Tag Archives: John Arnett

“The Rebels fought like fiends”

Posted on January 17, 2015 by SUMPTER

John Arnett, a young man from Seneca Falls, New York serving in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, has already had some notable experiences. His ship the Westfield was blown up on New Year’s Day 1863 during the Battle … Continue reading →

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still in the navy

Posted on October 2, 2014 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in October 1864: AGAIN PROMOTED. – We are pleased to learn that Ensign John P. Arnett, son of Wm. Arnett, Esq., of this village, has been promoted to be Third Lieutenant in the … Continue reading →

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Ensign Arnett

Posted on March 6, 2014 by SUMPTER

A sailor from Seneca Falls had a rough fortnight to begin 1863. His ship was blown up during the Battle of Galveston on New Year’s Day; on the 11th his new ship was sunk by the CSS Alabama. Here’s some … Continue reading →

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North by Key West

Posted on February 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

I missed this as I was combing through the Seneca County, New York newspaper clippings from 1863: We are rejoiced to learn of the safety of our young friend John Arnett, who was known to have been on board the … Continue reading →

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High and Dry in Jamaica

Posted on January 11, 2013 by SUMPTER

1863 has been quite a year so far for John Arnett, a ship’s mate in the Union navy from Seneca Falls, New York. On New Year’s Day his ship, the Westfield, was blown up to prevent capture by the Confederates … Continue reading →

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Fireworks for the New Year

Posted on January 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

Why it’s good to keep your pilot on board ship. In the very early hours of 1863 a combined Confederate force under John Bankhead Magruder attacked the Union occupiers of Galveston, Texas. During the Battle of Galveston (or the Second … Continue reading →

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Digging Past Vicksburg?

Posted on June 27, 2012 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week Federal troops began digging a canal that was intended to cut between two sections of the Mississippi River so that Union ships could avoid passing by Vicksburg and its effective cannon defenses. From A Seneca … Continue reading →

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Big Tow Operation

Posted on April 5, 2012 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this fortnight a native son of Seneca Falls, New York wrote some letters home from far, far away at the mouth of the Mississippi River. JOHN was a mate in the Union navy that was preparing for … Continue reading →

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