Tag Archives: southern scarcity

new year’s lottery

Posted on January 6, 2015 by SUMPTER

A Richmond editorial maintained that the South would always enjoy a “superabundance of bread and meat.” Apparently that superabundance wasn’t always making it to the front. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 6, 1865: The soldiers’ New-year’s dinner. Camp first … Continue reading →

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justices for the poor

Posted on July 8, 2014 by SUMPTER

Apparently county judges in Virginia had the power to impose taxes. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch July 8, 1864: Taking care of their poor. –A levy of one per cent on all property, real and personal, (the same amount as … Continue reading →

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foreign analogies

Posted on March 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

The Richmond Dispatch often looked at different countries and different eras for examples to fire up its readership in the South’s struggle for independence. Here the editors looked across the Atlantic for commentary on who would be selected as the … Continue reading →

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groggy

Posted on February 24, 2014 by SUMPTER

Richmond’s grogshops were under attack as the reason for much of the city’s “vast increase of crime and demoralization”. The war put a crimp in the supply of real coffee, and many caffeine-free substitutes had been suggested. To top it … Continue reading →

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unending Lent

Posted on February 20, 2014 by SUMPTER

As scarcity increased in the South, the Richmond Daily Dispatch continually shared ideas for substitute products and ways to stretch the food that was available. 150 years ago today it published a bit of persevering humor: the fastings and sacrifices … Continue reading →

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bacon savings

Posted on February 3, 2014 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Richmond Daily Dispatch February 3, 1864: A Model company. –How many corporations will seek and endeavor to get letters like that given below? Such an autograph from Gen. Johnston would be a valuable addition to any dividend … Continue reading →

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comfortable Richmond

Posted on January 9, 2014 by SUMPTER

Almost three years into the war people in Richmond can still get a good meal at the Spotswood Hotel, a place apparently far-removed from the Bread Riot Richmond of April 1863. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 9, 1864: Deserving … Continue reading →

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big squeeze at the meat market

Posted on January 6, 2014 by SUMPTER

Hey, civilians have to eat, too From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 6, 1864: The meat Market, in 17th street, was the scene of no little excitement yesterday morning, caused by the appearance of a C. S. officer, who purchased … Continue reading →

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resolution

Posted on January 4, 2014 by SUMPTER

Another army campaign season has drawn to a close and Richmond still hasn’t fallen. The Confederate Congress said thanks. From the Richmond Daily Dispatch January 4, 1863: Confederate States Congress. The Senate was called to order by Mr. Hunter, of … Continue reading →

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just “a tithe of the patriotism”

Posted on December 20, 2013 by SUMPTER

As the main armies in the Virginia Theater retired to winter quarters, a Richmond paper’s “X” correspondent reported from the Army of Northern Virginia. The troops were pretty well fed and clothed but still lack blankets. The reporter believed this … Continue reading →

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