Author Archives: SUMPTER

honoring his mother …

Posted on January 18, 2014 by SUMPTER

and honoring her son From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in January 1864: PRESENTATION OF A BATTLE-FLAG. – The members of the 11th Regiment, Illinois Infantry, have recently presented their old battle-flag to Mrs. Rachel Nevius, of Lodi, in … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters, Northern Society, Vicksburg Campaign | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

“childish despondency”

Posted on January 17, 2014 by SUMPTER

Late in 1863 the Confederate Congress abolished substitution – those conscripted could no longer hire replacements to serve in the CSA army. The Congress went further (third paragraph) in January 1864 by requiring “that men who had hired substitutes report … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Southern Society, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

using that Union instinct

Posted on January 16, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago earlier this month Frederick Douglass made the case that the Civil War had to be primarily a war for abolition; there could never be a return to the old Union with its acceptance of slavery in the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Lincoln Administration, Northern Politics During War, Northern Society | Tagged , | Leave a comment

“salutary school of affliction”

Posted on January 15, 2014 by SUMPTER

It’s been almost two years since we’ve put up a report on Frederick Douglass speaking at New York City’s Cooper Institute. 150 years ago this week he spoke there again. The war was dragging on, and it had to be … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Northern Society | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“a question of numbers and of time”

Posted on January 14, 2014 by SUMPTER

While on winter break in Philadelphia 150 years ago this week, General Meade, commander of the Union Army of the Potomac, was serenaded. He used the occasion to encouraged the walking wounded in the audience to rejoin the army and, … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Northern Society | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

tough nut to shell

Posted on January 13, 2014 by SUMPTER

It’s already going on three years since the federal garrison at Fort Sumter was evacuated as the shooting war started. But the Union wasn’t content to leave with its tail between its legs. The North had been trying to retake … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

down on the farmers

Posted on January 11, 2014 by SUMPTER

What price should Virginia farmers charge the Confederate army for their produce? An editorial from 150 years ago thought a low price was in the farmers’ self-interest. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 11, 1864: The Farmers and the army. … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Southern Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

nurses should be paid

Posted on January 10, 2014 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times January 10, 1864: Ladies’ National Army Relief Association. WASHINGTON, Thursday, Jan. 7, 1864. To the Editor of the New-York Times: Thankful for your courtesy in publishing my letter in your issue of the 3d, I desire … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Northern Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

comfortable Richmond

Posted on January 9, 2014 by SUMPTER

Almost three years into the war people in Richmond can still get a good meal at the Spotswood Hotel, a place apparently far-removed from the Bread Riot Richmond of April 1863. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 9, 1864: Deserving … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Southern Society | Tagged , | Leave a comment

boy martyr

Posted on January 8, 2014 by SUMPTER

On January 8, 1864 “Seventeen-year-old David O. Dodd is hanged as a Confederate spy in Little Rock, Arkansas.” David Owen Dodd was caught with sensitive documents on his trip from Union-occupied Little Rock back to his family in Camden, Arkansas. … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment