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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
Jun 08, 1861
Page
2
A Civil War era defense argues that the North seeks to crush rebellion not subjugate the South. It claims the South cannot be annihilated while maintaining constitutional liberty and prosperity. The piece critiques the idea that total victory is impossible, insisting conquest would still permit terms.
A Providence Post critique rails at political removals and party bias, arguing Democrats held most offices since founding, while noting Whig reversals under Democratic rule. The piece mocks claims of national governance entitlement and reflects on local customs in Barrington and nearby events.
Town meeting approves extra support for locals serving in the United States. A committee proposed six months of ten dollars per month for sixty six volunteers, replacing the prior three month plan. The council will distribute funds to families monthly. Three named volunteers from the first regiment receive special monthly payments.
A large Bristol audience at Town Hall witnessed the presentation of a silk ensign to the Bristol Artillery volunteers. Miss Rosa Bennett presented the flag to Captain Goff, who thanked the ladies and pledged to guard the banner in battle and return it with honor.
Most mugs in town were displayed at half mast on Tuesday to honor Stephen A. Douglas who died in Chicago. His body was laid to rest there yesterday as Governor Sprague’s call was observed. The post office and Custom House wore black drapery. A Bristol volunteers box was sent to Providence with socks bandages and cloth, all knit and donated by local ladies. Volunteers were examined by Col Slocum and Surgeon Wheaton with several rejected for bodily infirmities.
A historical roster lists Company G, Second Regiment volunteers from Bristol and Warren with officers including Captain Nathan Coffe and 1st Lieutenant George W. Ward, plus majors sergeants corporals and numerous privates and descriptors like drummer fifer wagoner and clerk in a detailed muster roll.
EF Gov Sprague arrived in Providence from Newport on Saturday with high military honors. City and Newport companies escorted him to his residence. The governor's patriotic spirit endears him to citizens as he plans for the second regiment's departure. He is in good health and high spirits after an interview on Wednesday.
Mr Wm H Waldron a Newport Artillery volunteer with the first regiment from this state came home Monday in a feeble health after a bilious fever. About twenty others from the same regiment were also sent home ill and honorably discharged.
On Tuesday last William Fules visited the Providence volunteers and gave each man five dollars as promised. Another sum was placed with Col. Wm. R. Taylor by J. Minton and LB O Wolf to be awarded to a number from this place who joined the volunteer company.
The flag presented to volunteers on Monday morning was made by Miss Rosa Bennett Miss Anna Usher and other patriotic young ladies showing their regard for the Stars and Stripes under which they were born.
Rev Ely delivered an eloquent discourse at the Methodist church Sunday afternoon before volunteers. Text Corinthians 16 13 Quit you like men Be ye strong. The house was filled to overflowing with attendees unable to gain entrance.
Five adults were admitted into membership in the Congregational Church on Sunday afternoon by Rev. Dr. Shepard. Nine adults were admitted on the first Sabbath of May, all married, and five of that group were baptized on the same day.
The war news of the week shows limited details with both sides concentrating forces toward Virginia. Telegraphs bring daily rumors, but knowledge remains mostly within the Cabinet and the President’s advisers.
The Consociation of the Catholic Congregational Church will convene in town on Tuesday next. The usual annual sermon will be preached Tuesday evening with further services on Wednesday afternoon and evening at the Church on Light Street.
The Montgomery Mail notes Charles J. Sandford named lighthouse keeper at Bristol Ferry and Richard F. Joynes securing a patent for an improved steering apparatus. It mentions privateers for the Confederate government, reports of bridges damaged, and the Susquehannah frigate arriving with Southern officers resigning.
A Rhode Island regiment letter from Bristol connects with Company D’s Wm. H. O Wolf praising discipline and morale. It notes flag-raising, a speech by Captain Dexter, thirteen guns, and a regimental band. The writer expresses longing to cross the Potomac and face the rebels and mentions a Young Men's Christian Union meeting in Westminster Street.
The author recalls a return from sight seeing interrupted by a choleratic illness treated by Dr Seegen a homeopathic physician. He contrasts German medical practice with home care notes wartime scenes and a long journey from Dresden to Cassel describing trains signals and travel plans toward Boston with a final stop in Prague.
The narrative describes travel from Dresden through Leipsic to Weimar and Eisenach noting salt works converting brine to salt via wicker frames, a brown coal resembling charcoal used for fuel, and a local harnessing custom where horses pull a single pole, reflecting regional industry and transport practices.
A historic obituary summarizes Stephen A. Douglas born April 23 1813 in Brandon Vermont. It notes his rise from cabinet maker apprenticeship to attorney general congressman senator presidential hopefuls and two marriages with three children, two still living.
Washington June 4 1861 the War Department issued orders on the death of Stephen A Douglas. The text honors his service notes his Illinois birth and calls for mourning colors and reading the order to regiments. Secretary Sion Cannon signs the directive urging nationwide solemnity.
The Boston Post Office handles soldiers letters franked at the corner of the envelope as Soldier's letter. The essay cites British army practice and asks Congress to provide free postage for volunteers and soldiers due to sacrifices and small pay.
The Eagle Cotton Mill Company reportedly offered a 17 percent wage reduction to operatives last week. Facing the cut, many workers chose to resign rather than accept reduced pay, and the mill ceased operations Friday night leaving about 150 employees affected. Weavers had earned 18 cents per yard for 40 yard pieces while male spinners were paid about $1 per day.
Washington reports seven steam sloops of war authorized at the last session. Portsmouth will build the Kearæage and Omippes, Boston the Onsatonic and Wachusett, New York the Adirondack, Philadelphia the Juniata and Tuscarora. The Naval Lyceum at Brooklyn will handle blockade letters. Fifteen vessels now in the Gulf, twelve on the Atlantic, ten in Chesapeake and Potomac. Deployment plans include five thousand here and twenty five thousand in Virginia near Alexandria with additional troops at Grafton and near Harper's Ferry.
Dispatches report ministers abroad noting a calmer tone in government circles. A Austrian cabinet member resigns over Sardinian policy, a spy Wikliama is hanged at Harper's Ferry, and rebel inmates seek oath pledges. Military updates include Manassas Junction activity and plans for operations at Acquin Creek with heavy cannons. The treasury orders fines on alien vessels returned from Southern ports.
A report from the flag ship Minnesota dated off Charleston 20th notes three steamers seen near Charleston. The Minnesota fired guns in quarters but the steamers did not cross the bar. It is believed Jackson’s brothers and a law company of 15 or 20 riders are involved in later murders of U S pickets.
The Albany regiment encamps near Hampton as the Harriet Lane exchanges around fifty shots with the Pig Point battery opposite Newport News. Five men are wounded, two severely, after two shells burst over the battery’s embrasures and fire from the battery is observed.
A dispatch reports a Virginian killed and another mortally wounded in Sunday fighting. Thirty two Berkely men fled to Williamsport to avoid rebel conscription, leaving families behind. Armed residents along the Potomac anticipate further border clashes as Virginians concentrate near the river. One Berkeley man charged with burglary was shot Saturday.
Reports note the bark H J Spearing captured from Rio de Janeiro with coffee sent to Key West, while the Powhatan seized Mary Clifton cargo bound for New Orleans. Gen Twiggs assumes Louisiana military command as public addresses urge southern resolve and liberty.
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