Author Archives: SUMPTER

unoriginal devil

Posted on March 4, 2013 by SUMPTER

The following article finds that there was a British template for President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Twenty-five years earlier a writer in Fraser’s magazine suggested a crusade to free American slaves as the only way the United Kingdom had a chance … Continue reading →

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Still trusting the old ship

Posted on March 2, 2013 by SUMPTER

The New York 33rd Volunteer Infantry has less than three months remaining in its two year enlistment. Here’s a letter home from a member of the 33rd. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1863: Patriotic Letter from a … Continue reading →

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“a woman on each arm”

Posted on March 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

A couple days ago we read a report about a courageous and loyal Confederate soldier who deserted because he was concerned about his wife’s welfare. The deserter was executed. Here’s information from 150 years ago this week that indicates some … Continue reading →

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The Union Ninth

Posted on February 28, 2013 by SUMPTER

The Union IX Corps left the Army of the Potomac in February, 1863. It would eventually make its way to Vicksburg in June to support the siege. Here’s a couple photos of its departure at Aquia Creek: And what it … Continue reading →

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Tug of War

Posted on February 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 27, 1863: A solemn warning to wives. –A correspondent of the Selma Reporter relates a story which should serve as a solemn warning to the wives of soldiers. He says a few weeks ago … Continue reading →

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Non-exempt

Posted on February 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

Actions speak louder than “animus” One of the weaknesses of the Confederate conscription acts is said to have been widely abused exemptions. Here a Confederate judge decided against two native Virginians who claimed exemption on the ground that they were … 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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Monday Holiday

Posted on February 23, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago yesterday President Lincoln thought it propitious that Washington’s Birthday coincided with the Christian sabbath. This article encourages Gothamites to make it a long weekend – despite the snowstorm. From The New-York Times February 23, 1863: LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.; … Continue reading →

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President’s Say

Posted on February 22, 2013 by SUMPTER

From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Six: TO ALEXANDER REED. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, February 22, 1863. REV. ALEXANDER REED. MY DEAR SIR:—Your note, by which you, as General Superintendent of the United States Christian Commission, invite me … Continue reading →

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War, Peruvian Style

Posted on February 20, 2013 by SUMPTER

I thought this was a pretty interesting juxtaposition from 150 Februaries ago. A southern newspaper criticized the North for not being merciful enough in its war effort and then criticized George McClellan for not using or knowing how to properly … Continue reading →

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