Author Archives: SUMPTER

war and peace horses

Posted on August 31, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today the delegates to the Democratic National Convention meeting in Chicago selected General George B. McClellan as their candidate for U.S. president. There was a “scattering” of support for other men, but “Little Mac” won overwhelmingly. Leading … Continue reading →

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peace as soon as practicable

Posted on August 30, 2014 by SUMPTER

although, maybe not on the floor of the Democrat convention On the second day, the Democratic convention in Chicago adopted its platform for the 1864 campaign. The chairman of the convention, New York Governor Horatio Seymour, opened the day with … Continue reading →

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The Democracy (divided) convenes

Posted on August 29, 2014 by SUMPTER

Shelby Foote said that after President Lincoln wrote his prediction of electoral defeat and pledge of co-operation with the incoming administration, he folded it shut, brought it to a cabinet meeting, and had each of the attendees sign it – … Continue reading →

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worn out

Posted on August 28, 2014 by SUMPTER

The Democrat National Convention opened in Chicago on August 29, 1864. 150 years ago this month a local Democrat publication found reasons to believe that the Lincoln administration was on the way out. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper … Continue reading →

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lost and found

Posted on August 27, 2014 by SUMPTER

In the summer of 1863 prisoner exchanges between North and South were stopped, for the most part, because the South would not exchange captured black soldiers. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch August 27, 1864: Captured negroes. –Among the captures from … Continue reading →

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mechanics of war

Posted on August 26, 2014 by SUMPTER
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“annihilated by their own stomachs”

Posted on August 25, 2014 by SUMPTER

Captain James H. McDonald of the 50th New York Engineers has already served in the war for over three years. He recovered from being wounded in the arm at Fredericksburg. In this recruiting letter he promoted the Engineers as being … Continue reading →

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deadline – six months

Posted on August 23, 2014 by SUMPTER

It’s about a week before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and President Lincoln seems to have his political future on his mind. Yesterday he explained why he thought it was worth fighting even three more years to save the … Continue reading →

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“an inestimable jewel”

Posted on August 22, 2014 by SUMPTER

Why President Lincoln continues the war From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven: ADDRESS TO THE 166TH OHIO REGIMENT, AUGUST 22, 1864. SOLDIERS—I suppose you are going home to see your families and friends. For the services … Continue reading →

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a death at Elmira

Posted on August 21, 2014 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch September 8, 1864: … Mr. W. B. Egerton, a citizen of Petersburg, died in the Federal prison at Elmira, New York, on the 21st ultimo. Elmira started accepting Confederate prisoners on July 6, 1864. By … Continue reading →

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