pleading with the president

Posted on February 3, 2015 by SUMPTER

New York State and its localities were unhappy with the way the federal government was conducting the draft in the winter of 1865. Governor Reuben Fenton sent a couple state senators to Washington, D.C. to complain to the nation’s chief executive. Apparently President Lincoln met with the New York commissioners shortly before leaving the capital to confer with the Southern peace commissioners.

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

The Quota of the State.

The shockingly blundering manner in which affairs are managed at the War Department is illustrated by the fact that, more than a month after the call for 300,000 more men, an addition of 14,000 is made to the quota of the State. Districts that have counted themselves out of the draft, are counted in again and the mischief is to pay generally.

Fenton, Hon. Reuben Eaton of N.Y. (ca. 1860-1865; LOC: LC-DIG-cwpbh-03480)

Governor Fenton disputed the quota numbers

The excitement about the quota pervades all classes, and all are bitter in their denunciations of the incompetent Fry. Gov. Fenton is making an effort to have Fry’s plans modified if not defeated. To this end he commissioned Senators Bell and Andrews to proceed to Washington for the purpose of laying the matter before the President. They have sent to the Governor the following telegram:

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2d, 1865. – We obtain the President’s assent to the following proposition that so much of the revised quota as was added to the State of New York by the order of Jan. 24th, say 16,000, be deferred for further investigation; this deferred portion of the quota to be deducted pro rata from the various districts of the State.

This is to be carried out by deduction of 25 per cent. from the quota of each district in the State as assigned Jan. 24th.

The deferred portion is to be subject to further examination and action.

[Signed] [sic]

JAMES A BELL.
GEO.H. ANDREWS.

It may be, with proper efforts, that the excessive quota of the State will be modied [sic]. Let us wait and see.

You can read more about Reuben Fenton’s quota controversy with the administration and his relationship with the president in general at Mr. Lincoln and New York

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

making tracks for peace?

Posted on February 2, 2015 by SUMPTER

President Lincoln was going to talk with the rebel peace commissioners. The first leg of his journey was by train.

From The New-York Times February 3, 1865:

THE PEACE CONFERENCE; MOVEMENTS OF THE PRESIDENT. He is Summoned to Fortress M[o]nroe by Secretary Seward. Arrival of the Commissioners at City Point. An Important Conference Probably Going On. Further Comments of the Rebel Journals. They Are Not to be Seduced Into Peace. Dispatches to the Associated Press.

Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.

WASHINGTON, Thursday, Feb. 2.

Secretary SEWARD, early this morning, telegraphed the President from Fortress Monroe, that his presence was needed immediately. Upon receipt of this dispatch, the President proceeded in a special car to Annapolis, where a Government vessel was awaiting to convey him to Fortress Monroe. Speculation is rife as to the meaning of this departure of the President to confer with the rebel Commissioners. Many infer that it is preliminary to peace; others, again, who are well informed, believe that the entire affair will end, for the present in no adjustment of our national difficulties.

Hampton Roads area 1861 (LOC: http://www.loc.gov/item/2003630497/)

Presidential destination; Fortress Monroe – top center (Library of Congress, 1862 map)

WASHINGTON, Thursday, Feb. 2.

At 11 o’clock this morning, President LINCOLN left Washington by a special train for Annapolis, at which place he arrived at 2 P.M., and embarked on the steamer Thomas Colyer for Fortress Monroe, which place he will reach at 1 to-morrow morning.

Information received from Fortress Monroe to-night states that the Southern Commissioners on Tuesday morning were on board Gen. GRANT’s dispatch-boat, the Mary Martin, awaiting the President’s order as to whether they should proceed to Washington.

WASHINGTON, Thursday, Feb. 2.

The Star has issued an extra in regard to the movements of President LINCOLN. It says:

“To-day, at 11 o’clock, President LINCOLN left Washington by a special train, for Annapolis, for the purpose, it is understood, of joining Secretary SEWARD at Fortress Monroe or City Point, to hold an interview with the rebel deputation, Messrs. A.H. STEPHENS, R.M.T. HUNTER, and JOHN A. CAMPBELL.

President LINCOLN took his departure in a special car drawn by engine No. 18, which was placed upon the road at a few moments’ notice, by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company.

