(Gradual) death-blow to a social system

Posted on July 3, 2013 by SUMPTER

On July 1, 1863 the Missouri State Convention passed a plan for gradual emancipation beginning in 1870. The following editorial knows why the decision was made – you can’t pretend to be loyal to the Union while still supporting slavery.

From The New-York Times July 3, 1863:

Emancipation in Missouri–The Beginning of a New Epoch.

July first, eighteen hundred sixty-three, is a date destined to be forever memorable in American history. It will figure as the starting point of State emancipation. The Constitutional Convention of Missouri on that day adopted an ordinance providing for the complete extinction of Slavery in that State. No act of the kind has been done since the formation of the Federal Constitution, save in a single instance; and that was on so small a scale that it scarcely deserves mention in this connection. We refer to the act provisionally abolishing Slavery in this State of New-York in 1799. …

The entire slave population in Missouri, by the census of 18[60], was 114,931. This was an increase of 27,500 from the census ten years previous. The fact that such an increase should have taken place, in the face of the protracted Kansas struggle, evinces the exceeding vigor of the institution in the State. It would be hard to specify any State in the Union — South Carolina always excepted — which ten years ago was ruled by an intenser Pro-Slavery spirit than Missouri. This spirit, in the treatment of Kansas, showed itself to be hardly less than an absolute frenzy. It will be ten years this Fall since the conspiracy for breaking down the Missouri Compromise and making Kansas a Slave Stale, was formed. The leaders in that conspiracy would as soon have believed that the “crack of doom” would come within the next decade as an emancipation ordinance within the State of Missouri. The past history of the country would be searched in vain for another instance of such an extreme revolution of feeling, on a vital matter, within so brief a period.

Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform with a rifle and revolver in front of painted backdrop showing weapons and American flag at Benton Barracks, Saint Louis, Missouri (by Enoch Long, between 1863 and 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-36456)

fighting for the cause

What makes it the more notable is that it has been effected without any very serious controversy. The change has been brought about entirely by the silent logic of events The Convention which passed the ordinance was [???] [called?] two years ago without the slightest reference to the question of emancipation. Nobody at that time dreamed that the abolition of Slavery would ever be a question before it. Its province was intended to be confined to the reorganization of the State Government, which the treason of the Governor and the other principal State official had made necessary. The Convention was made up almost entirely of cautious, conservative men, and it was not until the popular mind had recognized the new necessities of the time, and forced the Convention to act upon the subject, that the body ventured to take it in hand. Emancipation was already a “foregone conclusion,” when the subject first presented itself. The only debatable question was the method. The people here were far more Impatient than the members of the Convention felt at liberty to sanction. Probably a majority of the people were in favor of the proposition to make the work of emancipation immediate — a policy which, a few years ago, was deemed by all, save the extremest Abolitionists of the Garrisonian stamp, to be downright madness. Though the majority of the Convention could not bring themselves up to this mark, they yet decided that Slavery should absolutely cease in seven years — which most Anti-Slavery men would have once pronounced an absurdly brief period for bringing about so great a change. New-York, with less than one-fifth of the number of slaves held in Missouri, did not think it safe and wise to allow less than twenty-eight years for the gradual destruction of the system within her limits. Yet the only doubt about this Missouri ordinance is that it will not satisfy the people, because Slavery was given seven years to die in. There will probably be a movement by the next State Legislature to call another Convention for the express object of making the emancipation immediate; and it would not be at all strange if such an effort were successful.

A slave auction at the south (LC-USZ62-2582; LOC: LC-USZ62-2582)

Union’s nemesis

The cause of this prodigious social revolution in Missouri is no mystery. Everybody understands that it came from the universal conviction that Slavery in the State was an inseparable ally of the Confederacy; and that there was no way to secure and consolidate the loyalty of the State but to give a death-blow to this domestic enemy. The people realized that there had got to be a final choice between Slavery and their national allegiance. They were brought to it by events which they did not foresee, a[nd] could not control; but like true men, they accepted the situation, and promptly shaped their action accordingly. By sacrificing Slavery, they have saved their State, and to-day Missouri is just as impracticable for the purposes of the Confederates as Iowa or Illinois.

The same inevitable course of events will, sooner or later, compel the extinction of Slavery in Maryland and Kentucky. The folly of striving to be loyal, and yet fostering an institution which is essentially and intensely disloyal, will become more and more manifest, until finally the purpose will be formed to submit to it no longer. Even without the President’s Proclamation, we believe that emancipation would be inevitable in the Confederate States before they could again be rehabilitated as loyal members of the Union. Almost all of the really loyal men of the South agree that to perpetuate the institution is to perpetuate hostility to the Government: They maintain with reason that if loyalty is to be resuscitated, that which destroyed loyalty must be itself destroyed. No future fact is more certain than that if the Confederacy dies, Slavery too must quickly follow. The blow it has just received in Missouri is but the beginning of the end.

