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Staunton Spectator: November 3, 1863 Go To Page : 1 | 2 |

General Assembly
(Column 5, 6, 7)

Summary: Discusses various bills, resolutions, and messages offered by an extra session of the General Assembly. The House debated measures to re-organize the penitentiary and a resolution to authorize the increasing of the commonwealth attorney's pay. The Senate discussed a proposal to re-organize the state forces. A number of measures to regulate aspects of the economy were raised without resolution. Also a communication from Governor Letcher announcing the death of Brig. Gen. Charles Dimmock was read to both the gentlemen of the House and Senate.

Courage and Duty
(Column 7)

Summary: A short piece that discusses the true nature of bravery and concludes that "[d]uty can create that courage, or its equivalent, but that courage can never create Duty."

The Mexican Minister At Washington
(Column 7)

Summary: Based on rumors of the arrival of the Mexican representative of the French government in Washington, the New York Herald urges the Washington government to hold firm in its commitment to the Mexican republic and the Monroe Doctrine.

Origin of Article: The New York Herald

Gen. Scott On Our Generals
(Column 7)

Summary: During an unreserved conversation between Gen. Scott and a Washington official, General Scott passed judgement on a number of military officers involved in the present conflict. He judged Gen. Lee "the greatest general of the war," admitted to being sorely disappointed in General McClellan, and, having served with Grant in Mexico, he declared that Grant displayed "more military skill than any other General had exhibited on our side." Scott also added that Grant's performance in Mexico indicated a "young lieutenant of undoubted courage but giving no promise whatever of anything beyond ordinary ability."

Origin of Article: The Cincinnati Gazette

No Doubt Of It
(Column 7)

Summary: Artemus Ward, one of America's foremost comedians of the time, serves as the basis of a complaint by the author about the current state of patriotism amongst some segments of the population.

Lincoln's Call For Troops
(Column 1)

Summary: Discusses Lincoln's new system to raise 300,000 men by providing a combination of conscription and cash bonuses. The author sees this tactic as further proof of the failure of the North to subjugate the South. The writer believes that the requested number of enlistees will prove inadequate to carry out the North's war plans and "the whole world will understand that his attempt at subjugation is a hopeless abortion."

Origin of Article: Richmond Whig

Full Text of Article:

Lincoln has issued a proclamation, calling upon the States to furnish 300,000 troops. If that number do not volunteer under the persuasive influence of "advance pay, premiums and bounties" by the 5th day of January, they will be drafted--the draft to commence on that day.

The return to the volunteer plan, says the Richmond Whig, is a confession that conscription had failed, just as the resort to conscription was a confession that volunteering could no longer be relied on. The plan now is to unite the two exploded and impotent systems--men are invited to volunteer, and are warned, if they do not, that they will be drafted. But the draft has lost its terrors, and cannot therefore be used to frighten into volunteering. The promise of large bounties will have more effect, and bring into Lincoln's net a worthless few, who will engage to do anything for money, but who will be far more anxious to avoid fighting and get out of the army than they were eager to accept the blood-money that drew them into it. Such men will never stand before troops who fight from principle, and for everything most cherished.--Lincoln's new call is a confession to the world that the "rebellion" is too strong for him, by at least three hundred thousand men; and as his other estimates in this way have shown how far he has underrated the strength he had to overcome, it will naturally be suspected that, even should he succeed in raising this number, the result will show that he has again miscalculated. But when, as we feel assured will be the case, it is soon that he comes far short of obtaining the number that he confesses are needed, the whole world will understand that his attempt at subjugation is a hopeless abortion.

East Tennessee
(Column 1)

Summary: While there are reports of movements by the Northern troops in Tennessee deeper into Southern territory, the Abingdon Virginian makes it clear that this is erroneous. In fact, this report indicates that the Southern troops have gained the offensive and are initiating a series of movements that will result in the ultimate removal of all Northern troops from Tennessee.

Origin of Article: Abingdon Virginian

From Charleston
(Column 1)

Summary: A wall collapsed during a ferocious artillery barrage of Charleston, burying a number of soldiers from the 12th Georgia and 86th South Carolina regiments. Thirteen men are still missing.

A Good Example
(Column 1)

Summary: A short article noting the patriotic spirit represented by Mr. John Kunkle of Staunton. Shortly after a church service held at Pond Gap, Mr. Kunkle presented Rev. Mr. Hyde with one hundred dollars to help the soldiers.

