Category Archives: Military Matters

printers to the front

Posted on May 12, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago a Richmond paper couldn’t give its readers as much war news as it would have liked because its some of it employees were called to military duty. However, people could rest assured: General Lee telegraphed that the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Overland Campaign, Southern Society | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Obituary of Ira Munson

Posted on May 10, 2014 by SUMPTER

he replied that he should never leave the boys whom he had induced to enlist, while he was able to do duty. The big notebooks of newspaper clippings from the Civil War era in the Seneca Falls, New York public … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

not jostled – thanks!

Posted on May 9, 2014 by SUMPTER

From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven: RECOMMENDATION OF THANKSGIVING. EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, May 9, 1864 TO THE FRIENDS OF UNION AND LIBERTY: Enough is known of army operations, within the last five days, to claim our … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Lincoln Administration, Military Matters, Northern Society, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

‘elections have consequences’

Posted on May 8, 2014 by SUMPTER

James S. Wadsworth was the unsuccessful Republican candidatefor New York State governor in 1862. After his defeat he continued to serve in the Union army. He was mortally wounded on May 6, 1864 during the Battle of the Wilderness. He … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Northern Politics During War, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

that big right turn

Posted on May 7, 2014 by SUMPTER

In his 1920 memoirs William Meade Dame remembered that his unit, the Richmond Howitzers, were bystanders and observers during the Battle of the Wilderness. However, 150 years ago tonight, they were in the vanguard as General Lee raced to get … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Overland Campaign, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

wild odds

Posted on May 6, 2014 by SUMPTER

May 6, 1864 was another bloody day during the Battle of the Wilderness. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in May 1864: LOSSES IN THE 111TH REGIMENT. – The 111th Regiment, New York Volunteers, Col. MC DOUGALL, now with … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

racing for Richmond?

Posted on May 5, 2014 by SUMPTER

You can read all about Day One of the Wilderness at Civil War Daily Gazette. I was a little surprised that even on the May 7, 1864 front page of The New-York Times, with mostly May 6th datelines, the reports … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

rapidan, rubicon

Posted on May 4, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today the Union Army of the Potomac crossed the Rapidan. As I was looking at the two images said to be of General Grant telegraphing the news of the crossing (here and here) I sort of thought … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Northern Society, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

win it for the world

Posted on May 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week a Richmond paper reprinted that part of a piece by the New York Herald that wondered what would happen if Lieutenant General Grant actually failed in the upcoming Virginia campaign. Factionalism might possibly keep the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Northern Society, Overland Campaign | Tagged , | Leave a comment

no more fiddling

Posted on May 2, 2014 by SUMPTER

I’ve heard it said that, in general, we should trust sources closest to the date of a historical event. People can lie any time, but our memory sure can play tricks as time moves on and on. Here a member … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Overland Campaign | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment