Category Archives: 150 Years Ago This Week

News from 150 years ago

Webster was wrong

Posted on March 9, 2013 by SUMPTER

Contrary to Daniel Webster’s assertion, Liberty does not require Union, according to this Southern editorial. Also, it’s too bad the Lincoln administration is pursuing this war because in time there could have been an alliance between two strong, liberty-loving nations. … Continue reading →

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Work Cut Out

Posted on March 8, 2013 by SUMPTER

Just like old times – white surgeons received their degrees at a black church led by a white, slave-owning minister. But I can understand how the writer would find this ceremony, with Richmond belles checking out the new doctors, comforting … Continue reading →

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“General of pluck”

Posted on March 7, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 7, 1863: The condition of the Army of the Potomac. A letter in the New York Tribune dated from the Army of the Potomac, gives a description of the working of matters there at … Continue reading →

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War power to ya

Posted on March 6, 2013 by SUMPTER

Inter arma leges silent. As the 37th Congress closed on March 4, 1863 Northerners were aware that Congress had recently granted the President greatly increased power in order to put down the rebellion and restore the Union. Both the New … Continue reading →

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unoriginal devil

Posted on March 4, 2013 by SUMPTER

The following article finds that there was a British template for President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Twenty-five years earlier a writer in Fraser’s magazine suggested a crusade to free American slaves as the only way the United Kingdom had a chance … Continue reading →

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Still trusting the old ship

Posted on March 2, 2013 by SUMPTER

The New York 33rd Volunteer Infantry has less than three months remaining in its two year enlistment. Here’s a letter home from a member of the 33rd. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1863: Patriotic Letter from a … Continue reading →

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“a woman on each arm”

Posted on March 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

A couple days ago we read a report about a courageous and loyal Confederate soldier who deserted because he was concerned about his wife’s welfare. The deserter was executed. Here’s information from 150 years ago this week that indicates some … Continue reading →

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Tug of War

Posted on February 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 27, 1863: A solemn warning to wives. –A correspondent of the Selma Reporter relates a story which should serve as a solemn warning to the wives of soldiers. He says a few weeks ago … Continue reading →

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Non-exempt

Posted on February 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

Actions speak louder than “animus” One of the weaknesses of the Confederate conscription acts is said to have been widely abused exemptions. Here a Confederate judge decided against two native Virginians who claimed exemption on the ground that they were … Continue reading →

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North by Key West

Posted on February 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

I missed this as I was combing through the Seneca County, New York newspaper clippings from 1863: We are rejoiced to learn of the safety of our young friend John Arnett, who was known to have been on board the … Continue reading →

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