The President was accompanied by only one of the attaches of the White House.

From the fact of the President going to Fortress Monroe or City Point, color is given to the report that the rebel deputation have been allowed to enter our lines, and it is understood that they are now at Fortress Monroe.”

BALTIMORE, Thursday, Feb. 2.

A special to the American, from Annapolis, says that President LINCOLN, accompanied only by a servant, arrived here and left at one o’clock on the steamer Colyer, for Fortress Monroe.

Apparently, 150 years ago yesterday General George Meade had an interesting conversation with the three peace commissioners. General Meade didn’t seem to think there would be much compromise on the Northern side. From The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade … (page 258-259:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, February 1, 1865.

…

I found on my arrival, last night [from Philadelphia], that three distinguished gentlemen, Mr. Alexander Stephens (Vice President of the Confederacy), Mr. R.M.T. Hunter (formerly United States Senator from Virginia), and Mr. Campbell, of Alabama, (formerly Judge United States Supreme Court), were in our lines, having been passed in by General Grant, on their expressing a wish to go to Washington. … I called this morning, with General Grant, on them, and remained after General Grant left, and talked very freely with them. I told them very plainly what I thought was the basis on which the people of the North would be glad to have peace, namely, the complete restoration of the Union and such a settlement of the slavery question as should be final, removing it forever as a subject of strife. Mr. Stephens suggested that, if we could stop fighting, the matter might be discussed. I told him promptly that was entirely out of the question; that we could not stop fighting unless it was for good, and that he might be assured any proposals based on a suspension of hostilities would not be received. Mr. Stephens then said they did not consider the slavery question as so formidable a difficulty, but they feared the difficulty would be to obtain such modification of the old Constitution as would protect the States, in case of other questions arising to produce strife. I said if you mean to propose a reorganization and change in our Government, I don’t think you will meet with any success. We are satisfied with our Constitution, and you seem to be, since yours is identically ours, excepting the protection you give to slavery. Mr. Hunter then asked me what we proposed to do with the slaves after freeing them, as it was well known they would not work unless compelled. I replied that this was undoubtedly a grave question, but not insurmountable; that they must have labor, and the negroes must have support; between the two necessities I thought some system could be devised accommodating both interests, which would not be so obnoxious as slavery. They then said they thought it a pity this matter could not be left to the generals on each side, and taken out of the hands of politicians. I answered I had no doubt a settlement would be more speedily in this way, but I feared there was no chance for this.

President Lincoln was going to let peace maneuvers derail the North’s military operations. From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven:

TELEGRAM TO GENERAL U. S. GRANT. WASHINGTON, February 1, 1865
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT, City Point:

Let nothing which is transpiring change, hinder, or delay your military movements or plans.

A. LINCOLN.

Shelby Foote wrote that General Grant assured the President he was ready with the armies. Mr. Foote also wrote that President Lincoln met the commissioners at General Grant’s urging.[1]

  1. [1]Foote, Shelby. The Civil War, A Narrative. Vol. 3. Red River to Appomattox. New York: Random House, 1986. Print. page 774.↩
Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Northern Society | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

constitutional amendment

Posted on January 31, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today the United States House of Representatives approved an amendment to the U.S. Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States; the Senate had earlier voted in favor of the proposal. Although three-fourths of the states would have to concur for the amendment to take effect, the federal government had approved a big change to the supreme law of the land.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch February 6, 1865:

Abolition of slavery by the United States Congress.

It will be seen by our extracts from Northern journals that the Yankee Congress have passed an amendment to the Constitution abolishing slavery throughout the United States, which, in their acceptation of that term, means also the Confederate States. Before this amendment can become a law of the United States proper, it must be ratified by the Legislatures of two-thirds of all the States, including the States of the Confederacy, or by conventions of two-thirds of all. The Yankees have twenty-eight States, all of which, their papers say, will ratify the amendment, thus giving it the ratification of the necessary two- thirds. Whether the law shall ever be carried into effect as regards these Confederate States remains to be decided by the sword.

From the same issue:

Passage of the bill abolishing slavery in the United States–Scenes in Congress — cannon firing and Bell ringing in Yankeedom.

