ACWS - On This Day in the American Civil War 9th January

The ordinance of secession is adopted at Jackson, MS, by the state of Mississippi, by the overwhelming vote of 84-15, becoming the 2nd state to secede.
Fort Johnston, NC, is seized by the rebellious citizens of Smithville, North Carolina. (2nd seizure Apr 16)
The steamship, Star of the West, is fired upon by the South Carolina state troops, Charleston Harbor, SC, while attempting to bring food as well as reinforcements to the beleaguered fort. With shots fired, but no damage done, the Star of the West retreats, heading back to New York City.

John George Walker, CSA, is appointed Brig. Gen.
Col. Francis J. Lippitt, 2nd California Infantry, assumes command of the Humboldt Military District, CA.
Skirmish at Columbus, MO.
Skirmish near Pohick Run, VA.

Federal expedition from Huntsville, AR, to Buffalo River, near Kingston, AR.
The loss of the US transport Sparkling Sea, near Key West, FL, after striking the coral reef there. The US gunboat, Sagamore, safely rescues the men aboard.
The destruction of Confederate salt-works near St. Joseph's, FL, by the USS Ethan Alien.
Holly Springs, MS, is evacuated by the Union forces. (Jan 9-10)
The surrender of the Union garrison at Hartville, MO, to Brig. Gen. John S. Marmaduke, CSA.
The US Army of the Cumberland, TN, is divided into three army corps with the following corps commanders:
- 14th US Army Corps - Maj. Gen. George H. Thomas, USA
- 20th US Army Corps - Maj. Gen. Alexander McD. McCook, USA
- 21st US Army Corps - Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Crittenden, USA
Skirmish at Fairfax Court-House, VA.
Skirmish near Providence Church, Suffolk, VA, where Maj. James N. Wheelan, USA, defeats Brig. Gen. Roger Atkinson Pryor, CSA.

Skirmish at Terman's Ferry, KY, on the Sandy River between Louisa and Catlettsburg, KY, where the Confederates cross the river on the ice, and inflict death and casualties on the camped Federals. 20 Federals are sent to the hospital at Ashland, being badly frozen.
Maj. Gen. Gouverneur K. Warren, USA, is temporarily in command of the 2nd US Army Corps, the Army of the Potomac, VA.

Federal scouts about Mount Sterling, KY, capturing 4 men dressed in Confederate uniform, mounted and armed. It is very cold this time of year, as the men are piling the earth around the bottom of the tents to keep out the cold. The earth is frozen. (Jan 9-Feb 15)
President Abraham Lincoln sends US Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, to Savannah, GA, for discussions with Maj. Gen. William T. Shermin, USA, on military strategy and his alledged mistreatment of black freedmen.
Federal reconnaissance from Eastport to luka, MS, as Lieut. Gen. John B. Hood, USA, arrives in Tupelo, MS, with the remnants of the Confederate Army of Tennessee.
Skirmishes with guerrillas in Texas County, MO. (Jan 9-11)
Skirmish near Disputanta Station, VA, the Richmond, VA, Campaign.

On This Day information kindly provided by Martin Cross, 2nd U.S. Artillery, Bty B.