The Times was right in its prediction that there would eventually be an ordnance for immediate emancipation in Missouri, as can be seen from this image commemorating January 11, 1865:

Emancipation Ordinance of Missouri. An ordinance abolishing slavery in Missouri (by E. Knobel, c.1865; LOC: LC-DIG-pga-01805)

a year and a half later

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“moral impossibility”

Posted on July 2, 2013 by SUMPTER
Vicksburg area map

Vicksburg area from My Cave Life in Vicksburg

150 years ago tomorrow The New York Times published a huge article that put together many dispatches from besieged Vicksburg. The reports contained misinformation (General Grant announcing to his troops that Port Hudson had fallen), but the main themes were that the Union army kept digging its way closer to the rebel lines and that food inside the rebel lines was getting extremely scarce. Civilians were getting damaged by the federal fire. Predictions that the rebels could not possibly hold out beyond July 4th.

From The New-York Times July 3, 1863:

THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURGH; Demonstrations of Joe Johnston in the Rear. In Attack on Gen. Osterhans at the Big Black. The Enemy Repulsed with Great Slaughter. Progress of Our Approaches to the City. NEWS RECEIVED IN ST. LOUIS. TELEGRAMS TO THE WESTERN PRESS.

[RE]AR OF VICKSBURGH, Wednesday, June 24, 1863.

Up to yesterday skirmishing has been going on along the whole line of our rear front, or rather that portion of it from Snyder’s Bluff to the Big Black Railroad crossing. There being every indication of a fight immineat, the rear front was put in order to resist an assault. …

ST. LOUIS, Thursday, July 2.

The Vicksburgh correspondent of the Democrat says that the conduct of the troops during the operations in LOGAN’s front, on the 25th, was very brilliant. As soon as the mine exploded, the Forty-fifth Illinois, led by Col. MALTBIE, rushed into the breach and planted the flag amid a terrific fire from the enemy. …

Dispatch to the Chicago Tribune.

CHICKASAW BAYOU, June 22, Via CALRO, June 29, 1863.

Vicksburg Siege

I have just returned from a tour of inspection along SHERMAN’s and MCPHERSON’s front. SHERMAN still creeping up to the left. BLAIR’s division is sapping it at three points. Gen. GILES SMITH is on the left. Gen. EWING in front, and Gen. LIGHTBURN on the sight. In each of these approaches the same breast works serve for the rebels and for us. Gen. BROCKLAND, of TUTTLES division, is also approaching very near.

An unusually sharp attack was made by the enemy on. BLAIR’s approaches this morning, but without effect.

The rebels yesterday threw over into BLAIR’s trenches a copy of the Vicksburgh Whig of Saturday, printed on wall paper. It admitted that the cannonading on that morning did much Carnage among the women and children.

Gen. MCARTHUR’s works are being pushed steadily forward. Not an hour, not a minute is lost. This digging is not fortifying but approaching

RA[NS]OM’s men have gone forward a rod to-day, amid a concentrated fire from the rebel sharpshooters, while a ten-gun fort, just being completed, due during the week, will probably open fire on the rebels to-morrow. This fort is a horizontal line, ahead of all other works. LOGAN’s approach has entered the large key-fort of the rebels, piercing nearly to the inner base of their intrenchments, and two 30-pound Parrotis have been planted upon the rebel intrenchments, just under the crest, this side, and are doing fearful execution. One last evening silenced a gun of in enemy’s which had beet annoying SHERMAN’s batteries.

Siege_of_Vicksburg_1863_10566


Drawing of Union siege lines at Vicksburg, Mississippi (American Civil War)

Under cover of these two guns and our sharpshooters, LOGAN’s pioneer corps is cutting a traverse inside the big fort, thus gaining; 2 position from which the reduction of the entire fort must necessarily be effected.

