1862
- A cavalry engagement occurred in Paris, Tennessee (i), when Federal cavalry under the command of Captain John T. Croft engaged mounted Confederate infantry commanded by Major Henry Clay King. Croft’s cavalry charged a hill, west of Paris, where the Confederate troops had hidden behind rough field works. When the Federal troops were upon King’s men, the dismounted cavalry let loose a lethal musketry barrage. Croft’s men would retreat down the hill, with King’s men on their heels. Federal horse artillery, near the hill’s base fired into King’s men, expending 250 rounds of ammunition. The Federal troops would leave Paris after sunset. Federal casualties were five wounded, and five killed. The Confederates lost two killed and a dozen wounded.
- Abraham Lincoln reorganizes the command structure of his armies. Issuing War Order No. 3, Lincoln created three departments. The West commanded by US Major General Henry W. Halleck, the Appalachian commanded by US Major General John C. Fremont and the East commanded by US Major General George B. McClellan. Order No. 3 also removed McClellan as General-In-Chief of Federal armies. McClellan, stretched thin as General-In-Chief, remained in command of the Army of the Potomac, but his relationship with Lincoln would become more contentious. After his demotion, McClellan would write Lincoln assuring him he would, “work just as cheerfully as ever before.”(ii) This was not very reassuring for Lincoln, as McClellan was already failing to accurately report to him, by this time. The order would however relieve McClellan of the extra responsibility as he was making plans for his Peninsula Campaign. For several months, Lincoln would act as Commander-In-Chief, personally commanding all the departments.
(i) Ullrich, Dieter C. The Battle of Paris, Tennessee, online manuscript can be viewed here.
(II) Today In History, at History.com, was used to research this article.