NY Times 2-1-1865

“an epoch in the history of the country” NY Times 2-1-1865

The Yankees have performed another grand Chinese feat. They have amended the Constitution so that it will do what their armies cannot — abolish slavery.–This is followed by great edicts from the abolition mandarins, and a grand flourish of banners and beating of tom- toms, which is to convince the Confederate States that slavery is abolished forever in their limits, and that the “man and brother” is hereafter to have a box seat. The remarkable and rather laughable scene took place in their House of Representatives on the 31st of January, and under the supervision of the half- brother of the moon — Abraham Lincoln. The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald thus describes the event:

A large number of prominent politicians, from different sections of the country, wandered around the cloak room, which seemed to indicate that the floor was free to everybody. State officials and members of Congress, Senators, Cabinet officials and judges, all mingled together, manifesting a deep interest in the event of the hour. There was Postmaster Dennison, with his straight form, long locks, tinged with gray, moving about with an apparently light heart. There was the Secretary of Finance, Mr. Fessenden, wearing an anxious face, and looking as though a mighty weight rested upon his shoulders. Beside him sat Chief Justice Chase, with a countenance full of hope, apparently unconcerned in regard to the events of the hour, but in reality as deeply interested as any person present. Around this locality were gathered numerous public men of note, as well as many yet unknown to fame, forming an interesting group.

The Republican side of the House appeared somewhat agitated. Mr. Ashley, of Ohio, being the person recognized as the leader and mouth-piece of the party on this question, groups of members were constantly gathering about his seat.-… Mr. Ashley finally yielded, and consented that the vote should be taken at half past 3, or postponed half an hour. This appeared to arouse the anger of many Republicans, and an interesting group gathered around Mr. Ashley’s seat. There was Thad. Stevens, got up in full fighting trim from his waist up, shaking his finger at Mr. Ashley for giving way and reading him a lecture. Stevens’s face looked fire, while Ashley’s was as red as a fresh cut of beef. Other members cried, “Mr. Speaker, let us have the vote,” and were determined, if possible, to have a vote. The excited Republicans finally yielded, Stevens taking his seat, but evidently with no good grace.

On the Democratic side there was considerable commotion. …

[parliamentary maneuvers] … Then came the vote on the final passage. Perfect silence, for the first time, reigned. The response of every member was watched, and as one by one the Democrats changed front, there was an expression of joy on the Republican side. Boldly, and like men fully realizing the important step, did Ganson, Radford, Nelson, Steele, Rollins, Yeaman, English and others respond to their names. It was no faint whisper. They responded like men who had weighed carefully the subject, taken their position after mature deliberation, and were ready to take the consequences. It was an important step. In taking it, and responding in the affirmative, however, they only did that which many others on the Democratic side wanted to do, but had not the courage, the heart, to say aye.

Scene in the House on the passage of the proposition to amend the Constitution, January 31, 1865 (Harper's Weekly Harper's weekly, v. 9, no. 425 (1865 Feb. 18), p. 97; LOC: LC-USZ62-127599)

“with rapturous kissing” scene in the House after passage

The roll was concluded. The honored names were all recorded, hereafter to be handed down in company with those who first recorded their names for that noble instrument. Long before it was announced, the expression of the faces of those on the Republican side showed too plainly the result, and that their joy was only being pent up, ready to burst forth the moment that the result was announced. The sharp tone of the Speaker’s voice was soon heard announcing the vote. In a louder, deeper and heavier tone than usual with him, Speaker Colfax announced– “Having received a two-third vote, the amendment has passed.”

Then came a wild scene on the floor of the House. Republican members waved their hats and cheered, the galleries took up the cry, handkerchiefs waved in the air, cheers echoed through the halls, and all dignity of the occasion seemed to be forgotten. Members were dancing, pulling each other around and performing all manner of antics. Among the most amusing was the scene between Mr. Brandegee and Mr. Spaulding. They went through shaking of hands, hugging each other, and other wild demonstrations, finally closing up with rapturous kissing. …

The event was “hailed with joy all over the North,” according to the Herald, which says:

Salutes in honor of the event were fired in various cities yesterday. Governor Fenton sent a message into both Houses of our Legislature, recommending immediate concurrence on their part, and a joint resolution was introduced in both the Senate and the Assembly, which, under the rules, had to lie over for one day. Free Maryland has been the first to ratify the action of Congress. Governor Bradford, of that State, yesterday morning announced to its Legislature the fact of the adoption of the resolution in Congress, and the House of Delegates immediately took it up and concurred by a vote of fifty-three to twenty-three. Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, has directed the firing of a salute of one hundred guns, and recommended the ringing of the church bells for one hour. …

President Lincoln provided a lawyerly review in response to a serenade the next day. From The Papers And Writings Of Abraham Lincoln, Volume Seven:

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR THE ABOLISHING OF SLAVERY

PASSAGE THROUGH CONGRESS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR THE ABOLISHING OF SLAVERY

RESPONSE TO A SERENADE, JANUARY 31 [February 1], 1865.

He supposed the passage through Congress of the Constitutional amendment for the abolishing of slavery throughout the United States was the occasion to which he was indebted for the honor of this call.

Uncle Abe's valentine sent by Columbia (Frank Leslie's 2-1865; LOC: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/h?ammem/scsmbib:@field%28DOCID+@lit%28scsm000381%29%29)

Uncle Abe’s Valentine (Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana.)

The occasion was one of congratulation to the country, and to the whole world. But there is a task yet before us—to go forward and consummate by the votes of the States that which Congress so nobly began yesterday. He had the honor to inform those present that Illinois had already done the work. Maryland was about half through, but he felt proud that Illinois was a little ahead.

He thought this measure was a very fitting if not an indispensable adjunct to the winding up of the great difficulty. He wished the reunion of all the States perfected, and so effected as to remove all causes of disturbance in the future; and, to attain this end, it was necessary that the original disturbing cause should, if possible, be rooted out. He thought all would bear him witness that he had never shirked from doing all that he could to eradicate slavery, by issuing an Emancipation Proclamation. But that proclamation falls short of what the amendment will be when fully consummated. A question might be raised whether the proclamation was legally valid. It might be added, that it only aided those who came into our lines, and that it was inoperative as to those who did not give themselves up; or that it would have no effect upon the children of the slaves born hereafter; in fact, it would be urged that it did not meet the evil. But this amendment is a king’s cure for all evils. It winds the whole thing up. He would repeat, that it was the fitting if not the indispensable adjunct to the consummation of the great game we are playing. He could not but congratulate all present—himself, the country, and the whole world upon this great moral victory.

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institutional amendment

Posted on January 30, 2015 by SUMPTER

The long lead Monday morning editorial at the Dispatch discussed a well-known catchphrase during the Civil War and discussed why it was fallacious – in the South. The paper later reported that Southern church leaders warned that slave owners needed to respect the marriage institution if they were going to preserve the peculiar institution.

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 30, 1865:

Monday morning…January 30, 1865.
“rich man’s War — poor man’s fight.”

Poverty is certainly not without its disadvantages. It is the lot of the great mass of mankind. The rich, in all countries and in all ages, are a respectable minority. But among its many misfortunes, none is greater than the facility with which, in democratic countries, it can be duped by demagogues to its own utter ruin. At the head of this article we have placed a shallow but mischievous sophism, invented by enemies of the Confederate cause to paralyze the valiant hearts on which it relies for success.–If there are any soldiers of the Confederacy weak enough to be deluded by this [ transparant ] but malignant device, we invoke them to listen to a few words of warning.

Granting, for the sake of the argument, that the mass of Confederate armies is composed of poor men, is their condition any worse in this respect than that of all the armies of all the wars that from the beginning of the world have been fought to this day? …

But if ever there was a war to which the miserable sophism we have quoted has no application whatever, it is this universal uprising of the South against Yankee invasion. What brought to the field the great mass of the Southern armies — the men who, from Manassas to this hour, have illustrated the Confederate flag with prodigies of valor and endurance? They came voluntarily, poor and rich, to drive from their common soil a common enemy. Whilst the majority of them, like the majority of all armies, are not rich men, more rich men have entered the Confederate ranks than any army of which we have any knowledge. It is true enough, there are some rich men who have never shouldered a musket and never will. But they are mostly those who were poor at the beginning of the war, and have made fortunes since by extortion and speculation. If they could be taken by the nape of the neck and thrust into the front of the battle, it would give universal satisfaction. Many men who were rich before the war have become utterly impoverished, and would consider themselves fortunate now if they could be assured of soldier’s fare and soldier’s clothing.

