In London, a large delegation representing several Trades Unions called on the U.S. Ambassador, Charles Francis Adams, to express their support for the Union cause and President Lincoln. This they did despite the unemployment in the English cotton manufacturing districts that had resulted from the U.S. Navy's blockade of the South.  Ambassador Adams gave a widely reported, and well received, speech in response that stressed friendship and patience between the two countries.  (By John Osborne) 

A group of returning military veterans disrupted a large public meeting being held at the State Capitol in Albany, New York to protest the arrest of Clement Vallandigham.  Chairs were broken but an attempt to storm the stage failed. Eventually the soldiers were ejected and the meeting resumed peacefully.  New York's Governor Seymour sent a letter that described the arrest as "an act that has brought dishonor on our country."  (By John Osborne)

The Confederate Congress had authorized a new "national flag" two weeks before.  The new "Stainless Banner" incorporated the popular "battle flag" but had a large white field that had come in for some criticism as too much like a flag of surrender. It was hoisted for the first time over the Confederate Capital in Richmond, Virginia with the governor and other dignitaries in attendance and remained the national flag of the Confederacy until it was replaced with a new design in March 1865. (By John Osborne)

Frederick Douglass gave a well-attended evening speech at Brooklyn's Academy of Music in New York City.  The subject of his talk was "What Shall Be Done with the Negro?"  His answer was for the full and immediate inclusion of the African-American in American citizenship as the only way to end the Civil War in a just and satisfactory way.  He also talked of the black soldiers of the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts and his two sons marching in its ranks. (By John Osborne)

The Springfield Loyal Ladies League was formed at a large meeting held in the Second Presbyterian Church in the city. A constitution was agreed and more than two hundred and fifty women signed a pledge of membership.  The gathering elected Mrs. S.H. Melvin as president of the new group, with Mrs. John Williams and Mrs. James C. Conkling as vice-presidents.  (By John Osborne) 

The American Temperance Union celebrated its forty-seventh anniversary at its annual meeting in New York City.  The gathering, chaired by Governor William Buckingham of Connecticut, heard reports that largely outlined the effort the society had made with distributing temperance literature to the Army.  The abolition of the Navy's rum ration during the year was also celebrated as a significant victory. Politicians like Senator Samuel Pomeroy of Kansas spoke and the Hutchinson Family performed patriotic songs.  (By John Osborne)