Author Archives: SUMPTER

Captain Brett killed

Posted on May 30, 2014 by SUMPTER

During the Civil War New York’s 33rd Volunteer Infantry was a two-year regiment. After it was mustered out on June 2, 1863, one of its members who re-enlisted was Robert H. Brett, who later joined the 1st Veteran Cavalry and … Continue reading →

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hopeful thinking

Posted on May 29, 2014 by SUMPTER

After church five weeks ago (in 1864 time) General George Meade drove some visitors over to Culpeper to see the new Lieutenant General. 150 years ago today the Army of the Potomac had spent almost four weeks of fighting and … Continue reading →

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capital gratitude

Posted on May 28, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week VMI cadets were in Richmond, where the were thanked for their valor in helping the Confederates win the Battle of New Market. Governor “Extra Billy” Smith also presented them with a new flag. From the … Continue reading →

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“salutary retaliation” plank

Posted on May 27, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week anti-Lincoln Republicans convened in Cleveland to set up an alternative party to contest the 1864 presidential election. Here Frederick Douglass set out his expectations for the fledgling party’s platform. Understandably (Mr. Douglass pushed for the … Continue reading →

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Christian Commission

Posted on May 26, 2014 by SUMPTER

we brought up with us nearly three thousand letters, written for disabled soldiers by the delegates of the commission. The New York Times column at left features a matter-of -fact telegram dated May 26, 1864 from Secretary of War Stanton … Continue reading →

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“God save the Lieutenant-General!”

Posted on May 24, 2014 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1864: TO ALL PATRIOTS. – The New York Times proposes that the whole country send up prayers to Heaven for the protection of the great leader of our army, Lieut-Gen. Grant. … Continue reading →

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deconstructing Bobby Lee

Posted on May 23, 2014 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times May 23, 1864: The Chivalry of the Rebel Gen. Lee. “When monkeys are gods, what must the people be?” ROBERT E. LEE, Commander of the rebel army, is deemed the paragon of Southern chivalry. The rebels … Continue reading →

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“lying about in heaps”

Posted on May 22, 2014 by SUMPTER

One of our local publications reprinted a report from the Albany Argus. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1864: The Wounded at Fredericksburg. HEART-RENDING SCENES. From a gentleman who arivee [sic] in this city yesterday morning, direct … Continue reading →

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“we have been pretty severely thrashed”

Posted on May 21, 2014 by SUMPTER

SENECA and his fellow soldiers in the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry took part in the May 15, 1864 Union defeat at New Market. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864: From the Veteran Cavalry. NUMBER V. CAMP … Continue reading →

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not a trace

Posted on May 20, 2014 by SUMPTER

After the 33rd New York Volunteer Infantry was mustered out, some of its remaining three years’ recruits were transferred to the 49th New York Volunteer Infantry. Edmund Ferren was one of these young men. There is a discrepancy in the … Continue reading →

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