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

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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”.

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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.

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“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.

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cop-out confederacy?

Posted on March 5, 2015 by SUMPTER

Walter Taylor, Lee’s Adjutant, observed a collapsing Confederacy. In a letter he wrote to his beloved Bettie 150 years ago today, Colonel Taylor objected to Confederate leaders blaming the people for why the war could not go on. After all, the elite was supposed to mold public opinion (and, in my opinion, presumably had molded public opinion to kick-off secession and the war). Once again the young aide longed for a strong, vital leader (a young Napoleon?) who could lead the nation against the Yankees.

Edge Hill

Sunday

5 March ’65

[Colonel Taylor misses his girlfriend. … Colonel Taylor really misses his girlfriend, but General Lee wants him to stay at headquarters]

You know I am blessed with a sanguine temperament. I do not, can not will not yet despond, but I am annoyed, oh! so provoked, so thoroughly disgusted, to see the rapid, radical change in the tone of public sentiment in which (hold your ear close) our leaders participate. Do you observe how openly people now talk of Terms – Peace – Reconstruction? I hear it, and you know the circle of my acquaintance over here is very limited. Oh this disposition or readiness to lick the hand that dealt the blow is revolting to me. Bettie, our eminent men – or what shall I call them? They are not Leaders, even those in high office will tell us that the people are tired, that they are not supported by the people, that public sentiment has undergone a change &c, & hence their desire to to avoid useless shedding of blood and secure peace. The idiots! The imbeciles! They forget that they are responsible for the tone of public sentiment to a far greater extent than are the people who look up to them. Oh! if Heaven would but vouchsafe to us a man fitted to relieve our poor country in this her hour of trial! On who cd [sic] produce system from the sad chaos that now reigns, organize determined resistance where now we have naught but confusion & an apparent absence of any decided plans; one of will and iron nerve who could guide the people and who would dare to fight the Yankees to the last. I do not think our military situation hopeless by any means, and am astonished at the sudden caving in of the majority of those in high positions. I cannot write fully on this subject for there is much I might tell you, which I dare not put on paper; but one thing I confess, matters are far worse than I have ever known them or expected to see them. Unless this struggle is brought to a successful termination, how can a man be reconciled to accept the terms which would be forced upon us? Must we choose the life of a guerrilla or become an exile from home & country? But I will hope. As my trust is not in man but in God, I will not despair. We are sadly deficient, Bettie, in good, brave men capable of leading but I hope God will take care of us and provide a remedy in time. I cannot accept the belief that the cause is lost, that 4 precious years have been worse than wasted and that our whole future is blighted. You may wonder at the causes that have excited my fears; at some future time I will communicate them in person. …

[more personal matters; a Brigadier General wanted him to lead one of his cavalry regiments; “Poor old Early” has had an unfortunate time “and finds himself at last without any army at all”; he’s overwhelmed with telegrams from all over Confederacy][1]

  1. [1]Tower, R. Lockwood with John S. Belmont, eds.Lee’s Adjutant: The Wartime Letters of Colonel Walter Herron Taylor, 1862-1865. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press, 1995. Print. page 230-231.↩
Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Siege of Petersburg, Southern Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

with sword still in hand

Posted on March 4, 2015 by SUMPTER
Capitol Dome, Statue of Freedom model ( 1863 December 2; LOC: LC-USZ62-86291)

stars in the gloom

Inauguration Day broke cold and rainy. High on the dome of the capitol, unfinished on this occasion four years ago, Thomas Crawford’s posthumous bronze Freedom, a sword in one hand, a victory wreath in the other, peered out through the mist on a scene of much confusion, caused in part by deepening mud that hampered the movement of the throng of visitors jammed into town for the show, and in part by Mrs Lincoln, who, growing impatient at a long wait under the White House portico, ordered her carriage to proceed up Pennsylvania Avenue at a gallop, disrupting the schedule worked out by the marshals. Her husband had already gone ahead to a room in the Senate wing, and was occupied with signing another sheaf of bills rammed through to beat the deadline now at hand. The rain let up before midmorning, though the sun did not break through the scud of clouds, and around 11 o’clock a small, sharp-pointed, blue-white diamond of a star – later identified as the planet Venus – appeared at the zenith, directly over the Capitol dome, bright in the myrky daylight sky.[1]

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 8, 1865:

Latest from the North.

