ROMNEY, VA—Stonewall Jackson postpones a planned attack on Cumberland, Maryland because of fatigue and poor health among his men. Many of Jackson's units were operating at below half strength, making an attack against a critical B&O Railroad terminus impossible.
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January 2012
WASHINGTON, DC—Secretary of War Simon Cameron resigns amid numerous allegations of corruptions. A former Pennsylvania Senator, Cameron was later appointed to be the Minister to Russia.
The USS Conestoga, captained by Lt. S.L. Phelps, travels up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers to survey Forts Donelson and Henry. Using this intelligence, Union forces led by General Ulysses Grant and Flag Officer Andrew Foote captured both forts the following month.
BOSTON, MA—Confederate diplomats James Mason and John Slidell are released from Fort Warren, ending the Trent affair. Their controversial capture while aboard the HMS Trent almost incited war between the United States and Great Britain.