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Newspaper
Bristol Phenix
Location
Bristol, Rhode Island, United States of America
Date
May 04, 1861
Page
2
A late May editorial warns that an armistice with the Confederacy is implausible and dangerous. It argues Lincoln will not concede, urges continued war to preserve the Union, and foresees decisive military actions at Norfolk Richmond and Alexandria to reclaim rebel forces and Fort Sumter.
The steam propeller Narragansett chartered by the State coast guard visited Newport to remove Acting Governor Bartlett and staff from Fort Adams then sailed up the harbor. In Bristol the Train of Artillery elected Capt. Nathan Goffe Jr and Lieutenants George W. Weeden Allen G. Wright and John A C Gladding with about eighty privates to ready themselves for calls and drill.
Variable weather dominated the past week with warm spells and scattered showers. Northerly winds brought a heavy squall Wednesday afternoon, dropping temperatures about twenty degrees, followed by a night of near quarter inch rainfall and a 33 degree reading Thursday morning. The May term of the Court of Common Pleas for this county begins Tuesday morning, with Probate Court noted Monday at 2 PM. A death in New York is reported. details include an age of 70 years. A Newport publisher reports a new song by Governor Sheets Grand released at local bookstore J. New Burgess, selling well.
Last Friday afternoon the High School boys raised the Stars and Stripes at the end of the spring term. A large crowd watched as prayers and addresses were delivered by Rev Shepard Master Calbreth Perry and others. Misses sang patriotic songs and the flag ceremony drew praise for youth patriotism.
On Friday afternoon a large flag was hoisted atop the Pokanoket Steam Mill and during the week the number of Stars and Stripes has grown greatly in Bristol streets and homes marking the town as banner town.
The text records a mock invitation from Gan the Pillow to Parson Browgluw of Tennyssge to join the rebel army. The Parson replies that once he decides to go to hall he will cut his throat and go directly, avoiding the Southern Confederacy route.
Accounts from Charleston describe a strong reaction to the Fort Sumter event. Reports estimate gunfire and mobilization, with numbers ranging from six hundred to as high as one thousand involved in the initial firing and response.
In the Bristol and Warren district W H S Bayley is named collector replacing George H Reynolds whose eight year term ends. Reynolds guided the office with prompt service and aided governmentbuilding for a new customs and post office. Matthew T Bennett is noted as former surveyor and Francia Diman vacated duties. Mfr B enters as surveyor at the port.
Charming singer Eo' Mapave Coantotre Vartan will perform a superb concert in town hall this Saturday evening May 4. She is a public favorite and is expected to draw a crowded house. A Providence benefit concert Thursday supported volunteers' families and drew success.
Announcement in advertising columns describes Tax Navapaxp Military Path-Finpxr a war focused periodical whose net profits fund widows and orphans of volunteers. Edwin N. Snow reveals Providence 1860 births 1648 marriages 633 deaths 100 deaths higher year over year with city population 50 666 and detailed mortality data.
A list of local men serving in various units including the 1st Regiment Rhode Island Militia in Washington and the 4th Massachusetts Regiment at Fort Monroe Virginia features names such as Charles Mayo Aldrop Miller and Lewis Richmond. The notice also mentions Justin Churchill, son of Stephen Churchill, as part of the 4th Massachusetts Regiment.
The President's proclamation states the 1861 blockade and seizure of property in seceded states. It notes arrests and impediments of officers while enforcing orders and the intent to restore order under Union authority.
Fragmentary document describes Virginia joining a provisional government with Jefferson Davis and Alexander H Stephens, outlining military control by the Confederate President until union with the Confederacy is complete, and terms for transferring property and war munitions after permanent government is formed.
From Frederick Maryland the Times reports a direct House vote on secession 53 against and 13 for. The Senate denies intent to pass a secession ordinance while Senator Mason gave a violent speech. Union men flee Eastern Virginia as private property suffers thefts and an armed corps downsizes arms per sheriff orders.
A spontaneous union meeting gathered between 1300 and 2000 people in East Baltimore last night. The crowd showed strong enthusiasm, resolutions were adopted, and a portable banner was unfurled. Regular steamship communication now exists with Philadelphia via Perryville.
The Virginia Convention appoints Wm. C. Rives Senator Hunter and Brockenboro Camden and Preston to the Montgomery Congress and endorses a slave taxation plan tied to valuation to win Western Union support. Reports from Charleston describe heavy casualties at Fort Moultrie Fort Sumter and Morris Island with burials at Potter's Field and fear among masters as ships are warned to depart.
Richmond issues a proclamation by Gov. Letcher ordering the return of all vessels except the James Town and Yorktown to their owners. It appeals to the people to discountenance gestures without royal authority and appoints officials to ensure the proclamation is carried out. Military groups are told to refrain from approaching Richmond but stay ready. A second proclamation sets a May fourth ratification or rejection of the ordinance of secession by the people.
A dated letter from New Orleans on April 20 describes financial troubles over oil cake worth $10,000 and mentions political tensions. The writer references Washington, Davis, Lincoln, and actions about a corporation amid accusations of government theft and military funding.
