On this date 150 years ago, at Newport, Rhode Island, the "USS Constitution" and the steamer "Baltic" were preparing to set up the United States Navel Academy since it could no longer be based in Annapolis, Maryland, due to the uncertain nature of that area's political sentiments. It seemed important to locate the academy in an area which was solidly pro-Union.

James D. Bullock was charged with purchasing arms and vessels from the British for the Confederate cause.

The Virginia blockade precipitated gunfire between Confederate batteries on shore at Gloucester Point and the Federal vessel "Yankee".