Category Archives: Military Matters

Pygmy Squadron Blocking Crescent City

Apparently the federal blockade of southern ports is having some effect. From The New-York Times June 13, 1861: Tantalizing. The people of Louisiana are particularly enraged about the blockade. That “LINCOLN, SEWARD & CO.’s pigmy squadron” should flout the Star-spangled … Continue reading

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Aiming His Guns at Baltimore

From the June 12, 1861 edition of The New-York Times: GEN. BANKS AT BALTIMORE. BALTIMORE, Monday, June 10. Maj. Gen. BANK was at Fort McHenry this afternoon. He assumes command of this military district to-morrow, making the fort his head-quarters. … Continue reading

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With Bayonets Fixed!

Deja Vu All Over Again?* 150 years ago today the 19th New York Volunteers traveled from Harrisburg to Washington, D.C. by rail. At least, by rail most of the way. In order to change trains in Baltimore the regiment had … Continue reading

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“With Pockets Crammed”

Williamsport, Pa – Wonderful Break from Mush and Machine Made Hash Since the end of April the 19th NY Volunteer Infantry has been organizing and drilling in Elmira, NY. There have been some challenges, but things are starting to look … Continue reading

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Beauty and Booty

Ah, June in Northern Virginia, and a young Yankee’s fancy turns to “beauty and booty” – at least that’s what General P.G.T. Beauregard is selling. After having forced the North to surrender Fort Sumter in April, Beauregard has recently (and … Continue reading

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Calling All Marksmen!

Pro-Union Marksmen, That Is From The New-York Times June 2, 1861: THE SHARP-SHOOTERS. As will be seen from the following card, Mr. H. BERDEN, who has made the best rifle shot on record, so far as can be ascertained, has … Continue reading

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Bright Light On the Point

From The New-York Times June 1, 1861: THE CALCIUM LIGHT. This powerful light, now on trial at Old Point Comfort, is an improvement on the old Drummond light. It is produced by the combustion of pure lime — oxyde of … Continue reading

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Drinking Swamp-Water at the Race Track

On May 31, 1861 The New-York Times reported on the observations of RICHARD FAIRCHILD, a British subject who had lived for several years in St. Mary’s Parish, Louisiana. Because he was British Louisiana authorities allowed him to leave the Bayou … Continue reading

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Fighting Words On A Cake

We’ve been following the 19th New York Volunteer Infantry as it drills in Elmira, New York. The regiment has had to persevere through some difficult circumstances, but things aren’t all bad. For example, the volunteers believed they had the support … Continue reading

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A Professor Goes to War

From The New-York Times May 29, 1861: ELECTION OF COLONEL. AUGUSTA, Me., Tuesday, May 28. Lieutenant OLIVER O. HOWARD, of the regular army, now one of the Professors at West Point, was to-day elected Colonel of the Third Regiment of … Continue reading

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