And now, suppose the work of subjugation complete, and that institution of slavery, in which we are told none but slaveholders have any interest, abolished, how are the poor to be benefitted? What is the condition of the poor in England, in France, in the North? Is it not an incessant and painful struggle for the bare necessaries of life by the performance of labors which are here performed by slaves? Is it not a rigid exclusion from all social sympathies and considerations, so that the foreigner and Northern employer treats his employee with less indulgence and civility than the Southern master treats his slaves? …

We honestly believe that the welfare and happiness of Southern poor men are as much involved in the success of this struggle as any other class of the community — more so than the rich, who can leave the country and escape brutality and degradation of foreign lands. …

Religious duties of masters to slaves.

The Protestant and Catholic clergy of the Confederacy are calling attention to the duty of enforcing the sanctity of the marriage relation among slaves. The Baptist Convention of Georgia has adopted an emphatic resolution upon this subject. The Southern Churchman quotes various religious authorities, setting forth the sinfulness of any neglect by masters of this Christian duty; among them Bishop Verot, (Roman Catholic Bishop of Savannah,) who says: “Slavery, to become a permanent institution of the South, must be made to conform to the law of God; a Southern Confederacy will never thrive unless it rests upon morality and order; the Supreme Arbiter of Nations will not bless with stability and prosperity a state of things which would be a flagrant violation of His holy commandments.”

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ice blockade

Posted on January 29, 2015 by SUMPTER

It was reported that Mother Nature helped out the rebel cause a bit. Presumably federal government horses and mules were at risk.

From The New-York Times January 29, 1865:

NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.; MR. BLAIR’S PRIVATE PAPERS.

Special Dispatches to the New-York Times.

Mr. BLAIR has stated to an intimate friend, that by his first trip to Richmond be succeeded in obtaining from the rebel authorities many valuable papers, taken from his house by EARLY’S men last September. Among the documents recovered was his will.

Dispatches to the Associated Press.

THE REBEL IRON-CLAD RAID.

WASHINGTON, Saturday, Jan. 28.

A gentleman who arrived here, to-night, from City Point, which place he left yesterday, says that all the rebel vessels have returned up the James River. It is not probable they will soon again repeat their expedition, as there is now gun-boat and iron-clad force enough to take care of all such adventurers.

THE ICE BLOCKADE.

Owing to the ice-blockade of the Potomac, the Government is sending wagons out into the country in all directions to procure hay. A large number of hay boats bound up are frozen in below Alexandria, with no immediate prospect of being released.

____________________________________________________

The following broadside is dated January 29, 1865 at American Memory

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=mal&fileName=mal1/403/4034100/malpage.db&recNum=0

looking for a 15 year old son

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pop

Posted on January 28, 2015 by SUMPTER
"Blowing bubbles" (Griswold's Compositions, c1870; LOC: LC-USZ62-99760)

olive branches?

We seem to hear a lot nowadays about economic bubbles – for example, the housing bubble of recent years. 150 years ago today Gothamites could see the bubble concept applied to any hope of successful peace negotiations between North and South.

From The New-York Times January 28, 1865:

THE PEACE BUBBLE.; RESULT OF MR. BLAIR’S MISSION. HE ADMITS IT TO BE “A FAILURE.” THE TERMS OF JEFF. DAVIS. Independence First and an Armistice Next. SPIRIT OF THE REBEL PRESS ON PEACE. VERY HOPEFUL DISPATCH. THE REBELS ON PEACE.

The globe-man after hearing of the vote on the Sub-Treasury bill (N.Y. : Printed & publd. by H.R. Robinson, 1838.; LOC: LC-USZ62-69618)

old Blair as a young man … a younger man

Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.

WASHINGTON, Friday, Jan. 27.

