PG-12) was laid down by Bath Iron Works, Bath, Me., March 1896; launched 5 December 1896; sponsored by Miss Frances La Farge; and commissioned 5October 1897, Comdr. B. F. Tilley in command.

After fitting out in Boston, Newport sailed for duty in the Caribbean 15 October 1897. Between December 1897 and August 1898, the ship patrolled off the West Indies and Central America, During the Spanish-American War, she received credit for assisting in the capture of nine Spanish vessels. The ship returned to the United States and decommissioned 7 September 1898.

Recommissioned 1 May 1900, Newport served as training ship at the Naval Academy and at the Naval Training Station at Newport, R. I., until decommissioning at Boston 1 December 1902.

Recommissioned 15 May 1903, she operated with the Atlantic Fleet along the eastern seaboard and in the West Indies until decommissioned 17 November 1906. Newport was loaned to the Massachusetts Naval Militia 2 June 1907 and on 27 October 1907 was reassigned to the New York Public Marine School. She also served as training ship for the 3rd Naval District until June 1918, when she was returned to the Navy for wartime service. On 26 July 1918 she was reassigned to continue duty as a New York State training ship under control of Commandant, 3rd Naval District, The gunboat sailed on a training cruise from New York to the Gulf of Mexico and the West Indies from 9 December 1918 to 25 May 1919. On 3 June 1919, she returned to full control of New York State. She was redesignated IX-19 on 1 July 1921.

Struck from the Navy List 12 October 1931, she was turned over to the city of Aberdeen, Wash., by Act of Congress 14 May 1934, to be used as a training ship for Naval Reserves.

Fate Unknown

Morn'n boys! Don't forget Gods and Generals is out today. I couldn't sweet talk my local video shop into parting with an early copy, so I've got to pick it up later today.

I'll be watching it in my greys : )

(It doesn't cover Vicksburg; I think the Last Full Measure will)

Mornin' Sam. Thanks for the ping. Great articles.

CFFC

The Vicksburg Campaign tore the guts out of the Confederacy.

Yep,,with the Confederacy split,,,well, we know the results.

On This Day In History

Birthdates which occurred on July 15:
1573 Inigo Jones London, architect; restored St Paul's cathedral
1606 Rembrandt van Rijn Leiden, Netherlands, painter (Night Watch)
1701 Pierre Joubert became oldest known Canadian (113 y 124 d at death)
1704 August Gottlieb Spangenberg founder of Moravian Church in N America
1779 Clement Clarke Moore US, author ('Twas the Night Before Xmas)
1796 Thomas Bulfinch mythologist (Bulfinch's Mythology)
1850 St Frances Xavier Cabrini [Mother Cabrini], 1st US saint
1872 Jos‚ Enrique Rod¢ Montevideo, philosopher/educator/essayist
1875 Frank "Pop" Morgenweck basketball hall of famer (elected 1962)
1889 Marjorie Rambeau SF Calif, actress (Primrose Path, Torch Song)
1902 Jean Rey Belgium, pres of European Commission (1967-70)
1913 Cowboy (Lloyd) Copas (country singer: Alabam, Goodbye Kisses, Signed, Sealed and Delivered; killed in plane crash with singer, Patsy Cline)
1913 Murvyn Vye Quincy Mass, actor (Bob Cummings Show)
1919 Iris Murdoch Ireland, novelist (Severed Head)
1925 Phil Carey Hackensack NJ, actor (Asa Buchanan-One Life to Live)
1927 Carmen Zapata NYC, actress (Hagen, Viva Valdez, Man & the City)
1932 Nina Van Pallandt Coopenhagen Denmark, actress (American Gigolo)
1934 Harrison Birtwistle Accringto, Lancashire, composer (Trombeau)
1935 Alex Karras Gary Ind, NFLer (Detroit Lions)/actor (George-Webster)
1935 Ken Kercheval Wolcottville Ind, actor (Cliff Barnes-Dallas)
1939 Patrick Wayne LA Calif, actor (Rounder, Shirley, Beyond Atlantis)
1943 Diligenti quintuplets Buenos Aires, Argentina
1944 Jan-Michael Vincent Denver, actor (Hooper, Tribes, Buster & Billie)
1945 Gene Upshaw NFL offensive tackle (Oakland Raider)
1946 Linda Ronstadt Tucson Az, singer (Different Drum)
1948 Enrique Basilio hurler, 1st lady to light Olympic flame (Mexico-1968)
1949 Trevor Horn rock producer (Buggles-Video Killed, Yes, Frankie)
1952 Jesse Ventura [James Janos] wrestler/actor/politician (MN Governor)
1956 Kathy Kreiner Canada, giant slalom (Olympic-gold-1976)
1960 Kim Alexis Lockport NY, model (Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover)
1960 Willie Aames Newport Beach Ca, actor (8 is Enough, Paradise, Zapped)
1961 Forest Whitaker actor (Bloodsport, Platoon, Stakeout)
1962 Brigitte Nielsen Eisinore Denmark, actress (Red Sonja, Rocky IV)
1963 Shari Headley Brooklyn NY, actress (Mimi Reed-All My Children)
1966 Kristoff St John NYC, actor (Adam-Generations, Young & Restless)
1973 Brian Austin Green N Hollywood Cal, actor (David-Beverly Hills 90210)

