Author Archives: SUMPTER

fishy business

Posted on February 25, 2015 by SUMPTER

A presumably Democrat paper criticized President Lincoln for using his power of pardon to release a former Baltimore Provost Martial who was convicted of abusing his power. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in February 1865: COL. FISH PARDONED. … Continue reading →

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from the quagmire

Posted on February 24, 2015 by SUMPTER

The Civil War has changed America in some ways over the last four years, but Yankees are still firing off cannon to honor Washington’s birthday. And rain makes Virginia “one vast quagmire” – the Dispatch doesn’t anticipate General Grant trying … Continue reading →

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old news …

Posted on February 23, 2015 by SUMPTER

Not exactly good news for the rebel cause From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1865: The War in the Southwest. CAIRO, Feb. 21. – The Memphis Bulletin learns from gentlemen who left Selma, Ala., on the 14th ult., … Continue reading →

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Cumberland catch

Posted on February 21, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today a rebel raid surprised a couple Union generals, who were then sent off to Libby Prison for a month. General-in-Chief Lee reported that no shooting was necessary From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in February … Continue reading →

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Save Our South!

Posted on February 20, 2015 by SUMPTER

I guess desperate times really do call for desperate measures. In its Monday morning editorial the Dispatch calls for the Confederate Congress to let General Lee use slaves as soldiers in exchange for their freedom. As you can read, the … Continue reading →

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tough “tug of war” ahead

Posted on February 19, 2015 by SUMPTER

It seems like it was a rough week 150 years ago for the Palmetto state, the first star on the Confederate flag. Columbia, South Carolina’s capital fell to Sherman’s army and much of the city burned. The next day Charleston, … Continue reading →

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praying for spring?

Posted on February 18, 2015 by SUMPTER

Elmira, New York, as a prison for captured rebels and as a recruiting and mustering in place for new Union soldiers, was in the news 150 years ago this month. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 18, 1865: Religion in … Continue reading →

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no treaties with traitors

Posted on February 16, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 15, 1865: The spirit at the North. –In New York, on Thursday evening, a meeting of the Union League Club was held, and the following resolutions, offered by Dr. Frank Leiber, were adopted. They … Continue reading →

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it’s a sham

Posted on February 14, 2015 by SUMPTER

it’s a shame Southern people aren’t doing anything about it From The New-York Times February 14, 1865: The Present Fatuity of the South. Was there ever such infatuation as that which now possesses the South? Did any people, on the … Continue reading →

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cornerstones as stumbling blocks

Posted on February 13, 2015 by SUMPTER

Even peace may be purchased at too high a price. – Benjamin Franklin 150 years ago this week news of President Lincoln’s report to Congress about the peace negotiations at Hampton Roads would have made its way to upstate New … Continue reading →

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