Congressman Daniel Voohees of Indiana, a leading "Copperhead" Democrat during the war, had been re-elected to his seat the previous November but, though now sitting in Congress, faced a challenge from his opponent, Henry D. Washburn, who claimed that fraudulent voting had effected the result.  The House debated for several hours and then voted 87-37 on the motion that Washburn, a Republican former Union combat general, was entitled to the seat. Washburn was seated officially the same day.  (By John Osborne)  

The former vice-president of the Confederate States, Alexander Hamilton Stephens, had been invited to address a joint session of the Georgia Legislature on Washington's Birthday.  His speech urged that the result of the Civil War be accepted, President Johnson's reconstruction policy be supported, and the rights of the newly freed slaves be protected.  What was important was the wealth and prosperity of the state in a new United States. (By John Osborne) 

A large tornado struck Knoxville, Tennessee in the early hours causing heavy damage to railroad installations and other buildings on the edge of town.  No serious injuries or deaths were reported, however.  (By John Osborne)

The Chicago Tribune reported that the University of Michigan was now the largest in the country, with over 1,050 students.  These included 436 medical students and around 300 studying law.  Tuition was free, supported with a large endowment and more professors were being engaged.  (By John Osborne) 

Near the Masthope Station in Pike County, Pennyslvania just after dawn, an express train on the New York and Erie Railroad derailed and smashed into land along the track, killing two men sawing logs nearby. Two carriages suffered heavy damage and at least eight passengers were injured.  The journey to Jersey City was completed with a substitute train four hours later.  (By John Osborne)