Author Archives: SUMPTER

perpetual union still possible

Posted on December 5, 2015 by SUMPTER

In early December 1865 the 39th Congress convened and President Andrew Johnson sent the legislators his first annual message. A newspaper in Gotham was well-satisfied with the President’s report. From The New-York Times December 6, 1865: The President’s Message. Probably … Continue reading →

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hero as tour guide

Posted on November 30, 2015 by SUMPTER

Is there not a better future for these men also? The time will come when we shall at least cease to hate them. In the summer of 1865 a correspondent visited Gettysburg two years after the great battle. His very … Continue reading →

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no malice, just fact

Posted on November 26, 2015 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times November 26, 1865: THE ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.; A Careful and Accurate Survey of the Place. Nature and Condition of the Surrounding Country.The Military Arrangements for the Care of Prisoners. Fearful Revelations of the Character of Their Treatment.Irresistible … Continue reading →

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negotiating reconstruction?

Posted on November 23, 2015 by SUMPTER

It was reported that the Mississippi legislature would give freedmen the right to testify in court if President Johnson withdrew federal (mostly colored?) troops From The New-York Times November 23, 1865: FROM MISSISSIPPI.; Negroes Allowed to Testify for their Own … Continue reading →

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“compelled to inflict on them”

Posted on November 18, 2015 by SUMPTER

This commission is worthy of support, for it will relieve their necessities, and assuage the distress which we, in the course of this war, have been compelled to inflict on them. The American Union Commission held a big fundraiser at … Continue reading →

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suffering Selma

Posted on November 13, 2015 by SUMPTER

The American Union Commission held a big fundraising event in New York City 150 years ago tonight. Many famous men attended or sent in their regrets. Provisional Alabama Governor Lewis E. Parsons gave a first-hand report from the field. Alabama’s … Continue reading →

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chains into ploughshares

Posted on November 11, 2015 by SUMPTER

A poem from 150 years ago celebrated peace and the victory of freedom and free labor over slavery: From The Atlantic Monthly, VOL. XVI.—NOVEMBER, 1865.—NO. XCVII. ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Our modern Veteran’s Day springs from Armistice Day: The shooting finally stopped … Continue reading →

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last rebel hanging

Posted on November 10, 2015 by SUMPTER

As a matter of fact, Andersonville commandant Henry Wirz was the only Confederate officer/official executed in the aftermath of the American Civil War. He was hung 150 years ago today outside Old Capitol Prison in Washington, D.C. From The New-York … Continue reading →

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last rebel flag struck

Posted on November 6, 2015 by SUMPTER

On November 5, 1865 the CSS Shenandoah docked at Liverpool in England. 150 years ago today: Lieutenant James I. Waddell surrenders the CSS Shenandoah to British authorities. His is the final Confederate flag struck. After a few days in confinement, … Continue reading →

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poll watchers

Posted on November 3, 2015 by SUMPTER

Men vote today as women watch Only going back 100 years for this one. On Election Day in 1915 women’s suffrage was on the ballot in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York. It was voted down in all three states. ________________________________________________________________ … Continue reading →

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