Deaths which occurred on July 15:
0668 Constantine II, emperor of Byzantium, dies at 37
1085 Robert Guiscard, Duke of Apulia & Calabria, dies at 70
1274 John F Bonaventura, Ital/French theologist/dominican/saint
1685 James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, illegitimate son of Charles II, executed
1868 William Thomas Morton, dentist (1st to use ether), dies
1869 A J Hayne black captain of Arkansas militia, assassinated
1883 Tom Thumb, famous small person (40"), dies of a stroke at 44
1940 Robert Wadlow world's tallest man (8'11.1"), dies at 32
1948 John J Persing US General (WW I), dies at 87
1957 George Cleveland actor (Grampa-Lassie), dies at 74
1958 Julia Lennon mother of Beatle John, dies in an auto accident
1980 Eddie Jackson comedian (Jimmy Durante Show), dies at 84
1982 Wendy Caulfield 1st Green River victim, found near Seattle
1983 Eddie Foy Jr actor (Eddie-Fair Exchange), dies of cancer at 78
1986 Benny Rubin actor/comedian (Benny Rubin Show), dies at 87
1986 Florence Halop actress (Florence-Night Court), dies at 63
1988 Eleanor Estes author (Ginger Pye, Moffats), dies at 82
1990 Troy Dixon rapper (Trouble T-Roy of Heavy D), dies at 22 from a fall
1991 Bert Convy actor (Snoop Sisters, Win Lose or Draw), dies at 57

Reported: MISSING in ACTION

1966 CONNELL JAMES JOSEPH WILMINGTON DE.
[03/06/74 REMAINS RETURNED]
1966 DENNIS MARK V. OH
[NOT ON OFFICIAL DIA LIST. LOST IN DONG HA AREA]
1967 CASSELL ROBIN B. FORT HUACHUCA AZ.
1968 BIRD LEONARD ADRIAN WILMINGTON DE.
1968 JAMES GOBEL D. FAIRLAND OK.
[03/14/73 RELEASED BY DRV, ALIVE AND WELL 98]
1968 MARTIN LARRY E. WAKEFIELD KS.
["REMAINS RETURNED 7/31/89, ID 11/08/89"]
1969 POLSTER HARMON CLEVELAND OH.
1969 WALKER MICHAEL S. COLUMBIA LA.
1971 TAYLOR TED J. LANCASTER SC.

POW / MIA Data & Bios supplied by
the P.O.W. NETWORK. Skidmore, MO. USA.

