Category Archives: Military Matters

“ingloriously sacrificed “

Posted on May 7, 2013 by SUMPTER

After the Union loss at Chancellorsville the press and public in Seneca Falls, New York received all sorts of feedback and formed opinions about the debacle. Here’s a start. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1863: The … Continue reading →

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“we dread to hear”

Posted on May 4, 2013 by SUMPTER

The 33rd New York Infantry Regiment fought with John Sedgwick’s Sixth Corps during the Chancellorsville Campaign. On May 3, 1863 the 33rd helped drive the Confederates off Marye’s Heights. The VI Corps then started marching toward the main Federal force … Continue reading →

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Pennsylvania’s safe

Posted on May 2, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today, as the Battle of Chancellorsville continued, President Lincoln assuaged the fears of Pennsylvania Governor Curtin: the rebels weren’t threatening his state – no need to call out the militia. From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham … Continue reading →

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Collision Expected

Posted on May 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch May 2, 1863: The news from the Rappahannock — the movements of the Hammy [Enemy] — a fight Hourly anticipated. The news from the armies now confronting each other on the Rappahannock is highly important … Continue reading →

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Something’s up

Posted on April 30, 2013 by SUMPTER

In Richmond the news from Fredericksburg was only a day late 150 years ago. By April 29th Federal forces had crossed the Rappahannock in the same vicinity that General Franklin’s Grand Division had crossed back in December, as part of … Continue reading →

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He had a dream

Posted on April 29, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 29, 1863: “Nigger” Surgeons. –The recently appointed negro surgeon, Dr. A. S. Augusta, writes to the Washington Star that he holds the appointment of full regimental surgeon U. S. V. instead of assistant surgeon, … Continue reading →

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Coming Home

Posted on April 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in April 1863: The 33d regiment will be mustered out of service on Friday the 22d of May. The boys ought to have a magnificent reception upon their return home. The old 19th, … Continue reading →

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TIK toc

Posted on April 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week the Confederate government revived an old idea in order to obtain new supplies for its armies in the field. On May 24, 1863 To combat spiraling inflation, the Confederate Congress levies a 10 percent “tax … Continue reading →

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A young man’s fancy turns to …

Posted on April 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

Swordplay? This photograph from April 1863 is titled “Falmouth, Virginia. A muss at headquarters, Army of the Potomac” Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Locksley Hall” “narrates the emotions of a weary soldier come to his childhood home” and contains the following lines: … Continue reading →

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Wily Yankee Propaganda?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by SUMPTER

Here a Richmond paper tries to make sense of various prognostications coming out of the Northern press. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 22, 1863: The wait and Watch System. Several Federal journals intimate that no active hostilities on their … Continue reading →

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