Author Archives: SUMPTER

Not Abe’s Australia

Northern Democrats were extremely indignant over the arrest, trial, and sentencing of Clement Vallandigham. As the Lincoln administration worked out what to do with the troublesome Copperhead, Southerners also became indignant. The Confederacy wasn’t about to become a dumping ground … Continue reading

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“magnificence of war” no more

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1863: Coming Home. It has been definitely determined that the 33d Regiment, and the old 19th, (now the 3d N.Y. artillery) will be mustered out of service on the 22d inst. … Continue reading

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Grand Theft Horse

I’m not sure how true the following letter is; from a Southern perspective, it’s not bad propaganda. Yankees are still thieves and their will for war might be faltering – “Officers are resigning every week.” The Yankees seem to be … Continue reading

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Indignation Meetings

On May 5, 1863 Clement Vallandigham was arrested in Ohio for expressing disloyal opinions for the purpose of weakening the Union war effort. It is written that after his trial on May 6th and 7th Vallandigham “was sentenced to confinement … Continue reading

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Recess

This war sure has been hell, but 150 years ago today a Richmond editorial took a break from battle and advocated a kinder, gentler approach to educating young Confederate citizens. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch May 15, 1863: Don’t snub … Continue reading

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Looking for ‘Loyal’ Women

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1863: A Call for Loyal Women. Mrs. ELIZABETH CADY STANTON, familiarly known to the citizens of our village, is out with a call for a meeting of the “loyal women of the … Continue reading

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“like a funeral pall”

From a Seneca County, New York in May 1863: Another Fredericksburg Disaster. The disastrous intelligence of the defeat of the Army of the Potomac under HOOKER, falls like a funeral pall upon the minds of the people. For six months … Continue reading

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“his spirit still lives”

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1863: Death of Stonewall Jackson. The reported death of this bold and impulsive Confederate General is confirmed, as will be seen by he following order issued by Gen. LEE. He died … Continue reading

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“fate of war”

Last month Captain Patrick McGraw of Company K, 33rd New York Volunteers had a brother killed during fighting in Louisiana. This month the Thirty-third fought its most costly battle during Chancellorsville – a few weeks before it was scheduled to … Continue reading

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“if there are any of us left alive”

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1863: Letter from Capt. Edwin J. Tyler. Casualties in Co. A, of the 33d. CAMP 33D REG., N.Y.V., NEAR FREDERICKSBURG, Va., may 8th 1863. It becomes my painful duty to report for … Continue reading

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