A rebel sergeant escaped into our lines on Saturday, who proved to be one of the two spies sent into Vicksburgh, over a year ago, by Admiral PORTER. The other was hung, and this one enlisted, and has served the rebels faithfully up to this time, to avoid the same fate. He has of late bad charge of a gapping and mining party, and seems well posted in regard to the position of the enemy’s wor[k]s. He says their redoubts and bastions are all undermined, with trains laid ready to be h[???]ed the moment we gain possession of them. The rebels also have sewers and pitfalls covering the ways by which our troops must approach the city. He says they have provisions to last from ten to fifteen days longer, and plenty of ammunition with the exception of caps, and have lately been casting ordnance. According to [his] story, and our officers are disposed to believe it, it is a moral impossibility for Vicksburgh to hold out over a fort-night longer. …

There is a general feeling this morning along the lines, among intelligent and influential officers, that though an immediate crisis is not as probable as on Saturday, yet that Vicksburgh will be ours before the 4th of July. No one is willing to put it off a day beyond that time. …

Dispatch to the Cincinnati Gazette.

CHICKASAW BAYOU, June 24, vi[a] CAIRO, June [???]. …

There is intelligence at GRANT’s headquarters this morning, of a mutiny in progress in Vicksburgh, probably reliable.

Dispatches to the Chicago Times. …

An advance of cavalry, under Maj. GRANT WILSON, entered Mechanicsville, and drove off twice their number of rebel horsemen, capturing twelve prisoners and thirty horses. They brought in a herd of 400 horses and 200 mules, which had been gathered for JOHNSTON’s army. Several thousand bushels of corn were also destroyed.

The best information states that JOHNSTON is concentrating at Canton with 12.000 men. He is believed to be preparing for an advance on Memphis or Port Hudson. Not a fear is entertained of his efforts in this direction.

An intelligent deserter from Vicksburgh says that the rebels are using powder from our unexploded shells, Gen. PEMBERTON paving $6 a pound for it. Mortar shells are being cast also from our fragments. The men are on one-third rations, and complaining. Two regiments are said to have laid down their arms in mutiny. On receiving assurance from Gen. PEMBERTON and JOHNSTON would attack next day, they retook their muskets.

MEMPHIS, Saturday, June 27.

On the 24th It was reported that JOHNSTON was at Chickasaw Bayou with his army, and only seven miles from our lines.

On the 25th Gen. GRANT issued an order, which was read to his troops, to the effect that Port Hudson was captured, with 8,000 prisoners.

When the Champion left a battle was raging with fury between JOHNSTON and OSTERHAUS at the Big Black and Champion Hills. It is reported that JOHNSTON had 50,000 men, and is being reinforced.

In the direction of Snyder’s Bluff the rebels at-tempted to cut their way out on Monday, but were re[pul]sed. On Tuesday morning the rebels turned loose about 600 horses and mules into our lines. Most of them are nearly dead with starvation. On the same day a large number of cats and dogs were thrown into the rifle pits. …

In My Cave Life in Vicksburg (1864) Mary Ann Loughborough stressed the themes of hunger and the damage from the Union shelling. Here’s some extracts.

title_page - My Cave Life in Vicksburg

“the cave trembled excessively”

One morning, after breakfast, the shells began falling so thickly around us, that they seemed aimed at the particular spot on which our cave was located. Two or three fell immediately in therear of it, exploding a few moments before reaching the ground, and the fragments went singing over the top of our habitation. I, at length, became so much alarmed—as the cave trembled excessively—for our safety, that I determined, rather than be buried alive, to stand out from under the earth; so, taking my child in my arms, and calling the servants, we ran to a refuge near the roots of a large fig tree, that branched out over the bank, and served as a protection from the fragments of shells. As we stood trembling there—for the shells were falling all around us—some of my gentlemen friends came up to reassure me, telling me that the tree would protect us, and that the range would probably be changed in a short time. While they spoke, a shell, that seemed to be of enormous size, fell, screaming and hissing, immediately before the mouth of our cave, within a few feet of the entrance, sending up a huge column of smoke and earth, and jarring the ground most sensibly where we stood. What seemed very strange, the earth closed in around the shell, and left only the newly upturned soil to show where it had fallen. [page 67]

Even the very animals seemed to share the general fear of a sudden and frightful death. The dogs would be seen in the midst of the noise to gallop up the street, and then to return, as if fear had maddened them. On hearing the descent of a shell, they would dart aside—then, as it exploded, sit down and howl in the most pitiful manner. There were many walking the street, apparently without homes. George carried on a continual warfare with them, as they came about the fire where our meals were cooking.

In the midst of other miserable thoughts, it came into my mind one day, that these dogs through hunger might become as much to be dreaded as wolves. Groundless was this anxiety, for in the course of a week or two they had almost disappeared.

The horses, belonging to the officers, and fastened to the trees near the tents, would frequently strain the halter to its full length, rearing high in the air, with a loud snort of terror, as a shell would explode near. I could hear them in the night cry out in the midst of the uproar, ending in a low, plaintive whinny of fear.

