Author Archives: SUMPTER

“moral impossibility”

Posted on July 2, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago tomorrow The New York Times published a huge article that put together many dispatches from besieged Vicksburg. The reports contained misinformation (General Grant announcing to his troops that Port Hudson had fallen), but the main themes were … Continue reading →

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“it will fight more desperately and bravely than ever”

Posted on July 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

Or else A couple Pennsylvanians defend their home soil – and the Union. From The New-York Times July 2, 1863: THE REBEL INVASION.; Highly Important from the Army of the Potomac. Defeat of Stuart’s Cavalry in Three Fights. The Rebels … Continue reading →

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Mutiny at ‘Gibraltar’?

Posted on June 29, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today a Richmond newspaper published information that the Yankee siege of Vicksburg was progressing but that Confederate General Johnston’s army was getting nearer. There was more information that things were going well for the rebels trapped in … Continue reading →

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Change and Hope

Posted on June 28, 2013 by SUMPTER

My jaw pretty near dropped. One of the Democrat newspapers from Seneca County, New York had a smidgen of praise for President Lincoln in this editorial printed in July 1863: Exit Fighting Joe Hooker. The President, trembling with fear and … 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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Surgeon Still Serving

Posted on June 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

Some June 1863 cuttings from a Seneca Falls, New York newspaper: Naval Graduate. We are pleased to learn that SCHUYLER CROWNINSHIELD, son of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq., of this village, has honorably graduated from the U.S. Naval School at Newport. He … Continue reading →

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“I quailed”

Posted on June 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today Union troops at Vicksburg exploded 2200 pounds of gunpowder under part of the Confederate defenses. Northern soldiers were unable to successfully exploit the resulting crater in the midst of the rebel works. Check out one of … Continue reading →

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Calling on every man

Posted on June 24, 2013 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in June 1863: The National Guard. Gov. SEYMOUR’s recent order for the organization of the National Guard of the State, in accordance with the law passed by the Legislature of 1861, may be … Continue reading →

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Alarmed

Posted on June 22, 2013 by SUMPTER

The May 30, 1863 issue of Harper’s Weekly criticized the Lincoln administration for not trusting the Northern public. The editorial pointed out two examples – locking up traitorous speakers like Clement Vallandigham and not immediately announcing military defeats. 150 years … Continue reading →

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“a pistol at his ear” and Gettysburgh

Posted on June 21, 2013 by SUMPTER

The New York Freeman was a Roman Catholic, pro-Confederate newspaper that was shuttered by Secretary of state William Seward for anti-Union activity from August 1861 to April 1862. This reprinted editorial criticizes the Lincoln administration for acting above the law. … Continue reading →

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