The peace bubble that has for ten days past floated so brilliantly before the gaze of men, has to-day come to a sudden collapse. Late last evening FRANCIS P. BLAIR, Sr., returned from Richmond, and brought with him precisely what sensible men expected — that is, just nothing. He brought neither olive branch in his hand, Peace Commissioners under his cloak, nor a treaty in his pocket. His mission, so far as practical results are concerned, is, in fact, as Mr. BLAIR expressed himself to-day, “a total failure.”

That JEFF DAVIS desires peace, his own oft-repeated official announcements leave us no room to doubt; but we now know that as condition precedent to any overture looking to this end, he demands, first, that negotiations shall be conducted as between two independent nationalities; and, second, that pending such negotiations an armistice shall be proclaimed.

Neither of these propositions, it need be said, can be accepted by this Government. To yield either would be, in fact, to surrender the whole issue of the war. There is not the slightest disposition on the part of the Administration to do either the one or the other.

The dominant tone of the rebel chiefs is substantially indicated in a semi-official utterance published in JEFF. DAVIS’ organ, at the very time Mr. BLAIR was in Richmond. It is comprised in the distinct alternative, “independence or subjugation.” In such an alternative there is no room for hesitation on our part.

Turning aside, therefore, from this dream of peace, which has for a time beguiled so many, the nation soberly addresses itself to the work of war, through a continued vigorous prosecution of which a satisfactory peace can alone be obtained. The rebellion will be ended as most rebellions are ended, by internal disruption and collapse. It will leave no treaty in history — no treaty in which the names of “JEFFERSON DAVIS” and “ABRAHAM LINCOLN” will appear as arbitrators of peace.

NY Times 1-28-1865

NY Times 1-28-1865

PHILADELPHIA, Friday, Jan. 27.

The following is a special dispatch to the Philadelphia Evening Telegraph:

[We (New-York TIMES,) publish it merely because it is sent — not because we believe it. We do not believe it has any foundation whatever, except in the imagination of the person who wrote it!]

WASHINGTON, Friday, Jan. 27.

It is now definitely known that Mr. BLAIR’s mission to Richmond has been crowned with complete success.

Mr. DAVIS pledged himself to send, immediately, three gentlemen to Washington to confer upon terms of peace.

Mr. DAVIS stated distinctly to Mr. BLAIR that he would conclude peace and return to the Union upon terms that would be perfectly satisfactory to Mr. LINCOLN and Congress.

Mr. BLAIR also had an interview with Gen. LEE, who avowed himself desirous of ending the rebellion by laying down their arms and returning to the Union. …

From the Richmond Sentinel, Jan. 25.

The rumors circulated yesterday of an armistice for three months, has its answer in the thunder of the cannon below the city. These rumors of peace and of suspension of hostilities can have no other effect than to raise false hopes in the minds of the people. The shortest way for peace is to prepare vigorously for war. The enemy will never make terms with us until they are convinced we will fight on for all time and achieve our independence. The more we talk about peace the more arrogant they become. Men who are continually whining about peace, but prolong the war, as they well know there can be peace but in two ways, “subjugation or independence.” …

You can get a better idea of what was really going on in the peace maneuvers at Civil War Daily Gazette

The Library of Congress explains the 1838 caricature of Francis P. Blair, Sr. here

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sourcing recruits

Posted on January 27, 2015 by SUMPTER

Conscription in early 1865 was kind of a fluid thing. Here are three short pieces from the Seneca Falls, NY library big notebook of Civil War clippings that show 1) the quota for the 24th New york Congressional District didn’t seem to be as high as a Wayne County newspaper stated, but it would still cost plenty of greenbacks to avoid a draft. 2) Towns apparently had been showing a good deal of creativity in not only avoiding a draft but also in avoiding having local men fill the quota.

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

THE QUOTA OF THE DISTRICT. – The quota of the 24th Congressional District comprising the counties of Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne, under the last call for 300,000 is 1,700. It will cost the district at least a million of dollars to furnish that number of men.

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

OUT OF THE DRAFT. – We understand that the town of Covert is out of the draft, having filled its quota under the last call of the President. The men were recruited in the city of New York by the Supervisor of the town, J.R. Wheeler, Esq.

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

OUT OF THE DRAFT. – Our Waterloo neighbors are out of the draft, in consequence of furnishing three years’ recruits last fall under the call for 500,000 men. Burton’s niggers turn out to be a profitable investment after all.

