This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 53 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Aug 01, 1863
Page
2
Fragment from the Bristol Phenix dated Saturday morning August 1 1863 praising institutional ideals as guardians of heritage. The text stresses the duty to preserve the land and transmit its beauty to future generations with a Websterian flourish.
The article argues that Federal successes in the war have revived Union spirits while warning against premature triumphalism. It details Confederate morale, new conscription orders, and the need for continued energetic action, noting fears of foreign intervention and urging vigilance for twelve months or more.
Reports indicate a large number of fatalities and injuries at New York hospitals from rioters and police actions. Two young men died last Wednesday while pursuing a Black man who turned and shot them. many others remain hospitalized with wounds from the riot.
The Twelfth Regiment was mustered out on a Wednesday. The Providence Journal notes only companies with officers' rolls ready were paid, leaving others unpaid for a day or two.
The new schooner built by Mr. Joel Davis at Warren is completed and ready to launch. About two hundred tons burthen, she will have a light draught. Reports say Mr Davis has sold a large share of the vessel as desired.
A citizen-voiced column declares the government’s decisive action to enforce the Conscription Act. It lauds the draft’s implementation as proof of national resolve, warns dissenters, and frames the Civil War era as a crucible that tests loyalty and constitutional obedience for the present and posterity.
In New York a burglary attempt at Arnold & Co. on Water street failed after burglars crawled through a fan light at 71 Murray street and fell from a glass roof landing about twenty five feet below. Police found blood and hair but no thieves, though a Colt revolver and burglary tools were recovered.
The planned trip from this town to Nayatt, scheduled for next week, has been postponed due to a high number of similar outings in the near future making dates scarce.
Captain Henry R. Manchester’s Fish Gang hauled an eleven foot three inch shark with five foot six inch girth from Dutch Island Light. While they were drawing their spine the fish were attacked by a large school of sharks. The big shark grabbed the boat boom and tore a wide rent as others pursued menhaden. The monster was hoisted aboard and landed at Pecks wharf drawing a crowd.
King Philip Fire Engine Company No 4 hosts a dinner at Fox Hill for Company E of the Twelfth RB I Volunteers and guests. A forenoon parade through principal streets precedes a Hope street dress parade in front of the DeWolf House before the Fox Hill feast featuring a clam bake fried fish and seafood dishes.
A Bristol Neck walk reveals many changes from the Gas Works to Malt House Lane. New buildings rise, old ones are repaired and upgraded, and residents foster a refreshed, orderly appearance in the area.
The Fogey notes a week of changing weather with frequent fog, thunder showers, sun breaks, and daily rain. The Portsmouth Providence paper’s New Port correspondent quips that life is spent in a fog, with no clear time for relief.
A new military company named Bristol Light Infantry was formed with officers elected at a Saturday meeting at the Court House. Captain Charles Sherry Jr was chosen as commander with Charles F. Page as first lieutenant and F A Warner as second lieutenant.
The Ladies of Saint Michael's Church plan a Clam Bake at Fox [ill on Wednesday next weather permitting. Clams fish chowder and refreshments will be sold on the grounds with proceeds aiding the church debt.
Daniel Wilcox introduces Cream Soda at his salon in town drawing many customers during warm days. He claims to be the first to offer this drink here and notes his inventive setup for keeping and drawing the soda.
Last week six or seven people were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a town riot on the morning of the 15th alt. After examination all but one were discharged for lack of evidence proving involvement. the others could only show their whereabouts during the affray.
The contribution taken for Soldiers' Friend Society at St Michael's Church and Sabbath School on Sunday 19th instant totaled 106 dollars 68 cents. From the congregation 88 dollars 40 cents and from the Sabbath School 18 dollars 28 cents.
The Warren clambake at Cole's Hotel orchard draws large crowds with tables set for up to ninety as Maxfield prepared ample servings of baked clams fish lobsters corn potatoes and Indian puddings. A repeat event is planned for Tuesday with the gong at one thirty to serve all who come.
