Category Archives: 150 Years Ago This Week

News from 150 years ago

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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If

Posted on July 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

Press scrutiny of the Conscription drawings A Democrat paper went to Auburn 150 years ago today to make sure the draft was carried out fairly. It reported that everything seemed fair – as long as the names in the box … Continue reading →

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“tax ourselves”

Posted on July 24, 2013 by SUMPTER

In reviewing the Conscription Act of 1863, James M. McPherson writes that “Substitution was hallowed by tradition … The Republican architects of the draft law inserted commutation as a means of putting a cap on the price of substitutes … … Continue reading →

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references required

Posted on July 17, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 17, 1863: In Council of the city of Richmond, July13th 1863. The following Ordinance was passed by the Council and ordered to be published in the daily papers of the city twice a week … Continue reading →

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Executives in action

Posted on July 16, 2013 by SUMPTER

Consequences of Vicksburg and Gettysburg 150 years ago yesterday President Lincoln called for a day of Thanksgiving; President Davis called for more troops – all white men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five not exempt. Of course, drafting in … Continue reading →

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Cayuga in the City

Posted on July 15, 2013 by SUMPTER

On July 14, 1863 New York Governor Seymour requested recently mustered out two year volunteers from the Third Volunteer Artillery (Previously the 19th Infantry) to organize and go to New York City to help quell the draft riots. Men began … Continue reading →

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