I have no idea if or where Waterloo would have recruited the black men. Also, (I’m reading ahead again) – it looks like Waterloo was actually in the 1865 draft.

New York City and vicinity (between 1861 and 1865; LOC: LC-DIG-stereo-1s02997)

big supply in Gotham? (“Stereograph shows men reading signs in front of the New York Evening Post building, New York, New York.” between 1861 and 1865 – Library of Congress)

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“service years” quota

Posted on January 26, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago this month a newspaper up in Wayne County, New York complained about how it understood the federal government was implementing President Lincoln’s December 1864 call for 300,000 more soldiers. The new quotas would be based on the number of service years men had signed up for in prior calls. The paper saw this as changing the rules on the fly and unfairly penalizing localities that had responded promptly to previous calls.

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

Quotas Under the New Call.

The quotas of the different districts under the new call vary so much that people do not understand the figuring by which they are established. For instance the district of our district, embracing the counties of Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne, is 3,396; Allegany, Chemung and Steuben 2,903. – Erie, 4,406; Onondaga and Cortland, 2,788; Then again, Oneida is called on to furnish only 275; Broome, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins 546; and Genese [sic], Niagara and Wyoming, none!

Under the late call, it appears that credits are given for the number of years’ service for which the recruits were enlisted. So the localities which furnished their quotas of say 3,000 men for three years, are credited with 9,000 year’s service, while the district which furnished the same number of one year’s men, is credited with only 3,000 year’s service, and each are credited with filling their quota. The practical effect of this is that those localities which set to work promptly to supply the men called for and put them into the field for the term of service required, and during the the time allowed them by the terms of the call, are now informed that they have thrown their money away, and are far worse off than counties which dallied along until the rush was over, and then having the field wholly to themselves, obtained three years men for less money. Had it been understood that this mode of credits was to be adopted, the counties of Cayuga, Seneca and Wayne, would not have thrown away three millions of money on one year’s men, for they could have filled their quota with three years’ men although it would have taken much more time. The whole thing is an unmitigated fraud upon the people, for if such credits were to be given, it was the bounded duty of the war department to let the people know how many years service each man enlisted under the call would be expected to perform. That no such thing was promulgated, and people were led to believe that one year men was all the government wanted – in fact we were assured by men high in authority that the war would be brought to an end before their term of enlistment. But the wronged and deluded people must make the best of this, as they have of a great many other outrages upon their rights committed by this administration. – Lyons Press.

There’s a good chance the Lyons Press is listed as the Lyons NY Wayne Democratic Press 1856-1873.

This article seems to be more evidence for James M. McPherson’s statement that Union conscription “was not conscription at all, but a clumsy carrot and stick device to stimulate volunteering. The stick was the threat of being drafted and the carrot was a bounty for volunteering[1].” – apparently not just for individuals. Despite the price tag localities seemed to want to avoid a draft. There would seem to be something of this in the following column from the January 1, 1865 issue of The New-York Times. “New-York vs. the Draft” seems to have included upping the bounties ti $1,000 and appreciating that naval enlistments counted toward filling the quota.

New York Times 1-1-1865

New York Times 1-1-1865

  1. [1]McPherson, James M. The Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era. New York: Ballantine Books, 1989. Print. page 605.↩
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James River battle

Posted on January 24, 2015 by SUMPTER

In January 1865 the Confederate navy on the James River attempted to attack and destroy the Federal supply depot at City Point in order to help lift the siege of Richmond and Petersburg. The Confederate fleet was stopped at the January 23rd and 24th Battle of Trent’s Reach.

From the February 11, 1865 issue of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South:

BEFORE PETERSBURG.

