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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Jan 03, 1863
Page
2
Fragment from the Normal Spray urges constant change as life through history shows. It argues education as freedom, warns against ignorance, and stresses action now to gain progress, strength, and enduring nations. The piece extols knowledge, forethought, and resilience amid adversity.
The passage asserts prayer as a natural universal practice among all humans from childhood to old age. It marks prayer as a refuge in isolation and decay, a response across peoples and circumstances, and a means to console weakness, sustain virtue, and bear life’s burden.
A Wheeling newspaper reports on a Bustuna prisoner, identifying Harry Fitzallen as Marian M Kinsey born in Glaagen Scotland, who enlisted in a Kentucky regiment near Newport and served briefly before capture. The item notes multiple arrests in mens attire, alleged loyalties, and sheddings of sympathy with Canada as questions about her origins arise.
A vast cast iron cargo arrives for the Capitol construction at the foot of New Jersey avenue. The shipment includes interior finish for the rotunda and exterior ornaments up to the lantern base, with completion expected in the coming year. Officers arrest William Jenny in Brownville on a murder charge, marked by circumstantial evidence after reports of threats.
The piece dated Saturday January 3 1863 reflects on the Bristol fire and the year 1862. It offers hopeful New Year wishes, urges perseverance in the Civil War, and contrasts local peace with national conflict while stressing liberty and civil equality.
A New Year gathering at the Town Ball featured a tree prepared by teachers and the superintendent Thor Vb Bicknell Fay. The event included poems, songs, and remarks tracing the town’s Sabbath School history from 1814 to today, with gifts distributed to scholars and teachers.
The funeral of Major Jacob Babbitt drew nearly the entire town and guests from Warren Barrington and nearby towns. Procession formed from St Michael's Church to North Cemetery with a Bristol Artillery guard and special escorts. The rites included Episcopal burial service and a public viewing at his residence, followed by tributes from officials and civic groups.
Private Abel Willis of the 7th Rhode Island Regiment died at Mount Pleasant near Washington on Sunday after his right thigh wound at Fredericksburg. His leg had been amputated. He was the sole child of Abel Willis, who died November 18, born in North Kingston, and resided here three years. He was 21 and leaves a widow.
Remains of Private Josephus Franklin lin of Co TI 7th RI died November 29 in Falmouth Virginia were brought home to Constitution Street and lay in state at his mother’s residence. Funeral conducted by Rev Samuel Upham of State Street M E Church on Tuesday afternoon. Interment followed at the North Burial Ground.
Mary Howland widow of the late Judge Howland died Monday morning at her home aged 87 years eight months. She was daughter of John Gladding and the last survivor of a large family. Four children preceded her in death. she had four grandchildren. She joined the Congregational Church in 1804 and was its oldest member. Funeral from the Congregational Church Thursday, Rev Dr Shepard presiding with scripture, address and prayer. Remains interred at the old burial ground east of the public common.
A town record lists sixteen residents aged over seventy who died this year. The ages total 1290 with an average of 80 per person. Names include Sylvester Munro 91 Martha Waldron 91 Phebe Munro 88 Lucy Pitman 88 Phillis Smith 88 Mary Howland 87 Thomas Cole 81 Harriott Smith 81 Chloe W Brown 77 John O Woulf 76 George Pearce 76 Rovel Thresher 76 John Wiloar 74 Thomas Waldron 73 Abby Munro 72 Annie Peares.
Look out for thieves in town report several petty thefts including rubbing hen roosts clothes lines and last Thursday evening a valuable door was stolen from a dwelling on Constitution street. Citizens urged to stay vigilant and help bring the culprits to justice.
A wartime note from December 25 1862 describes a camp near Falmouth Virginia seeing enemy earthworks across the river with no firing yet. The letter mentions Dr Green in Gen Sipel’s corps, a brief clash involving Wiedrich Battery, and transfer of a Ruhmund Way copy. Other items report the Americans registered in London, a town government meeting, a possible cur se on Bradford Street, and damage to stone walls at the Town Bridge. Sixty-two convalescents from Portsmouth Grove Hospital sail home on the Perry amid Jeff Davis threats and reactions to Mumford and Gen Butler.
The Taunton Gazette reports Major General Couch arrived home Saturday evening for a few days rest following his exertions against the enemy at Fredericksburg. He led the advance of our army across the Rappahannock.
The ad notes many remedies for neuralgia ague in the face and headache but praises the Inflamatory Extirpator as one of the best, sold by Mr. Benjamin Tilley on Hope Street.
The Washington Republican claims the Banks expedition was a government programme executed with full knowledge and in accord with Gen Butler who is satisfied with his new field of operations.
The Providence Post recounts Sergeant Benjamin F Miller aiding the dead Col Sayles’ body, halting his unit to ensure his sword would be sent home. Miller, wounded near Rappahannock, is hospitalized in Pennsylvania and may be moved to Portsmouth Grove with Rhode Island troops. The piece notes Burnside’s retreat and conscription notices for Henrico and Hanover counties, amid Civil War reporting.
The Eureka Lodge No 22 of F and A Masons elected officers for the year ahead at its December 30 1862 annual communication in Portanouth. The installation was by M W Grand Master Ariel Ballou with RW D GM P B Bourn. A banquet followed as guests and ladies joined in the collation.
News notes the long awaited emancipation proclamation urging nonviolence and quiet wage work. It cites Gen Banke and Gen Saxton publicizing it, with exclusions including Missouri Kentucky Maryland Delaware parts of Virginia and Louisiana. Also mentions subscription drive for a new flag for Captain Carrs Company and the Sea King wreck with only one survivor.
The Boston Transcript notes planned land forces and transports are ready for Charleston expedition while expected to have seven of nine monitors ready this week. The piece reflects public impatience for Charleston's reduction.
NY dispatches report Ryanoke arrived from New Orleans with dates to the 18th via Harma on the 22d. The steamer North Star carried Gen Banks and staff to New Orleans ahead of his Gulf command, where Gen Butler had been superseded. Banks and Butler met cordially on the 16th and Banks pledged obedience to government orders. Butler praised Banks and urged successors to assume their duties with discipline.
A special dispatch describes Stuart crossing the Rappahannock at Kelley’s Ford with about 6000 men and six guns. He splits forces toward Dumfries and Stafford, clashes for six hours with Union troops, suffering heavy rebel losses while Union losses run four killed and eight wounded. Thirty Rebels are captured and twenty Federal patrols seized. Dumfries houses and Gen Sigel’s headquarters are damaged by cannon fire. A Maryland raid is deemed unlikely. Washington notes half a million dollars daily for the army and further treasury support. balloon reconnaissance finds rebel heavy guns moving south toward Bunham Green. Lee and Barnside movements remain uncertain as pontoons and drills continue in the area.
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