Record Data Place Unit Type Location or Site Containing Unit Mississippi Events Date Type 12/28/1861 Off Mississippi, a U.S. Navy steamer collides with a French warship sent to evacuate citizens from New Orleans US/the World 12/03/1861 Union infantry arrives at Ship Island, Mississippi in the first build-up of forces intending to capture New Orleans Battles/Soldiers People Documents Date Title 12/04/1861 Brigadier General John W. Phelps, Proclamation to "The Loyal Citizens of the Southwest," December 4, 1861 12/27/1861 Flag Officer William W. McKean to Gideon Welles, Concerning Brigadier-General Phelps' Declaration, December 27, 1861 Images