Vintage Johnstown

Monday, June 22, 2026

CIVIL WAR - Week of July 24, 1862 - The War to this Point, Cambria Guards Update, Local Wounded & War Ladies

The battles on the Virginia Peninsula were followed by several Federal command changes. In the North, Republicans in Congress took advantage of the lack of southern opposition by enacting much of their agenda. In the South, Confederate officials continued seeking foreign recognition and aid. With Federal forces stalled in Virginia and the West, President Abraham Lincoln suggested a bold new strategy.

A new U.S. law is enacted in the continuing effort to raise money for the war. This builds upon the notion of income taxation.

A new law is enacted that lays the foundation for what would eventually become the first transcontinental railroad.

Abraham Lincoln issues a call for more volunteers while sidestepping the defeats on the Virginia Peninsula that prompted the call.

Federals and Confederates on the Virginia Peninsula regroup as Robert E. Lee probes the Federal defenses and George B. McClellan makes yet another plea for more men.

Abraham Lincoln works to funnel more reinforcements to George B. McClellan’s Federal army on the Virginia Peninsula, and Robert E. Lee decides that the Federal positions are too strong to attack.

Abraham Lincoln visits the Army of the Potomac on the Virginia Peninsula, receives unwanted political advice, and contemplates a major military change.

Less than 48 hours after leaving the Peninsula, Abraham Lincoln names Henry W. Halleck to become commander of all U.S. armies.

With the number of prisoners of war quickly growing, Federals and Confederates agree to a tentative system of prisoner exchange.

Lt. William H. Kern - Co. H, 12th PA

11th Pa: Col. Gallagher, Lt. Col. Jackson, Maj. Johns, Adjt. Robert A McCoy

Capt. John Downey - of Johnstown

Capt. James Murray - 115th PA

Capt. Andrew Lewis, 1st Lt. James C. Burke, Sgt. J.E. Scanlan, David James, Thompson Carney, William Powell , John Baker, Harry H. Wareham

WOUNDED: Capt. Andrew Lewis, Lt. James C. Burke, Hilarian O'Connell, Daniel Helman, Thompson Carney, Jacob S, Boring, George W. Brown, Thomas P. Dumm, Richard R. Davis, David T. James, Thomas Williams, John McBride, William Wagoner, William, W. Evans, John Keough