October 31, 1861---Fox and friends select secession

OCTOBER 31, 1861:   

Claiborne Fox Jackson, the deposed pro-secessionist Governor of Missouri and a rump pro-Confederate Legislature meet in Neosho, in southwestern Missouri, and pass an Ordinance of Secession from the United States. 

Missouri is immediately admitted to the Confederacy, becoming the twelfth star on the Confederate flag. 

Unfortunately for Jackson and his fellows, most of Missouri is controlled by the Union. Like Kentucky’s, which would be added in November, Missouri’s Southern Star is more symbolic than real.  

October 30, 1861---Davis blasts Beauregard

OCTOBER 30, 1861: 

Confederate President Jefferson Davis takes General P.G.T. Beauregard to task for permitting portions of his controversial report on the Battle of Manassas to be printed in the newspapers, saying that “it seemed to be an attempt to exalt yourself at my expense.”

October 29, 1861---Cape Fear and Key West

OCTOBER 29, 1861:  

The Union’s Atlantic Blockading Squadron is divided into a North Atlantic Blockading Squadron operating from the Potomac to Cape Fear, N.C. and a South Atlantic Blockading Squadron operating between Cape Henry, Virginia and Key West, Florida. 

October 28, 1861---The Cherokee Nation allies itself with the South

OCTOBER 28, 1861:  

The Cherokee Nation declares war on the United States and becomes a C.S.A. ally. 

Union General-in-Chief Winfield Scott retires.

October 27, 1861---Southern Baptists surrender the Sabbath

OCTOBER 27, 1861:  

During the Civil War, Sundays frequently serve other purposes in the name of the Kingdom of God. With many Southern Baptists convinced that the Confederate States of America is God’s Kingdom on earth, church buildings and yards are frequently appropriated for the commissioning and blessing of men in arms. Sometimes, the intertwining of religion and patriotism takes places on the day of worship. Such is the case today at the Green River Baptist Church. Gathered on the steps of the Green River Baptist Church are 84 new soldiers anxious to do battle against the northern enemy. The scene takes place in Kentucky, a Border State that is not a part of the Confederacy, although many citizens of Kentucky choose to side with the South.  The oath of loyalty to the Confederacy is duly administered to the soldiers gathered on the church steps who comprise the Lexington Rifles. John Hunt Morgan is elected as captain, and the company eventually becomes known as “Morgan’s Company,” named in honor of the man who becomes a famous Confederate cavalry leader. Morgan has a connection with the Green River Church: he has been using the church as his headquarters while training his men.