The poor creatures subsisted entirely on cane tops and mulberry leaves. Many of the mules and horses had been driven outside of the lines, by order of General Pemberton, for subsistence. Only mules enough were left, belonging to the Confederacy, to allow three full teams to a regiment. Private property was not interfered with.

Cave life in Vicksburg (by Adalbert John Volck, 1864; LOC: LC-USZ62-100070)

” Southern wife praying in makeshift cave home during bombardment of Vicksburg.”

Sitting in the cave, one evening, I heard the most heartrending screams and moans. I was told that a mother had taken a child into a cave about a hundred yards from us; and having laid it on its little bed, as the poor woman believed, in safety, she took her seat near the entrance of the cave. A mortar shell came rushing through the air, and fell with much force, entering the earth above the sleeping child—cutting through into the cave—oh! most horrible sight to the mother—crushing in the upper part of the little sleeping head, and taking away the young innocent life without a look or word of passing love to be treasured in the mother’s heart. [pages 78-80]

Already the men in the rifle pits were on half rations—flour or meal enough to furnish bread equivalent in quantity to two biscuits in two days: many of them ate it all at once, and the next day fasted, preferring, as they said, to have one good meal. [page 106]

A certain number of mules are killed each day by the commissaries, and are issued to the men, all of whom prefer the fresh meat, though it be of mule, to the bacon and salt rations that they have eaten for so long a time without change. There have already been some cases of scurvy: the soldiers have a horror of the disease; therefore, I suppose, the mule meat is all the more[Pg 117] welcome. Indeed, I petitioned M—— to have some served on our table. He said: “No; wait a little longer.” He did not like to see me eating mule until I was obliged to; that he trusted Providence would send us some change shortly. [pages 116-117]

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“it will fight more desperately and bravely than ever”

Posted on July 1, 2013 by SUMPTER

Or else

A couple Pennsylvanians defend their home soil – and the Union.

From The New-York Times
July 2, 1863:

THE REBEL INVASION.; Highly Important from the Army of the Potomac. Defeat of Stuart’s Cavalry in Three Fights. The Rebels Driven from Westminster to Hanover by Gen. Gregg. Their Defeat at Hanover by Gen. Kilpatrick. Another Defeat of the Rebels at Hanover Junction. Their Loss Four Hundred Men and Six Pieces of Artillery. A Supposed Heavy Battle Between Gens. Meade and Lee. Rapid Cannonading Heard at Harrisburgh Last Evening. Probable Position of the MainRebel Army. DISPATCHES FROM WASHINGTON. MOVEMENTS OF THE ENEMY. TELEGRAMS FROM HARRISBURGH. OUR FORCES AT HANOVER JUNCTION. TELEGRAMS FROM WASHINGTON. DISCIPLINE OF THE SEVENTH REGIMENT. BALTIMORE, Wednesday, July 1.

…

The following circular has been issued:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

June 30, 1863.}

The Commanding General requests that previous to the engagement soon to be expected with the enemy, corps and all other commanding officers address their troops, explaining to them the immense issues involved in the struggle. The enemy is now on our soil. The whole country looks anxiously to this army to deliver it from the presence of the foe. Our failure to do so will leave us no such welcome as the swelling of millions of hearts with pride and joy at our success would give to every soldier of the army. Homes, firesides and domestic altars are involved. The army has fought well heretofore. It is believed that it will fight more desperately and bravely than ever if it is addressed in fitting terms. Corps and other commanders are authorized to order the instant death of any soldier who falls to do his duty at this hour.

By command of Major-Gen. MEADE.

S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adj.-Gen.

 
From The New-York Times July 3, 1863:

