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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Feb 04, 1865
Page
2
The Bristol Phenix issue from Saturday morning February 4 1865 contains local notices and brief reports of events. It records community happenings and public notices typical of 19th century regional newspapers.
The piece argues peace will come soon but not through negotiation with rebel powers. It stresses American pride and perseverance, doubts rebel surrender, and suggests terms may be offered to show goodwill while preserving Union and civilization. It frames peace as possible only after Confederate resolve collapses.
A Richmond paper notes Bragg’s proclamations to Wilmington caused fear and mass preparations to desert, while his failures undermine trust in a key Confederate general. The February issue features portraits of seven world renowned surgeons with biographies and phrenological notes, from Fowler and Wells in New York.
The Rhode Island Senate and House debated military quotas, recruitment methods, and state financing. Reports included a call to prohibit enlistments for other states, acts for extending military enrollments, and a tax bill to fund bonds. Governor’s message urged coordinated action, with adjournment set for later sessions.
The Senate passed a retaliatory resolution after seven days of debate urging the President to retaliate against enemy prisoners in line with civilized war laws. Congress intends no limit on presidential power, but calls for measures to deter cruelty toward U.S. soldiers.
The proposed amendment states that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist in the United States or any place subject to its jurisdiction, except as punishment for crime after conviction. It gives Congress power to enforce the article by appropriate legislation.
The Providence Warren and Bristol Railroad reports for the year ending November 20 1864 show capital stock 43791749 debt 8500 cost of rem and equipment 45875488 miles run 26871 passengers 113688 tons merchandise 12353 average speed 224 mph crew 23 working expenses 32925 79 income 40458 16 net earnings 7522 37 Directors elected include Tees Smith Goddard Woods Chap patin Mason Child Turner Church Charles Child elected president Stone superintendent and treasurer Larner Chappell and Wonde named to inspect accounts for the current year.
At a Saturday meeting the Institute at Providence passed resolutions thanking Joshua Kendall Fey for his leadership at the State Normal School. They regret his departure and wish him future success. A copy of the resolutions will be sent to Mr Kendall and recorded by the Institute.
The Richmond Disvarcn depicts a North invasion scheme using slaves as soldiers with emancipation deeds in their pockets and plans to move 300000 enslaved people to Pennsylvania Indiana and Ohio while destroying property as they march. It claims officers would volunteer to command negro troops and suggests a July Fourth end to the war if Congress acts.
At the January 25 convocation of Temple Royal Arch Chapter No 3 in Warren the following officers were elected for the year: High Priest J M Marchant. King Preston Day Sinha Krain. Captain of the Hiat Johon L Eniser. Princips Sojourner Chas Ro Cutler ROA Captain Samuel Wo Donglags M of the 31 Val James C Blake M of the 21 Vel J Collamore M of the Jet Vell John M Bowen. Treasurer Frederick A Burgess. Secretary Alfred Barton. Sentinel John G Collamore. Installation was performed by M E Levi & Webster, Grand High Priest.
The article cites a table from the vwarticus Statler showing wealth per capita and tax burden by state. It lists New York with high taxes, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts with large totals, and Rhode Island claiming the highest per capita wealth. Maryland House of Delegates passes a constitutional amendment to abolish slavery by a 53 to 23 vote.
A Monday meeting in Portsmouth formed a committee to raise subscriptions for a steam ferry linking Bristol Ferry landing on the Rhode Island side with Portsmouth. Chairman James S Chace and Secretary Dr B Greene presided. committee members were George B Anthony Benjamin Island and Joseph E Macomber. The move aims to cut Newport travel time to an hour and boost local property values. The Providence Post lists Eastern District residents paying taxes on incomes of 5000 plus in 1863 with Bristol and Warren residents named.
Ice dealers report full stocks from Mount Pleasant Pond and Reynold s and White s Panda. Josephus Gouding s ice houses near Mount Pleasant Pond hold about five hundred tons with eight inch thickness. Samuel White s Bristol Neck houses from Reynold s and White s Panda average fourteen inches and total about two thousand tons.
On Monday afternoon near the harbor head Miss Fanny Blake daughter of Hon Joseph M Blake fell through thin ice while skating with a party of ladies and gentlemen. Two men who attempted rescues also broke through but were saved by shallow water. Miss Blake remained in the water about ten minutes before being pulled out and taken to the Hun Simuek W Church residence at Puppasquash for care. She recovered in a day or two.
Citizens lament the ferry shutdown described as a public highway and question whether a private enterprise or corporation can suspend it at will. The blockade endangers travel to a state capital and nearby regions, raising questions about legal right and public convenience.
Privateer Sergeant James T Phelps, son of William B. Phelps, of the town, in Company F Seventh Regiment has been promoted to First Lieutenant. A letter stamp, four inches long with ivory handle, once belonged to Jeff Davis near Jackson Mississippi July 1864, later presented by Lieut G M McKenney to Captain B F Porter AQM.
The regular monthly meeting of the Town Council and Court of Probate will be held in the Council Chamber on Monday afternoon next at two o'clock.
Notices from Mather & Co New York request payment for advertisements, which the paper declines until compensation is received. Local readers are informed that ads should be placed via responsible advertising channels or sent directly to the paper.
Advertises 2298 acres of oil land in Wood County on the Little Kanawha River near Walker's Station with seven engines and a 20 year lease from November 1863. Includes 176 acres in Ritchie County along the same railroad near Petroleum Station and McKinney well on Cow Creek Pleasant's County. McKinney well yields 20 barrels daily. Subscriptions for 10000 shares to J N Burgusse. Further info in ad.
A letter laments liquor sales and urges local officials to restrict licenses. It warns of youth danger and rising drinking in the town. Also notes a First Baptist Church festival, a penmanship class sign‑ups, and February contributors to a literary issue with authors and a new story by D G Mitchell.
The Commissioner of Internal Revenue declares that from February 1 all persons receiving property via express companies must stamp delivery receipts. Failure to stamp or to cancel stamps will incur a $200 penalty under action 138 of the June 3 act. Receipts for wood or other property without proper stamps face the same penalties.
A report from St Tori on February 1 notes the convention adopting the third section of the constitution that defines voter qualifications and excludes those who bore arms for the rebellion or aided it. It mentions exemptions and related legal pleas. The piece also cites a London Post Office anecdote about odd items found with mail.
The Northampton Press signs a benevolent plan to distribute turkeys to bin employees if they stay loyal to him. A clay bed near St Joseph along the Missouri river is described as very peculiar with glasslike surfaces that harden to rock, praised for building use in Texas and Utah. Congress passes a duty reduction on imported vapor hog despite Massachusetts opposition.
The report notes Nashville planters quiet under Hood’s conscription, then Union forces took many teams. A fraudster posing as a government detective robbed a stranger of $25 in Northfield. Various brief items follow on war news, thefts, salaries, and local incidents across the era.
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