Monthly Archives: March 2011

Jubal Early Loves the Union! (in March 1861)

Since mid-February 1861 the Virginia secession convention has been meeting at the Mechanics’ Institute in Richmond. No final decisions have been made. On March 20, 1861 The New-York Times published an update (The New York Times Archive): THE VIRGINIA STATE … Continue reading

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Conflicted in Missouri

Like Other (Especially Border) States As Seven Score and Ten has reported a Missouri state convention was meeting in St Louis 150 years ago to decide how the state should relate to the Union and the Confederacy. Would the state … Continue reading

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The Streets Will Get Cleaned

Even with all the tension between the North and South, especially focused on Fort Sumter and Charleston, there are still genial interactions between the sections – at least intended interactions. From The New-York Times March 18, 1861 (The New York … Continue reading

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Lady Davis Defends Charleston Harbor

From The New-York Times March 18, 1861 (The New York Times Archive): THE “FIRST WAR VESSEL.” The Charleston Courier, of Thursday, contains the following: LADY DAVIS, THE FIRST WAR VESSEL PUT AFLOAT BY SOUTH CAROLINA SINCE THE WAR OF OUR … Continue reading

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We Interrupt This Court-Martial

In October 1860 the Prince of Wales visited New York City as part of his North American tour. The whole city went gaga over the prince – well almost the whole city. The 69th regiment of the New York State … Continue reading

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A. Lincoln – Micromanager

From The New-York Times March 16, 1861 (The New York Times Archive): WASHINGTON, Friday, March 15. THE PRESIDENT’S HEALTH. There is a good deal of anxiety in Republican circles concerning the President’s health, and the effect upon it of his … Continue reading

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Tex-Mex

Conflict in Texas On February 1, 1861 the Texas secession convention voted to secede. On February 23 Texas citizens voted to ratify the secession decision. The Texas secession convention has already sent representatives to the new Confederate government in Montgomery. … Continue reading

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A Man With A New Country

Confusing Times On March 11, 1861 The New-York Times published some commentary by OBSERVER, The Times’ Washington correspondent. As part of his article OBSERVER contrasts the actions of Samuel Taylor, who resigned as U.S. Adjutant General because of his southern … Continue reading

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Fire-eaters’ New Target

Jefferson Davis, Stephen Mallory, et.al. Apparently some unidentified Fire-eaters are taking aim again – this time at the new government of the CSA. From The New-York Times January 11, 1861 (The New-York Times Archive): SECESSION NOT CONTENTED. — The Provisional … Continue reading

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“Blood Is Thicker Than Water”

On March 11, 1861 The New-York Times published a letter to the editor that dealt with the resignation of Commodore Josiah Tattnall from the US Navy and his acceptance of a commission in the Navy of Georgia. The letter responds … Continue reading

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