regarding slaves and savages

Posted on March 17, 2015 by SUMPTER

Sergeant A.M. Chandler of the 44th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, Co. F., and Silas Chandler, family slave, with Bowie knives, revolvers, pepper-box, shotgun, and canteen ( [United States], [between 1861 and 1863]; LOC: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2014647512/)

“Sergeant A.M. Chandler of the 44th Mississippi Infantry Regiment, Co. F., and Silas Chandler, family slave, with Bowie knives, revolvers, pepper-box, shotgun, and canteen” between 1861 and 1863 (Library of Congress)

150 years ago today President Lincoln expressed his views on what it meant for slaves to fight for the Confederacy and took action against “savage warfare.”

From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven:

ADDRESS TO AN INDIANA REGIMENT,
MARCH 17, 1865.

FELLOW-CITIZENS:—It will be but a very few words that I shall undertake to say. I was born in Kentucky, raised in Indiana, and lived in Illinois; and now I am here, where it is my business to care equally for the good people of all the States. I am glad to see an Indiana regiment on this day able to present the captured flag to the Governor of Indiana. I am not disposed, in saying this, to make a distinction between the States, for all have done equally well.

Fredericksburg, Virginia. Wounded Indians from the Wilderness on Marye's Heights (1864 May [19 or 20]; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-01550)

“Fredericksburg, Virginia. Wounded Indians from the Wilderness on Marye’s Height ” 1864 May [19 or 20]. (Library of Congress)

There are but few views or aspects of this great war upon which I have not said or written something whereby my own opinions might be known. But there is one—the recent attempt of our erring brethren, as they are sometimes called, to employ the negro to fight for them. I have neither written nor made a speech on that subject, because that was their business, not mine, and if I had a wish on the subject, I had not the power to introduce it, or make it effective. The great question with them was whether the negro, being put into the army, will fight for them. I do not know, and therefore cannot decide. They ought to know better than me. I have in my lifetime heard many arguments why the negroes ought to be slaves; but if they fight for those who would keep them in slavery, it will be a better argument than any I have yet heard. He who will fight for that, ought to be a slave. They have concluded, at last, to take one out of four of the slaves and put them in the army, and that one out of the four who will fight to keep the others in slavery, ought to be a slave himself, unless he is killed in a fight. While I have often said that all men ought to be free, yet would I allow those colored persons to be slaves who want to be, and next to them those white people who argue in favor of making other people slaves. I am in favor of giving an appointment to such white men to try it on for these slaves. I will say one thing in regard to the negroes being employed to fight for them. I do know he cannot fight and stay at home and make bread too. And as one is about as important as the other to them, I don’t care which they do. I am rather in favor of having them try them as soldiers. They lack one vote of doing that, and I wish I could send my vote over the river so that I might cast it in favor of allowing the negro to fight. But they cannot fight and work both. We must now see the bottom of the enemy’s resources. They will stand out as long as they can, and if the negro will fight for them they must allow him to fight. They have drawn upon their last branch of resources, and we can now see the bottom. I am glad to see the end so near at hand. I have said now more than I intended, and will therefore bid you good-by.

Lincoln_in_char_BW

‘this land is our land’

PROCLAMATION CONCERNING INDIANS,
MARCH 17, 1865.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA:

A Proclamation.

Whereas reliable information has been received that hostile Indians, within the limits of the United States, have been furnished with arms and munitions of war by persons dwelling in conterminous foreign territory, and are thereby enabled to prosecute their savage warfare upon the exposed and sparse settlements of the frontier;

Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim and direct that all persons detected in that nefarious traffic shall be arrested and tried by court-martial at the nearest military post, and if convicted, shall receive the punishment due to their deserts.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed……………….

A. LINCOLN.

By the President: WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

A couple days earlier Mr. Lincoln had some kind words to say about his second Inaugural Address:

LETTER TO THURLOW WEED,
MARCH 15, 1865.

EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C.

DEAR Mr. WEED:

Every one likes a compliment. Thank you for yours on my little notification speech and on the recent inaugural address. I expect the latter to wear as well as perhaps better than—anything I have produced; but I believe it is not immediately popular. Men are not flattered by being shown that there has been a difference of purpose between the Almighty and them. To deny it, however, in this case, is to deny that there is a God governing the world. It is a truth which I thought needed to be told, and, as whatever of humiliation there is in it falls most directly on myself, I thought others might afford for me to tell it.

Truly yours,

A. LINCOLN.

Civil War Daily Gazette has pointed out that President Lincoln spoke his message to the Indiana regiment before he heard that the Confederate government had enacted a law to use slaves as soldiers.

You can read much more about A.M. Chandler and his family slave at the Library of Congress with some interesting links. Although armed in the photo, I have not seen any evidence that Silas actually fought the Yankees. A.M. was severely wounded at Chickamauga; Silas returned to the field to serve Benjamin Chandler in 1864.

The image of President Lincoln came from wpclipart.
May 29, 2023 – I edited the first paragraph.
Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Lincoln Administration, Military Matters, Northern Politics During War, Northern Society, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“kindling the fires”

Posted on March 16, 2015 by SUMPTER
The African Church, Richmond, Va. (photographed between 1861 and 1865, printed between 1880 and 1889; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-34915)

“The African Church, Richmond, Va.” (Library of Congress)

After so much blood and treasure has been invested, it’s worth a few bucks to keep fanning the flames of Southern independence.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 16, 1865:

Patriotic publication Association.

–The first public meeting of an association recently organized in this city for the gratuitous distribution of patriotic tracts, among the soldiers in the army, and the people throughout the Confederate States, was held at the African Church on Tuesday night. The Church was well crowded by an intelligent and appreciative audience. Rev. Dr. Burrows, President of the Association, presided on the occasion. Judge More, of Ky., and Rev’d Mr. Edwards of this city, delivered eloquent and patriotic addresses in advocacy of the Association, and illustrative of the great benefits to result from this mode of kindling the fires of an ardent and triumphant patriotism, all over the Confederate States. Twenty thousand dollars were promptly contributed, before the meeting adjourned, towards the expenses of publication. The Finance Committee will wait on the citizens generally, for their contributions in aid of the fundable objects of the Association.

It is to be hoped, that no one who appreciates the crisis, or has at heart the inestimable boon for which we have so long contended, for which so much treasure has been expended, and for which so much precious blood has been shed, will fail to give liberally when called upon.

The officers of the Association are Dr. Burrows, President, J. Randolph Tucker and Rev. James M. Duncan, Vice Presidents, Messrs. Wm. Bell, Samuel P. Harrison and Wm. G. Paine, Finance Committee, Messrs. John P. Ballard, John O. Steger and Thomas Johnston, Committee of Distribution.

[Title page of The Confederate Primer (4th ed., Richmond, 1864) with illus. of William & Mary College (?)] (1864; LOC: LC-USZ62-60428)

The Confederate Primer

Unidentified soldier in Confederate uniform with musket, knife, and sign reading Victory or Death! atop two books ([United States], [between 1861 and 1865] ; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-38370)

well-read rebel

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

patronage progress

Posted on March 14, 2015 by SUMPTER

The Civil War increased job opportunities for women – and not just as nurses, spies, and disguised soldiers. The large numbers of men serving in the armed services created job openings at home. Women worked with men in at least one factory in Seneca Falls. Here, a young Yates County woman widowed by the war traveled to the federal capital seeking a Post Office appointment.

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in March 1865:

AN OFFICE-SEEKING LADY. – We see it stated that Mrs. Sloan, widow of Maj. Barsett [Barnet] Sloan, of the 185th [really 179th] N.Y. Vols., killed before Petersburg, is an applicant for the Post Office at Penn Yan. She is now in Washington with ample testimonials.

