Author Archives: SUMPTER

Hanging Professor

Posted on July 28, 2012 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 28, 1862: Guerrillas hung –General Fitch, late Senator from Indian[a], now leading a brigade at St. Charles, in Arkansas, has just hung two guerrillas, in pursuance of pledges to do so in case of … Continue reading →

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Methodist Parson Takes Command

Posted on July 27, 2012 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week the Dispatch printed a bio of the new Union general-in-chief. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 28, 1862: The New Federal Commander-in-chief. Henry Wager Halleck is one the four Major-Generals who were first appointed in … Continue reading →

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Government Stimulus

Posted on July 26, 2012 by SUMPTER

Talk about Big Sibling … here a newspaper seems to have a real good idea of exactly how much money is being sent home by local soldiers in the 33rd New York Volunteers. From a Seneca Falls, New York newspaper … Continue reading →

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Death of a Free Soiler

Posted on July 25, 2012 by SUMPTER

150 years ago yesterday Martin Van Buren died at the age of 79. He was the first president who was not born a British subject. He began his political career as a Democrat and served in Andrew Jackson’s administration as … Continue reading →

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A Banner Day

Posted on July 24, 2012 by SUMPTER

It is written that James B. Hitchcock had enrolled in Company K of the 44th New York Volunteer Infantry. He performed heroically during an unspecified battle during the Seven Days. From a Seneca Falls, New York newspaper in 1862: A … Continue reading →

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War of and by the People?

Posted on July 23, 2012 by SUMPTER

From the Library of Congress

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Pristine Farm Stands Out Like Sore Thumb

Posted on July 21, 2012 by SUMPTER

Well, Mr. Dudley can’t sell liquor anymore. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 21, 1862: A Richmond merchant arrested for alleged disloyalty. –Mr. T. Dudley, Jr., the well known liquor merchant, who formerly did business on the North side of … Continue reading →

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Can’t bomb them into submission

Posted on July 20, 2012 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 21, 1862: Ex-Governor Seymour, of Connecticut, Opposed to a war of subjugation. Ex-Governor Seymour, of Connecticut, has written a remarkable letter to the Hartford Times condemning the use of his name as a Vice … Continue reading →

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The Taxmen Searcheth

Posted on July 19, 2012 by SUMPTER

This cartoon, which you can read more about at the Library of Congress, was published in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper on July 19, 1862. It referred to the Tax Act of July 1862. From the National Archives: To fund the … Continue reading →

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Intervene for “Southern Freedom”

Posted on July 18, 2012 by SUMPTER

And to end Europe’s cotton famine A couple posts ago a member of the 50th New York Engineers worried about foreign intervention in America’s Civil War. He urged men to volunteer right away so the rebellion could be put down … Continue reading →

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