We have received copies of Northern papers of the evening of Saturday, the 4th instant. Gold, 199 1-2.

NY Times 3-5-1865

NY Times 3-5-1865

Lincoln’s inauguration — his inaugural address.

The inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, for a second term, took place in Washington city on Saturday last. The following telegrams from Washington are the only accounts we find of the ceremony:

Washington,March 4.–The procession to escort the President to the capitol is now forming, though a heavy rain is falling and the streets are almost impassable with mud.

The avenue is one dense body of people. The inaugural ceremonies will take place in the Senate Chamber.

Washington,March 4–12.30. –The rain has ceased and the procession is now passing down the avenue. The display is exceeding grand. The sidewalks are jammed with people, and every window and house-top is occupied with ladies and gentlemen, who are waving their handkerchiefs and hats with great enthusiasm. The visiting PhiladelphiaFire Department and those of Washington attract great attention by their beautifully-adorned apparatus. Many bands of music are interspersed throughout the procession, and the entire line is one continuous ring of music.

The Chronicle representation have a large truck, with a printing press printing an extra Chronicle, which are scattered among the dense mass of humanity.

The procession is over an hour passing any given point.

Crowd at Lincoln's second inauguration, March 4, 1865 (Washington, D.C., 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsc-02927)

“Crowd at Lincoln’s second inauguration, March 4, 1865” (Library of Congress)

The Navy-Yard delegation has a monitor in line, with a turret turning.

The immense amount of mud in the streets interferes with the magnificence of the display, yet it is, nevertheless, exceedingly fine.

A marked feature in the turn-out is the colored troops and Odd Fellows, with their bands of music.

The following is a copy of Lincoln’s inaugural address:

Fellow-Countrymen,–At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then, a statement, somewhat in detail, of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth in every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented.

The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all.

Lincoln's second inaugural (by Alexander Gardner, between 1910 and 1920, from a photograph taken in 1865; LOC: LC-USA7-16837 )

“high hope for the future”

With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured. On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it — all sought to avoid it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it, without war — seeking to dissolve the Union and divide the effects by negotiation.

Both parties deprecated war. But one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came. One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it,– These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All know that this interest was, somehow, the cause of the war.

To strengthen, perpetuate and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union, even by war — while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it.–Neither party expected by the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph and a result less fundamental and astounding.

Both read the same bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any man should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces; but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayer of both could not be answered — that of neither has been answered fully.

Washington, District of Columbia. Crowd at President Abraham Lincoln's second inauguration (by Alexander Gardner, March 4, 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpb-01431)

crowd at the second inauguration

The Almighty has his own purposes. “Woe unto the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh.”

If we should suppose that American slavery is one of those offences which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through his appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offence came, shall we discern therein any departure from those Divine attributes which the believer in a living God always ascribes to him?

Fondly do we hope — fervently do we pray — that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away; yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three hundred years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether; with malice towards none; with charity for all.” With firmness in the right — as God gives us to see the right — let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have come the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan — to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

Lincoln taking the oath at his second inauguration, March 4, 1865 (Illus. in: Harper's weekly, v. 9, 1865 March 18, p. 161;LOC: LC-USZ62-2578)

swearing the oath a second time

USA-1923-ScottUSA573

starry headdress

  1. [1]Foote, Shelby. The Civil War, A Narrative. Vol. 3. Red River to Appomattox. New York: Random House, 1986. Print. page 810.↩
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doubtless

Posted on March 3, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch March 3, 1865:

The Richmond and Petersburg lines.

Everything remains quiet on these lines, and is so likely to continue while the rain and mud lasts, and of these there seems to be no end. There is no doubt that Grant will make another heavy movement on our right so soon as the condition of the roads will permit.