Yates County, NY, in the Civil War has been covering the attempt to have Mary Sloan named Postmistress. A Penn Yan paper thought she stood an excellent chance if she had a fair field. A fair presentation of her case would gain President Lincoln’s approval.

The same newspaper reported the death of Mary Sloan’s husband, Major J. Barnet Sloan of the 179th Regiment NY Volunteers: “He was engaged in the great battle at Petersburg on Friday last and was mortally wounded and died the next day.”

John Barnet Sloan - 179th NY Infantry

John Barnet Sloan – 179th NY Infantry

179thInfGuidon2005.0103

179th Infantry’s Guidon

J. Barnet Sloan

J. Barnet Sloan

_________________________________________________

The guidon of the 179th and photograph of Major Sloan are from the New York State Military Museum.
Posted in Military Matters, Northern Politics During War, Northern Society | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Progress of the war.”

Posted on March 13, 2015 by SUMPTER
Jeff Davis' dream. Air--Lord Lovel. Johnson, Song Publisher, Stationer &c., Phila (LOC: http://www.loc.gov/item/amss002254/)

still dreaming? (Library of Congress)

The Confederacy was in crisis, but Congress had apparently been content to finish up its legislative session and head home. President Davis asked them to stay, and 150 years ago today he laid out the important matters that Congress needed to address. Civil War Daily Gazette has covered the act to enlist slaves. In general, President Davis requested that Congress be less deliberative and more decisive given that their nation was in extremis.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch May 15, 1865:

Message of the President.

The following message was transmitted to Congress on Monday:

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States of America:

When informed on Thursday last that it was the intention of Congress to adjourn sine die on the ensuing Saturday, I deemed it my duty to request a postponement of the adjournment, in order that I might submit, for your consideration, certain matters of public interest, which are now laid before you. When that request was made, the most important measures that had occupied your attention during the session had not been so far advanced as to be submitted for executive action, and the state of the country had been so materially affected by the events of the last four months as to evince the necessity of further and more energetic legislation than was contemplated in November last.

Our country is now environed with perils which it is our duty calmly to contemplate. Thus alone can the measures necessary to avert threatened calamities be wisely devised and efficiently enforced.

Charleston, S.C. View of ruined buildings through porch of the Circular Church (150 Meeting Street) (by George N. Barnard, 1865 [April]; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-03049)

captured seaport (“Charleston, S.C. View of ruined buildings through porch of the Circular Church (150 Meeting Street)” 1865 Library of Congress)

Progress of the war.

Recent military operations of the enemy have been successful in the capture of some of our seaports, in interrupting some of our lines of communication, and in devastating large districts of our country. These events have had the natural effect of encouraging our foes and dispiriting many of our people. The capital of the Confederate States is now threatened, and is in greater danger than it has heretofore been during the war.–The fact is stated without reserve or concealment as due to the people whose servants we are, and in whose courage and constancy entire trust is reposed; as due to you, in whose [ wisdow ] [wisdom] and resolute spirit the people have confided for the adoption of the measures required to guard them from threatened perils.

While stating to you that our country is in danger, I desire also to state my deliberate conviction that it is within our power to avert the calamities which menace us, and to secure the triumph of the sacred cause for which so much sacrifice has been made, so much suffering endured, so many precious lives been lost. This result is to be obtained by fortitude, by courage, by constancy in enduring the sacrifices still needed; in a word, by the prompt and resolute devotion of the whole resources of men and money in the Confederacy to the achievement of our liberties and independence.

The measures now required, to be successful, should be prompt. Long deliberation and protracted debate over important measures are not only natural, but laudable in representative assemblies under ordinary circumstances; but in moments of danger, when action becomes urgent, the delay thus caused is itself a new source of peril. Thus it has unfortunately happened that some of the measures passed by you in pursuance of the recommendations contained in my message of November last have been so retarded as to lose much of their value, or have, for the same reason, been abandoned after being matured, because no longer applicable to our altered condition; and others have not been brought under examination.–In making these remarks, it is far from my intention to attribute the loss of time to any other causes than those inherent in deliberative assemblies, but only urgently to recommend prompt action upon the measures now submitted.