VERY IMPORTANT NEWS; Further Particulars of the Battle Near Gettysburgh on Wednesday. Gen. Reynolds’ First Army Corps in the Advance. An Attack by Longstreet and Hill. THE ATTACK SUCCESSFULLY RESISTED. CESSATION OF THE BATTLE AT 4 P.M. The Whole Army of the Potomac on the Field on Wednesday Evening. THR REBEL ARMY NOT CONCENTRATED. Reported Capture of a Large Number of Prisoners. 2,400 OF THEM IN BALTIMORE. Desultory Fighting All Day Yesterday. THE DECISIVE BATTLE EXPECTED TO-DAY. Repulse of a Rebel Attack on Carlisle. EVACUATION OF MARYLAND HEIGHTS. LATEST FROM THE FRONT. OFFICIAL DISPATCHES FROM GEN. MEADE. SPECIAL DISPATCH FROM WASHINGTON. JEFF. DAVIS IN PENNSYLVANIA. TELEGRAMS FROM HABRISBURGH TELEGRAMS FROM PHILADELPHIA. TELEGRAMS FROM COLUMBIA. TELEGRAMS FROM LANCASTER, PENN. TELEGRAMS FROM BALTIMORE. PRISONERS ARRIVED AT BALTIMORE. MARYLAND HEIGHTS EVACUATED. LEE’S GENERAL ORDER FOR THE INVASION. A REBEL ADDRESS. CALL FOR NEW-YORK TROOPS. ANOTHER CALL ON NEW-JERSEY. OUR HARRISBURG CORRESPONDENCE. Ewell’a Corps Withdrawn fr

…

Major-Gen. John F. Reynolds.

We have information by telegraph of the death Major-Gen. JOHN FULTON REYNOLDS, U.S.A., late commander of the First Corps of the Army of the Potomac, from a wound received on Wednesday in the battle near Gettysburgh, between the First and Eleventh corps and the rebel forces under Gens. LONGSTREET and HILL. Major-Gen. REYNOLDS was born in Pennsylvania about the year 1821, and entered the Military Academy at West Point in 1837. In 1841 he graduated and received his first commission as Brevet Second Lieutenant of the Third artillery. He served with distinction in the war with Mexico, being breveted Captain for gallant and meritorious conduct at Monterey, and attain Major at Buena Vista. In 1852 he served as Aid-de-Camp on the Staff of Maj.-Gen. WOOL, and in 1855 received his rank as Captain. The following year he was sent to Oregon Territory, where he distinguished himself in several severe conflicts with the Indians, near Rogue River.

When the rebellion broke out Gen. REYNOLDS warmly espoused the cause of the Government, and, on the organization of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, he was appointed by Gov. CURTIN one of the brigade commanders. He took part with the Army of the Potomac in nearly all its actions, and so valuable were his services that the people of the State acknowledged them by the presentation of a sword.

At the commencement of the present year Gen. REYNOLDS was promoted to the Major-Generalship and command of the First Army Corps. After the removal of Gen. BURNSIDE from the office of Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the Potomac, the name of Gen. REYNOLDS was prominently mentioned for the succession, and again after the battle of Chancellorsville; but his own preferences were in favor of Gen. MEADE.

He fell while bravely leading hit men, like LYON in Missouri, STEVENS and KEARNY at Chantilly, WILLIAMS at Baton Rouge, and other, kindred spirits have nobly fallen. The country at large, as well as his associates in the army, will lament his death, but no one will feel a more poignant sorrow at this fortune of war than Maj.-Gen. MEADE, the new Commander of the Army of the Potomac. The deceased and he were bosom friends, and in the arduous and difficult duties that now devolve upon him he must have counted largely upon the aid and skill of the soldier who possessed his full confidence.

The body of Gen. REYNOLDS was yesterday taken to Baltimore.

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Mutiny at ‘Gibraltar’?

Posted on June 29, 2013 by SUMPTER
J.C. Pemberton, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing right (photographed between 1861 and 1865, printed later; LOC: LC-USZ62-90939)

stern patriot needs to feed his troops

150 years ago today a Richmond newspaper published information that the Yankee siege of Vicksburg was progressing but that Confederate General Johnston’s army was getting nearer. There was more information that things were going well for the rebels trapped in the city. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch June 29, 1863:

Latest from Vicksburg direct.

–The following dispatch was received in Knoxville Friday by a citizen:

Vicksburg,June 17, via Jackson 21st. –Everything is working well. Our troops in fine sprits. Plenty to eat.

David E. Norris.

Maybe not plenty to eat, or a lot had changed in eleven days.

From Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. ; Series I – Volume 25 (pages 118-119):

6-28 letter vic

6-28 letter2

THE SIEGE OF VICKSBURG—VIEW UPON THE EXTREME RIGHT, SHOWING THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER ABOVE AND BELOW VICKSBURG.—SKETCHED BY MR. THEODORE R. DAVIS.—[SEE PAGE 478.] (Harper's Weekly July 25, 1863)

Yankee besiegers better fed

The siege image was published in the July 25, 1863 issue of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South

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Change and Hope

Posted on June 28, 2013 by SUMPTER

My jaw pretty near dropped. One of the Democrat newspapers from Seneca County, New York had a smidgen of praise for President Lincoln in this editorial printed in July 1863:

Joseph Hooker (National Archives: http://arcweb.archives.gov/arc/action/ExternalIdSearch?id=526959)

re-enacted Burnside

Exit Fighting Joe Hooker.

