Category Archives: Confederate States of America

cop-out confederacy?

Posted on March 5, 2015 by SUMPTER

Walter Taylor, Lee’s Adjutant, observed a collapsing Confederacy. In a letter he wrote to his beloved Bettie 150 years ago today, Colonel Taylor objected to Confederate leaders blaming the people for why the war could not go on. After all, … Continue reading →

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Yankee smugness

Posted on February 28, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 28, 1865: Treatment of the conquered Confederates–Handsome offer. The New York Times has an article on subjugation, which ought to have a place all to itself. It is the most refreshing instance of Yankee … 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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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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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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freedom on offer?

Posted on February 11, 2015 by SUMPTER

On February 9, 1865 Richmond held a meeting to take stock of the unsuccessful peace negotiations held earlier in the month and to discuss what to do next. Secretary of State Judah P. Benjamin was one of the speakers. He … Continue reading →

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