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This newspaper page contains 13 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Prescott Transcript
Location
Prescott, Wisconsin, United States of America
Date
May 18, 1861
Page
2
Publication from Prescott Wisconsin dated Saturday May 18 1862 outlines editorials on public affairs and the duty of the press. It emphasizes independence, vigilance against wrongs, and the journal’s role in elevating civic sentiment and informing readers about governance.
The article argues the war is not a fight over slavery or North versus South but a struggle to preserve the Union and enforce obedience to laws. It cites Seward’s instruction to Dayton denying dissolution of the Union, asserts the goal is restoration of allegiance, and notes impact on slavery’s future relation to government. It records Norfolk Navy Yard losses and the need to retake it, viewing the conflict as a defense of national integrity.
A long critique compares Southern wartime tactics of evacuating civilians to enemy protection with harsh Northern and Southern polemics. It cites editorials from Richmond and Lynchburg attacking the North as barbaric while praising Southern resolve. The piece notes Wisconsin Governor Randall’s efforts and reports from Florence, Augusta, Atlanta, and Dalton on Confederate views of Northern soldiers and leadership.
Washington figures report President Lingala has authorized a Major General’s commission for Senator Douglas and that Douglas will accept the promotion. The claim circulates amid political maneuvering and party commentary in the capital.
Frost’s Missouri Militia encampment at Camp Jackson surrendered unconditionally on the ninth after Captain Lyon’s forces surrounded the camp with about 6,000 volunteers and eight cannons. About 800 soldiers, many in the city on leave, laid down arms and were escorted as prisoners of war. A later clash caused fatalities among the crowd and steadied by a rear-guard firing as Lyon ordered a cease.
A large guard march through Fifth Street and Walnut in St Louis ends in a deadly barrage. Soldiers fire on the crowd and themselves as rifles sweep the streets near Seventh Street, killing several and shocking onlookers. The event follows a prior surrender and marks a second act in the same bloodstained episode.
Descriptions note a brief but deadly firefight in which a soldier died before return fire began. Four soldiers and two civilians killed, many wounded on both sides. Reported poor discipline and awkward firing resulting in friendly-fire casualties among troops.
The piece condemns brutal actions from the South including flogging of an Irish immigrant Tracy, family abuses, and property seizure. It contrasts mob law with political figures, citing bombardment of Fort Sumter and hostile remarks by officers’ wives. The writer laments human nature’s capacity for violence despite civilization and freedoms.
Major General Anderson receives a full colonelcy from the President for meritorious service and is granted command of three Kentucky regiments of volunteers with rank of brigadier general in the volunteer army. He will report West to assume his post. The New England Light Brigade, six hundred volunteers from six states, will rendezvous at Springfield Mass. to offer service by July fourth, funded by state Colonies.
A British minister applied for permission to export tobacco from Virginia to England to fulfil a contract but the government politely declined the request. The note highlights the tension between contractual obligations and policy restrictions affecting colonial tobacco trade.
Tennessee legislature approves secession ordinance and a military bill for 55,000 volunteers with up to 8.09 million dollars authorized. other notes report a Tennessee hurricane disaster, Union troop movements toward Baltimore, and criticism of Tennessee’s military league under Governor Harris against the United States.
A fragment discusses Jeff Davis and other Confederate leaders slated for a consultation in Washington with guards and a grim omen. It cites New York Herald countering secession rhetoric, notes Georgia repudiating debt, and reports President promoting Brigadier General Butler to Major General.
Fragmentary report notes Mason of Virginia property tied through a Philadelphia wife under legislative consideration. A pro posed confiscation case referenced against Jane O Brown who was imprisoned in Illinois for robbing. Post office box in Chicago reportedly pardoned. Wisconsin army quota set by War Department for three year enlistments. Richmond port marine list no longer appears in the Richmond Daily Whig as commerce of the city is described as wiped out.
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