January 1, 1863 - President Lincoln issues the final Emancipation Proclamation freeing all slaves held in territories held by Confederates, and emphasizes the enlisting of black soldiers into the Union Army. The war to preserve the Union now becomes a revolutionary struggle for the abolition of slavery. Congress, too, had been moving towards abolition. In 1861, Congress had passed an act stating that all slaves employed against the Union were to be considered free. In 1862, another act stated that all slaves of men who supported the Confederacy were to be considered free. January 25, 1863 - President Abraham Lincoln appoints General Joseph B. Hooker as Commander of the Army of the Potomac, replacing Ambrose Burnside. January 29, 1863 - General Grant is placed in command of the Army of the West, with orders to capture Vicksburg. March 3, 1863 - The U.S. Congress enacts a draft, affecting male citizens aged 20-45, but also exempts those who pay $300.00 or provide a substitute. Poor Northerners complained, "The blood of a poor man is as precious as that of the wealthy." The act was seen as unfair to the poor, and riots in working class sections of New York broke out. A similar conscription act in the South provoked similar reactions. May 1-4, 1863 - Battle of Chancellorsville. More information about the Battle of Chancellorsville CLICK HERE. May 10, 1863 - The South suffers a huge blow as Stonewall Jackson dies from his wounds. His last words were, "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees." Lee laments, "I have lost my right arm." May 22, 1863 - Siege of Vicksburg. More information about the Siege of Vicksburg CLICK HERE. June 3, 1863 - General Lee with 75,000 Confederates launches his second invasion of the North, heading into Pennsylvania in a campaign that will lead to Gettysburg. June 28, 1863 - President Lincoln appoints General George G. Meade as Commander of the Army of the Potomac, replacing Hooker. Meade is the 5th man to command the Army in less than a year. July 1-3, 1863 - The famous Battle of Gettysburg. More information about the Battle of Gettysburg CLICK HERE. July 13-16, 1863 - Anti-draft riots errupt in New York City, including arson and the murder of blacks by poor immigrant whites. 120 people are killed, including several children, with 2 million dollars in damage. The returning Union forces from Gettysburg restore order. July 18, 1863 - "Negro troops" of the 54th Mass. Infantry Regiment, under the command of Col. Robert G. Shaw, assault fortified Rebels at Ft. Wagner, S.C. 600 of the men, including Col. Shaw, are killed. August 10, 1863 - President Lincoln meets with abolitionist Frederick Douglass who pushes for full equality for the Union "Negro troops" August 21, 18632 - Lawrence, Kansas - pro-Confederate William C. Quantrill and 450 of his proslavery followers, raid the town and murder 182 men and boys. September 19-20, 1863 - Battle at Chickamauga. For more information about the Battle at Chickamauga CLICK HERE. October 16, 1863 - President Lincoln appoints Gen. Grant to command operations in the Western Theater. November 23-25, 1863 - Battle of Chattanooga. For more information about the Battle at Chattanooga CLICK HERE. November 29 - Dec. 4, 1863 - Siege of Knoxville. For more information about the Siege of Knoxville CLICK HERE.