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Left Washington, headed to Virginia.
For this event, Michael writes about his experience transitioning from Washington to Virginia. -
Michael comes up with an illness/ cough.
In the Civil War, many people suffered from injury or illness. Troops were afraid to get sick because of the minimal resources. Some people even had to go through surgeries or amputations without amnesia or the proper medication. Disease in the Civil War
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Michael still expects his pay everyday
In this letter, Michael tells his wife he still has yet to receive his pay for months after it's due date. Most of the soldiers weren't paid when they were originally promised. Payment during the Civil War Image Credit -
Michael couldn’t send enough money to his wife because he is ill and money is scarce.
During the war, payment schedules were complex and often unreasonable. When Lally gets sick with a cold, he is cared for the the militia hospital. During this time, he was unable to fight. If soldiers weren't fighting, they weren't being paid. Money in the Civil War Image Credit -
Michael complains about harsh weather and lack of protection from it.
Throughout the war, soldiers were left in extreme weather with hardly anything to help them. The harsh winters and extreme summers were both experienced within the war. During the winter, the army faced the bitterest of colds while camped out in tents. Weather During the War Image Credit -
Virginia blockade was broken and the rebels escaped and went back to Richmond.
Blockades were crucial during the Civil War. They helped opposing sides to prevent rebels from leaving an area. These are typically in waterways. On the 10th of February, the Hampton Roads blockade at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay was broken by the Confederacy, leading to what is now known as the Battle of Hampton Roads. Battle of Hampton Roads Image Credit -
The mayor did not give the soldiers their pay.
Troops in the war were often not paid as promised or paid later than established. This was an issue because men in the war were unable to send money home to their wife or family when they needed. Payment during the War Image Credit -
Siege of Yorktown
The Siege of Yorktown began the April 5th. After weeks of planning, confederate soldier, Joseph E. Johnston escaped the skirmish from his lack of foundation. May 5th, 1862, George B. McClellan took it upon himself to travel to Williamsburg where Johnston was staying and continue the attack. Yorktown Siege
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Michael says he is lucky to even have survived the night. Written in Williamsburg, Virginia.
There were a variety of things throughout the cold Civil War nights to be worried about. The harsh weather, the lack of disease control, and the intentions of the rebels. Soldiers like Michael Lally felt blessed to even be alive the next morning. Survival in the Civil War Image Credit -
Battle of Fair Oaks
Also known as the Seven Pines Battle, this skirmish took place from May 31st to June 1st. This battle resulted in many casualties for both the Union and the Confederacy. Michael writes about the many men they lost those two days. Battle of Fair Oaks Image credit -
Battle of Baton Rouge
This battle began with the Union's attempt to recapture Louisiana. Fought on August 5th, the battle took place on both ground and water. With almost 100 less casualties, the Union left the skirmish with the previously confederate state in its possession the same day. Battle of Baton Rouge Image Credit -
Michael Lally complains about the letter from his spouse taking 21 days on the road
Often, letters to be sent or received during this time were hard to transport. From the distance to the constant moving, it was difficult both sending and receiving letters. Postal Service in the Civil War Image Credit -
Michael gets his picture taken to be delivered home to his wife and children
During the war, picture taking was very intricate and tedious. If even the slightest movement was made, the photo would be completely ruined. At this point, Lally had been in the war for so long that he feared his young kids had forgotten who he was. Michael felt very lucky to have his picture taken for his children and wife. Complex Photography in the Civil War [Image Credit](shorturl.at/coqCU) -
Soldier praises God for a decent meal.
Often times in the Civil War, food was not even at a decent quality. It was most times old and even infested with bugs. To have a good meal was praise-worthy to Michael Lally this day. Food in the Civil War Image credit -
Grierson's Raid
The purpose of the raid was to "destroy the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad at Newton Station, Mississippi". Began by Benjamin H. Grierson, the battle took place April the 27th. The raid was eventually won by the Union army. Grierson's Raid Image Credit -
Lally thanks his wife for the shirt she sent him.
Soldiers were not provided all of the clothes needed during the Civil War. It was crucial that they were sent new clothes from home because they would not be supplied these. Civil War Attire Image Credit -
Battle of Fort McAllister
A brief, yet powerful battle taking place the 13th of December. The Union army held the assault but were quickly outmanned by the Confederate soldiers. Fort McAllister Battle Image Credit -
Fall of Petersburg
Michael writes about an attack on the rebels (Confederacy) April 2nd, 1865. The Confederate army was said to have been attacked in their work. April 02, 1865 Image Credit -
Rebels surrendered, officially ending the war.
On this date, the Confederacy surrendered because of it's defeat. The Union was more prepared than the Confederacy, it having already been an official nation. This surrender lasted through November of 1865. Confederate Surrender Image Credit -
Lally writes to his wife about the other people being sent home and him still being left there.
Some soldiers after the war were left wounded. This prevented them from going home for a while after the war. Troops of a higher claimed status were sent home first. After the War Image Credit