We need, for carrying on the war successfully, men and the army. We have both with sufficient to attain. …

The exemption bill.

The measures passed by Congress during the session for recruiting the army and supplying the additional force needed for the public defence have been, in my judgment, insufficient, and I am impelled by a profound conviction of duty, and stimulated by a sense of the perils which surround our country, to urge upon you additional legislation on this subject.

The bill for employing negroes as soldiers has not yet reached me, though the printed journals of your proceedings inform me of its passage. Much benefit is anticipated from this measure, though far less than would have resulted from its adoption at an earlier date, so as to afford time for their organization and instruction during the winter months.

The bill for diminishing the number of exempts has just been made the subject of a special message, and its provisions are such as would add no strength to the army. The recommendation to abolish all class exemptions has not met your favor, although still deemed by me a valuable and important measure; and the number of men exempted by a new clause in the act just passed is believed to be quite equal to that of those whose exemption is revoked. A law of a few lines repealing all class exemptions would not only strengthen the forces in the field, but be still more beneficial by abating the natural discontent and jealousy created in the army by the existence of classes privileged by law to remain in places of safety while their fellow-citizens are exposed in the trenches and the field.

Confederate White House, home of Jefferson Davis in Richmond (ca. 1904; LOC: LC-DIG-det-4a20774)

“Confederate White House, home of Jefferson Davis in Richmond” ca. 1904 (Library of Congress)

The militia.

The measure most needed, however, at the present time, for affording an effective increase to our military strength, is a general militia law, such as the Constitution authorizes Congress to pass …

Thus united in a common and holy cause, rising above all selfish considerations, rendering all our means and faculties tributary to the country’s welfare, let us bow submissively to the Divine will, and reverently invoke the blessing of our Heavenly Father, that as He protected and guided our sires when struggling in a similar cause, so He will enable us to guard safely our altars and our firesides, and maintain inviolate the political rights which we inherited.

Jefferson Davis.

Richmond, March13, 1865.

So, in Jefferson’s Davis’ view the Exemption Law that just passed was a wash – no more white men would be liable to service.

You can read the Black Soldiers Act at the Freedmen & Southern Society Project

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

Brevet Major McDonald

Posted on March 12, 2015 by SUMPTER

Most of the 50th New York Engineers are still participating in the siege of Petersburg and James H. McDonald of Seneca Falls is still in the news.

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in March 1865:

BREVETED [sic] MAJOR. – The appointment of Capt. Jas. H. McDonald, of the 50th N.Y. Vol. Engineers, as Brevet Major, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate, on the 14th ult.

James H. McDonald

James H. McDonald

Petersburg, Virginia. Church built by 50th New York Engineers. (by Timothy H. O'Sullivan; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-00990)

“Petersburg, Virginia. Church built by 50th New York Engineers.” (Library of Congress)

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Month, Military Matters, Siege of Petersburg | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

hold the applause

Posted on March 11, 2015 by SUMPTER

self-congratulatory applause, that is

Ruins of Central and Secession Hall, and St. Philips church in the centre of the picture, Charleston, S.C. (by George N. Barnard, 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-stereo-1s02447)

‘Charleston is ours!’ (“Ruins of Central and Secession Hall, and St. Philips church in the centre of the picture, Charleston, S.C.” Library of Congress)

The following seems to have been published right around Inauguration Day 1865. Several Northern cities apparently held celebrations for recent victories and to mark President Lincoln’s second inauguration. New York’s was postponed two days because of heavy rain on March 4th. It struck me that such triumphal celebrations were a bit overblown and premature. A newspaper in upstate New York thought such “frenzied and malignant exultations” proved that many on the North wanted to fight the war for genocidal purposes and ignored the fact that the South was pretty much invincible under the leadership of General Lee.

