Tag Archives: Army of the Potomac

February interlude

Posted on February 21, 2014 by SUMPTER

Things had been pretty quiet in Northern Virginia. 150 years ago today (pages 166-167) General Meade, the North’s commander in the theater, wrote a letter to his wife explaining that “I returned from Washington to-day, very much fatigued and worn … Continue reading →

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“a question of numbers and of time”

Posted on January 14, 2014 by SUMPTER

While on winter break in Philadelphia 150 years ago this week, General Meade, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, was serenaded. He used the occasion to encouraged the walking wounded in the audience to rejoin the army and, … Continue reading →

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gamblers unanonymous

Posted on November 7, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years before New Yorkers voted for a constitutional amendment that allows as many as seven non-Indian casinos in the state, the Provost Marshal of the Army of the Potomac was actually trying to discourage gambling among his men (the … Continue reading →

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John Henry

Posted on October 16, 2013 by SUMPTER

From back in the day when an army traveled with their servants, here’s a photo said to be from October 1863 of John Henry, a servant in the Army of the Potomac’s 3d Corps.

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Sickles’ turn at bat?

Posted on October 14, 2013 by SUMPTER

This might not be on par with the May 1863 capture of Richmond, but here an upstate New York newspaper prints the rumor that there has been another command change in the Army of the Potomac. On the other hand, … Continue reading →

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“the most perfect stagnation”

Posted on August 31, 2013 by SUMPTER

It’s been quiet along the major Eastern front. The Army of Northern Virginia is keeping busy with drills and reviews, the latter attended by women spectators. The soldiers seem to be well-fed and desertions are down, thanks to General Lee’s … Continue reading →

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the usual suspects

Posted on July 20, 2013 by SUMPTER

A Democrat newspaper in from a small town in New York state digests the information that Lee’s army retreated from Gettysburg and made it south of the Potomac largely unscathed. It has to be the Republican administration’s fault. Everything was … Continue reading →

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history lesson

Posted on June 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

for “the good of the country” I’m not sure what the Seneca Falls, New York editors knew about the events in southern Pennsylvania when they reprinted this article in July 1863. Anyhow it was a great chance for the Democrat … Continue reading →

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Memorialized

Posted on May 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

On Tuesday, May 12, 1863, only about a week after its costliest engagements (during the Chancellorsville campaign), the 33rd New York Infantry Regiment received the word that it was officially being sent home . It left the front on Friday, … Continue reading →

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“Like some hunted beast”

Posted on May 8, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch May 8, 1863: The Situation on the Rappahannock The information received from the Rappahannock to the present time is not detailed, and with respect to the present condition of the opposing forces not very definite. … Continue reading →

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