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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Dec 28, 1861
Page
2
The December 28 1861 issue voices pensive hope as the Civil War grinds on. It contemplates the year behind and the coming one with faith, duty, and resolve, urging calm courage while praying for decisive events. It notes vast war expenses and the desire for swift but divinely guided outcomes.
The London Evening Standard on the Trent affair launches attacks on President Lincoln, calling him ignorant and indecisive. It condemns Seward as lacking sense and principle while noting U S actions in Mason and Slidell and describing British restraint and French abstention amid a powerful state with 350 000 troops.
The piece weighs the likelihood of war with England amid intense English national pride and misperceptions. It blames the British press and our own press for bias while urging government restraint and truth to prevent unnecessary conflict. It notes reader sympathy but warns war could arise from provoked passions.
In a United States Senate session on Thursday Mr Hale of New Hampshire argued that Napoleon would seek to erase the stain on the French army at Waterloo. He claimed thousands of Irish in Canada would rush to arms to support that cause and declared our principles are our strength. If war must come, he would say let it come and be grateful to be the instrument to aid Ireland's cause.
On Tuesday evening the U S transport City of Philadelphia under Capt Henry Barton folds toward New York with Capt Johnson acting as mate and other officers serving as quartermasters for the voyage.
The Washington Post Office handles about 70,000 letters daily in and out. Revenues rose from 2000 dollars per quarter over expenses to about 90,000 dollars, signaling growing workload and broader government operations.
A new Independent Methodist Church conference in New York aims to reorganize Methodist worship by abolishing Presiding Elders and letting local churches select pastors. The conference includes preachers and lay delegates and seeks faster growth as many Methodists oppose the Presiding Elder office and want a voice in annual conferences.
Mr Joseph Wardwell celebrated his golden wedding at Christmas with about seventy five attendees including sixteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The event featured singing and speeches as the family reflected on fifty years of marriage. The note ends with news that Hon William P Sheffield was severely injured in Washington after alighting from an omnibus. he suffered a broken limb and bruises but was not seriously hurt.
Acting Masters Haary of the U S steamer Augusta is in town with his family after arriving in New York last week to command the British ship Cheshire from Liverpool. The Cheshire, of seven to eight hundred tons, carries a full and valuable cargo destined for the rebel army.
The Providence Evening Press notes the muster roll of the first battalion Fifth Regiment Rhode Island Volunteers, listing Company B under Capt Allen G Wright from this town. The Fall River News reports John O Milne Esq, editor and proprietor, appointed Clerk to the Congressional Committee on Accounts and starting duties.
Four men were taken into custody in New York on the evening of the 24th for passing fifteen counterfeit dollars at the Commercial Bank. The spread of counterfeit currency is noted as active but now slowing.
Western papers note growing hog futures as farmers in Cincinnati Milwaukie Detroit Indianapolis and nearby regions expand hog raising. Low corn prices for two years and fair pork prices spur fattening, while Southern markets are no longer available and prices remain low.
City and county functionaries pledged the oath on Saturday last. The Coroner Port Warden Public Administrator and five Justices of the Peace refused to subscribe. All others, over a hundred, took it. Their offices will be declared vacant.
The government foundry completed the rising cannon machinery and at Fortress Monroe the one hundred large calibre marine guns have been rifled with no notable loss of strength. By soon installing four hundred fifteen heavy rifled cannons, Fortress Monroe will be more fully armed.
The Boston and Worcester and the Boston and Providence railroads both set a per cent dividend. The Boston and Main line stands at three per cent. The Worcester road reportedly shows a surplus net earnings after dividend of about forty to fifty thousand dollars.
The messenger arrived with trepidation after being warned in Halifax of tremendous excitement. He was astonished by the pervasive quiet in the United States and felt overwhelmed by the contrast.
Reverend Henry Ward Beecher has assumed editorial management of the Independent. In his salutatory he asserts the editorial’s crucial role alongside advancing popular intelligence and its power to unite various professions. He says the press scope grants influence beyond any single office.
The Canada Gazette issue on Friday carries a Military General Order demanding one company of seventy five men from each battalion of the secessionary militia to be formed for active service within four days. Canadians mobilize rifle regiments artillery corps naval brigades and other units to defend against a potential Yankee invasion.
