In Virginia, a river mine causes heavy damage to Union naval units operating on the James River

The U.S.S. Commodore Barney was a 520-ton sidewheeler, built in New York City in 1859 and purchased for the Navy in 1861.  Along with two other naval units, the Sangomon and the Cohasset , she was making a reconnaissance up the James River in Virginia when she was struck by a river mine, then called a "torpedo", and badly damaged. Thirty of the 95-man crew where thrown overboard but only two sailors were lost.  She was taken under tow and, after repairs, resumed service until decommissioned in 1865.  (By John Osborne)