Adelbert Ames: From Gettysburg to Mississippi (Lecture)

Summary

The video script discusses the life and political career of Adelbert Ames, a Union Army officer who became the provisional governor of Mississippi during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. Born in 1835 in Rockland, Maine, Ames was well-educated and attended West Point, where he excelled. He served with distinction in several major Civil War campaigns and was wounded in action, eventually receiving the Medal of Honor. After the war, Ames was involved in the military reconstruction of the South, where he faced significant challenges, including economic upheaval, social changes, and political tensions. His tenure as governor was marked by controversies, racial conflicts, and the imposition of high taxes that led to widespread land confiscation. Ames' administration was also marred by corruption allegations, though he himself was not implicated. The script explores the complexities of the era, touching on the roles of various political factions, including Carpetbaggers and Scalawags, and the difficult decisions faced by leaders in a racially divided society. Ames' own words defend his conscientious approach to governance in a challenging period of American history.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍🦳 Adelbert Ames was a refined and educated military officer from Rockland, Maine, who rose to prominence during the Civil War and played a significant role in the Reconstruction era, particularly in Mississippi.
• ✍️ The pronunciation of his name is 'Ad-DEL-bert', not 'ADD-el-bert', which was a common mispronunciation even by Ames himself.
• 🎓 Ames attended West Point Military Academy and graduated fifth out of forty-five in his class, which included future notable figures like Robert E. Lee.
• 🏆 He was wounded in the First Battle of Bull Run and later received the Medal of Honor posthumously for his actions during the battle.
• 📈 Ames held various military positions during the war, ultimately rising from first lieutenant to brigadier general in the regular army by the end of the Civil War.
• 🏛 Post-war, Ames served as the provisional governor of Mississippi during a tumultuous period of political and social change, known as the Reconstruction.
• 📉 The economic situation in Mississippi post-Civil War was dire, with a significant drop in property values and cotton production, leading to widespread upheaval.
• 🤝 Ames faced controversy in his role as governor, including disputes with the then-current governor, Benjamin G. Humphreys, and later with Lieutenant Governor Alexander K. Davis.
• 🗳️ Ames' tenure saw the implementation of policies aimed at integrating freed slaves into society, such as lowering the poll tax and allowing them to serve as jurors, which were significant steps towards equality.
• 🔍 Despite allegations of corruption and graft during his administration, Ames himself was never accused of embezzlement or personal financial misconduct.
• ⚖️ The political struggle in Mississippi during Ames' time was deeply rooted in racial tensions and the economic challenges faced by both white and black citizens, leading to a complex and divisive period in American history.

Q & A

What is the correct pronunciation of Adelbert Ames' name?

The correct pronunciation of Adelbert Ames' name is 'Ad-DEL-bert,' not 'ADD-el-bert.'

What significant event took place in Mississippi during the Reconstruction era?

During the Reconstruction era, Mississippi underwent a significant political and social transformation, including drafting a new state constitution that allowed former slaves to vote and disallowed most individuals associated with the Confederacy from holding office.

Why was Adelbert Ames sent to Mississippi during the Reconstruction period?

Adelbert Ames was sent to Mississippi to serve as the provisional governor and military commander of the fourth Military District. His main duties were to maintain peace and order and oversee the re-establishment of a new state government that would comply with the Reconstruction Acts.

What was the Black and Tan Convention?

The Black and Tan Convention was a derogatory term for the Mississippi Constitutional Convention, which was known for its extravagant spending and for drafting a constitution that guaranteed universal male suffrage but disbarred most individuals connected with the former Confederacy from holding office.

How did Adelbert Ames become a U.S. Senator?

Adelbert Ames was elected to the U.S. Senate by the Mississippi legislature in 1870, fulfilling an unfinished term from before the Civil War. However, his election certification was initially challenged because he, as the provisional military governor, had certified his own election.

What was the role of the Carpetbaggers in Mississippi during the Reconstruction?

Carpetbaggers, predominantly former Union army officers who moved south, played a significant role in the state and local government of Mississippi during the Reconstruction. They often held positions of power and were involved in various levels of graft and corruption.

What was the significance of Hiram Revels' election to the U.S. Senate?

Hiram Revels' election to the U.S. Senate was significant because he became the first black man to serve in the United States Senate, taking the place of the unexpired term of Jefferson Davis.

What was the 'Mississippi Plan' and how did it impact the state's government?

The 'Mississippi Plan' was a strategy implemented by white Democrats to regain control of the state government. It involved the use of armed vigilante groups like the Red Shirts to intimidate and prevent both white and black Republicans from voting, leading to a shift in the political power in the state.

Why did Adelbert Ames face impeachment charges during his tenure as governor?

Adelbert Ames faced impeachment charges due to his alleged responsibility for the Vicksburg riots and for making illegal judicial appointments when the Senate was out of session. However, the charges were dropped, and Ames agreed to resign in exchange.

What was the impact of the high taxes and taxation policies on Mississippi during Adelbert Ames' administration?

The high taxes and taxation policies, including increased millage rates and poll taxes, led to a significant amount of land confiscation as property owners could not afford to pay. This resulted in a white taxpayer revolt and contributed to the political unrest during Ames' administration.

How did Adelbert Ames defend his legacy regarding his time in Mississippi?

Ames defended his legacy by stating that he acted conscientiously to the best of his ability. He claimed not to have saddled the state with debt from railroads and other enterprises as seen in other states, and he believed he appointed the best men available for office at the time.