Thursday, July 25, 2013

July 26, 1863---The Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake; The Death of Sam Houston



JULY 26, 1863:          

The Battle of Dead Buffalo Lake, Dakota Territory (now North Dakota). 

Union General Henry Hastings Sibley attacks retreating Sioux near Dead Buffalo Lake. When the Sioux withdraw without putting up more than token resistance, Sibley’s forces continue to pursue them (Henry Hastings Sibley U.S.A. should not be confused with Henry Hopkins Sibley C.S.A..  The two men were cousins.)



On this same day, Virginia-born Sam Houston (1793-1863), former Governor of Tennessee, adopted Cherokee, President, Governor and “Father of Texas,” and unwavering Unionist, dies in Huntsville, Texas in internal exile. Houston had been removed from the Governorship of Texas by pro-Confederate politicians after he refused to break faith with the United States.  Houston, though a slave owner, had opposed the expansion of slavery and opposed the establishment of the Confederacy. Given his role in establishing Texas, his treatment at the hands of Texas’ leaders was shameful.




July 25, 1863---Through the eyes of Robert E. Lee...



JULY 25, 1863:           

From the field via letter, General Robert E. Lee submits his report on the Battle of Gettysburg and its aftermath to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. It is the first detailed documentation of the battle ever written.