Category Archives: Military Matters

“the suppressic veri and the suggestio falsi”

Posted on June 12, 2014 by SUMPTER

going to hurt me more than you? From the June 11, 1864 edition of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South: Also 150 years ago this week, a Richmond paper noticed that Union Secretary of War Stanton’s telegrams to General … Continue reading →

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duckin’, dodgin’, and dirt

Posted on June 10, 2014 by SUMPTER

In the trenches at Cold Harbor. The first part of this letter might be an example of gallows humor, especially since Chaplain Scott just missed getting shot in the head. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1864: LETTERS … Continue reading →

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“glorious victory”

Posted on June 9, 2014 by SUMPTER

Our SENECA correspondent from New York’s 1st Veteran Cavalry sure was happy to be able to report some Union success in the Shenandoah Valley after the defeat at New Market. According to SENECA, a diversionary action by the 1st Veterans … Continue reading →

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relative Sabbath

Posted on June 5, 2014 by SUMPTER

According to the following editorial 150 years ago today was a remarkably quiet Sunday up at the Cold Harbor front. Also, if Grant can’t do to Lee what Lee did to McClellan, then the Confederates must be the best soldiers. … Continue reading →

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“Our loss was not severe”

Posted on June 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

On the evening of July 2, 1864 the Union troops on the front lines at Cold Harbor knew the assault ordered for the next morning was madness. They were close enough to see the strength of the rebel works. They … Continue reading →

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The trials of Silas Moore

Posted on May 31, 2014 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1864: Returned to the Service. The trial of SILAS MOORE, of this village, at Elmira, for desertion, resulted in his conviction and he was sentenced to serve in the army for … Continue reading →

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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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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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