Reported receipts for the month ending July 30 1863 include Mrs Wm Fales ten dollars Mr Pollock ten dollars and nine cents from an exhibition by the public schools Mrs John Munro one dollar and a tumbler of jelly Mrs Hugh N Gifford a dressing gown and a flannel shirt Congregational Society collected fifty one dollars Methodist Society twenty six dollars and seven cents Christian Baptist five dollars and thirty five cents St Michael's Church eighty eight dollars forty cents St Michael's Sabbath School seventeen dollars Forwarded to the Sanitary Commission July 29th with nine flannel shirts three muslin shirts twenty four towels twelve handkerchiefs and twenty four pairs of socks C M Sneparp Sec and Treas
The region faces a disappointing onion crop due to June drought, maggot, and smut. Potatoes onions and rare ripes run average with fair market demand. Early onions harvests begin at about $1 per bushel while early potatoes remain scarce and costly.
The Warren establishment once the Pencil Works and later a Jewelry Manufactory has been fitted with tools for needle production. Machinery is installed and operations start next week under owner Mr. Williams P. Ayde with experienced workmen aboard.
In Warren on Saturday Ella Frances Jones five years old daughter of Charles W. Jones died when a grind stone frame toppled while she swung on it. The tragedy occurred during play and the stone crushed her, causing instant death.
A Roanoke tale from a New York correspondent warns of imminent trouble tied to Alexion and a royal proclamation. Some speculate a defensive alliance with Jeff Davis to fortify Mexico gains and seek a cotton stronghold in Texas. The note urges strengthening harbor defenses.
We received a copy of a monthly New York paper called Little Joker edited by Cousin Lizzie a girl of twelve. The sheet is pretty and priced at twenty cents a year, and we expect it will have a large circulation due to its charm and low price.
Sergeant Thomas F. Usher of Company G Second Regiment receives promotion to Second Lieutenant in the same unit and town.
The regular monthly meeting of the Town Council and Court of Probate will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Hon. John J. Crittenden died in Frankfort Kentucky on Sunday morning at age 77 from general debility.
A list mentions McClellan Fremont Butley Hooker Honter Buell McDoyell Franklin McClernard Curtis Cadwallader Morell Milroy among prominent generals. The fragment highlights these leaders without detailing events or dates.
The Fall River Journal reports 22 of 26 villagers from Steep Brook enrolled in the first class militia and were drawn in the draft.
Napoleon selected Ferdinand Maximilian as Emperor of Mexico and offered Venetia to Austria in exchange. Austria objected, and the text notes Mexico must decide its own form of government despite European powers push. The piece reflects on guarantees and U S rights to liberty in Mexico’s governance.
New York Tribune notes Johnston and his army have fallen back from Jackson and Pearl River into a potential line at Meridian Mississippi. It predicts the next defensive chain may shift to the Tombigbee then Coosa with Montgomery and Macon as bases, questioning the army’s cohesion.
The piece warns that Confederate supporters may face a testing ordeal soon and questions will be weighed for sincerity. It predicts cowardice among some and describes rising murmurs and gloomy speculation about loyal patriotism in troubled times.
A Washington square boarding house owned by Edward C. Hayes was burglarized on Sunday, about one hundred fifty dollars stolen. Three boarders were robbed of loose money. Costin, previously a boarder, was arrested and examined by Justice White, then bound over to the August term of the Supreme Court. A pocket-book with a fifty dollar note and a five dollar bill belonging to boarders was found on Costin.
The London Times criticizes Union Generals but concedes Grant and Banks achieved seemingly impossible tasks. The piece notes their success amid advancing foe and increasing difficulties and argues such feats prove their merit over prior assessments.
A Baltimore correspondent for the New York Commercial reports Ex-Governor Aiken of South Carolina was jailed in Libby Prison Richmond for resisting Jefferson Davis authority. The piece notes Aiken as a wealthy slaveholder who reportedly freed his three thousand slaves, declaring allegiance to the Union.
The Cincinnati Exquiree notes melancholy coincidences in the McCook family history during the Civil War. The youngest son Charles was killed at Bull Run on July 21, 1861, son Cul Robert McCook fell July 21, 1862, and the father Major McCook was killed July 1863.
Michael Shanahan, a laborer on the Old Colony Newport Rail Road, drove a horse carcaded with rail cars near the first bridge a mile from Newport when the horse stumbled on a sleeper, throwing Shanahan onto the track and injuring his back and head fatally feared. The Newport Daily.
