Monthly Archives: May 2011

Drinking Swamp-Water at the Race Track

Posted on May 31, 2011 by SUMPTER

On May 31, 1861 The New-York Times reported on the observations of RICHARD FAIRCHILD, a British subject who had lived for several years in St. Mary’s Parish, Louisiana. Because he was British Louisiana authorities allowed him to leave the Bayou … Continue reading →

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Fighting Words On A Cake

Posted on May 30, 2011 by SUMPTER

We’ve been following the 19th New York Volunteer Infantry as it drills in Elmira, New York. The regiment has had to persevere through some difficult circumstances, but things aren’t all bad. For example, the volunteers believed they had the support … Continue reading →

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A Professor Goes to War

Posted on May 28, 2011 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times May 29, 1861: ELECTION OF COLONEL. AUGUSTA, Me., Tuesday, May 28. Lieutenant OLIVER O. HOWARD, of the regular army, now one of the Professors at West Point, was to-day elected Colonel of the Third Regiment of … Continue reading →

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Seat of War

Posted on May 27, 2011 by admin

Best wishes to everyone for a great weekend and a good Memorial Day. Here’s a map of the Seat of War from the May 26, 1861 issue of The New-York Times

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Europe Chimes In

Posted on May 26, 2011 by admin

Garibaldi Weighs In FromThe New-York Times May 27, 1861: GARIBALDI ON ITALY AND AMERICA. From the Louisville Democrat. A friend sends us the following from the hero of Italy: ISLAND DE CAPRERA, Italy, May 6, 1861. MY DEAR OLD FRIEND: … Continue reading →

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Invading Virginia’s “Sacred Soil”

Posted on May 25, 2011 by admin

Civil War Daily Gazette has reported on the Union capture of Alexandria and the death and martyrdom of Elmer Ellsworth. The Union advance brings back memories of Virginia Governor John Letcher’s message on January 7, 1861 that Virginia would not … Continue reading →

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“Shabby Gray” Gray Review?

Posted on May 24, 2011 by admin

Having enlisted shortly after President Lincoln’s first call for Volunteers on April 15, 1861, the 19th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment has had a few challenges since it arrived in Elmira, NY on April 29th: Cold, dreary weather; constant marching … Continue reading →

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More Self-Help – from Across The Pond

Posted on May 23, 2011 by admin

“From loyal Americans in Europe to the United States Government, 1861.” From The New-York Times May 24, 1861: PATRIOTIC AMERICANS ABROAD.; A BATTERY OF WHITWORTH GUNS PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT. A battery of the celebrated Whitworth guns, twelve-pounders, with ammunition … Continue reading →

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Now Varina Can Get to Work

Posted on May 21, 2011 by admin

Making Nice With Virginia and Vice Versa From The New-York Times May 21, 1861: WHAT MRS. DAVIS HAS TO SAY ABOUT IT. The following letter from Mrs. JEFFERSON DAVIS was written in acknowledgment of the receipt of a beautiful work-box, … Continue reading →

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Food Fight

Posted on May 20, 2011 by admin

Last month Seven Score and Ten posted a humorous story about Confederate troops near Pensacola having a funeral procession and ceremony to bury some bad beef. I respected the equanimity of the Confederate troops and their ability to make lemonade … Continue reading →

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