View of Petersburg from the signal-station on our extreme left (by Horace Heath, Illus. in: Harper's weekly, 1865 March 11, p. 148.; LOC: LC-USZ6-1896)

“View of Petersburg from the signal-station on our extreme left” (LOC)

General Grant's Cavalry escort, City Point, Va., March, 1865 ( photographed 1865, [printed between 1880 and 1889; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-34478)

“General Grant’s Cavalry escort, City Point, Va., March, 1865” (LOC, or possibly Grant’s escort in 1864)

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capture the flags

Posted on March 2, 2015 by SUMPTER
Battle field of Waynesboro, Va. (2d March, 1865) (1873; LOC: http://www.loc.gov/item/99448353/)

VIII NY at 4 PM way on flank, moved to main force by 8 PM?

Some time after the Union Army of the Shenandoah captured most of Jubal Early’s rebel force at the Battle of Waynesboro, Union General Sheridan sent Major Compson of the 8th New York Cavalry to Washington, D.C. to deliver captured battle flags and other information to the War Department. A veteran of 8th who was working as a journalist for a Rochester, New York paper used the flag report to highlight the courage of Major Compson and his regiment. The Rochester correspondent apparently got his information from friends still serving in the field.

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

The Eighth N.Y. Cavalry.

NY Times 3-21-1865

NY Times 3-21-1865

A correspondent of the Rochester Union of Wednesday says: A telegraphed announced yesterday that Major H.B. Compson had been honored as the bearer of dispatches from White House to the Secretary of War, and had brought with him 17 battle flags, of which seven were the trophies of his own valor. But it did not say what was known to the writer, and kindled in the reading his pride in the fame of his old regiment, viz: that Maj. Compson was in command of the 8th N.Y. Cavalry, and that to the 8th, with the 22d, was assigned the duty of charging on Gen. Early’s cannon, three pieces of which commanded and raked the highway: [;?] that Major Compson gave the 22d the ground on his right and left, and chose the post of honor for the 8th and himself – placed Sergeant Kehoe with the flag with which Rochester friends had honored the regiment by his side, and then called on his staunch cavalrymen of the 8th to follow him, saying to his color-bearer, “Sergeant, we’ll lose the flag this time or bring more flags back along with us!” and charged fiercely down the highway in the teeth of the battery. So furious and well-ordered was the charge that only time was given the enemy to reload twice before the guns were captured, and with the great good fortune of losing only one man killed (Sergt. Carr) and five wounded. Five battle flags were the prize of this exploit. Of the numbers of prisoners taken I am not informed.

Second_national_flag_of_the_Confederate_States_of_America.svg

Second National Flag

The 8th has a fortune equal to its valor. Gen. Sheridan has delighted to signalize and stimulate its good conduct by lavish commendation – the coveted reward of the soldier – for discipline in camp, reliableness on picket and patrol, and heroism in the fight. Major Moore and other brave officers had months ago been mustered out with honor. From Col. Benjamin it had just parted with the most sincere and universal sorrow – as considerate of his men as he was fearless in leading them in battle. Lieut. Col. Pope, who they all knew would never shrink in danger nor forget its honor, had been ordered to recruit the regiment among us at a time when he would gladly have shared its new perils. Major Bliss was under orders in charge of new recruits at Harper’s Ferry, and yet one who was but a few months ago one of its Lieutenants, has won new honor and new commendation for it in leading it to victory, and it could have furnished others had he fallen or been absent. So much the more for Monroe [Rochester’s county] to be proud of, and for those who, though no longer summoned at its roll-call, feel as warmly as ever for its fame and its perils. All honor to Major Compson and Sergeant Kehoe.

Gen. Phil Sheridan (between 1855 and 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpbh-01009)

managed the 8th with “lavish commendation”

– Major Compson is a Seneca county boy, and joined the 8th N.Y. Cavalry as a private three years ago. A good portion of his company were also recruited here at that time by the late Capt. B.F. Sisson. Maj. Compson’s friends here will be pleased to hear of his personal bravery and soldierly bearing. He has been in command of his regiment for some time past.

