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00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 615

One of the strangest battles of the American Civil War period occurred on July 16, 1863 near Japan in the Straits of Shimonoseki. 

The U.S.S. Wyoming, commanded by Captain David McDougal, was searching for the Confederate raider Alabama, when the Wyoming visited Yokohama and learned that the Choshu clan was determined to expel all foreigners from Japan.  In fact, Japanese ships in June had already attacked an American merchant ship.  McDougal took the Wyoming in the Straits and attacked the Japanese fleet and shore batteries. 

In a short but fierce battle, the Wyoming triumphed, despite suffering minimal damage, with five dead and six wounded.  Later an international squadron would force the Choshu clan to revoke its expulsion order.  However, McDougal had won the United States’ first naval battle with the Japanese.