Author Archives: SUMPTER

Stay of Draft Execution?

Posted on August 7, 2013 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in August 1863: The Draft at Home. During the past week efforts have been made to show by the official records at Albany that Seneca Falls has furnished, over and above the several … Continue reading →

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To horses!

Posted on August 6, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this summer substantial monetary incentives were offered to veterans if they would return to the service. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in August 1863: CAPT. E.J. TYLER, of the old 33d Regiment, has opened a … Continue reading →

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Counterpoint

Posted on August 5, 2013 by SUMPTER

There were riots in New York City. Democrats in the Finger Lakes were sceptical. But it was reported that New Yorkers conscripted on the shores of Lake Ontario were actually planning a parade to celebrate. From The New-York Times August … Continue reading →

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a little less fire

Posted on August 3, 2013 by SUMPTER

The famous fire-eater, William L. Yancey, died of kidney disease at his home in Montgomery, Alabama on July 27, 1863. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch August 1, 1863: The late William L Yancey. The death of William L. Yancey, Confederate … Continue reading →

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pardon for “numerical equality”

Posted on August 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

On June 28, 1863 the Confederacy’s president, Jefferson Davis, wrote, “If a victim would secure the success of our cause, I would freely offer myself.” Since that was unlikely to work out, 150 years ago today President Davis proclaimed pardon … Continue reading →

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the town pump

Posted on August 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

I was a bit surprised that the Richmond paper could publish a letter the day after it was written. Apparently the Virginia Central Railroad was in fine feather 150 years ago this week. Massachuset describes the wounded thronging to the … Continue reading →

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Just back from Gettysburg

Posted on July 30, 2013 by SUMPTER

After a controversial performance at Gettysburg, General William “Extra Billy” Smith, Virginia’s governor-elect arrived in Richmond on July 23, 1863 for a five month interregnum. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 29, 1863: The New State Administration. General William Smith, … Continue reading →

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generally speaking

Posted on July 29, 2013 by SUMPTER

The Commander-in-Chief manages some of his generals. From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Six: To GENERAL G. G. MEADE. (Private.) EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, July 27, 1863. MAJOR-GENERAL MEADE: I have not thrown General Hooker away; and therefore … Continue reading →

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benign bureaucrats

Posted on July 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

Apparently some shrewd lawyers and agents were trying to make a buck by representing newly drafted men for exemption claims. Auburn, New York’s Provost Marshal said that representation was unnecessary – the conscripts can completely trust the Board of Enrollment. … Continue reading →

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Charlie Wheeler’s Funeral

Posted on July 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today a young woman from Canandaigua, New York attended the funeral of a soldier killed at Gettysburg. Captain Wheeler of the 126th New York Infantry had been killed by a sharpshooter on the morning of July 3rd. … Continue reading →

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