Category Archives: Military Matters

Something’s up

Posted on April 30, 2013 by SUMPTER

In Richmond the news from Fredericksburg was only a day late 150 years ago. By April 29th Federal forces had crossed the Rappahannock in the same vicinity that General Franklin’s Grand Division had crossed back in December, as part of … Continue reading →

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He had a dream

Posted on April 29, 2013 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 29, 1863: “Nigger” Surgeons. –The recently appointed negro surgeon, Dr. A. S. Augusta, writes to the Washington Star that he holds the appointment of full regimental surgeon U. S. V. instead of assistant surgeon, … Continue reading →

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Coming Home

Posted on April 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in April 1863: The 33d regiment will be mustered out of service on Friday the 22d of May. The boys ought to have a magnificent reception upon their return home. The old 19th, … Continue reading →

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TIK toc

Posted on April 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this week the Confederate government revived an old idea in order to obtain new supplies for its armies in the field. On May 24, 1863 To combat spiraling inflation, the Confederate Congress levies a 10 percent “tax … Continue reading →

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A young man’s fancy turns to …

Posted on April 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

Swordplay? This photograph from April 1863 is titled “Falmouth, Virginia. A muss at headquarters, Army of the Potomac” Alfred Tennyson’s poem “Locksley Hall” “narrates the emotions of a weary soldier come to his childhood home” and contains the following lines: … Continue reading →

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Wily Yankee Propaganda?

Posted on April 23, 2013 by SUMPTER

Here a Richmond paper tries to make sense of various prognostications coming out of the Northern press. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 22, 1863: The wait and Watch System. Several Federal journals intimate that no active hostilities on their … Continue reading →

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Absent Without a Vote

Posted on April 18, 2013 by SUMPTER

I guess it really is going to be a long war. Here’s an editorial by a Republican-leaning paper urging the New York state government to do whatever it took to let soldiers “vote by proxy” for the 1864 elections. From … Continue reading →

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The greenbacks are coming!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by SUMPTER

Last year I wondered how a local newspaper could know very accurately how much money was being sent home by Union volunteers. Apparently much of the money was funneled through a soldier’s captain, and the captain told the press. From … Continue reading →

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Killed in the Jungle

Posted on April 15, 2013 by SUMPTER

There were several engagements as Union general Nathaniel Banks led his army in a round-about way through the bayous of Louisiana to eventually get at Port Hudson on the Mississippi. I’m confused about the dates. And I was even more … Continue reading →

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“poor Barney McGraw”

Posted on April 13, 2013 by SUMPTER

Union General Nathaniel Banks mission was to capture Port Hudson, Louisiana. His army was opposed by Confederates led by Richard Taylor. On the way to Port Hudson via Alexandria, Banks and his army won a victory at the Battle of … Continue reading →

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