In Virginia, a massive explosion at the Union supply depot at City Point kills more than forty workers

In the morning hours, an ammunition barge docking at the Union supply depot at City Point, Virginia suddenly blew up in a massive explosion.  It is estimated that more than 30,000 heavy shells and 75,000 rounds of rifle ammunition were detonated almost instantaneously, killing 43 people and wounding scores more.  The cause remained unknown till after the war when former Confederate operatives detailed to Union officials how they had smuggled a bomb with twelve pounds of gunpowder and a timer aboard the craft.  (By John Osborne)