25th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Revises
the Clarendon Banner
and
Sumter Watchman to
the
"The Banner of Freedom"
|
"The Banner of Freedom" In 1865, following the capture and occupation of Charleston, South Carolina, several soldiers of the 25th OVI who were printers in their civilian trade, took over the newspaper offices in Manning and Sumter, SC. The men printed two editions of what was previously called the "Manning Banner", renaming it the "Banner of Freedom" and distributed it as pro-Union parity and propaganda throughout the coastal region. The following excerpt illustrates that even through the rigors and horrors of war, soldiers were able to maintain a sense of humor to help cope with their difficulties. Source: Caroliniana Library Collection, The University of South Carolina |
"The Banner of Freedom"
Sumter, Monday, April 10, 1865
BY PRINTERS OF THE 25TH OHIO VET. VOL. INFANTRY.
"EVERYTHING IS "HUNKY DORY!"
Richmond and Petersburg have at last succumbed to the valor of our arms. They were taken yesterday at precisely 10 A.M. -the correspondent omits the date. Gen. Grant, at the hand of 100,000 veteran troops, charged through the streets of the city. There was the most terrible slaughter, Gen. Grant encountered Gen. Lee in person, and after much severe fighting, killed him and took him prisoner. Grant was himself wounded in twenty-five places, three (3) balls passing through his spinal column, and five (5) through his heart. His life is despaired of.
