Category Archives: Northern Society

“new thinning out”

September 1864 was another draft month in the North. Here’s some sarcasm, first from a paper in central New York State and then from the Richmond Dispatch as it reported on Ohio Governor John Brough’s warning against draft resistance. From … Continue reading

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war and peace horses

150 years ago today the delegates to the Democratic National Convention meeting in Chicago selected General George B. McClellan as their candidate for U.S. president. There was a “scattering” of support for other men, but “Little Mac” won overwhelmingly. Leading … Continue reading

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peace as soon as practicable

although, maybe not on the floor of the Democrat convention On the second day, the Democratic convention in Chicago adopted its platform for the 1864 campaign. The chairman of the convention, New York Governor Horatio Seymour, opened the day with … Continue reading

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The Democracy (divided) convenes

Shelby Foote said that after President Lincoln wrote his prediction of electoral defeat and pledge of co-operation with the incoming administration, he folded it shut, brought it to a cabinet meeting, and had each of the attendees sign it – … Continue reading

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worn out

The Democrat National Convention opened in Chicago on August 29, 1864. 150 years ago this month a local Democrat publication found reasons to believe that the Lincoln administration was on the way out. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper … Continue reading

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deadline – six months

It’s about a week before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and President Lincoln seems to have his political future on his mind. Yesterday he explained why he thought it was worth fighting even three more years to save the … Continue reading

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“an inestimable jewel”

Why President Lincoln continues the war From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven: ADDRESS TO THE 166TH OHIO REGIMENT, AUGUST 22, 1864. SOLDIERS—I suppose you are going home to see your families and friends. For the services … Continue reading

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a death at Elmira

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch September 8, 1864: … Mr. W. B. Egerton, a citizen of Petersburg, died in the Federal prison at Elmira, New York, on the 21st ultimo. Elmira started accepting Confederate prisoners on July 6, 1864. By … Continue reading

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“peace at any price”?

150 years ago New York State Peace Democrats held a meeting in Syracuse ahead of the National Democrat Convention in Chicago beginning on August 29th. Fernando Wood from New York City and Clement L. Vallandigham were featured speakers. The delegates … Continue reading

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peace train

150 years ago today Clement L. Vallandigham made his way to Syracuse, New York for an upcoming peace meeting. From The New-York Times August 17, 1864: Movements of Vallandigham. DUNKIRK, N.Y., Tuesday, Aug. 16. Hon. C.L. VALLANDIGHAM passed through here … Continue reading

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