In South Carolina’s Low Country, former wealthy plantation owners seek re-possession of the lands and homes they abandoned during the war. Among those trying to regain their property are many of the richest Americans prior to the war, their wealth bound up in hundreds or thousands of slaves and massive land holdings. During the war…
Today the New England Freedmen’s Aid Society convenes in Boston for its annual meeting. Founded on February 4, 1862, the northern, Christian-based Society provides teachers to educate freedmen. Initially based out of Port Royal, South Carolina, the Society in the ensuing years established schools in other Union-controlled areas such as the District of Columbia; Beaufort,…
Empowered by his re-election last month, U. S. President Abraham Lincoln issues a proclamation for 300,000 more volunteers to serve in the military in order to finish the task of defeating the Rebellion. The Confederacy, by way of contrast, has exhausted efforts to recruit new soldiers. Twice as many solders have deserted as are now…