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in March 1865:

Robert E. Lee at Chancellorsville [on horseback, being cheered by troops], May 2, 1863 (c1900; LOC: LC-USZ62-51832)

big fans in Seneca Falls, too (General Lee at Chancellorsville)

“The End of the Rebellion.”

The evacuation of Charleston and Wilmington, and their occupation by the Federal forces, furnish another opportunity for fools to prediet [predict] the “end of the rebellion,” with scarcely any further efforts on the part of the Federal armies. These events, together with the re-inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, are deemed of sufficient importance for national congratulation by certain office-seeking gentlemen of New York city, and they recommend that all “loyal” folks unite in celebrating this day in an appropriate manner. The frenzied and malignant exultations manifested by many at the North over the recent success of Sherman, clearly proves that they never had any desire that the war should be prosecuted for the purpose of re-union, but only to gratify a long-cherished wish – their ruling passion – the extermination of the Southern population. “Sumpter [sic] is ours,” exclaims “loyalty,” now that its heroic defenders have been called elsewhere, and the city which has withstood four years of such bombardment as was seldom if ever known before, is quietly abandoned, after the destruction of the most valuable portion of fire. Strangely enough, no thought is given by the gaping multitude to the fact that the giving up of a city associated with so many of the deepest emotions that can stir the human breast, is a most significant proof of moral strength, on the part of both the government that orders and the garrison and people that obey. Manifestly, instead of being a proof of weakness, the recently adopted policy of abandoning the sea coast cities in order to concentrate an inland army, is a certain source of strength, and only argues the invincibility and determination of the South under so consummate a commander as Gen. Lee. No [,] the end of the rebellion is not yet. Under the present policy of the administration we shall have war and nothing but war. – And just in proportion as hatred, animosity and injustice is manifested by us towards the South, will their desire to re-enter the Union be dampened, and their determined resistance be felt.

The March 25, 1865 issue of Harper’s Weekly (at Son of the South) maintained that the big parade only looked like an ancient Roman triumphal entry; there were important differences, including the realization that there was still more fighting ahead.

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

rebels threaten frontier

Posted on March 10, 2015 by SUMPTER
Oswego, N.Y. (N.Y. : Published by Smith Brothers & Co., [1855]; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-09320)

threatened by rebels – Oswego, NY c.1855

It seems like the Confederates were under siege or on their heels just about everywhere 150 years ago this week. … except for Canada?

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in March 1865:

FRONTIER DEFENCES. – Brig. Gen. John A. Green, Jr., of Syracuse, in pursuance of orders from the Government and in view of an alleged Confederate raid on Oswego, on Thursday, detailed a portion of the 48th Regiment, commanded by Col. Beckworth, for active duty in frontier service at Oswego.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 9, 1865:

Another raid.

A dispatch from Oswego, New York, dated March 4th, says:

Mayor Grant has received a dispatch from Governor Fenton, stating that the War Department has received information from Halifax that the rebels in the Provinces are contemplating a raid on Oswego and Rochester. A public meeting is to be held this afternoon, to take such steps as may be necessary.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 13, 1865:

Miscellaneous.

A man named Clemens has been arrested and committed to prison in Washington on the charge of having made threats to assassinate President Lincoln on Saturday last during the progress of the inauguration ceremonies. …

The citizens of Oswego held a meeting on the 7th, at which the Mayor presided, for the purpose of adopting measures for the better defence of the city from the anticipated rebel raid from Canada. A sufficient force had been detailed from Fort Ontario to patrol the streets at night. …

The Vice-President did not make his appearance in the Senate on Wednesday in consequence of a more severe attack of his incoherent ideas yesterday than on Saturday last.