To The Ladies
(Column 1)

Summary: Notes that Rev. Mr. Hyde, chaplain at Post Staunton, has a supply of yarn in hand that he desires to have made into socks for the soldiers in the hospital. Those seeking to assist in this effort can call upon Mrs. Cowan at the bookstore.

5th Va. Regiment
(Column 2)

Summary: Based on information supplied by an officer in the Stonewall Brigade, it is reported that the 5th Va. Regiment performed gallantly in the recent engagement near Bealton Station. In particular, Col. Funk is believed to have distinguished himself for his heroism under fire despite "having four or five bullet holes made in his clothes during the engagement."

Promotions in the 52nd Va. Regiment
(Column 1)

Summary: A list of recently promoted officers in the 52nd Va. Regiment is provided.

Religious Revival
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that a religious revival is taking place in Staunton with over twenty-four professed converts. The revival appears to have begun amongst the soldiers being treated at the American Hotel under the ministration of Rev. Mr. Hyde and his assistants.

Full Text of Article:

Since Sunday week, a religious revival has been in progress in the M. E. Church of this place. The names of the ministers who have been engaged in these services are as follows:

Rev. E. R. Veitch, Presiding Elder for this circuit, Rev. J. C. Dice, Pastor, Rev. Geo. G. Brooke, Rev. D. W. Arnold, Rev. David Ripetoe, and Rev. Mr. Dey.

Up to Sunday last, there were 24 professed converts, 12 of whom were admitted into the church on that day.--The meeting is still in progress, and there are many who are seekers for the "pearl of great price." In addition, to the regular meetings at night, services will be held in the basement of the church every day of this week at 2 o'clock, P. M., for the benefit of the convalescent soldiers in the hospital.

Before the hospital had been removed from the American Hotel, Rev. Mr. Hyde, Chaplain, assisted by Rev. E. P. Walton, and Rev. Jno. Taylor, of the Baptist Church, held services in that hospital for two weeks, during which time there was great religious interest excited in the minds of the soldiers, and eight professed conversion.

Capt. E. P. Sutton Shot
(Column 2)

Summary: A report on a series of quarrels between Capt. G. W. Chambers and Captain E. P. Sutton that left Sutton shot and badly beaten.

Full Text of Article:

On Thursday evening last, a quarrel between Capt. G. W. Chambers, formerly of Harper's Ferry, and Captain E. P. Sutton, of Richmond, took place in front of the Va. Hotel, which resulted in Chambers shooting Sutton in the thigh. Sutton drew his pistol to shoot Chambers, who averred that he was not armed--then Sutton gave up his pistol to Col. Anderson, whereupon Chambers drew a pistol and shot Sutton. The same parties met the same night at the restaurant of Capt. Mason--a fisticuff ensued, which resulted in the beating of Sutton so severely that he has since that time been confined to his room. These are the facts as stated to us. We know nothing of our own knowledge concerning the occurrence.

Casualties in the 5th Va. Inf.
(Column 2)

Summary: A list of the casualties suffered by the 5th Va. regiment during their skirmish near Bealton. These casualties include two killed, eleven wounded, and one missing and presumed captured.
(Names in announcement: Private Thomas Brand, Private Michael Ham, Private William Wood, Private Emanuel Pence, Private Vernon C. Bailey, Private Thomas Spitler, Private James F. Acord, Private Samuel H. Cook, Private Franklin Alexander, Private Samuel C. Yount, Sergt. Y. M. Bickle, Private Ed. Huff, Private Ezra T. Cook, Mr. John C. Grover)

Parson Brownlow
(Column 2)

Summary: Another account of the excess of rhetoric that characterized the public speeches of Parson Brownlow. This speech at Knoxville is reported to have called for the virtual annihilation of Southerners.

The Legislature
(Column 2)

Summary: A caustic appraisal of the accomplishments of the latest extra session of the legislature called by Governor Letcher.

Full Text of Article:

When the Legislature was convened in extra session by the call of Governor Letcher we expressed the belief that the result would be a protracted session, increased debt of the State, and no compensating good accomplished. The time of their adjournment has arrived, and, with the exception of the repeal of a law adopted at the previous session, undoing their own work, what good has been accomplished? We did not expect much, and verily we have not been disappointed. They have not done much harm, and for that we feel thankful.

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: The "Yankee forces" have been taking out the frustration engendered by their recent defeat at the hands of Gen. Imboden on the women of the Shenandoah Valley. In at least two occasions the army has punished women for their support of the Confederacy.

