Author Archives: SUMPTER

attracting a crowd

fireworks by the bay 150 years ago this week politics was a major topic out in the Far West. The September 9, 1864 issue of San Francisco’s Daily Alta California featured side by side coverage of a couple political rallies … Continue reading

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semper fi

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“fight it out”

According to a reprinted story in a Southern newspaper, Indiana Governor Oliver P. Morton criticized the idea of an armistice in a speech to returning veterans during a year in which he was up for re-election. He claimed that the … Continue reading

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forked tongue acceptance?

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch September 13, 1864: M’Clellan’s letter of Acceptance — he is for the Union as the only basis for peace. The following is the letter of General McClellan to the committee announcing his nomination for the … Continue reading

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gifts

From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven: REPLY TO A COMMITTEE OF COLORED PEOPLE FROM BALTIMORE WHO PRESENTED HIM WITH A BIBLE, SEPTEMBER 7, 1864. I can only say now, as I have often said before, it … Continue reading

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Pollyanna platform

The Democratic platform boils down to the call for a convention of all the states that will magically end the war and re-unite the nation. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch September 5, 1864: A Republican view of the platform. [From … Continue reading

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conscientious dilemmas

From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven: TO MRS. GURNEY. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 4, 1864. ELIZA P. GURNEY. MY ESTEEMED FRIEND:—I have not forgotten probably never shall forget the very impressive occasion when yourself and friends … Continue reading

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“applause and thanks”

The front page of The New-York Times on September 1, 1864 included eleven brief paragraphs from different all dated August 31st that all explained how Democrats from Buffalo to Boston were celebrating with the firing of cannon, parades, speeches, fireworks, … Continue reading

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“new thinning out”

September 1864 was another draft month in the North. Here’s some sarcasm, first from a paper in central New York State and then from the Richmond Dispatch as it reported on Ohio Governor John Brough’s warning against draft resistance. From … Continue reading

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“bulldog grip”

Things are a bit slower up here in the country, especially when you publish a non-daily paper. Here’s a digest of some recent operations on two major fronts. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper on September 1, 1864: War … Continue reading

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