The President on Saturday took the oath of office with his hand on the open Bible, according to custom. Mr. Middleton, the Clerk of the Supreme Court, had opened it, but without premeditation, at the fifth chapter of Isaiah. …

The oil fever in West Virginia is on the increase, and land is changing hands by whole counties. Many tracts have been resold two or three times within the last three months–double the cost price at each sale.

Secretary of State Seward got word of the possible rebel attack from Canada in February. From The New-York Times March 12, 1865:

The Threatened Raid on Oswego and Rochester.

The following is the warning from Secretary SEWARD, conveyed by Gov. FENTON to the Mayors of Oswego and Rochester:

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 1865.

To His Excellency R.E. Fenton, Governor of the State of New-York, Albany, N.Y.

SIR: I have the honor to acquaint you with reference to the plans of the insurgents in Canada against the frontier of the United States, that I am informed by a dispatch of the 13th inst., from M.M., JACKSON, Esq., United States Consul at Halifax, that they await the result of the judicial proceedings in the Canadian courts in the case of the St. Albans felons. They aver, however, that the result of those proceedings will not defeat their plans, and at the earliest practicable period they will attempt to carry them into execution. One of the towns alleged to be the object of their attack is Oswego, N.Y. Rochester is also threatened. The headquarters of these parties are reported to be at Toronto, Hamilton, Kingston and other towns upon or in the vicinity of the Canadian border. It is stated that their objects are to plunder and injure the people of the loyal States, and to create trouble — it possible, war — between the United States and Great Britain.

I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s very obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD.

1777 (LOC: http://www.loc.gov/item/gm71005474/)

Fort Ontario on western edge

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

neither snow nor rain …

Posted on March 9, 2015 by SUMPTER
Charleston, South Carolina. Post Office (1865; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-02423)

“Charleston, South Carolina. Post Office” 1865 (Library of Congress)

but a rebellion might slow it down some

About three weeks after federal troops occupied Charleston U.S. mail service had resumed from that city.

From The New-York Times March 7, 1865:

The First Mail from Charleston.

PHILADELPHIA, Monday, March 6.

The steamer Massachusetts, which arrived here to-day, had on board the first United States mail that has left Charleston since the breaking out of the rebellion.

Ruins of Catholic Cathedral, Charleston, S.C., April, 1865 ( photographed 1865, [printed later]; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-35042)

“Ruins of Catholic Cathedral, Charleston, S.C., April, 1865” (Library of Congress)

Charleston, S.C. Orphan Asylum (160 Calhoun Street) (1865; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-03002)

“Charleston, S.C. Orphan Asylum (160 Calhoun Street)” 1865 (Library of Congress)

According to a similar photograph at the Library of Congress the image of the Post Office also features “the only remaining palmetto in Charleston”.

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Reconstruction, Southern Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

union jubilee

Posted on March 7, 2015 by SUMPTER
NY Times 3-7-1865

NY Times 3-7-1865

On the same day that a Richmond publication admonished its readers to make an upcoming day of prayer and fasting truly earnest and solemn, the Empire City held a grand Union Jubilee, a seven mile long parade. General Winfield Scott could not attend but expressed his hope that the country could be reconciled.

Here are a couple excerpts from a very long article in The New-York Times March 7, 1865:

THE UNION JUBILEE.; Honors to Our Soldiers and Sailors. Gratitude of the People for National Victories. NEW-YORK IN GALA DRESS. An Imposing Procession Seven Miles in Length. Military, Industrial, and Civic Elements of the Pageant. Brilliant and Picturesque Parade of the Firemen. The Streets Thronged with Enthusiastic Spectators. SPLENDID DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL COLORS. The Voice of the People at Union Square. Illuminations and Fireworks Throughout the City. a GREAT AND HAPPY DAY. …

As if to make up in full for Saturday’s inhospitable weather, yesterday was an absolutely perfect day for a great rejoicing. The rain had done much to clear the streets, and the civic carts and brooms had labored efficiently, too. And the sunshine and breezes that followed brought the ground beneath and heavens above to a capital condition for travel.

