May 20, 1865---The Surrender of Tallahassee

MAY 20, 1865:          

The Surrender of Tallahassee, Florida:

The last remaining State capital (east of the Mississippi) in Confederate hands surrenders to Union troops, and the United States flag is unfurled over the State’s Capitol Building.

For Lieutenant Francis Fleming C.S.A. Tallahassee’s fall was, “a sad and terrible result," but many Floridians were elated by the news, even some very weary Confederate soldiers, whose local units fired cannon salutes upon receipt of the news. The Cause had indeed gone.

The Parole of a Florida soldier, issued at Appomattox Court House on April 10, 1865

The State’s African-American population rejoiced, for following the raising of the U.S. flag, the Emancipation Proclamation was read out.  

May 19, 1865---The Battle of Hodby's Bridge

MAY 19, 1865:            

The Battle of Hodby’s Bridge, Alabama:          

A squad of 25 Union troops on patrol near Eufala, Alabama, is attacked by Confederate guerrillas of an unknown unit on the border with the Florida panhandle, a notoriously pro-Confederate region. Corporal John W. Skinner, of Company C, 1st Florida U.S., is killed in the firefight, making him an historical contender for the dubious title of “the last man killed in the Civil War.”

May 18, 1865---The Grand Rallying Point

MAY 18, 1865:           

The Shreveport Semi-Weekly News writes a lengthy article critical of British neutrality in the war “to date,” and follows this article up with a report from Lisbon on the status of the C.S.S. STONEWALL, speculating that it may soon be released from drydock after repairs. It also reports on “Fighting Around Matamoros” (Mexico) and remarks that, “the Monroe Doctrine is the grand rallying point for North and South to meet on.” 

 

May 17, 1865---Of Traitors and Miscreants

MAY 17, 1865:           

Following the Lincoln Conspirators’ trial very closely, the Chicago Tribune reports “Undoubted Evidence of Spangler’s Guilt”, provides details of the “Bermuda Yellow Fever Plot”, and announces that “Jefferson Davis is To Be Tried For Treason and Conspiracy.” On a lighter note, it also reports that “The Barnum Circus is bidding on Jeff Davis’ Gown”, presumably the ladies’ duds he was wearing when captured.

Major General James H. Wilson reports:

. . . I have arrested Capt H. Wirz C. S. A. notorious as Commandant of the Andersonville Prison . . . I forward herewith all the records &c of the Prison that could be found and also other papers relating to his cruel treatment of our men. I respectfully request that this miscreant be brought before a General Court Martial in Washington D. C. where the evidence in his case can be most readily obtained.