On this date 150 years ago, President Lincoln met with his cabinet to discuss General Winfield Scott's future military service. The aging commander of the army was being considered for retirement of a voluntary nature, although it was clear that there were those that would be glad to see Scott leave active military duty, General McClellan among them. Lincoln was called upon to settle disagreements between McClellan and General Sherman; a coastal expedition to the South was being planned and McClellan was reluctant to furnish Sherman with the necessary troops for such a foray.

The Federals also were making a gunboat expedition down the Mississippi River, and minor fighting broke out in Kentucky near Rockcastle Hills.

Jeff Thompson's forces in Missouri clashed with Union troops from Cape Girardeau as the Ironton area continued to experience the effects of a great deal of action and unrest.