Author Archives: SUMPTER

good time in the grove

Posted on July 4, 2014 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864: FOURTH OF JULY IN TYRE. – The patriotic citizens of Tyre have procured a monument which is to be erected to the memory of the deceased Soldiers from that town. It … Continue reading →

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first anniversary

Posted on July 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

A year after Gettysburg, General Meade reflected on his great victory in a letter to his wife. From The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade … (page 210): HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, July 3. 1864. We are not … Continue reading →

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“the solitary blunder”

Posted on July 2, 2014 by SUMPTER

A Southern take on the North’s coming celebration of July 4th and the Declaration of Independence: the United States was abrogating all the principles of the Declaration except for its one mistake – the idea that “all men are created … Continue reading →

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“on the edge of Niagara”

Posted on July 1, 2014 by SUMPTER

A famous abolitionist was pretty unimpressed with the author of the Emancipation Proclamation. From The New-York Times July 1, 1864: WENDELL PHILLIPS ON THE ADMINISTRATION.; Reasons Why He Cannot Support Lincoln and Johnson–Mr. Lincoln’s Re-election a Public Calamity. To the … Continue reading →

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onions, pickles …

Posted on June 30, 2014 by SUMPTER

and water The United States Sanitary Commission was accepting donations of produce for the Army of the Potomac. From The New-York Times June 30, 1864: ONIONS FOR THE ARMY Arrangements having been made for the transportation of vegetables to the … Continue reading →

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suffering in the trenches

Posted on June 28, 2014 by SUMPTER

Sharpshooters making men lie low in extreme heat From the Richmond Daily Dispatch June 28, 1864: From the Southside. Saturday was an extremely hot and dusty the even the usual sharpshooting and picket firing between the armies in front of … Continue reading →

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YMCA appeal

Posted on June 27, 2014 by SUMPTER

Not enough work and/or supplies for all the refugees On June 25th the Richmond Dispatch editors alluded to the city’s increased population. The following appeal is more evidence of overcrowding. Since there were destitute refugees from all over the Confederacy … Continue reading →

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cat fight

Posted on June 26, 2014 by SUMPTER

From the June 25, 1864 issue of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South: It wasn’t just Grant that was determined. On June 24, 1864 General Meade, commander of the Army of the Potomac, expressed a desire for peace but … Continue reading →

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fresh air fun

Posted on June 25, 2014 by SUMPTER

As the summer got hotter, Richmond’s population was getting bigger, and there were fewer recreational opportunities. What to do? Take a train ride to The Center of the Universe. Failing that, folks could head to the outskirts of town to … Continue reading →

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missing Stonewall

Posted on June 24, 2014 by SUMPTER

A couple correspondents from the New York 1st Veteran cavalry maintained that the Union occupation of Staunton, Virginia in early June 1864 was quite well-received by the citizens. SENECA said everything was passing off quite smoothly as the Union demolished … Continue reading →

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