Category Archives: American Civil War

Generals outline war plans


"The Civil War - Episode One: The Cause (1861)"

(Saturday, June 29, 1861) — President Lincoln and his cabinet met with key military leaders today to examine the future course to to be taken by Union forces. Generals McDowell and Scott described their plans, recognizing the importance of maintaining public support and enthusiasm.

Chief Justice rules against Lincoln


"The Civil War - Episode One: The Cause (1861)" (habeas corpus suspended @ 1:08:16)

(Monday, May 27, 1861) — Chief Justice William B. Taney ruled today that the military arrest of John Merryman in Maryland violated the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and President Lincoln didn’t have the authority to suspend this privilege.

Lincoln suspends Writ of Habeas Corpus


"The Civil War - Episode One: The Cause (1861)" (habeas corpus suspended @ 1:08:16)

(Saturday, April 27, 1861) — The writ of habeas corpus, a legal action or writ by means of which detainees can seek relief from unlawful imprisonment, was suspended by President Abraham Lincoln today in Maryland and parts of midwestern states, including southern Indiana, during the American Civil War.