Author Archives: SUMPTER

Show Troops?

Posted on June 7, 2013 by SUMPTER

We know that Phineas Taylor Barnum was on the lecture circuit early in 1863, but apparently the South has not heard anything of his exploits since the beginning of the war. A Richmond newspaper from 150 years ago surmised the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Northern Politics During War, Northern Society | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“the hardest thing I ever saw”

Posted on June 5, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today a detachment from the Army of the Potomac crossed the Rappahannock once again to probe Confederate strength on the other side. Members of the 50th New York Engineers tried to build a pontoon bridge as the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Gettysburg Campaign, Military Matters | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Norfolk parasol spy

Posted on June 4, 2013 by SUMPTER

I loved watching The Wild Wild West as a scared youngster. I guess back in the 1800s a parasol could be used for more than clunking U.S. agents over their heads. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch June 4, 1863: The … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Draft trumps geometry

Posted on June 3, 2013 by SUMPTER

How do you beat the Confederate strategy of using interior lines to concentrate its troops at any threatened point? The New-York Times says to use overwhelming numbers at multiple points simultaneously. The Conscription Act of 1863 is conveniently giving the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Lincoln Administration, Military Matters, Northern Politics During War, Northern Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Back at it

Posted on June 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

And now a corps commander On August 28, 1862, during the Second Battle of Bull Run, Confederate General Richard Ewell’s left leg was “shattered by a Minie ball”. The leg had to be amputated. He convalesced until May 1863 when … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Heading North … and Back South

Posted on May 31, 2013 by SUMPTER

More Two-Year Men Come Home; Captain Ashcroft Heads back South From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1863: The return of the 19th Regiment. This Regiment returned to Auburn on Tuesday [May 23] last, having served out its … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Up to the army

Posted on May 30, 2013 by SUMPTER

Up in New York State plans were in the works to pass legislation and/or amend the state constitution to allow New York soldiers to vote in the 1864 elections. Virginia already allowed soldiers to vote in the field, and a … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Southern Society | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

not going “show the white feather”

Posted on May 29, 2013 by SUMPTER

Catching up a bit with the NY 126th Infantry from Seneca County, New York newspapers in 1863. The 126th Regiment is still at Centreville, Va., doing picket duty. The boys were not in the fight at Fredericksburg. From a Seneca … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Enthusiasm helps make the difference

Posted on May 28, 2013 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1863: Promoted. We are glad to learn that H.B. COMPSON, son of Mr. Jonas Compson, of Tyre, has been promoted to a 2d Lieutenancy in the 8th N.Y. Cavalry. Young COMPSON … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment