Author Archives: SUMPTER

more to come

Posted on May 30, 2017 by SUMPTER

Back in April 1917 the United States declared war on Germany. As young American men were signing up for the draft and getting ready to be shipped to France, the country observed Decoration Day on May 30th. One hundred years … Continue reading →

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baseball buddies

Posted on May 29, 2017 by SUMPTER

Couldn’t we just have played two back in ’61? Or even a best of seven? As much as I dream about duels replacing wars, I know I’m just dreaming. No jousts or David v. Goliath for modern times. Jeff Davis … Continue reading →

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big milk parlor shut down

Posted on May 25, 2017 by SUMPTER

But what should take its place? Riots broke out in Richmond, Virginia on May 11, 1867. Two days later ex-Confederate President Jefferson was released on bail in the same city. According to the following report, two of the men who … Continue reading →

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Mobile targets

Posted on May 18, 2017 by SUMPTER

150 years ago earlier this week a riot broke out in Mobile, Alabama. From The New-York Times May 15, 1867: RIOT IN MOBILE. Attack by Secessionists upon Judge Kelley – Several Men Shot. MOBILE, Tuesday, May 14. A large number … Continue reading →

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free at last

Posted on May 13, 2017 by SUMPTER

Having been imprisoned for nearly two years in Fortress Monroe, Jefferson Davis, the one and only Confederate president, was bailed out 150 years ago today. Here’s a summary from the June 1, 1867 issue of Harper’s Weekly (page 338): TRIAL … Continue reading →

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riled in Richmond

Posted on May 12, 2017 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times May 13, 1867: More Trouble with the Negroes in Richmond – Arrest of a Speaker at a Freedmen’s Meeting. RICHMOND, Sunday, May 12. Another riot occurred in the lower portion of the city last night. The … Continue reading →

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southern radical Republicans

Posted on May 3, 2017 by SUMPTER

Mobilized in Mobile From The New-York Times May 4, 1867: Colored Convention in Mobile. MOBILE, Ala., Friday, May 3. A colored mass convention of the State has been in session here for two days, and adjourned to day. The delegates … Continue reading →

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Sickles’ salient

Posted on April 27, 2017 by SUMPTER

After the war General Daniel Sickles commanded the army in South Carolina area. On March 11, 1867 he was appointed commander of the second military district (North and South Carolina) under Congress’s Reconstruction Acts. 150 years ago today he halted … Continue reading →

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good rebellion, bad rebellion

Posted on April 19, 2017 by SUMPTER

Ninety-two years after militia in Lexington and Concord started the shooting rebellion against Great Britain a monument was dedicated in Concord. The monument honored those who gave their lives putting down the South’s more recent rebellion. From The New-York Times … Continue reading →

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a war welcome

Posted on April 13, 2017 by SUMPTER

In April 1917 the United States entered World War One. 100 years ago today New Yorkers could read a sort of welcoming poem hot off the cable from a famous British writer. Rudyard Kipling had personal experience of the war-related … Continue reading →

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