Category Archives: New York

March 30, 1862: War or no, pronunciation is crucial

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Allen Gathman

A letter to the Times advocates latitude in pronunciation. Apparently a previous letter-writer was incensed at his daughter being taught the broad British “a” in school. The Latest Atrocity in the Public Schools. To the Editor of the New-York Times: … Continue reading →

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January 26, 1862: Experiences of a released prisoner

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Union and Confederate officers have a drink after a prisoner exchange A Union soldier from New York describes his time in Richmond. He had the good luck to meet an Irishwoman from New York, who had some kind feeling for … Continue reading →

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November 28, 1861: Thanksgiving

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Allen Gathman

There was no nationally standardized date for Thanksgiving in 1861, but twenty states declared it on Nov. 28. The Times reproduced the Thanksgiving proclamations of the Governor of New York and the Mayor of New York City. From the New … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin | Leave a comment

October 28, 1861: Garrison in New York

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Allen Gathman

William Lloyd Garrison Famous abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison visited New York, and gave an impromptu speech. The article from the New York Times is noteworthy to me mainly because of its headline. Apparently irony wasn’t nearly so well-developed in the … Continue reading →

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July 11, 1861: Scott curtails the press

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Gen. Winfield Scott A New York Times correspondent was outraged at General Scott’s efforts to control telegraph communication about troop movements. War measures would curtail freedom of the press in the North severely. This change was probably more deeply felt … Continue reading →

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May 9, 1861: Zouaves in Washington

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Fire Zouaves saving Willard’s Hotel Among the many troops suddenly descending on Washington D.C. were the colorfully uniformed “Fire Zouaves” of New York. Recruited by Elmer Ellsworth from New York City firemen and clad in bright red pants, they were … Continue reading →

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March 25, 1861: New Yorkers see some new flags

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Allen Gathman

From the New York Times, March 25, 1861: Two strange flags, flying, the one from the foretopmast-head, and the other at the mizzen-peak of a vessel lying at one of the North River piers, on Saturday, attracted public attention. A … Continue reading →

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March 17, 1861: The Irish for each side

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Allen Gathman

James T. Brady Irish-Americans fought on both sides of the Civil War, and the last peacetime St. Patrick’s Day before it presaged that fact. From the New York Times, this account of a St. Patrick’s Day dinner a the Astor … Continue reading →

Posted in Georgia, New York | 2 Comments

February 23, 1861: Richmond Dispatch just doesn’t “get” Lincoln

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Allen Gathman

As we’ve seen, The Richmond Daily Dispatch’s editor doesn’t think Lincoln is dignified enough. On Feb. 23, the Dispatch published what would now be considered a teaser for The Wit and Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln — but to the editors, … Continue reading →

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February 8, 1861: Georgia seizes New York ships

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Allen Gathman

Robert Toombs In late January the New York police seized some muskets destined for the South – some for Alabama and others for Georgia. Apparently the Alabama muskets were eventually released, but the Georgia-bound ones were not, and Georgia retaliated. … Continue reading →

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