Ten Words from NY Times History - April 11, 1861

The day before the official outbreak of Civil War, the New York Times was filled with news about the impending conflict. See THE WAR EXCITEMENT.; STATE OF FEELING AMONG THE PEOPLE. THE NAVAL AND MILITARY EXPEDITIONS--MOVEMENTS AT THE NAVY-YARD AND MILITARY POSTS..
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Full list of words from this list:

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  1. secession
    formal separation from an alliance or federation
    On emerging from their homes, men eagerly sought the morning papers, in expectation of the startling intelligence which has so long been threatened from the South, and many expressed their disappointment that affairs in the secession line were so long in coming to a focus.
  2. celerity
    a rate that is rapid
    The Illinois was loaded to a draft of 20 1/2 feet aft, but with her improved feathering paddles, although they were submerged 10 feet, she is reported to have gone off with unusual celerity, her wheels making 14 1/2 turns per minute with only 16 pounds of steam.
  3. compel
    necessitate or exact
    The steamer Uncle Ben, which was compelled to return, after proceeding as far as Barnegat on account of a damaged pump, started again on Tuesday evening, being only some twelve hours behind the other steamers.
  4. vessel
    a craft designed for water transportation
    The following is correct as regards the tonnage, and nearly so as regards the men in the vessels.
  5. arsenal
    a military structure where arms and ammunition are stored
    At the Troy arsenal unusual bustle has been observable within the past week.
  6. bustle
    a rapid active commotion
    At the Troy arsenal unusual bustle has been observable within the past week.
  7. expedite
    process fast and efficiently
    Some riggers are to be taken on to expedite the job.
  8. imminent
    close in time; about to occur
    Everything was quiet and dull on Governor's Island yesterday, but it is evident that another exodus of troops is imminent.
  9. predominate
    be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
    The Chatham-street book shows that out of every twelve men enlisted ten are foreigners, Irishmen and Germans predominating.
  10. embark
    go on board
    The first of these troops embarked on board the steamer Fashion at Indianola, on the afternoon of the 30th ult., to be subsequently transferred to the Coatzacolcos, which they were.
Created on Wed Apr 04 20:58:36 EDT 2012 (updated Thu Apr 05 15:41:32 EDT 2012)

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