The delay had, moreover, given time for revisions and adjustments, which brought all the preliminaries of the procession to an excellent state of organization. And last, but not least, the news of SHERIDAN’s victory over EARLY put sunshine into every bosom, in complete harmony with the bright sky and bracing air.

new-york-parade (Harper's Weekly March 25, 1865)

THE TRIUMPH IN NEW YORK-THE PROCESSION PASSING AROUND THE SOUTH END OF THE PARK.

Under such auspices the splendid and gigantic ceremonial of yesterday passed off with an unbroken unity, in character and effect hardly to be paralleled in scenic history.

                    THE WHOLE

of the vast pageant extended nearly seven miles, and was in motion during about six hours. Yet a view such as a balloon would afford, would have enabled a spectator to see the whole in motion at once for even a moment; for while the two great elephants and the two camels which brought up the rear, were still on Sixth-avenue, where they were drawn up, the head of the column had absolutely passed around the whole of its great circuit, and the infantry and cavalry of the leading regiments were being dismissed to their armories. …

Gen. Winfield Scott (LOC - LC-DIG-ggbain-31647)

hoping that “the miserable hatred” can be conquered

Next, in barouches, ride some famous men. Lieut.-Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT was invited to be first of these, but was prevented by the infirmities of his honored age. What a long and varied multitude of memories would have accompanied the old hero, could he have ridden here among the soldiers of to-day! The scenes of the war of 1812, fought against the pipe-clayed British Grenadier, armed with “Brown Bess;” the tropical pictures of the Mexican war, where the real guerilla, and the lancers, with their fluttering flags, were his unaccustomed foes; and last, in contrast both sad and glorious, around him the heroes of the present strife of brother giants. The aged Commander declined to be present on this occasion in the following note:

NEW-YORK, March 3.

Hon. C.P. Daly, Cdairman, &c.:

DEAR SIR: I regret, on account of debility, I cannot take part in the grand celebration of to-morrow, as I sincerely rejoice in our victories over rebels, which, with others impending, cannot fail soon to bring back into the Union, on terms of perfect equality in rights and duties, the outstanding States. Reciprocal respect and admiration have already, by the dint of hard fighting, been established between the gallant veterans of the opposing armies, and this noble sentiment gives the hope that it may conquer the miserable hatred so general between non-combatants — Secessionists and Unionists. This, indeed, would be the great conquest of the day. I remain, with high respect, yours truly.

WINFIELD SCOTT. …

elephants-parade (Harper's Weekly March 25, 1865)

WINDING UP OF THE PROCESSION.

The images of the “victory” parade were published in the March 25, 1865 issue of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South, where you can read more about “the people’s festival” and see more images.

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Northern Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“trifling is madness”

Posted on March 6, 2015 by SUMPTER

Another Monday morning in Richmond, another editorial from the Dispatch as it leads off its publishing week. The paper criticized the British Foreign secretary for looking forward to the North’s victory in America and the subsequent total eradication of slavery in the States – it was a hypocritical speech because the British were selling implements of war to the South and because the British introduced slavery to its North American colonies. Then the editorial asks why the Philadelphia Inquirer sees hope that Mexico can stand up to the French, but apparently does not think the CSA has any hope of securing its independence. In conclusion the Dispatch looks ahead to the March 10th National Day of Fasting. The editorial acknowledges that the country is in dire straits as it sets out rules and advice for people to observe the day.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 6, 1865:

Monday morning…March 6, 1865.

