Politics
Information about politics in Richmond, VA during the Civil War.

Written Accounts

1869-03-26, Burlington (Vt.) Weekly Free Press; brief description of Elizabeth Van Lew’s appointment as postmaster of Richmond – notes her wartime service, and that two other ladies were appointed to post offices at the same time.
1869-03-26, Native Virginian (Orange Court House, Va.); appointment of Miss Van Lew to postmaster of Richmond seen as the influence of the Committee of nine
1869-03-27; Sunbury (Pa.) American; lengthy and detailed description of Elizabeth Van Lew’s wartime actions – notes that she gave rooms to Captain Gibbs and was thus able to gain access to prisoners. Also notes a federal prisoner dying in her home
1869-04-03, Boston Traveller; long and detailed account of a visit to Richmond. Particular emphasis on Belle Isle, Libby Prison, Castle Thunder and the Cold Harbor battlefield.
1869-04-03, National Republican (Washington, DC); postmaster of Boston has just returned from training Elizabeth Van Lew in her new duties and left a clerk with her to assist
1869-04-05, New York Tribune; debate about Elizabeth Van Lew’s title
1869-04-11, New Orleans Crescent; Miss Van Lew has appointed several women to positions in the post office.
1869-04-17, Charleston (S. C.) Daily News; Miss Van Lew has decided to call herself postmaster, rather than postmistress.
1869-04-19, Louisiana Democrat; editorial condemning Grant for the appointment of Elizabeth Van Lew as postmaster of Richmond
1869-05-25, Philadelphia Evening Telegraph; 79th New York Highlanders (NY National Guard) thanks President Grant for making Van Lew postmaster of Richmond and acknowledges appreciation for her wartime service

Page 14 of 26

Go to top