I am working on a historical research project involving Westward movement of Americans into the new territory opened up by the end of the Mexican War of 1848. In reading newspapers from the Summer and early Fall of 1848 I noted a comet that was visible in both New York and New Orleans (New Orleans Picayune, October 19, 1848, Vol 12, No. 230).

This comet was visible to the naked eye and caused a great deal of public comment. Were these newspaper reports about the Comet Encke, or some other comet? What was the area in the U.S. where this comet was visible, and what was the timeline? Was there a tail noted?

Thank you for any help or clarification you can provide