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 17 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Jan 18, 1862
Page
2
The Bristol Phenix reports on advancing war movements including Burnside and Kentucky actions with hopes of coordinated victories. It notes Cameron’s cabinet departure as significant and anticipates England’s response next week, foreseeing deeper events and cautious optimism for outcomes.
A Providence Journal summary argues Narragansett Bay defenses are crucial for coast wide protection. It cites Fort Adams readiness deficiencies, insufficient congressionally funded armament, and proposed Cranston plan with fort completion, obstruction vessels, and shore batteries.
The Adjutant General reports Rhode Island’s 1861 call for 500000 troops set a 4057 quota. RI sent 5124, excess 1067, plus 1005 men recruited for other regiments out of state. Enlistments by town listed. Bristol 5386, Warren 480, Barrington 93, total 1109 for Bristol County. Militia rolls total 20283, up 1742 from prior year, ages 18 to 45.
For two weeks horses on Henry B. Potter’s property suffer a fatal illness with throat swelling and difficulty swallowing. Four horses died, one perished within ten hours after symptoms appeared, with throat inflammation extending to the stomach. Affected animals resemble diphtheria seen elsewhere in Massachusetts. Potter has one horse sick. five others in the same pasture show no symptoms.
In Warren 1861, fifteen elderly residents died, ages totaling 1185 with an average of 70. The year’s total deaths were 541, making aged deaths unusually high. Names listed include Rebecca Salisbury Anthony Chace Henrietta Maxwell Philip McConngle James Driscul Nathan Wheaton Abby Eddy and others.
The annual report or audit was presented and referred to Finance. It covers the period April 30 1861 to Oct 31 1861 with Public School Fund 248 100 12 and Touro Fund 17 488 91. Receipts to Jan 11 1862 amount to 195 944 62 and expenditures 143 448 67 leaving 52 495 95 in balance. Authority to hire 20 000 was unused. The 35 000 debt is paid, leaving the civic list owing nothing at year end.
Senator Wilson spoke in the Senate highlighting alleged improper Sutler appointments. He cited Cyrus Seymour as Brigade Sutler and claimed others held monopoly over seven regiments, siphoning up to seventy five thousand dollars yearly without supplying value, a scheme he called rascality harming soldiers and families.
A private was sentenced to death by court martial for desertion. Twelve men were ready to fire when a reprieve arrived, causing the man to collapse in fright. He later appeared insane, his mind shattered by the near-execution and the ordeal.
All letters for soldiers in Gen Burnside's expedition should be directed to Annapolis Maryland with the addition of Gen Burnside's Coast Expedition. They will then be forwarded wherever the expedition may go.
The Troy iron foundries secure a government contract to produce eight thousand thirgest shells, each weighing two hundred pounds, to be landed at Governor's Teland within fifty days. Stathrow has been unanimously confirmed as Secretary of War and will resume duties on Saturday.
Obituary notes the death at Mount Hope on a Thursday morning of William Bredford DrWolf aged 51. He was the son of the late Jama D Wolf and one of five brothers. He leaves a wife and four children, two sons and two daughters, and was highly esteemed in the community.
A January 1862 letter from Camp Hooker near Budd's Ferry details daily drills and fuel gathering, clashes with a landowner owning 900 acres and 52 slaves, rebel deserters, and the Burnside Expedition approaching Fortress Monroe. The correspondent reports gunboats, transports, and troops moving through the Chesapeake with bands playing the Star Spangled Banner as ships rendezvous and anchor.
A Sanitary Commission report cites the 2d Rhode Island Volunteers as an example of endurance at Bull Run. They lacked food for over a day, engaged first and heavily, with 16 percent killed and their colonel lost. They held under fire, regrouped after retreat, and marched to Centreville and Washington to reform, remaining disciplined.
Tiverton resident Mr John B West reported an ox missing and warned local tanneries. A hide matching the description arrived at Edmund Priace's tannery in Bedford Street and was recognized by West. The suspects, Wilcox brothers from Liverton St I, were arrested by Constable Hunt on Saturday.
The January session reports Senate and House meetings with prayers, governor addresses, and accompanying documents on regiments, treasury matters, and shell fisheries. Officials discuss education, militia pay, and newspaper provisions for members. War dispatches note Burnside expedition plans, Fort Macon, and blockades with local council actions.
Reports from Washington detail President Lincoln resisting Gen Sigel’s resignation, Kentucky leaders securing 5000 carbines, and Commodore Dupont reporting ship actions near Nassau. Gen McClellan promotes artillery prep. Cameron and Stanton nominees advance while franking privilege dies in the House.
An assortment of late 19th century notices reports a Bangor Maine government stance on soldiers families pay, auction sale of condemned bacon, travels of officials, ship arms, cattle plague in Connecticut, London rail prices, and a Paris artist in Madrid.
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.