Author Archives: SUMPTER

Bread Basket

Posted on August 9, 2013 by SUMPTER

A Richmond mill is selling flour below the market price and limiting quantities to stymie speculators; another novel food substitute; a meeting is planned to protest flour speculators and another to consider a petition for sentinels to guard Richmond’s near … Continue reading →

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

Fast Work

Posted on August 8, 2013 by SUMPTER

I forgot that President Lincoln had designated August 6th as a Day of Thanksgiving. Here’s an editorial that sees a direct link between the April 30th National Fast Day and the recent Union successes. July 4, 1863 was a lot … Continue reading →

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

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 →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters, Northern Politics During War, Northern Society | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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