The President, trembling with fear and humiliated by the invasion of Pennsylvania, has deposed Major-General JOSEPH HOOKER from the command of the Army of the Potomac, substituted in his stead Gen. GEORGE G. MEAD [sic]. The removal of the incompetent and boastful HOOKER is one step in the right direction. The President should go a little further and rid himself of STANTON, HALLECK and the entire crew of malignants and imbeciles which surround him. We should then have some hope of saving the Union. But the President does nothing except from sheer necessity. Since HOOKER re-enacted BURNSIDE on the heights of Fredericksburgh, the people required nothing further to convince them of his utter inefficiency as an officer. He neither evinced tact, strategy nor courage in that bloody and unnecessary conflict, and he should have been promptly relieved from command at the conclusion of the struggle. Instead of this, however, the Secretary of War, in a boastful and lying letter, assured the country that the army had not been worsted, and would forthwith assume the offensive. What is the result? Gen. LEE, thoroughly satisfied with “Fighting Joe’s” incompetency, has improved the opportunity to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania, and through all his recent rash movements he has exhibited his estimate of HOOKER’s capacity. He has outgeneraled him at every point, and the latter has done nothing to stop the progress of the enemy into Pennsylvania. HOOKER’s retirement could no longer be delayed, and why the Administration waited until our army were brought face to face with the enemy, before he was removed, is a question which will be better understood when the curtain is raised and the public are allowed to understand the facts.

George Gordon Meade, Major General, United States Army, three-quarter length portrait, facing left (ca. 1864; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-19398)

doesn’t boast – can he beat Lee?

Gen. MEAD, to whom the destinies of our people are now entrusted, is comparatively an unknown officer. He has been in command of the Fifth Army Corps for some time past, was with MCCLELLAN during the Peninsula campaign, and has the reputation of being a modest, unassuming, faithful soldier. He has assumed a fearful responsibility, and it remains to be seen how well he will discharge it. Let us hope that he is “the right man in the right place.”

General Hooker gave his endorsement. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 4, 1863:

Farewell address of Gen. Hooker,

The following is Gen. Hooker’s farewell address to the Army of the Potomac:

Head’qrs Army of the Potomac, Frederick, Md., June28, 1863.

General Orders, No. 65.

In conformity with the orders of the War Department, dated June 27, 1863, I relinquish the command of the Army of the Potomac. It is transferred to Major General George G. Meade a brave and accomplished officer, who has nobly earned the confidence and esteem of the army on many a well-fought field. Impressed with the belief that my usefulness as the commander of the Army of the Potomac is impaired. I part from it, yet not without the deepest emotion. The sorrow of parting with the comrades of so many battles is relieved by the conviction that the courage and devotion of this army will never cease nor fail; that it will yield to my successor, as it has to me, a willing and hearty support. With the earnest prayer that the triumph of its arms may bring successes worthy of it and the nation, I bid it farewell.

Joseph Hooker, Major-General.

The Herald, in a double-headed editorial announces the retirement of Gen. Hooker and the appointment of Gen. Meade “with no ordinary feelings of gratification.” It enlogizes Gen. Meade’s military qualifications and forbears to “deal harshly” with Gen. Hooker, who has displayed his patriotism by requesting to be relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac.

A telegram from headquarters says that “nothing could have exceeded the surprise occasioned by this announcement”–the change of commanders. “Gen. Hooker was deeply grieved,” etc.

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history lesson

Posted on June 27, 2013 by SUMPTER

for “the good of the country”

ny times 6-27-1863

lead column 150 years ago today

I’m not sure what the Seneca Falls, New York editors knew about the events in southern Pennsylvania when they reprinted this article in July 1863. Anyhow it was a great chance for the Democrat paper to praise George Mcclellan and question the Lincoln administration’s competence.

A Leaf of History.

The Boston Post puts on record the following striking facts:

When General Lee entered Maryland in September, 1862, when the Army of the Potomac was in a demoralized state, General McClellan assumed the command September 4th. On the next day a part of this broken army, by the magic power of the new commander, was in a state to be put in motion; and on the 7th, at 6 o’clock p.m., he lest [left] Washington to take the field after evincing capacity for organization unparalleled in military history. On the 12th he entered Frederick City. On the 14th was fought the South Mountain battle; on the 15th the enemy was come up with at Antietam; on the 16th and 17th was fought this battle, and on the 18th General Lee in haste withdrew his army over the Potomac! Thus in fourteen days after General McClellan took the command Maryland and Pennsylvania were relieved! General Lee has now been fourteen days on Maryland and Pennsylvania soil, in his desperate operations, when the good of the country required a new commander of the Army of the Potomac.

