On this date 150 years ago, the United States agreed to surrender Confederate commissioners James Mason and John Slidell into the keeping of Great Britain. After many meetings, the cabinet acknowledged the seizure of the diplomats as illegal and termed the action a misunderstanding on the part of Captain Charles Wilkes. Lord Lyons received the statement made by the United States officials, and Secretary of State Seward ordered the men released from their incarceration at Fort Warren in Massachusetts.

St. Louis, Missouri, was placed under martial law, a ruling that also extended to all railroads in the state. General Henry Halleck gave the order, which was unpopular at best. Clashes between pro-Union Creek Indians and Confederates occurred at Christenhalah in Indian Territory. The retreating Creeks fled into Kansas after suffering extensive losses.

Union blockaders were attacked by a small group of Confederate vessels at the mouth of the Savannah River. Despite its intent, the rebel offensive succeeded in dislodging the blockade only temporarily.