ABSTRACT
This chapter evaluates the appropriateness of the conflicting sentiments. From the beginning of the Civil War Northern newspaper reporters traveled unrestrained with Union troops. Recognizing the difficulties a rebellion or invasion could cause in the exercise of effective government, the framers of the US Constitution had authorized suspension of the “writ of Habeas corpus.” In most Northern cities during the Civil War, there were at least two newspapers that clearly opposed each other along political lines. In many ways, the activities of the Lincoln administration made Medary’s task simpler. The Crisis was denied mail circulation in several Northern states and was in financial difficulty. Historians have had difficulty considering Samuel Medary “the politician” separately from Medary “the journalist”. Historian Richard Hofstadter says men such as Medary, although unpopular, are invaluable in a democracy. Medary sincerely believed he was performing the duties that nineteenth century American newspapermen were supposed to render.
