Posted inUS Civil War

December 30, 1861 – Resignation of Col. Rankin

Russell House, Detroit,
December 26,1 861.

To the Editor of the Detroit Free Press:

I am very sorry indeed to inform you that, in view of the unfortunate complications which have so suddenly arisen between England and the United States, caused by events about which it would be out of place for me here to express an opinion, I feel constrained from a sense of duty, not only as a British subject but as a member of the Canadian Parliament, to withdraw from the service of the United States and return to Canada, my native land, determined to share the fate of my countrymen, whatever their destiny may be.

Posted inDaily News

Fights Dozen Men

Drink Crazed Indian Even Then Succeeds in Kicking One Man Through Windshield of Auto

Lowville, N. Y., Dec. 27.—Bootleg whiskey was the indirect cause of four hours of darkness in this village last night.

Earlier in the evening a young Indian, Paul Arlette, who is alleged to have been In a frenzied condition because of holiday potations, entered an Ice cream store in the neighboring village of Naumberg and threatening to kill all the customers with a knife. He was subdued and bound with ropes only after 12 men had joined In the fray.

Posted inUS Civil War

December 27, 1861 – Wretched Charleston!

It will be remembered that at about the time that the secession movement began, many of the property owners in Charleston, as in other Southern cities, who had been in the habit of insuring against fire in the Northern insurance companies, withdrew their risks from these offices with much insolence and parade, and transferred them to local organizations. Most of the latter have suspended while all tho others now are bankrupted, so that utter ruin must fall on those whose property has by this calamity been destroyed.

Posted inUS Civil War

December 26, 1861 – From the Upper Potomac

The Rebels Try to Destroy Dam No. 6.

WILLIAMSPORT, MD., Dec. 20.—Affairs in and around this vicinity are quiet, though we expect to have an exchange of shots with the enemy at Dam No. 5 and Falling Waters. Gen. Jackson’s (rebel) battery is at the former place, including a 12-pounder rifled gun, and the enemy have been at work endeavoring to destroy tho dam there, which now seems to bo the principal object of their demonstrations. Their firing is returned by two Parrott guns belonging to Knapp’s Pennsylvania battery.

Posted inDaily News

Coolidges Take Part in Christmas Eve Ceremonies

Washington, Dec. 24—The angels’ song at Bethlehem was carolled tonight from the White House to a nation at peace with the world and with good will toward men.

The chief executive of the nation and the first lady of the land joined with a white-vested choir and with thousands who thronged tho White House grounds in observance of another Christmas.