The Treasury advertises proposals due May 30 for nearly 14 million dollars in goods and services. Reports from Washington note troop mobilization and headquarters shifts as 30,000 troops are to concentrate in the capital. Letters from Annapolis mention treason arrests and executions while Paris reports French awareness of American affairs.
The schooner B. D. Pitts bringing twenty one passengers from Charleston arrives in New York. James Tracy, an Irish native, who had declared his U S intent, held a confiscated small farm for refusal to fight the flag. He was lashed fifty times tied to a fence with hands over his head. His wife faced kicking and abuse. Tracy had served in the Mexican War under Gen. Scott.
A Boston Post dispatch ridicules northern troops calling them poverty stricken and starving. The piece notes Park of property and claims the Rhode Island brigade commander could buy estates of Alabama officers while his men allegedly buy southern soldiers for their knapsacks.
The schooner B. D Pitts captain, arriving from Charleston, recounts a bombardment day scene at Fort Sumter. He claims multiple dead bodies were moved ashore nightly and by Monday morning forty to sixty bodies were counted, with crew members noting secession sentiment and disbelief in mass death denials.
Report notes heavy freight market activity limited to government charter of ships. Every steam vessel in northern ports reportedly pressed for war use, including Bremen line ships. Cunard considered lending a steamer to the United States government with ministerial approval. Sailing craft will be needed for coal supplies as blockades limit steam vessel use. The Naval Academy at Annapolis will move to Newport, Fort Adams to be used for the purpose. One hundred fifty one midshipmen are aboard the Constitution at Brooklyn as the first graduating class nears four years and expected active service in June.
In New York on Thursday W B Astor faced five thousand dollars held by Wm H Aspinwall to keep open communication between Havre de Grace and Annapolis. Within twenty four hours the Yankes steamer was chartered equipped and dispatched under Capt Fox with heavy armament for the mission. Arlington Heights near Georgetown and opposite the President’s house lie southeast of the capital. Fort Washington is fifteen miles below the capital. Alexandria seven to nine miles downriver is a rebel concentration. A rail link from Alexandria to Long Bridge Washington is cited. In Harrisburg the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of War arrived, after health issues, noting North Carolina secession sentiment has grown stronger with ex Union Badger and family lint scraping scene.
A Providence Journal report notes fires in Charlestown last Friday and seven woodlands set alight near Richmond burning fifty to sixty acres. The incendiary was captured, a 17 year old Jo ie Reynolds H Gavitt jailed in Kingston awaiting trial. In Poppyaw a 14 year old Charles Carpenter died after a pistol misfire while handling a loaded pistol.
The correspondent notes fires on surrounding hills lit by spies during a night march from Annapolis as the troops moved. Captain John G. Foster and Lieutenant Meade from Fort Sumter garrison arrive. Boston’s Sumter experience colors views of secessionists. Generals Harney’s arrest at Harper's Ferry is debated as a career move. Rhode Island troops sing marching songs near the Patent Office.
Bristol county committees met in Taunton on the 25th with broad representation from towns except New Bedford and Fairhaven. They urged towns to pay 15 dollars and monthly extra stipends to each enlisted man. Bristol county expects to supply 5000 men.
Boston Daily Advertiser notes Jefferson Davis's army appears short on powder, delaying the Fort Pickens siege. It claims yards in loyal states supply powder while the Confederate regions lack mills for saltpeter and sulfur, halting production.
Baltimore papers praise orderly troop conduct in Annapolis and along the railway. Citizens faced government use of property with ample compensation and strict valuation. A four-horse owner refused sale at an inflated price, leading to requisition and a drafted payment.
The Charleston Courier details the damage from Major Andersons bombardment of Fort Sumter. It notes torrential fire tore at Fort Moultrie with heavy destruction yet no fires lost and describes battered walls, shattered barracks, and extensive debris. The piece mentions Sullivan Island residences damaged and hints at rebuilding.
Washington correspondents praise the Rhode Island Regiment and New York 7th for their parade presence. Detachments march up Pennsylvania Avenue, led by Sprague era troops with admiring reviews of uniforms, discipline, and cheer from crowds.
The First Company of the Providence Marine Flying Artillery from Rhode Island arrived at four in the morning and was escorted to the Continental Hotel for a welcome dinner. They marched in to loud cheers and were greeted by hotel guests. It is expected they depart tomorrow for Washington.
Intelligence from Texas reports rebel efforts to sustain themselves while Galveston’s General Kerman issues an April 19 edict forcing all men under sixty to enroll in volunteer companies by April 23 or be drafted into the ward militia. Sherman builds earthworks around the city as federal forces fortify approaches by water. Indianola’s 650 federal troops have armed ships Fashion and possibly mobile, with $30,000 in paymaster specie aboard.
The elderly Joniah Quincy Senior gives 500 dollars to Major Gordon's regiment and 400 dollars to Robert B Forbes for various Guard related items. Rev John Pierpont of Medford offers services as a chaplain to a Massachusetts regiment with one condition: avoid Baltimore on the way to Washington.
A Montreal messenger travels to Washington to offer two Canadian Rifle Volunteer regiments to the President. A colonel leads the units mainly composed of U S natives. Rumor says jealousy between President Davis and General Beauregard looms, risking rebel friction. Moneyed interest seeks to sway leaders. Mrs Lincoln reportedly healthy but prepared to stay by her husband.
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