Seneca County Historian Walt Gable points out that Major Compson received the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Waynesboro[1]. Walt provides a more thorough description of Major Compson’s battlefield courage and points out that 15 medals of honor were awarded for the Battle of Waynesboro. Major Compson’s citation gives him credit for capturing a “flag belonging to Gen. Early’s headquarters.” Walt notes that the medal was presented on March 26, 1865. The flag was a Confederate Second National flag; it was returned to Virginia and is currently in the possession of the Museum of the Confederacy.

Captain Christopher C. Bruton of the 22nd New York Cavalry was also awarded the Medal of Honor for capturing General Early’s headquarters’ flag.

The New-York Times of March 21, 1865 covered the Waynesboro battle as Day 4 of General Sheridan’s “Great Cavalry Raid”. Originally the 8th NY Cavalry was held in reserve. After a successful flank attack helped throw the rebels into disarray, the 8th got involved in the action. From The New-York Times March 21, 1865:

Confederate General Jubal Early, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front (between 1860 and 1870, photographed later; LOC: LC-DIG-ds-01484)

General Jubal Early

The enemy were not a little surprised to see so formidable a body of flankers on their left; an attempt to form a line to meet them proved abortive; on they pressed and the enemy seeing CUSTER’s reckless fellows marching in upon them from every direction, became panic stricken, broke and ran in terrible confusion, abandoning muskets, flags and artillery. By the time they had fairly got into the Village of Waynesboro, a few rods to the rear of their works, the mounted cavalry had charged in upon them, and Yankees and rebels were all mixed up together. The First Vermont moved in from the left, the Eighth New-York on the pike, and CAPEHART with the whole of his brigade at his heels, dashed into the village, following the Eighth. The sons of the Ancient Dominion showed [???]o fight at close quarters, but surrendered promptly when ordered to do so, thereby preventing a general slaughter. South River winds its way along just in the rear of Waynesboro, and the only route for the enemy to escape was to cross this. It was not at this time fordable, and the only way for infantry to cross was by a small foot-bridge and by the railroad bridge. A few hundred attempted to escape by the latter route. Col. WHITAKER, (who with Capt. BURROUGHS and some thirty men of the Eighth New-York, were the first to cross the stream,) with a few men on horseback, cut off the men attempting to escape on the railroad track. WHITAKER with a dozen men here captured at least 300 rebels and one battle-flag. Maj. COMPSON, Capt. BURROUGHS and Capt. BENTON [Bruton?], the latter of the Twenty-second New-York, made no halt, but pressed on and beyond the mountain, capturing several officers and EARLY’s headquarter flag.

  1. [1]Gable, Walter Seneca County And The Civil War. Charleston, S.C.: The History Press, 2014. Print. pages 63-66.↩
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Yankee smugness

Posted on February 28, 2015 by SUMPTER
Yankee volunteers marching into Dixie (Waashington City : Published by C.F. Morse ; Boston G.A. Morse c1862; LOC: LC-USZ62-4440)

still swarming

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 28, 1865:

Treatment of the conquered Confederates–Handsome offer.

The New York Times has an article on subjugation, which ought to have a place all to itself. It is the most refreshing instance of Yankee impudence that we have seen since the war. It says:

We hear a great deal every day about the necessity for punishing the Southern leaders, and some persons go so far as to propose the outlawry of everybody in the Confederacy who has held any higher rank in its service than that of colonel. But it may be laid down as a rule, dictated not simply by humanity and Christianity, but by sound policy, that no punishments whatever ought to be inflicted on anybody, except such as are plainly called for by a prudent regard for our own safety. With those who wish to legislate, or put the existing law in force for mere purposes of vengeance, it is scarcely worth while to argue. The spectacle of a whole people thirsting for vengeance on a large body of their own countrymen, and seeking it through acts of Congress, is a barbarous and repulsive one, repugnant to the spirit of the age, and hostile to civilization. To suffer anything of the sort to be enacted on American soil, in our day, would prove that we had retrograded instead of advanced.