U.S. Army and Cavalry officers in front of the U.S. Capitol Building (by Augustus Tholey, between 1861 and 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-22919)

Hooker lacks McClellan’s “magic power”

According to a June 27th report in The New York Times of June 28, 1863 “General Hooker In Motion.” and his entire army was now north of the Potomac:

ny times 6-28-1863

in motion but slowed by heavy rain

The Library of Congress identifies the generals in the image.

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Surgeon Still Serving

Posted on June 26, 2013 by SUMPTER

Some June 1863 cuttings from a Seneca Falls, New York newspaper:

Naval Graduate.

We are pleased to learn that SCHUYLER CROWNINSHIELD, son of Jacob Crowninshield, Esq., of this village, has honorably graduated from the U.S. Naval School at Newport. He is now at home on furlough, but expects soon to be called into the service, where we have no doubt he will highly distinguish himself. He is a young man of character and intelligence, and will never do ought to stain the honorable name which he bears.

_____________________________________________

Briefs.

ENSIGN CROWNINSHIELD, U.S.N., of this village, has been ordered to report for duty on board the Sloop-of-war Junietta.

Assistant Surgeon. Dr. RICHARD CURRAN, of this village, has received the appointment of Assistant Surgeon of the Sixth New York Cavalry, vice Augustus P. Clark, promoted, with instructions to immediately report for duty. Dr. CURRAN was Assistant Surgeon of the old 33d Regiment, and discharged the duties of his office with credit to himself and honor to the profession. We are pleased to hear of his continued success.

The Crowninshield family had been early American seafarers.

In 1898 Richard Curran received the medal of honor for his heroism during the Battle of Antietam.

Richard Curran 6th Cavalry

cavalry assistant surgeon

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“I quailed”

Posted on June 25, 2013 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today Union troops at Vicksburg exploded 2200 pounds of gunpowder under part of the Confederate defenses. Northern soldiers were unable to successfully exploit the resulting crater in the midst of the rebel works. Check out one of the June 25th posts at Seven Score and Ten for General Grant’s take on the action.

The siege of Vicksburg, the fight in the crater of Fort Hill, after the explosion, June 25 63 (by Alfred Edward mathews, c1863 Sept. 23; LOC: LC-USZ62-5558)

crater fight

Underground explosions provided some novelty, but the constant airborne shelling continued to wreak havoc throughout Vicksburg. Here a diarist realized the bombs could cause something much worse than death. From Introduction to: A Woman’s Diary of the Siege of Vicksburg edited by G.W. Cable:

June 25.– A horrible day.The most horrible yet to me, because I’ve lost my nerve. we were all in the cellar, when a shell came tearing through the roof, burst up-stairs, tore up that room, and the pieces coming through both floors down into the cellar, one of them tore open the leg of H.’s pantaloons. This was tangible proof the cellar was no place of protection from them. On the heels of this came Mr. J. to tell us that young Mrs. P. had had her thigh-bone crushed. When Martha went for the milk she came back horror-stricken to tell us the black girl there had her arm taken off by a shell. For the first time I quailed. I do not think people who are physically brave deserve much credit for it; it is a matter of nerves. In this way I am constitutionally brave, and seldom think of danger until it is over; and death has not the terrors for me it has for some others. Every night I had lain down expecting death, and every morning rose to the same prospect, without being unnerved. It was for H. I trembled. But now I first seemed to realize that something worse than death might come: I might be crippled, and not killed. Life, without all one’s powers and limbs, was a thought that broke down my courage. I said to H., “You must get me out of this horrible place; I cannot stay; I know I shall be crippled.” Now the regret comes that I lost control, because H. is worried, and has lost his composure, because my coolness has broken down.

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Calling on every man

Posted on June 24, 2013 by SUMPTER
nytpostscript6-24-1863

NY Times 6-24-1863

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in June 1863:

The National Guard.

Gov. SEYMOUR’s recent order for the organization of the National Guard of the State, in accordance with the law passed by the Legislature of 1861, may be found in our advertising columns today. A well-drilled militia is recognized as the chief defence of the country. Upon it we must rely for our protection and safety. Recent military events have clearly demonstrated the great necessity of a well organized militia. The emergency which recently required the presence of an additional force to protect the borders of Pennsylvania, should impress upon our people the importance of cultivating military organizations. Relying as we do upon the people for the defense of the government, every precaution should be taken to make our reliance sure and effective. Every man capable of bearing arms should be educated to their use. The organized militia should include every man liable to military duty, and his connection with the military service should be active. The service is honorable, and should be sought, not shunned.

