Tag Archives: Peninsula Campaign

Three French Princes

Posted on May 4, 2012 by SUMPTER

The rebels on the Virginia Peninsula in the spring of 1862 might have had a prince commanding a division, but the Union army had three French princes along with it. ________________________________ Thanks, Pa. In 1861, when the American Civil War … Continue reading →

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Contemplating Custer

Posted on May 3, 2012 by SUMPTER
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Pithy, Pointed, Prodding

Posted on May 1, 2012 by SUMPTER

On April 4, 1862 General George McClellan and his huge Union Army of the Potomac set out from Fortress Monroe for Richmond. By April 7th the army had made it to the Warwick River and the Yorktown area (approximately 25 … Continue reading →

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All for $13 per month (with pork and hard bread)

Posted on April 27, 2012 by SUMPTER

Here’s another letter from a member of the 33rd New York Volunteer Infantry. 150 years ago this week the 33rd was taking part in the Union siege of Yorktown. This is quite a long letter that begins with a recap … Continue reading →

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“on the qui vive” in Yorktown

Posted on April 26, 2012 by SUMPTER

What are the Yankees waiting for? From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 26, 1862: Correspondence. from the Peninsula. Yorktown, April 21, 1862. Nothing stirring, as yet, has transpired on the Peninsula. The enemy seem to have no disposition to attack. … Continue reading →

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Sharpshooters and “balloon reconnoissance”

Posted on April 12, 2012 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times April 13, 1862: THE SIEGE OF YORKTOWN.; The Weather once more Favorable for Military Operations. Heavy Reinforcements Received by the Rebels. SUCCESSFUL BALLOON RECONNOISSANCE. Compliments to the National Troops. NEAR YORKTOWN, Saturday, April 12. The sun … Continue reading →

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Trading Barbs and Bullets

Posted on April 11, 2012 by SUMPTER

From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in 1862: Letter from Lieut. Brett. Camp Near Yorktown, Va. April, 11th 1862. Since I last wrote, we have had some pretty sharp fighting. Our brigade thus far has done all the skirmishing … Continue reading →

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“an elephant at a bridge”

Posted on April 9, 2012 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 10, 1862: Yorktown. There is yet nothing from Yorktown indicating an immediate fight. The enemy, now believed to be under McClellan, had, instead of attacking, after sending a few shot at long range, commenced … Continue reading →

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“A Probable Siege of Two or Three Days”

Posted on April 7, 2012 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times April 8, 1862: IMPORTANT WAR NEWS; Gen. McClellan Before Yorktown with the National Army. The Water Batteries on York River Shelled Out by Our Gunboats. Gen. Magruder in Yorktown with 30,000 Rebel Troops. Shipping Point in … Continue reading →

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