Author Archives: SUMPTER

“live in legend and story”

Posted on June 1, 2015 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in June 1865: Our Returning Soldiers. Regiment by regiment the gallant soldiers who have by their heroism and fortitude saved saved our common Government are returning home. They come to lay aside the … Continue reading →

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shotgun shorts

Posted on May 30, 2015 by SUMPTER

This article would have been published earlier than May 30, 1865 because even folks up here in New York state would already have known that Jefferson Davis was captured. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1865: The … Continue reading →

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last step in Connecticut?

Posted on May 29, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the May 29, 1865 issue of The Chicago Times. (at the Library of Congress): The legislature of Connecticut, now in session, has before it a proposition to amend the state constitution so as to give the right of voting … Continue reading →

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pay-roll pay-off

Posted on May 28, 2015 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1865: The average pay due each soldier is $250, and the government is ready to pay off and discharge every man in both armies. The friends of General Sherman and Secretary … Continue reading →

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Loyalty in New York

Posted on May 27, 2015 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1865: What New York has Done. What New York has done in contributions of men and money to sustain the cause of the Union has never been fully and fairly stated. The … Continue reading →

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Democrats for the disabled

Posted on May 26, 2015 by SUMPTER

The The Grand Review of the Union armies occurred in Washington, D.C. on May 23rd and 24th. The soldiers would keep heading north to their homes and the next stage in their lives. The New-York Times promoted the government employment … Continue reading →

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free to vote?

Posted on May 25, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today President Johnson reportedly opined that the question of whether blacks should be allowed to vote in the South should be decided by loyal whites in the South. From The New-York Times May 26, 1865: The President … Continue reading →

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furlough!

Posted on May 25, 2015 by SUMPTER

Congratulations to Allen Gathman at Seven Score and Ten for over 1750 consecutive daily posts and for a very well-deserved vacation! Thanks to his example and support I found a niche and got somewhat close to filling it – most … Continue reading →

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“A bark canoe in a tempest on mid-ocean”

Posted on May 23, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week the Utica Morning Herald & Daily Gazette (at the Library of Congress) devoted its front page to a reprint of an article that assessed Abraham Lincoln’s historical significance. The president did not seem up to … Continue reading →

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exhumation impracticable

Posted on May 22, 2015 by SUMPTER

Family and friends weren’t allowed to exhume the remains of soldiers in Virginia, especially if they had been dead less than a year. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1865: The Removal of Dead Soldiers from Virginia. Colonal … Continue reading →

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