Author Archives: SUMPTER

railroaded in Ireland?

Posted on November 23, 2013 by SUMPTER

A Southern editorial that found the British hands-off policy regarding Union recruiting efforts in Ireland not exactly neutral: From the Richmond Daily Dispatch November 23, 1863: Yankee recruiting in Ireland. From the intercepted letter of Mr. De Leon, which the … Continue reading →

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pasteboard nation

Posted on November 22, 2013 by SUMPTER

From Harper’s Weekly November 21, 1863: A QUESTION OF ENDURANCE. THE war has now reached a point at which the continued resistance of the rebels is a mere question of endurance. They are suffering privations as severe as were ever … Continue reading →

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“axes and shovels are in demand”

Posted on November 21, 2013 by SUMPTER

Tools of War From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1863: From the 1st Veteran Cavalry. CAMP STONEMAN, D.C., Nov. 21st, 1863. FRIEND STOWELL: – Although nothing extraordinary has transpired to disturb the even tenor of our camp-life during … Continue reading →

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“dignified address”

Posted on November 20, 2013 by SUMPTER

This is the first review I saw of November 19th’s Gettysburg cemetery dedication in the Richmond Dispatch. It focused on Lincoln’s and Seward’s responses to serenaders the evening before and the main speech by Edward Everett on the 19th. From … Continue reading →

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a word in edgewise

Posted on November 19, 2013 by SUMPTER

Edward Everett gave the longer speech at Gettysburg – by about two hours. President Lincoln’s remarks at the cemetery dedication made it on the front page of The New-York Times on November 20th next to three columns (and counting) of … Continue reading →

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(rail) road trip

Posted on November 18, 2013 by SUMPTER

From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven: TO SECRETARY CHASE EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, November 17, 1863. HON. SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. MY DEAR SIR:—I expected to see you here at Cabinet meeting, and to say something about … Continue reading →

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surgeon swap

Posted on November 18, 2013 by SUMPTER

The prisoner parole and exchange system had not totally broken down by 150 years ago this week. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch November 16, 1863: Exchange of Surgeons. The exchange of Surgeons, we learn, has been agreed upon by the … Continue reading →

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fulcrum point?

Posted on November 16, 2013 by SUMPTER

Ever more Yankees, including General Grant, were concentrating at Chattanooga. This Richmond editorial knew the North was going to attack and hoped that if the South won it would break “the backbone of the war.” Otherwise, “the South will be … Continue reading →

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swarming with yankees

Posted on November 15, 2013 by SUMPTER

Richmond was just about overflowing with Yankee prisoners. Some were being disposed to Danville and Lynchburg. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch November 14, 1863: The prisoners of War in Richmond. The morning report of the Libby prison yesterday shows the … Continue reading →

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brief

Posted on November 14, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this month Joseph E. Johnston was in charge of the Confederate Departments of Alabama and Mississippi. Apparently he had enough time on his hands to make (tiny) speeches. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch November 14, 1863: Gen. … Continue reading →

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