On this day...
1099 Jerusalem falls to the Crusaders
1205 Pope Innocent III decrees Jews are doomed to perpetual servitude and subjugation due to crucifixion of Jesus
1410 Poland & Lithuania defeat Teutonic Knights at Tannenberg
1662 Charles II grants charter to establish Royal Society in London
1779 US troops under Gen A Wayne conquer Ft Stony Point, NY
1789 The electors of Paris set up a "Commune" to live without the authority of the government.
1795 "Marseillaise" becomes French national anthem
1806 Zebulon Pike began his journey to explore the Southwest; Pike was the US Army officer who in 1805 led an exploring party in search of the source of the Mississippi River
1815 Napoleon Bonaparte captured
1830 3 Indian tribes, Sioux, Sauk & Fox, signs a treaty giving the US most of Minnesota, Iowa & Missouri
1856 Natal established as a British colony separate from Cape Colony
1863 Confederate raider Bill Anderson and his Bushwackers attack Huntsville, Missouri, stealing $45,000 from the local bank.
1864 Troop train loaded with Confederate prisoners collided with a coal train killing 65 and injuring 109 of 955 aboard
1867 SF Merchant's Exchange opens
1869 Margarine is patented in Paris, for use by French Navy(One more brilliant French victory)
1870 Georgia becomes last confederate to be readmitted to US
1870 Hudson's Bay & Northwest Territories transferred to Canada
1870 Manitoba becomes 5th Canadian province & NW Territories created
1876 Baseballs 1st no-hitter, St Louis' George W Bradley no-hits Hartford
1888 Bandai volcano (Japan) erupts for 1st time in 1,000 years
1890 A Charlois discovers asteroid #294 Felicia
1893 Commodore Perry arrives in Japan
1901 NY Giant Christy Mathewson no-hits St Louis, 5-0
1904 1st Buddhist temple in US established, Los Angeles
1911 46" of rain (begining 7/14) falls in Baguio, Phillipines
1912 British National Health Insurance Act goes into effect
1914 Mexican president Huerta flees with 2 million pesos to Europe
1916 Boeing Co., originally known as Pacific Aero Products, was founded in Seattle.
1916 22.22" of rain falls in Altapass NC
1918 2nd Battle of Marne began during WW I
1920 Ruth ties his record of 29 HRs in a season
1922 1st duck-billed platypus publicly exhibited in US, at NY zoo
1929 1st airport hotel opens-Oakland Ca
1932 President Hoover cuts own salary 15%
1933 Wiley Post began 1st solo flight around the world
1937 Japanese attack Marco Polo Bridge, invade China
1940 1st betatron placed in operation, Urbana, Il
1941 Florey & Heatley present freeze dried mold cultures (Pencillin)
1942 The first supply flight from India to China over the 'Hump' is flown
1944 Greenwich Observatory damaged by WW II flying bomb
1946 British North Borneo Co transfers rights to British crown
1946, the comedy team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis debuts.
1948 Pres Truman nominated for another term
1949 Czech tennis stars Jaroslav Drobny & Vladimir Cernik, defect to US
1950 K Reinmuth discovers asteroid #1750 Eckert
1952 1st transatlantic helicopter flight begins
1954 1st coml jet transport plane built in US tested (Boeing 707)
1954 KOCO TV channel 5 in Oklahoma City, OK (ABC) begins broadcasting
1954 WBOC TV channel 16 in Salisbury, MD (CBS/NBC/ABC) begins broadcasting
1955 WNDU TV channel 16 in South Bend, IN (NBC) begins broadcasting
1957 "Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On" released --- Lewis, Jerry Lee
1958 Pres Eisenhower sends US troops to Lebanon; they stay 3 months
1960 Balt Orioles' Brooks Robinson goes 5 for 5 including the cycle
1963 Paul McCartney is fined œ17 for speeding
1964 Barry M Goldwater (Sen-R-Az) nominated for president by Republicans
1965 US scientists display close-up photos of Mars from Mariner IV
1967 LA Wolves beat Wash Whips 6-5 in OT to be United Soccer Ass champs
1967 Roberto DeVicenzo of Argentina wins golf's British Open
1968 "One Life to Live" premieres on TV
1968 NJ Americans moved to Comack & become NY Nets (ABA)
1968 Soap opera "One Life To Live" premiers
1969 Cincinnati Red Lee May hits 4 HRs in a doubleheader
1969 Rod Carew ties the record with his 7th steal of home in a season
1970 Denmark beats Italy 2-0 in 1st world female soccer championship
1971 Pres Nixon announces he would visit People's Rep of China
1972 Lee Trevino wins his 2nd consecutive golf's British Open
1973 Calif Angel Nolan Ryan 2nd no-hitter beats Detroit Tigers, 6-0
1973 Ray Davies, announces retirement from Kinks then attempts suicide
1973 Willie McCovey becomes 15th to hit 400 HRs
1975 NL beats AL 6-3 in 46th All Star Game (Milwaukee's County Stadium)
1975 Soyuz 19 & Apollo 18 launched; rendezvous 2 days later
1976 36-hr kidnap of 26 schoolchildren & their bus driver in Calif
1980 Johnny Bench hits his 314th HR as a catcher breaks Yogi Berra's record
1982 Body of Wendy Caulfield, 1st Green River victim, found near Seattle
1982 Columbia flies to Kennedy Space Center via Dyess AFB, Texas
1982 Senate confirms George Shultz as 60th sec of state by vote of 97-0
1983 8 killed, 54 wounded, by Armenian extremists bomb at Orly, France
1984 Hollis Stacy wins her 3rd US women's open golf title
1986 AL beats NL for 2nd time in 15 yrs, winning 57th All-Star Game 3-2
1987 John Poindexter testifies at Iran-Contra hearings
1991 US troops leave northern Iraq
1992 Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton claimed the Democratic presidential nomination in New York.
1996 Prince Charles & Princess Di sign divorce papers

Holidays
Note: Some Holidays are only applicable on a given "day of the week"
Crisis of Confidience Day
Captive Nations Week (Day 3)
Brunei : Sultan's Birthday
Japan : Bon Festival/Feast of Lanterns/Black Ship Day (1853)
Pakistan : Mohammed's Ascension

Religious Observances
Anglican : St Swithin's Day
Muslim-Pakistan : Mohammed's Ascension
RC : Commemoration of Bl Anne Mary Javouhey, French virgin
Luth : Commemor of Vladimir, 1st Christian ruler of Russia
Old Catholic : Feast of St Henry II, Holy Roman emperor (1014-24)
RC : Commemoration of St Bonaventure, bishop/confessor/doctor
Feast of St. Henry II, Holy Roman emperor (1014-24), confessor.

Religious History
1099 The Muslim citizens of Jerusalem surrendered their city to the armies of the FirstCrusade. The Crusaders then proceeded, through misguided religious zeal, to massacrethousands of unarmed men, women and children.
1779 Birth of Clement C. Moore, American Episcopal educator. His fame endures today,not as a theologian, but as the author of a completely mythical poem: 'Twas the Night BeforeChristmas' (1823).
1814 Birth of Edward Caswall, English clergyman and hymn translator. Today we stillsing Caswall's English versions of the hymns 'Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee' and 'WhenMorning Gilds the Skies.'
1823 In Rome, the church known as St Paul's Outside the Walls was destroyed by a fire.Its original edifice was erected in AD 324 by the Roman emperor Constantine.
1951 The First Southern Baptist Church to be constituted in the state of Wyoming was formed in Casper by a group of families principally related to the oil industry.

Source: William D. Blake. ALMANAC OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. Minneapolis: Bethany House, 1987.

Thought for the day :
" It is better to live rich than to die rich. "

Today's 'You Might Be A Redneck If' Joke...
"You get Odor-Eaters as a Christmas present."

Morning Quiettolong. I remember that article. Good to see that they're still actively supporting and remembering our Military.

Morning E.G.C.

Partly cloudy and cool morning here today, they're only predicting the 70's today.

It was a costly and hard fought Campaign.

It was overshawdowed by the events at Gettysburg and doesn't get the attention it deserves in most school history courses.

Good Morning WhiskeyPapa.