The burning of Columbia, South Carolina, February 17, 1865 (by William Waud, 1865 April 8; LOC: LC-DIG-ppmsca-33131)

“we are now witnessing the failure” (“The burning of Columbia, South Carolina, February 17, 1865” (Library of Congress)

There are a number of persons in the rebellious States who have been actively engaged both in getting up the insurrection and carrying it on, whose position with regard to it is such as to make it quite certain that they can never settle down again into peaceable citizens of the United States, and would never, if we allowed them to return quietly to their homes, cease to kick against the authority of the Government and intrigue for its overthrow. Against these men the vigorous enforcement of the law is imperatively called for in the interest of social order; but we sincerely trust that the list even of these will be made as small as possible, and that the rest of the population will be let alone. No penal measures whatever, as regards them, we may feel quite satisfied, will be necessary to prevent the repetition of the attempt of which we are now witnessing the failure. The fullest punishment for their offences, whatever they may have been, has been already inflicted in the prosecution of this war. There is something puerile in talking of administering further chastisement for a crime which has already caused the slaughter or maiming of two or three hundred thousand of those engaged in it, and the desolation of almost a third of their territory. With what power can we arm either courts or police that will impress the imagination of men and women like those of the South, who have lived through the horrors of the last four years?

And we ought to beware, above all things, of harassing them with the presence of great swarms of officials, most of whom will doubtless, at least for a while, have to be Northerners. For a few years, after the war the Southern people will be morbidly sensitive to whatever reminds them of their defeat and those among us who are opposed to all attempts to respect this susceptibility, only show how little they have learnt from history, and how little they know of human nature. One great aim should be to avoid all unnecessary display of force. We shall be bound to protect the emancipated blacks and Northern or loyal inhabitants, and see that the judgments of United States courts are carried into execution; but all interference with the ordinary working of local law, and the ordinary management of local affairs, ought to be strenuously guarded against. There are other ways than these, which we recommand [recommend?], of holding conquered territory but there are no other ways of healing the wounds left by civil war.

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poor conscription

Posted on February 27, 2015 by SUMPTER

After four years of war it was hard to scrounge up enough new recruits to satisfy the Union government’s draft quotas. The Seneca Falls supervisor was recruiting in New York City. Men were available, but there wasn’t enough money to pay the necessary bounties. A local editorial asked why Seneca Falls men who had enough money to procure substitutes were unwilling to buy bonds to keep their poorer neighbors out of the draft.

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

Our Quota.

The filling of the quota of this town seems to be a very difficult undertaking. – No one here is “patriotic” enough to volunteer, and we are dependent entirely upon other localities for recruits. Supervisor Burt is making every effort to procure the men, but so far has succeeded in mustering only fifteen to the credit of the town. Our momed [sic] [monied] men do not seem willing to take the bonds and furnish the Supervisor the means with which to obtain the men, and many of them are very reluctant about cashing the bonds which they have pledged themselves to take. Perhaps they would like to see the mechanics and laboring men of the town conscripted, inasmuch as their brothers and sons have heretofore secured substitutes, mostly at the expense of the town. Conscription is not a very pleasant thing for poor men to look upon, and to be endured, when a few dollars could have prevented it.

A number of public meetings have been called for the purpose of raising money on the bonds, but with little success. The men who have all along been so anxious to save the town from the draft, have taken no part in the meetings, because, we suppose, there have been no political ends to subserve. A very pretty state of affairs, indeed.

It is very certain that we shall get no more men, unless there is sufficient interest in the matter among our monied men to induce them to take the bonds of the town. That the men can be obtained if the money is furnished, is well understood, and if a conscription is forced upon us, it will be owing to the criminal indifference of those who might have interposed to prevent it, without the least inconvenience to themselves.

It looks like back in January 1865 the town of German Flats [Flatts], New York faced a similar issue. However, in this town along the Mohawk River the government seemed to be encouraging non-taxpaying men who were liable to service to contribute whatever was within their means to the bounty pot:

German Flats January 1865 (LOC: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/AMALL:@field%28NUMBER+@band%28rbpe+12600200%29%29)

trying to equalize the burden

The German Flats poster is from the Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division. (http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/AMALL:@field%28NUMBER+@band%28rbpe+12600200%29%29)
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