Tag Archives: inflation

thanks for the work

Posted on August 19, 2014 by SUMPTER

On July 18, 1864 Confederate Treasury Secretary Christopher Memminger resigned and headed back home to South Carolina. 150 years ago this month some Virginia women presented him with a cane to thank him for the jobs he provided at the … Continue reading →

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hub letter

Posted on July 26, 2014 by SUMPTER

It seems that this civilian correspondent could relate just about all his topics to the war. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864: LETTER FROM BOSTON. BOSTON, MASS., July 11, 1864. FRIEND STOWELL: – Now that our “Russian … Continue reading →

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bureaucratic nightmare

Posted on July 24, 2014 by SUMPTER

Wages in DC for lower level federal clerks weren’t keeping up with prices. The civil servants were heading home. From The New-York Times July 24, 1864: NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.; HIGH PRICES AND THE CLERKS. … Special Dispatches to the New-York … Continue reading →

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butter price

Posted on June 13, 2014 by SUMPTER

There’s been a lot of killing and maiming and suffering the last six weeks in the various seats of war … and the price of butter is still too high at the Richmond market. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch June … Continue reading →

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get out the calculators

Posted on April 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

As part of the Confederate Currency Reform Act of 1864 began new money began to circulate 150 years ago this month. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 2, 1864: The New issue. –The new Treasury notes will be ready for … Continue reading →

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unending Lent

Posted on February 20, 2014 by SUMPTER

As scarcity increased in the South, the Richmond Daily Dispatch continually shared ideas for substitute products and ways to stretch the food that was available. 150 years ago today it published a bit of persevering humor: the fastings and sacrifices … Continue reading →

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bacon savings

Posted on February 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Richmond Daily Dispatch February 3, 1864: A Model company. –How many corporations will seek and endeavor to get letters like that given below? Such an autograph from Gen. Johnston would be a valuable addition to any dividend … Continue reading →

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holy lawsuit …

Posted on December 4, 2013 by SUMPTER

… a distinct possibility Beware the dilapidated bridge. Inflation was hitting lumber prices in the Richmond area, but bridge owners were better off paying for repairs to avoid more costly lawsuits in the future. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December … Continue reading →

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that European diet

Posted on November 11, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch November 10, 1863: Eat Press [Less] meat. –The great scarcity of meats of all kinds in this Confederacy renders it absolutely necessary that all classes should be exceedingly economical in its use, in order to … Continue reading →

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satire is the best medicine

Posted on October 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

A New York paper says it is republishing an article from a Richmond newspaper, no date given, that comments on worsening conditions in the Confederacy. How do you house and feed three million people in the Southern capital? The writer … Continue reading →

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