March 29, 1864---"The California Hundred"

MARCH 29, 1864:      

Although far-distant California fielded no State brigades that fought in the major theatres of the war, Californians served in the “Regular” U.S. Army, and in State Companies attached to other States’ Brigades. One of these was the “California Hundred” (Second Massachusetts Cavalry, Company A). On this day, Rufus W. Smith was promoted to lead the “California Hundred.”  Rufus’ unit was to be instrumental in repulsing General Jubal Early C.S.A.’s Raid on Washington in the summer of 1864. Rufus died in battle on October 19, 1864. 

Californians likewise served in Confederate units.

March 28, 1864---The Confederates Arrest A Rebel Raider For Murder

MARCH 28, 1864:     

Colonel William Quantrill, the infamous Confederate guerrilla leader, is arrested by Confederate forces in Bonham, Texas, and is charged with the murder of fellow Confederates. Although Quantrill was well-known and respected for his actions against the Union during the early days of the war, by 1864 his Command had degenerated into utter outlawry; however, it should come as no surprise that Quantrill escaped from jail later this day. 300 Confederate troops attempted to recapture him, but he had disappeared into the Indian Territory. 

March 27, 1864---Local Butternuts riot in Illinois

MARCH 27, 1864:     

During the Sessions for the Illinois 4^th District Court in Coles County, Illinois, local Butternuts riot in the town of Charleston. This south-central Illinois town was a bastion of pro-Confederate feeling. Five Union soldiers home on leave were killed and 20 wounded. 

March 26, 1864---No Noose Is Good News

MARCH 26, 1864:      

Following the news of C.S. General George Pickett’s hangings of ex-Confederate Union prisoners, Abraham Lincoln carefully amends the Proclamation of Amnesty issued in December 1863. No longer are Confederates on active duty in the C.S. armed forces permitted to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and join Union units. Although Lincoln values their loyalty he values their necks even more.  

March 25, 1864---The Battle of Paducah, Kentucky

MARCH 25, 1864:      

The Battle of Paducah, Kentucky. Having been given a brief to take the war back to Kentucky, General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his cavalry penetrate Union lines all the way through to Paducah on the Ohio River, seizing tons of Union supplies.