October 20, 1862---U.S. Civil Courts are reestablished in Louisiana

OCTOBER 20, 1862: 

President Abraham Lincoln orders that Provisional Civil Courts be established under the Military Government of Louisiana, beginning the long process of Reconstruction.

October 19, 1862---A Train Wreck

OCTOBER 19, 1862:  

Two trains, the A.M. West and the James Brown collide head-on at Duck Hill, Mississippi. 34 Confederate soldiers are killed in the wreck. 

October 18, 1862---Ten Confederates executed by firing squad

OCTOBER 18, 1862: 

The Palmyra (Missouri) Massacre. Colonel John McNeil U.S.A. executes ten random Confederate prisoners in retaliation for the disappearance (and probable murder) of John Allsman, a local Unionist. None of the condemned men had any connection with Allsman.

October 17, 1862---McClellan to Lincoln: "Nothing I do would be good enough for you so I will be good enough to do nothing for you."

OCTOBER 17, 1862:   

McClellan responds to President Lincoln’s letter. His answer reads in part:

“SIR: Your letter of the 13th instant reached me yesterday morning…I had sent out strong reconnaissances early in the morning in the direction of Charlestown, Leetown, &c., and as sharp artillery fire was heard, I felt it incumbent to go to the front. I did not leave Charlestown until dark, so that I have been unable to give Your Excellency's letter that full and respectful consideration which it merits at my hands...I am not wedded to any particular plan of operations. I hope to have to-day reliable information as to the position of the enemy, whom I still believe to be between Bunker Hill and Winchester. I promise you that I will give to your views the fullest and most unprejudiced consideration, and that it is my intention to advance the moment my men are shod and my cavalry are sufficiently renovated to be available...Your Excellency may be assured that I will not adopt a course which differs at all from your views without first fully explaining my reasons…”

October 16, 1862---225 Unionists hanged in Texas

OCTOBER 16, 1862:  

225 Unionists are summarily hanged in Gainesville, Texas.