THE great military event of the week was the attempt made by the rebel iron-clads on the James to descend the river past our obstructions on the night of January 23. Hints had been given out that General LEE was about to do something that would astonish the world. The design of this iron-clad raid was as bold against us as it was perilous to the vessels engaged. The blow was mainly directed against the army on the north side of the James. The rebel fleet, after passing our obstructions, was to recapture Fort Harrison; and it is likely that a raid on City Point was also in contemplation. The object is thus stated by the Richmond Whig of January 25 :

” The expedition of our iron-clads down the river had been designed to break the enemy’s pontoon bridges, and thus destroy his communications, and to take advantage of the ascertained fact that he had withdrawn most of his naval force from the river, probably to Wilmington, leaving but one ironclad and some wooden vessels in the channel above Varina. There was also reason to suppose that the recent freshet had washed out a portion of his line of obstructions.” At least three iron-clads — the Richmond, Virginia, and Fredericksburg engaged in the raid. These were accompanied by the Drewry, a small wooden gunboat, mounting one gun. This boat got aground, and was blown up, either by the enemy or by a shell from our batteries.

The Fredericksburg is said to have passed the obstructions successfully, but this is uncertain. At least it is doubtful whether, even if they succeeded in passing their own obstructions, they found it so easy to pass ours. The rebels only claims that one iron-clad, the Fredericksburg, succeeded in getting through. The Virginia and the Richmond got aground, but escaped at high tide. The land batteries prevented the success of this raid, the most prominent among them being the Curtis House Battery.

From The New-York Times January 25, 1865:

GREAT NAVAL BATTLE.; Rebel Iron-Clad Attack on City Point. THE ENTIRE REBEL FLEET ENGAGED. Their Disastrous Repulse by the Forts. THE IRON-CLAD VIRGINIA DESTROYED. Two Others Damaged and Run Aground. ESCAPE OF THE REMAINDER.

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, Jan, 25.

The Star says: — “Dispatches received here state that yesterday morning at 2 o’clock a rebel fleet of five vessels — The Richmond Squadron, so long being prepared — came down the river to destroy our depots and works at City Point.

The high water caused by the freshe[t] enabled them to pass the obstructions which our commanders had placed above City Point, for the better protection of the place.

A battle quickly ensued between the rebel fleet and our nearest battery or fort, in which one of the rebel vessels was blown up and instantly and entirely destroyed, while two others were so badly damaged by shot and shell as to compel them to seek safety by speedy flight back in the direction of Richmond, accompanied by the other two, which escaped damage to speak of.

Admiral FARRAGUT left here yesterday evening for the scene of this action, and it is understood that he will at once assume naval command there.

The same issue of the Times reported that Union headquarters hypothesized that  General Lee was using the naval action as cover for the evacuation of Richmond:

Further Particulars The Object of the Attack.

Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.

WASHINGTON, Monday, Jan. 2[???]

The TIMES special correspondent, at City Point, states that the idea entertained at headquarters of the descent of the rebel fleet, which ended so disastrously to the rebels in the sinking of the chief iron-clad, the Virginia, and the disabling, and running aground of the other two, is that the effort was on the part of Lee an attempt to raise a great hullabaloo, under cover of which he would attempt to evacuate Richmond. The evidence daily accumulates that the rebel chiefs would now be very glad to withdraw themselves and the only remaining army of the rebellion safely from Richmond. But it is too late to effect thin design.

According to HistoryNet the rebel James River Flotilla was taking advantage of the depleted Union navy on the James due the expedition against Fort Fisher. You can view a slideshow of the battle at the Virginia Department of Historic Resources

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three star flag

Posted on January 23, 2015 by SUMPTER

The 160th New York Infantry fought in Louisiana through 1863 and during the Red River campaign in the first months of 1864. It then got to Virginia in time for the Battle of Snicker’s Ferry. The Regiment wouldn’t be mustered out until November 1865, but it sure was time to return a much-used regimental banner. From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in January 1865:

Banner of the 160th Regiment.

The once beautiful banner presented by the ladies of Auburn to the 160th Regiment, some two years ago, was brought here last week by Serg’t. Lyman Manchester, who has borne it through fifteen general engagements. The old flag is sadly mutilated, and bears ample testimony of the fiery ordeals through which it has passed – having only three stars remaining upon it. Serg’t. M. intends to return it to the hands of the donors. – Lyons Press.

Sergeant Manchester seems to have had real good timing – the regiment’s suffered its last casualties at Cedar Creek in October 1864. It mustered out way down South in Savannah, Georgia.

Lyman S. Manchester - NY 160th Infantry

Lyman S. Manchester – NY 160th Infantry

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