The order of Gov. SEYMOUR is a timely one and we commend it to the notice of all. By it it will be seen that Seneca county is entitled to a regimental organization. We can readily furnish a full regiment of ten companies, and we trust that the several towns will move in the matter without delay. Our young men in the county should be prompt to inaugurate the movement. It only needs an effort and the thing is done. Gen. J.T. MILLER of our county, who is on the Governor’s Staff, has almost complete control over the organization of the militia, as will be seen by the order. Let us, therefore, raise a regiment here that Gen. MILLER will be proud of, and one too that will reflect honor upon our county.

Map of parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia covering areas from Harrisburg to Leesburg, and from Hancock to Baltimore, 1863; LOC: g3820 cwh00156 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3820.cwh00156)

Rorschach test? I see South Mountain, Chambersburg, and a highway to Harrisburg

I’m assuming the emergency referenced is the entrance of Confederate troops into Pennsylvania in June 1863. I thought this editorial might possibly have something to do with federalism and a Democrat paper wanting the Democrat governor to have more control over the troops. But the editors might also be getting nervous as rebels are getting closer to New York. At any rate, the certainly was a sense of emergency 150 years ago. As you can see from the June 24, 1863 New York Times cutting a postscript was inserted into the front page during the early hours.

And further down the column we learn that General Grant’s siege of Vicksburg “was progressing satisfactorily.”

… I think I might be spending way too much time at the Library of Congress.

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Alarmed

Posted on June 22, 2013 by SUMPTER
Gov. Andrew Curtin, PA (between 1855 and 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpbh-01288)

calling on all creation

The May 30, 1863 issue of Harper’s Weekly criticized the Lincoln administration for not trusting the Northern public. The editorial pointed out two examples – locking up traitorous speakers like Clement Vallandigham and not immediately announcing military defeats. 150 years ago this month the editors at a small town publication in New York state criticized the administration for not being more forthcoming about the rebel invasion of Pennsylvania. Keeping quiet had “filled the public mind with alarm”. Newspapers apparently were getting used to information off the telegraph, but nothing was coming “over the wires”.

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in June 1863:

The Invasion of the North.

The new from Virginia is startling. The Confederate army under LEE has abandoned Fredericksburg, crossed the Rappahannock, and, appearances indicate that they have determined on an invasion of the North. – In the absence of all intelligence from Washington it is difficult to tell what is going on. It is certain, however, that a part of LEE’s forces appeared in the Shenandoah Valley during the latter part of last week, and that on Friday last they attacked Gen. MILROY at Winchester, defeating and driving him from that place with great loss of life. Gen. MILROY admits a loss of 2,000 killed and wounded. His force was 10,000 strong. All his artillery was captured by the enemy. On Saturday our forces at Berryville were attacked and defeated, and on Sunday the rebels appeared at Martinsburg, and demanded the surrender of that place. The officer in command refused to comply, when the enemy made an attack and drove us to Harper’s Ferry. It is stated that Harper’s Ferry is now in possession of the Confederates, and that the greater portion of LEE’s army is in that immediate vicinity. The rebels have invaded Pennsylvania as far as Chambersburg, putting the whole State in a blaze of excitement, and Gov. CURTIN has called upon all creation to come to his assistance.

The new war map of Maryland, part of Virginia & Pennsylvania Mayer & Co's., lith., Boston.Boston, B. B. Russell, [1863] (LOC: g3790 cw0242500 http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3790.cw0242500)

seat of hostilities

During all these disasters to our armies, we have heard nothing from “Fighting Joe Hooker,” though it is stated that his army has fallen back upon Washington. Gen LEE seems to be doing pretty much as he pleases, having out-generaled Hooker at all points. The refusal of the Washington authorities to permit anything to come over the wires has filled the public mind with alarm. The next forty-eight hours may bring important and startling news from the seat of hostilities.

It’s quite possible the Lincoln administration did not have that much information it could have shared with the public. From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln,
Volume Six:

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL COUCH.
WAR DEPARTMENT, June 24, 1863.

MAJOR-GENERAL COUCH , Harrisburg, Pa.:

Have you any reports of the enemy moving into Pennsylvania? And if any, what?

A. LINCOLN.

Andrew Gregg Curtin served as Pennsylvania governor throughout the war.

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