Private H C G of the Fourth R I Regiment reports encampment near Alexandria Railroad in California and readiness for march. After skirmish fears and an accidental gun discharge, the men spend cold night atop a barn. Picket duty at Edsall's Hill yields cattle and corn theft by Major Dangerfield’s rebels.
Lieut. Hurd of Bangor recounts a Charleston jail blaze that forced a mass escape after guards vanished. Col Corcoran allegedly leaped from a barred window as flames spread across the building, with prisoners left without shelter or food. Some were sent north under guard, others moved toward Beaufort and Norfolk, amid brutal treatment and scant rations.
The Providence Journal notes the sudden death of Prince Albert, predicting shock across the country despite temporary U S England estrangement. It praises his conduct in a delicate role, his easing influence on his children, and the respect he earned from the British nation, while the Queen endures the loss.
The Supreme Court in Montpelier rules Burlington must pay 7500 over negligence by ex constable Sevnora W. Taylor. Dour attached by Taylor was misapplied to parties who failed. plaintiff recovers from the town the amount due from the careless constable. Gen Scott’s return suggests he went to Europe on government business and completed his mission.
Fragmented lesread notes describe alleged aid actions in the Senate involving multiple figures such as Johnson and Elliott. The item lists several names and hints at a political dispute or rebellion in a 19th century local context.
Reports from Missouri detail General Pope’s force surging through near Clinton and Milford, capturing 1300 prisoners including colonels, 1000 arms, 65 wagons, 1000 horses, and large camp equipment. Major Mackee repulses 400 rebels near Hudaon, freeing train stock and taking prisoners. European news notes Prince Albert’s death and ongoing Anglo American tensions with troop movements and neutrality debates.
Orrerville Kentucky reports Gen Pope's cavalry return after burning ferry boats and a rebel foundry. They killed a notorious outlaw Ark Robinson and drove rebels from the area. Fortress Moyner notes a minor skirmish with 700 rebel horse and foot near Newmarket bridge. six of the New York 20th injured, seven rebels slain, and one Alabama officer believed killed.
Washington dispatches report Minister Adams met with Earl Russell after talks in the British Cabinet about the Trent affair but no definite conclusion was reached. Ireland may spark revolution if Britain and the United States enter war. suspicions about surrender of Mason and Slidell remain unfounded for now. Deserters note Centreville fortified and troops moving toward Fairfax as winter quarters are prepared.
Washington dispatch reports Lord Lyons sent first formal note to Secretary Seward on the Trent affair. Seward is preparing a reply as negotiators seek an accord. The British government is not pressing an ultimatum but favoring room for talks, and claims of a surrender of Mason and Slidell are deemed false.
The Express reports Secretary Seward told Lord Lyons he wrote ten days earlier that if Britain claimed Mason and Slidell as illegally captured and would accept a surrender as settling the principle for both nations, they would be given up on request.
The officers and crew of the Lrons Fier captains Bush Smith and Wal aboard Meteor Phoenix and Lewis returned to New York aboard the Atlantic after leaving Port Royal last Thursday the 17th. The ships Corea and Robinhood were left at Port Royal and expected to sail for Charleston on the 18th.
Narrative notes a touching reunion between two brothers, the Sumter hero and his eloquent sibling Charles, who unknowingly attended the same service in New York and met near the pulpit as the congregation left. The scene contrasts years of separation with a fervent, tender embrace.
A collage of brief notices reports deaths and crimes across towns. A New Bedford lodging owner dies after suspected poisoning, Port Leyden murder malice, and a brawl at Spring Bridge involving Captain Church and two Reynolds sons. Other items note naval actions, ship cargo, and local weather.
The Star of the South reached New York Sunday morning from Port Royal on the 18th. On the 18th morning heavy firing was noted near Tybee Island. The steamer Marion stood by with reinforcements, but no further details were provided.
Readers warned about Herrick Allen Gold Medal Saleratus sold at a New York depot on 112 Liberty Street. Wrapper bears Herrick Allen name which may cause misreading.
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