Full Text of Article:

The victory of Gen. Imboden at Charlestown seems to have aroused the ire of the Yankee forces in that section, and they are spending their wrath in persecuting the defenceless women of the Valley. A few days since they expelled from their homes the daughters of Capt. J. W. Rowan, of the 2d Virginia regiment, and one or two other ladies. At Shepherdstown, in the same county, they have arrested several Southern ladies and required them to take the oath or be sent South.

T. S. Declined
(Column 2)

Summary: A communication signed T. S. is refused publication since it anonymously assails the character of another editor. If the objectionable sections of the letter are removed, the Spectator will gladly publish it.

Surgical Operation
(Column 2)

Summary: As a result of the skills of Drs. Gibson, Peachy, and Petticolas, Dr. Stribling, the Superintendent of the C. L. Insane Asylum, is out of danger, and appears to be on the road to recovery.

Mosby Up And Doing
(Column 2)

Summary: Continuing coverage of the exploits of General Mosby's cavalry troops. In this case, he led a raid to within a mile of General Meade's headquarters and captured over fifty Union soldiers.

A Cheerful View
(Column 3)

Summary: A rosy appraisal of the state of the conflict with positive reports from all the theaters of war. The public is urged to continue its efforts and sacrifices and is assured that, with a total commitment, the war can be won.

Origin of Article: The Lynchburg Republican

Full Text of Article:

The Lynchburg Republican says that in Virginia, Lee has disposed of the army of "Northern Virginia" for the winter. In Charleston Beauregard holds the enemy continually in preparation for the capture of that city. In Tennessee, Bragg has driven Rosencrans to the defensive, and after one roar from his lair, the beast has been turned upon by his own companions, and deposed from his command. In Trans-Mississippi, Kirby Smith, Dick Taylor, Price and Magruder, have made a run upon Banks, and the latter seems to have suspended. In East Tennessee movements seem to be in progress that will eventually yield fruits of success. Take it all together, we consider the aspect of affairs as very cheering, and if the people are not lulled into a false security, but be ever vigilant to act up to the wishes of the Administration, and provide for the necessities of the army, they will have nothing to fear, for we can sustain the war with or without the aid and moral influence of the whole of Europe.

Gen. Pillow's Conscript Bureau
(Column 3)

Summary: The capacity of the armies of Generals Johnston and Bragg to continue their efforts despite horrendous losses is attributed to the organization and skill of General Pillow, the head of the Conscript Bureau. General Pillow is successful in his efforts due to his willingness to use draconian measures to meet the manpower needs of the army.

Origin of Article: The Atlanta Appeal

From The Trans Mississippi
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that recently received newspapers from Alexandria (La.) contain little news but are filled with an optimistic spirit.

Origin of Article: Alexandria (La.) papers

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Given the logistics of their situation, the people of Virginia are urged to forgo meat in an effort to sustain their military forces.

Full Text of Article:

Economy in the use of all the necessaries of life is now absolutely necessary and our people should begin to practice it at once. The soldiers in the army must have meats to feed on, or they cannot fight, and in order to ensure them a supply, those out of the army must do with very little, if any. In Virginia, where a large army is to be fed, and where a large portion of the grazing and stock-raising territory is in the hands of the abolitionists, the stock of beef, hogs and sheep, is being rapidly used up, and will soon be exhausted. Further South the supply is much larger, but the difficulty of bringing it here is so great that we need expect none save for army purposes. The people, therefore, had as well make up their minds to use but little meat, and the sooner they do so the better for our cause.

New York Feeling Towards The English And French
(Column 3)

Summary: The Herald reports on widespread anger over the "bogus neutrality of England and the anti American schemes of France."

Origin of Article: New York Herald

Subsistence
(Column 3)

Summary: Another article urging restraint on the part of the population in support of the war effort.

Origin of Article: The Richmond Whig

Price's Army
(Column 3)

Summary: An account of Gen. Price's effort to conscript an army.

Origin of Article: St. Louis Republican

Gen. Wm. E. Jones
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the appointment of Gen. Wm. E. Jones to the command of the cavalry forces in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennessee.

Impressment of Labor
(Column 3)

Summary: The 10th section of the "Impressment Act" mandates that "no slaves laboring on farms exclusively devoted to the production of grain and provisions shall be impressed without the consent of the owner, except in case of urgent necessity."

Exchange of Prisoners
(Column 4)

Summary: Recent meetings between Judge Ould and General Meredith at City Point have been unproductive in reestablishing a system of prisoner exchange. The paper opines that the reluctance on the part of the Union side makes further discussion useless.

