My dear Freddy,
18 November was rather a busy day, west and east; though perhaps, it was more exciting politically than it was militarily. With that in mind, I shall first direct your attention towards the political happenings of the day.
The fifth session of the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States of America met in the capital. You very well know that to be Richmond, Virginia.
In Kentucky, Confederate soldiers adopted an ordinance of session at Russellville, thus creating a Confederate government for the state. Both Kentucky and Missouri therefore had two governments (both of which claimed legitimacy), one Union, one Confederate.
In a similar, though opposite move, a convention in Hatteras, North Carolina declared it's solidarity with the Union and set up a provisional government! Hatteras was held by the North at this time.
There was fighting in Missouri at Warrensburg and Palmyra.
No doubt the Confederates were pleased with this conquest, though it appears to me from the Federal report, that Major Easton was somewhat chagrined.
Found on Fold3.com
On the opposite side of the state, in Palmyra, there was some skirmishing as well.
(You may find Palmyra in Marion County, in the north eastern portion of the state.)
Meanwhile, down at Price's landing, which is someplace in the very south eastern corner of the state (refer to the map while reading the below reports to help you discover the rough locality), a daring Confederate set out to capture a Yankee steamer.
During the day, a group of pro-Unions were seized along the Doe River in Tennessee.
There is but one other instance of military action on the 18th and that was around Fall's Church, Virginia.
I have included the reports...
Found on Fold3.com
Do you notice, my dear Fred, the gallantry of Lt.Col. Lee toward his enemy? He praises their courage equally with that of his own men.
I will write more tomorrow,
Your loving grandfather,
James B. Hamilton
*Battle reports drawn from The Congressional Serial Set (Misc. documents of the House of Rep.) and The War of Rebellion: Formal Reports of the Union and Confederate Armies. Map are either from Fold3 or picked up from the internet.
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