Author Archives: SUMPTER

“power to enslave”

Posted on February 5, 2016 by SUMPTER

In early 1866 Congress debated a proposed Constitutional amendment that that would change the apportionment of representatives to Congress. According to the February 1, 1866 issue of The New-York Times the text read: ARTICLE – . Representatives and direct taxes … Continue reading →

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misguided tour?

Posted on February 1, 2016 by SUMPTER

In a review of a Northern periodical the Richmond Daily Dispatch of December 23, 1865 said visiting yankees ought to be wary of trusting too much in their tour guides: Periodicals. –The January number of the Atlantic Monthly is upon … Continue reading →

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oysters for the vet

Posted on January 27, 2016 by SUMPTER

Even Sumpter will rouse himself for a delicious meal. Also, the following reminded me of local charity dinners nowadays. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in (probably) January 1866: DONATION TO A SOLDIER. – A donation and oyster supper … Continue reading →

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hot stove

Posted on January 18, 2016 by SUMPTER

I embrace hibernation. Reconstruction lacks the excitement of the combined naval-infantry assault on Fort Fisher (already a year ago), and it’s harder to find material. I might be historied out, but lying dormant for a bit sure seems good to … Continue reading →

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“the Government of Freedmen.”

Posted on January 5, 2016 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week New Yorkers could read about South Carolina’s enactment of a Black Code for the governance of freedmen. Eric Foner summarizes the code, which: contained provisions, such as prohibiting the expulsion of aged freedmen from plantations, … Continue reading →

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new year mystery

Posted on January 1, 2016 by SUMPTER

This cartoon recalls President- elect Lincoln’s address at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall on February 22, 1861, but you could look at it in a Janus-like way. Mr. Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 because of his principles. Looking ahead he is certainly … Continue reading →

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work on

Posted on December 31, 2015 by SUMPTER

Thankfully the American Civil War ended in 1865. Apparently the federal government felt it could let down its defenses a bit on the nation’s northeast corner. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 30, 1865: The coast batteries in Maine dismantled. … Continue reading →

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Virginia freedmen

Posted on December 30, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 30, 1865: The freedmen’s Bureau of Virginia. The reader will find in this morning’s paper the purport of the report of Colonel Brown, Assistant Commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau for the State of Virginia, … Continue reading →

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“a dirty Yankee trick”

Posted on December 29, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 30, 1865: Arrival of Captain Semmes. Washington, December29. –Captain Semmes arrived here last night by the train from New York, in charge of a guard of United States Marines, and was at once taken … Continue reading →

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tidings: dreadful … and glad?

Posted on December 25, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 25, 1865: Christmas. It would seem a remorseless piece of irony to extend to our people the usual greeting of “A Merry Christmas.” In the midst of a land desolated by the iron foot-prints … Continue reading →

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