Origin of Article: The Petersburg Press

The Enemy in the Valley
(Column 4)

Summary: Union forces are reported to once again be occupying Charlestown and are accused of subjecting the civilians to draconian measures.

Important Arrests
(Column 4)

Summary: George Yates of Mt. Sidney, Augusta County, and a number of citizens of Rockingham County were arrested on charges of "aiding, abetting, and piloting deserters from the Confederate armies to the Yankee lines." It is reported that the evidence of their guilt is "clear and unmistakable." [Note that the census does not list any George Yates. John Yates, however, was a Mt. Sidney Unionist during the pre-war period.]
(Names in announcement: Geo. Yates)

Origin of Article: Rockingham Register

Full Text of Article:

We learn from the Rockingham Register that Geo. Yates, of Mt. Sidney, in this county, and Samuel Wheelbarger, Geo. Cooper, David Cooper, (father and son) Geo. W. Ramsey, Geo. Hume, Samuel Bowman, Wm. Coffman, Jno. D. Keiser and Rev. Wm. Dunlap, all of Rockingham county, were arrested one day last week, and sent to Richmond, charged with aiding, abetting and piloting deserters from the Confederate armies to the Yankee lines. The Register says they have long been suspected, and the evidences of their guilt is clear, and unmistakable.

From Tennessee
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports from Tennessee indicate that Confederate pickets are within three miles of Loudon, Tennessee.

Origin of Article: The Atlanta Confederacy

Saving Stock
(Column 4)

Summary: The government is urged to restrain itself in the impressment of livestock for fear of depleting the breeding stock. In addition, prudent measures are urged upon the populace in the belief that "[we] are in for a long and wasting war."

Origin of Article: Dispatch

Full Text of Article:

In impressing beef and hogs for the army, an eye should be had to the importance of preserving a sufficiency of stock for breeding purposes. In some sections of the country nearly all the milch [sic] cows have been taken for beef cattle, and in others scarcely a hog is to be found. If the war continues two or three years longer--as it probably will--the great mass of the people will be compelled to live on little or no meats; and in order to do this they ought to plant out orchards and vineyards, cultivate the Chinese sugar can extensively, and devote great care to the rearing of poultry of every description. We are in for a long and wasting war, and to come out of it successfully those who are not fit for field service must determine to live frugally, and to spare no efforts to feed and clothe the soldiers who have to do the fighting.

A Wealthy Farmer
(Column 4)

Summary: A tongue-in-cheek recommendation that the government restore its currency by initiating a tax on "every man in the Confederacy, whose home has not been despoiled by the Abolition raiders."

The Bight Spirit
(Column 4)

Summary: In South Carolina a system of pricing corn has been developed that charges one dollar a bushel of corn to soldier's families, two dollars and fifty cents to refugees who have lost their property, and five dollars to refugees who have not suffered greatly. The author urges a comparable system for Virginia.

More of Wheeler's Operations
(Column 4)

Summary: According to reports, Gen. Wheeler has inflicted extensive damage along the line of his march.

Not Heard From
(Column 4)

Summary: Up-dating an earlier report, it is noted with sadness that Dr. Rucker appears to have made good on his escape to the North.

To The Friends of the 52d Virginia Regiment
(Column 5)

Summary: James H. Skinner, Commander of the 52d Va. Regt., writes to alert the public that Sergts. J. S. Manpin and J. R. Messerly will be in Staunton and will transport packages entrusted to them to members of the regiment.

For The Spectator
(Column 5)

Summary: Capt. E. D. Camden, responding to an earlier article on the availability of yarn to be manufactured into socks, requests that the "Ladies of the Soldiers' Aid Societies" please send fifty pairs of socks to Co. C, of the 25th Va. Infantry. In response the ladies are promised a good price and "many thanks to the fair hands that made them."

Full Text of Article:

Mr. Editor:--I have seen, through the columns of your paper, and been convinced by conversation that I have heard every day, that the people are laboring under a very great mistake in regard to the capture made at Charlestown. They seem to think that the commands of Major Gilmor and Captain McNeil, were the only ones engaged in the fight. It is true, they both bore a conspicuous part, but none more so than McClanahan's Battery and the 62nd Va. Infantry, commanded by the brave and chivalrous officer, Col. Smith. The whole affair as I am capable of judging is as follows: We left Berryville, at 3 o'clock, Sunday morning, the 25th inst, and arrived at Charlestown at sun rise. We found about 400 Yankees, who, at our approach, had taken refuge in the Court House. Our General demanded a surrender. They wished an hour's time in which [they said] to remove the women and children. The General knowing that reinforcements would arrive in that time, refused them 15 minutes. They replied "take us if you can." Our guns were ordered into position, and fired at the buildings when they commenced retreating and were captured by our cavalry. So you see, the truth is, that this Battery shelled them out of their retreat, and the 18th Va. Cavalry, commanded by Col. Geo. Imboden, together with Major Gilmore and Capt. McNeil's commands, captured them. And on our retreat, being pursued by a greatly superior force we escaped admirably, for which much praise is due our beloved General and his brave little band of followers.

