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Thursday, October 17, 1861

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Army Events:

			Operation:	Big Sandy Region, WV	August 1, 1861 - March 17, 1862
			Operations:	Fredericktown, MO	October 12 - 25, 1861
			Skirmish:	Fredericktown, MO	October 17, 1861
			Operation:	Ironton, MO	October 12 - 25, 1861
			Reconnaissance on:	Mississippi River	October 12 - 18, 1861
			Operation:	Tennessee River	July 1 - November 19, 1861

(Source: Compendium of the War of the Rebellion Vol. I, p. 660-991. Frederick H. Dyer.)

Naval Events:

Flag Officer Du Pont wrote: "There is no question that Port Royal is the most important point to strike, and the most desirable to have first and hold . . . Port Royal alone admits the large ships--and gives us such a naval position on the sea coast as our Army is holding across the Potomac." Subsequently, the strategic importance of Port Royal to the Union Navy and the blockade substantiated this judgment.

Confederate privateer Sallie, commanded by Master Henry S. Lebby, captured American brig Betsey Ames opposite the Bahama Banks with cargo including machinery.

(Source: Civil War Naval Chronology 1861-1865. pp. I:1-41; II:1-117; III:1-170; IV:1-152; V:1-134. 1971: Naval History Division, Navy Department.)