It is also very important to note that some of the major New York newspapers had been purchased by rabid “Copperheads”, northern Democrats bitterly opposed to the war, who used those papers to stimulate rioters as much as possible.
Copperheads damaged the Union war effort by fighting the draft, encouraging desertion, and forming conspiracies to undermine the war effort. They talked of helping Confederate prisoners of war seize their camps and escape. They sometimes met with Confederate agents and took money. The Confederacy encouraged their activities whenever possible.
Importantly, the Copperheads were radicals, mostly pro-slavery, and distinguishable from the “Butternuts”, who were more pacifistic.
Never heard of the butternuts. Where did this come from?
God bless the copperheads.