In Missouri, Major General John C. Frémont resigns as head of the Western Department of the Army

Major General John C. Frémont had been commander of the Western Department for four event-filled months.  His tenure had included defeat at Wilson's Creek, victories in southern Missouri, and the controversial ruling that slaves of insurgents would be considered free.  President Lincoln was required to negate the emancipation order for broader political reasons, after Frémont had refused when asked privately.  Presidential patience ran out and Frémont was requested to resign.  He did so on this date at Springfield, Missouri.  (By John Osborne)