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Staunton Spectator: February 12, 1861 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Dissolve the Union!
(Column 6)

Summary: Pro-Union poem notable for its suggestion that secessionists are traitors and advocating that "Ye patriot band crush the traitors with daring hand".

Position and Trails of Conservatives
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises the efforts of conservative men North and South who disavow the radicals of their respective regions and instead embrace a more moderate approach.

The Harm We Are Doing
(Column 2)

Summary: In response to criticism that the Spectator is doing more harm than any other state paper, the Spectator says it will accept this taunt as a compliment because the harm is done only to the cause of disunion.

Full Text of Article:

We understand that some of the extremists in this and the adjoining counties say that "the "Staunton Spectator" is doing more harm than any paper in the State." As what they mean by doing "harm" is the influence it exerts in opposition to their efforts to precipitate the State into secession, revolution and civil war, we accept it as the highest compliment, and feel thereby encouraged to labor with more zeal and energy in the cause of the Union and the preservation of peace and the avoidance of oppressive and grinding taxation. If the extremists would never complain, we would feel that we were laboring to but little purpose; for we are satisfied that in proportion to their annoyance and complaints, we are exerting an efficient and salutary influence. In the sense in which they use the term, we are pleased to hear that the "Spectator" is doing "harm." We must protest, however, against the acceptance of the whole extent of the compliment conferred upon the "Spectator," for we do not believe, (as the extremists to whom we have referred seem to do) that the "Spectator is doing more harm than any paper in the State." On the contrary, we believe that there are other papers in the State which do much more of this good kind of "harm" than the "Spectator." We are glad to know that such is the case, and are pleased to see the Richmond Whig, the Alexandria Gazette, the Lynchburg Virginian, the Petersburg Intelligencer, the Charlottesville Review and other papers in Eastern Virginia doing so much of this kind of "harm," which is destined to save the country from being desolated with the ravages of civil war, if that dire calamity can, by any means, be avoided. If any doubt that the "Spectator" is doing efficient service for the good of the country, we refer them to the vexed and annoyed extremists who say that it is doing so much "harm." We are rejoiced to know that we have so many co-operators in this portion of the State in the work of "harm" in which we are engaged. In this glorious "Old Augusta," in noble Rockbridge, and in Union-loving Rockingham, nearly the whole people are with us, working "harm" to the schemes of the disunionists.

Letter of Judge Douglas
(Column 2)

Summary: Lauds the efforts of Stephen Douglas to simultaneously stand up for the rights of the South and for the cause of Union.

The New Southern Confederacy
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the formation of the Provisional Southern Government constituted on the basis of the Constitution with amendments made concerning the slave trade and fugitive slaves, provisions that were at the heart of the secession crisis.

Incidents at Mt. Sidney
(Column 2)

Summary: Alleges that the Union turnout in Mt. Sidney was so strong that some Unionists rode into town four to a horse to vote. The Mt. Sidney precinct contains some of "the most active and efficient working Union men."

Extremes Meet
(Column 2)

Summary: Alleges that the vote in Morgantown, Virginia went 639 out of 640 votes for referring the Convention's decisions to the people. The one who voted against referral also voted for Lincoln.

Origin of Article: Baltimore American

Union in Rockbridge
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that the Union candidates to the Convention were elected overwhelmingly in Rockbridge County.

Surveyor's Instrument
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces the invention of a new surveying instrument by J.M. Lilley of Staunton and its subsequent adoption by many in the field of engineering.
(Names in announcement: Col. J.M. Lilley)

The Views of Hon. John J. Crittenden
(Column 3)

Summary: An excerpt of a letter from John Crittendon to Gen. Coombs of Kentucky praising Kentucky's decision not to call a Convention. The Spectator lauds this decision.

Important Facts
(Column 3)

Summary: Points out that, in the election to the State Convention, Union men, where they have won, have been elected by large majorities. In contrast, secessionists have won by narrow margins in districts they have carried. Furthermore, Union districts vote overwhelmingly for reference to the people whereas secessionist districts vote against it.

Vote of Augusta County
(Column 3)

Summary: Table showing the final outcome of the County election for Convention members. The Union candidates Baldwin, Baylor, and Stuart won every precinct in Augusta County by huge majorities. Those who wished the Convention's decisions to be subjected to popular approval were also victorious.

Letter from Hon. S.A. Douglas
(Column 4)

Summary: A transcript of a letter from Stephen Douglas to the Memphis Appeal professing his continued opposition to extreme disunionists, North and South, as well as his continued quest for peace and Union.

Origin of Article: Memphis Appeal

[No Title]
(Column 6)

Summary: A letter from Thomas Michie espousing and clarifying his support for the right of secession after having been attacked by the Spectator in an earlier issue.

Married
(Column 7)

Summary: Married on February 7.
(Names in announcement: Rev. John Pinkerton, Alexander G. Fulton, Fannie E. Mills)

Married
(Column 7)

Summary: Married on February 6.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Wm. E. Baker, Jos. H. Earman, Harriet Hague)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: Died on December 16 at age 60.
(Names in announcement: Garrett Stanton)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: Died on January 12 at age 30.
(Names in announcement: Phillip Almanoer)

President rejects the demand for Fort Sumter
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that the President rejected South Carolina's demand to surrender Fort Sumter and warns that its seizure will be viewed as an act of war.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: States that, now that Unionists have been victorious in Virginia, it "remains for the conservative people of the North, if they are in the majority, to make a peaceful adjustment of difficulties."