ANONYMOUS.

For The Spectator
(Column 5)

Summary: An anonymous letter seeks to alert the public to the contribution of McClanahan's Battery and the 62nd. Va. Infantry under the command of Col. Smith in the recent capture of Charlestown.

Marriage of the Sultan's Daughter
(Column 5)

Summary: A description of the marriage ritual of a Turkish sultan's daughter.

Origin of Article: New York World

Gen. Rosencrans
(Column 5)

Summary: A discussion of the dishonor that has recently befallen Gen Rosencrans.

Morgan And His Men
(Column 6)

Summary: Despite the conventions of the war and the pleas of Colonel Ould, the federal government continues to mistreat Col. Morgan and his men. In particular, the article notes that Col. Morgan and his men have been confined to a penitentiary in Columbus.

Hood And His Men
(Column 6)

Summary: Because General Hood's men held him in such high regard, they took up a collection to see that he received a cork leg after his had been amputated.

Origin of Article: The Atlanta Confederacy

Editorial Comment: "A correspondent of the Atlanta Confederacy, writing from Bragg's army, says:"

Lincoln's Last Call
(Column 6)

Summary: Lincoln's recent call for further volunteers and his threat to reinstitute the draft is seen by the author as admission of the problems that beset the North.

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: Announces the marriage, on October 27, 1863, at Rockbridge Baths, Rockbridge County, Va. of P. B. Hodge, of Staunton, to Miss Mary E. Jordan. The wedding was officiated by Rev. W. W. Trimble.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. W. Trimble, P. B. Hoge, Wm. JordanEsq., Miss Mary E. Jordan)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: On October 15, 1863, Capt. Lewis A. Shankelin, of Monroe County, married Miss Lucy. C. Shipman, formerly of Augusta County, at the residence of the officiating minister, Rev. James W. Bennett.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Lewis A. Shankelin, Miss Lucy C. Shipman, Rev. James W. Bennett)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: On October 22, 1863, Robert N. Wright, of Warren County was married to Miss Lucy F. Roller, daughter of Capt. Peter Roller, in a ceremony performed by Rev. J. C. Hensel.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Robert N. Wright, Miss Lucy F. Roller, Capt. Peter Roller, Rev. J. C. Hensel)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: On October 22, 1863, John H. Alexander wed Miss Sarah Craun. Both the bride and groom are residents of Augusta County.
(Names in announcement: Mr. John H. Alexander, Miss Sarah Craun)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: On September 28, 1863, Mr. William H. Schumate, of Warm Springs, wed Miss Louisa Campbell, of Highland County, at her father's home. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. W. T. Price, with the assistance of Rev. Messrs. Stewart Rider and J. W. Carter. Both the bride and groom are residents of Augusta County.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Wm. H. Schumate, Miss Louisa Campbell, William CampbellEsq., Rev. W. T. Price, Rev. Mr. Stewart Rider, Rev. Mr. J. W. Carter)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: Announces the marriage of Mr. Charles G. Miller to Miss Malvina Gay Burns, daughter of Capt. John Burns, all of Bath County.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Wm. T. Price, Mr. Charles G. Miller, Capt. John Burns, Miss Malvina Gay Burns)

Obituary
(Column 6)

Summary: Consists of a poem by "A Friend" written on the death of Corporal John Armentrout, a member of Co. E., 5th Virginia Infantry, who was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg and died approximately a month later.
(Names in announcement: Corporal John Armentrout)

Obituary
(Column 6)

Summary: Notice of the death of Sallie B. Huff, who died at twenty-two years old in Highland County, just a few months after her marriage to J. T. Huff. She was said to have been reconciled to her fate and was buried in her wedding dress.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Sallie B. Huff, J. T. Huff)

Obituary
(Column 6)

Summary: At the age of thirty-seven years old, Mrs. Rebecca A. Cleek, wife of John Cleek, Jr., and daughter of the late Wm. Sitlington, passed away from pneumonia.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Rebecca A. Cleek, John CleekJr., Wm SitlingtonJr.)