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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Apr 20, 1861
Page
2
Bristol town meets in response to the Sumter battle, enrolling seventy men for the Union. Citizens cheer for the Constitution and Governor as they vow to support the government and aid the war effort. Local officials outline taxes, town operations, and a July 4 celebration fund.
The Providence assembly met peacefully to approve a five hundred thousand dollar appropriation for state military equipment and to grant volunteers twelve dollars monthly while serving. A tax exemption for volunteers on real and personal property during service was also enacted.
The Bristol Train of Artillery under Col. E. Mi. Wardwell, numbering about thirty officers and men, marched Wednesday afternoon to respond to Governor Sprague. They were escorted by hundreds of citizens at the depot amid loud cheers and prayers for their safe return, with Rev. Mr. Stowe and Rev. Dr. Shepard offering prayers and addresses praising their service.
On Monday the Providence banks showed support for the Government with substantial loans. The Globe Bank offered 50,000 dollars, the Bank of Commerce 30,000, and the old Providence Bank 15,000, with Hon Edward Harris also offering a large loan to the State.
Jefferson Davis issues a proclamation inviting commissions or letters of marque for private armed vessels to prey on Union commerce. Privateers would be treated as pirates if captured by U S vessels, with pirates rewards for crews. Seamen warned to weigh dangers before joining such service.
The annual Town Meeting on Wednesday proceeded harmoniously with party spirit set aside. Most officers from last year were re-elected without opposition and the session concluded pleasantly.
The account praises Rhode Island for swift liberal action after the governor's offer. The General Assembly was summoned. funds were appropriated, troops armed, equipped, and dispatched promptly under orders, with the President accepting the offer.
The Greaner Empire State with Marine Artillery and horses attempted a landing at Poppesquasts Point around six o'clock Thursday evening. Reports say troops were to land at Jersey City and then proceed to Washington by rail.
A citizen reports a donation of money and a volunteer from the town, unclear amounts and names due to damaged text. The fragment mentions Sve handred dollars and a sum of dollars pledged, with references to providers and morning delivery.
A dispatch reported to Governor William Sprague of Rhode Island requesting immediate militia deployment. The message dated April 15 urged swift action for security, directed to Secretary Calexmon and noting strong reliance on tonight's mail for response.
President Abraham Lincoln proclaims the call up of 75 000 militia to quell armed combinations in the states of South Carolina Georgia Alabama Florida Mississippi Louisiana and Texas to preserve the Union and enforce laws. The proclamation orders rioters to disperse within twenty days and summons Congress to assemble in July. The document promises protection of property and peaceful citizens while pursuing restoration of national unity.
Charleston dispatches chronicle bombardment of Fort Sumter with batteries firing, breaches reported, and vessels outside the bar. Anderson and garrison surrender. Major Anderson and troops depart for Morris Island as reinforcements gather. other cities show war mood and militia mobilization.
The President, the Fort Sumter issue, and federal conduct are discussed with reports of a Confederate tug heading toward Washington. Lieut Weeder is prisoner of war. Attorney General opinions query dispatches and legal implications. Nathaniel Ingersoll Bowditch, elder son of Dr Bowditch, dies at Brookline aged fifty six.
The Senate met at 11 with prayers, heard Governor’s address on the emergency, and discussed militia organization. A bill to amend Chapter 228 passed to allow more than two aides. another amendment to Chapter 233 sought to empower the head of the militia department to appoint more staff. The Houses adjourned until later in the day.
Rhode Island units and officers named in the Providence Journal describe the appointment of officers for the 1st Rhode Island Infantry. Colonels Ambrose Burnside and George W Carr are noted with Majors Pitman and Wheaton among the commissioned officers.
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