Author Archives: SUMPTER

‘accidental explosion’ … City Point

Posted on August 9, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today a huge explosion occurred at the wharf at City Point, a major Union supply depot and General Grant’s headquarters. At the time most people assumed it was an accident. It was later learned that Confederate saboteur … Continue reading →

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accidental explosion … Manchester

Posted on August 8, 2014 by SUMPTER

An explosion at a Virginia foundry on August 6, 1864 maimed and killed eight people – slaves working at the foundry and three white boys who had been warned about the danger. Some shells picked up from battlefields to be … Continue reading →

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the bugs of August

Posted on August 7, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago tonight Walter Taylor began another letter to his girlfriend. “Lee’s Adjutant” didn’t have to endure life in the trenches, but the intense heat and omnipresent insects were getting on his nerves. Camp at Violet Bank: Sunday night … Continue reading →

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egg-shell election

Posted on August 6, 2014 by SUMPTER

In July 1864 a Democrat-leaning newspaper in New York State asserted: There is no doubt but that the South is anxious for peace, – they proclaim it and declare themselves willing at all times to enter into negotiations, looking to … Continue reading →

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young colonel killed

Posted on August 5, 2014 by SUMPTER

at Peachtree Creek From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in August 1864: COLONEL KILLED. – Col. W. L. Logie, of Geneva, was killed at the late battle in front of Atlanta. He commanded the 141st N.Y. Volunteers. THE EIGHTH … Continue reading →

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dull day

Posted on August 4, 2014 by SUMPTER

Since there were over 1460 of them, I guess you had to expect a boring one once in a while. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch August 5, 1864: The War News. There was nothing at all of interest transpiring yesterday … Continue reading →

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blackberry brandy

Posted on August 2, 2014 by SUMPTER

a “sovereign balm” Diarrhea/dysentery was one of the major killing diseases for Civil War soldiers . 150 years ago this week New Yorkers were urged to contribute whatever blackberry products they could to help hospitals fight the sickness. From The … Continue reading →

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“literally strewn with dead negroes”

Posted on August 1, 2014 by SUMPTER

The negroes fought quite well to-day, and charged, crying, “No quarter — remember Fort Pillow.” It appears that 150 years ago today Richmond had more up-to-date information about the Battle of the Crater than New York. From the Richmond Daily … Continue reading →

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big demand

Posted on July 31, 2014 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 30, 1864: A Valuable work. –We acknowledge the receipt from Messrs. Evans & Cogswell, publishers, of Columbia, S. C., of an exceedingly well executed copy of a work entitled “A Manual of Military Surgery, … Continue reading →

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retaliation, reprisals

Posted on July 30, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today a rebel force burned much of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Here’s the intro from an article at the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission: On July 30, 1864, Confederate troops entered the south central Pennsylvania town of Chambersburg. Their … Continue reading →

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