…

Friday next, the 10th day of March, is the day appointed for Fasting, Humiliation and prayer. The Congress of the Confederate States call upon the people, on that day, to humble themselves before Almighty God, and to beseech him, through our Lord Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, and for deliverance from our enemies. The President, in his Proclamation, has invoked the people everywhere to observe that day, and the Press and the Pulpit have sustained, with unanimity and fervor, the official recommendations.

the Richmond Whig says:

in view of the fact that our position as a people is critical, it is respectfully suggested that all persons in the Confederacy observe Friday, the 10th day of March, appointed a day of Fasting and prayer, with more earnestness and solemnity than has yet been manifested, and to that end it is proposed–

1. That all churches shall have at least three public services. The first early in the morning; the second at 11 o’clock, and the third in the afternoon or at night.
2. That such churches as can, will keep their doors open and the services in operation, without intermission, during the whole day, the ministers relieving one another, and the people going and coming, as they may need.
3. That country churches protract their services through four or five hours.
4. That the people really humble themselves, and, as a means thereto, eat no more food than may be necessary to keep up their strength.
5. That all light conversation and unbecoming amusements be discarded, and the day be truly observed as a day of humiliation.

If there be any virtue in a day of fasting and prayer, it should be observed as the Bible directs. Heretofore many have kept it as a mere holiday. This cannot be expected to elicit God’s blessing.–Our condition is now such that trifling is madness.

If we give all our time and hearts to it for that one day, we may look for a great blessing.

We find in the “Holy Living and Dying” of Jeremy Taylor certain “Rules for Christian Fasting,” the following extracts from which may be of service at this time:

“Fasting, in order to prayer, is to be measured by the proportions of the times of prayer; that is, it ought to be a total fast from all things, during the solemnity, unless a probable necessity intervene. Thus, the Jews ate nothing upon the Sabbath days till their great offices were performed; that is, about the sixth hour: and St. Peter used it as an argument that the apostles in Petticoat were not drunk, because it was but the third hour of the day; of such a day, in which it was not lawful to eat or drink till the sixth hour; and the Jews were offended at the disciples for plucking the ears of corn on the Sabbath, early in the morning, because it was before the time in which, by their customs, they esteemed it lawful to break their fast. And further, upon days of humiliation, which are designed to be spent wholly in devotion, and for the averting of God’s judgment, (if they were imminent,) fasting is commanded, together with prayer: commanded (I say) by the church to this end: that the spirit might be clearer and more angelical, when it is quitted, in some proportions, from the loads of flesh. Fasting, as it is instrumental to prayer, must be attended with other aids of the like virtue and efficacy; such as are removing, for the time, all worldly cares and secular business: and, therefore, our blessed Saviour enfolds these parts within the same caution: ‘Take heed, lest your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this world, and that day overtake you unawares.’ To which add alms; for upon the wings of fasting and alms holy prayer infallibly mounts up to heaven.

“Fasting, designed for repentance, must be ever joined with an extreme care that we fast from sin; for there is no greater folly or indecency in the world than to commit that for which I am now judging and condemning myself. This is the best fast, and the other may serve to promote the interest of this by increasing the disaffection to it and multiplying arguments against it. He that fasts for repentance must, during that solemnity, abstain from all bodily delights and the sensuality of all his senses and his appetites; for a man must not, when he mourns in his fast, be merry in his sport; weep at dinner and laugh all day after; have a silence in his kitchen and music in his chamber; judge the stomach and feast the other senses.

“Let not intemperance be the prologue or the epilogue to your fast, lest the fast be so far from taking off anything of the sin that it be an occasion to increase it; and, therefore, when the fast is done, be careful that no supervening act of gluttony or excessive drinking unhallow the religion of the past day; but eat temperately, according to the proportion of other meals, lest gluttony keep either of the gates to abstinence.”

Much might be added from the same and other authorities showing that fasting is but an instrument to an end, and that it is the individual repentance of every man seeking pardon through our Lord Jesus Christ for his own sins, to which the people are called. And, surely, never was there an hour in the history of man, or in the life of any man now living in this country, when there was more need to invoke the forgiveness and the favor of Almighty God.

Perhaps in a further sign of desperation, the same issue credits The New-York Times with realizing that the loss of Southern cities does not mean that the South has lost its cause.

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