October 12, 1861
- The Theodora leaves Charleston Harbor for Havana Cuba. On board are the Confederate States of America commissioners to England (James Mason) and France (John Slidell).
A Chronological History of the Civil War in America1
- Attack by a rebel gun-boat fleet and five ships from New Orleans on the Union blockading squadron, at the head of the Mississippi passes. The rebel vessels were beaten off and their iron-clad “turtle” considerably damaged.
- Rebels advanced in force toward Prospect Hill, but retired on finding Gen. McCall ready for battle.
- A Chronological History of the Civil War in America by Richard Swainson Fisher, New York, Johnson and Ward, 1863