Category Archives: Postbellum Society

another man without a country?

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 22, 1865: The last Confederate prisoner. –The last Confederate prisoner of war has been released, on condition that he would leave the country. The Baton Rouge Gazette of the 5th says: A letter received … Continue reading

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for what it’s worth

As has been well-documented, William H. Seward did not think the United States Constitution was the most important law in the country. Especially in the context of determining whether slavery should be eradicated, he believed there was “a higher law … Continue reading

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legislation without representation …

It is neither right nor safe for any part of the country to legislate for another part of the country without giving it any voice in that legislation. Representation is the vital principle of republican institutions. 150 years ago today … Continue reading

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delegation from the unknown

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 13, 1865: Associated Press dispatches. Congressional proceedings. Washington, December12. –Senate.–Mr. Davis, of Kentucky, offered a resolution, which was referred to the Judiciary Committee, declaring that whereas there is no longer rebellion in the limits … Continue reading

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’cause the framers punted

After an eight month hiatus, the Richmond Daily Dispatch resumed publication 150 years ago today (albeit with no runaway slave classifieds): Saturday…december 9, 1865. The past and the present. The Richmond Dispatch, which met a temporary suspension of its existence … Continue reading

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it was all worth it

The war has been worth all that it cost the nation; the sacrifice has been great, but the benefit greater. President Andrew Johnson proclaimed December 7, 1865 a national Day of Thanksgiving. I don’t know if the first part of … Continue reading

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perpetual union still possible

In early December 1865 the 39th Congress convened and President Andrew Johnson sent the legislators his first annual message. A newspaper in Gotham was well-satisfied with the President’s report. From The New-York Times December 6, 1865: The President’s Message. Probably … Continue reading

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hero as tour guide

Is there not a better future for these men also? The time will come when we shall at least cease to hate them. In the summer of 1865 a correspondent visited Gettysburg two years after the great battle. His very … Continue reading

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no malice, just fact

From The New-York Times November 26, 1865: THE ANDERSONVILLE PRISON.; A Careful and Accurate Survey of the Place. Nature and Condition of the Surrounding Country.The Military Arrangements for the Care of Prisoners. Fearful Revelations of the Character of Their Treatment.Irresistible … Continue reading

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negotiating reconstruction?

It was reported that the Mississippi legislature would give freedmen the right to testify in court if President Johnson withdrew federal (mostly colored?) troops From The New-York Times November 23, 1865: FROM MISSISSIPPI.; Negroes Allowed to Testify for their Own … Continue reading

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