On this date 150 years ago, Southerners held a day of fasting at the request of President Jefferson Davis. In writing to his commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, General Joseph Johnston, Jefferson Davis observed that there was a need for thoughtful, planned defense. He told Johnston that "traitors show the tendencies heretofore concealed, and the selfish grow clamorous.....at such an hour, the wisdom of the trained, and the steadiness of the brave, possess a double value."

Charleston (Charlestown I believe), Virginia, was occupied by Federal troops.