Samuel G. Jackson, known as the basket maker in Hartford, was killed on a railroad line Monday night. A veteran of Napier's Peninsular campaign and Waterloo under Wellington, he also fought at the Battle of New Orleans. His son died at Port Hudson and another son serves as a lieutenant in the Connecticut Artillery.
The Providence prose notes that Richmond papers brag about victories while the Union claims gains in Gettysburg and others. It argues these boasts serve rebels’ morale and to frighten the enemy with loud, hostile rhetoric.
A gentleman and prominent inventor claims to have chemically treated pulp so uninked types produce a perfect black impression, enabling printing from a continuous paper roll. The method aims to reduce press time, improve cleanliness, and simplify roller production, with further details held until a patent is filed.
General Burnside directs commanding officers in the Ohio Department to make a respectful return to habeas corpus writs issued by State Courts. The returns must state the officer’s status, the reason for custody, that production would violate superior orders, and that the person is held under United States authority.
Rebels occupied Connellaburg and copperheads pointed out the abolitionist office as a concern. Officers visited the Republican editor Theo and examined his files. The lieutenant praised vigorous war prosecution and support for the government, then left with copies, provoking copperhead indignation.
A Troy Justice Court case involves a defendant asserting the liquor sought by the plaintiff was only cheap whiskey colored with logwood and other additives. The defense claims customers died from this vile brew and seeks damages of two hundred dollars.
John Merryman of Baltimore County faces treason charges from a Baltimore grand jury for opposing federal troops moving from the East to Washington. He posted bail Friday in the amount of 40,000 dollars to answer at the next November term.
Dr Ezekiel Fowler president of Woonsocket Falls Bank died at his Globe Village residence on Tuesday morning at the age of 77. Revered for friendship counsel dignity integrity and intelligence he was a beloved figure in the community. The Woonsocket Parish notes his passing.
New York Mayor Opdyke in a veto message declares the riot an outbreak of traitors who used the draft as a pretext for their crimes and to recruit others into criminal acts.
Young men who neglected to support mothers for years rush to earn money to claim sole dependency relief. The sudden effort may reduce street corner gatherings and shift public perception in Boston.
In District Court at Washington last week a decree confiscated the personal estate of Dr. Garnets son in law of ex Governor Wise during his lifetime while his real estate faces forfeiture. The same principle affects severite in other cases with similar decrees. The last wharf at Acquia Creek the lower wharf was burned by the rebels Thursday night.
War dispatch from New York notes the Army of the Potomac largely retains its two month old position. Cavalry to lead future fighting for a month as Longstreet and Hill move to Culpeper and Gordonsville. Meade reportedly bridged the Rappahannock, facing some enemy opposition.
Dispatches from Washington claim Gen. Gilmore has guaranteed reinforcements and that Charleston must fall quickly with energy and heavy artillery. Reports dispute Gilmore losses in the latest actions, noting total casualties around 1100 since the campaign began and 700 in the last engagement. From Nashville a deserter adds Morris Island fighting caused heavy Union casualties and lists officers killed including Brig. Gen. Smart and Col. John Bee. Charleston panic grows as free blacks are drafted and civilians flee, with hopes pinned on the bayonet.
Report from Cincinnati dated July 26 1863 announces capture of John H Morgan Colonel Clarke and about 400 men by Col Lewis Richmond AAG. Morgan and staff to be sent to Cincinnati by train with remaining prisoners to follow under orders.
Forts Montox July 28 reports a flag of truce steamer New York reaching City Point with Richmond papers to the 27th. United States arrives with 154 rebel prisoners sent to Norfolk. Other items note Dr Morris and Telegraph Company claims, deaths, gold prices in Richmond, Yankee prisoners from Culpepper and Wytheville, and Savannah home defense proclamations including drill enrollments.
The New Bedford dispatch reports eight of ten accepted substitutes dressed in regular army uniforms escaped from Pierian Hall between two and four o'clock on Sunday morning. They lowered themselves from a front window to the sidewalk using knotted blankets and improvised rope, taking their blankets with them.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.