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Staunton Spectator: November 24, 1863 Go To Page : 1 | 2 |

A Stir Among The Unnaturalized
(Column 6)

Summary: The author urges Congress to begin conscripting unnaturalized white residents of the South. It is, according to this article, "intolerable that, while our relatives of every degree are subjected to the dangers and privations of the field, a set of men, who are amongst us for the purpose of feathering their own nest, no matter at what cost to the Confederacy, should shirk service on the plea that they are aliens."

Origin of Article: Petersburg Express

Full Text of Article:

We understand, says the Petersburg Express, that there is considerable excitement among the unnaturalized "white folks" in the Confederacy. They are very apprehensive that one of the first steps of Congress, upon its re-assembling, will be to put those among them who are of proper age and fit for service, in the army. This apprehension, we sincerely hope, is very well founded; for Congress will be exceedingly remiss in its duty if it does not promptly pass a bill, to go forthwith into effect, to bring alien residents in the Confederacy, who are within the conscript age, into the service. The law must be a stringent one, for there will be an infinite deal of hard swearing about "a temporary residence," the "animo revertendi," &c. Some ought to get off on the "animo revertendi," principle, but, in our opinion, very few are entitled to come within this rule. Certainly, no man of proper age for service, who has been engaged in business in the Confederacy since the war began, let him swear never so hard, should be exempted under this principle. If he does not love us well enough to be imbued with the "animo manendi." a little genuine persuasion should be applied to induce him to "pitch his tent and tabernacle with us." The idea is intolerable that, while our relatives of every degree are subjected to the dangers and privations of the field, a set of men, who are amongst us for the purpose of feathering their own nest, no matter at what cost to the Confederacy, should shirk service on the plea that they are aliens. They stay here, are protected by our laws in their persons and property, pay no taxes for support of Government, discredit the credit of the Government that protects them by hoarding the "metals" to them so "precious," and then will fly the country to enjoy the wealth they will take with them rather than life an arm or pay a dollar for the defense of the asylum that has given them protection and wealth. Let Congress, if it has either the brains or the nerve to do so, deal promptly with these gentry. The country expects this legislation, and will be satisfied with nothing else.

True Patriotism
(Column 6)

Summary: While facing death from wounds received at a battle near White Sulphur, Private Minner left his entire estate of $15,000, upon the death of his Mother, to the Confederacy. This heroic example of patriotism serves as the basis for a comparison of this noble sentiment with those in the population who continue to have their actions dictated by self-interest and greed.

A Patriotic Speech
(Column 6)

Summary: An extract from a recent speech by General Forrest speaks of the necessity of continued effort, while assuring the audience that the Confederate banner "...is waving in triumph in almost every part of the country."

Editorial Comment: "General Forrest, during a recent visit to his family in Upper Georgia, made a patriotic appeal to his former command. Annexed is an abstract from it:"

Government Whiskey
(Column 6)

Summary: Estimates that Virginia produces roughly five million gallons of whiskey per year. The author questions the need for such levels of production.

Origin of Article: Lexington Gazette

Full Text of Article:

What does the Confederate Government do with all of its whiskey? Rockbridge is manufacturing it at the rate of nearly 200,000 gallons per year, Augusta county about 300,000 gallons, giving a total amount for two counties of 500,000. Suppose these two counties to make one tenth of all that is made in the State, (which is probably a low estimate), and we have FIVE MILLIONS [5,000,000] OF GALLONS as Virginia's contribution to this line of supplies. Now if all the other States together furnish as much more, we have no less than TEN MILLIONS (10,000,000) OF GALLONS. This is enough to deluge all the hospitals in the Confederacy with all the patients they contain.--[Lexington Gazette.

New Policy Of The Enemy
(Column 7)

Summary: The Mississippi Extra believes that the North's recent cessation of the prisoner exchange indicates that the Union has adopted a strategy of attrition. In the face of this strategy, the author urges the Confederate soldiers to "take as small a number of prisoners as possible, and never to surrender, while there is the most infinitesimal particle of hope of being able to escape."

Origin of Article: The Mississippi Extra

Editorial Comment: "The 'Mississippi Extra,' speaking of the stoppage of the exchange of prisoners makes a comment and a practical suggestion:"

Affairs In Tennessee
(Column 7)

Summary: Recent accounts from Tennessee indicate that the Northern forces are in a precarious situation and could face major reversals. With "Burnside driven to the wall, the army of Rosecrans, now commanded by Sherman, will have its hands full, with the two columns united on one side of him, and Bragg on the other, whilst Wheeler, with his fifteen thousand cavalry, will distress them no little by operations on their line of communication with Murfreesboro and Nashville," the Southern forces are set for a major triumph as long as their spirit is up to the task.

Origin of Article: The Petersburg Express

The First Secessionist
(Column 7)

Summary: In examining the congressional record, it appears that Mr. Quincy of Massachusetts may have been the first secessionist. This belief is based on a speech made by Quincy during the debate over the creation of a state government for the territory of Orleans. During his speech, Quincy declared "...if this bill passes the bonds of this Union are virtually dissolved; that the States which compose it are free from their obligations; and that, as it will be the duty of some, to prepare definitely for a separation--amicably, if they can; violently if they must."

Fort Sumter--The Bombardment Against It
(Column 7)

Summary: Reporting on the conditions at Fort Sumter, the Northern correspondent expresses grudging admiration for the soldiers resisting the heavy bombardment of their position. He notes that "[t]he defence of Fort Sumter cannot fail to stir in the hearts of our men that feeling of respect, which the true soldier always has for a brave and determined foe."

Editorial Comment: "A Yankee correspondent, writing of the bombardment of Fort Sumter, says:"

Peace And Union
(Column 7)

Summary: Commenting on the opposition papers in the North, the author notes that they are deluded in their belief that if only the Democrats had control of the war effort they would be able to secure a peace settlement and preserve the Union.

Origin of Article: The New York Freeman's Journal

The Maryland Election
(Column 7)

Summary: The New York Tribune interprets the results of the recent elections in Maryland as a vote to declare Maryland a free state.

Origin of Article: The New York Tribune

Editorial Comment: "The New York Tribune is very happy over the election in Baltimore. While expressing its joy over the results it says:"

War News
(Column 1)

Summary: Provides brief accounts of military affairs from Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

The Enemy In Greenbrier
(Column 2)

Summary: Discusses recent actions by federal troops in the Shenandoah Valley. In particular, the article notes a number of abuses committed upon the civilian population near Lewisburg.

Virginia Hotel
(Column 2)

Summary: The public is notified of the sale of the Virginia Hotel to Mr. Frederick Scheffer of Woodstock.

More Prisoners
(Column 2)

Summary: Two more prisoners have been turned over to the local jail. Mr. Henry Kelly is from Lynchburg and was captured while endeavoring to pass through the Confederate lines to Harper's Ferry to assist federal forces in the construction of a bridge. Mr. Elias Bumbarger is from Shenandoah and is charged with aiding and abetting desertions from the Confederate army.

Wanted
(Column 2)

Summary: In a sarcastic article, the paper asks for the public to submit the names of all the farmers who have "strictly and honestly" complied with the patriotic resolutions adopted at the September court.

Full Text of Article:

Wanted for publication the names of those farmers who have strictly and honestly complied with the patriotic resolutions adopted at the September Court. Many resolved, but few have acted. We desire to give publicity to
"The few, immortal names"
That did not "resolve"--to lie.

If our space in the regular issue be too limited to contain the names, we will publish them in an extra. Virtue is sure to be rewarded. Under the magic influence of these patriotic resolutions, the price of flour has advanced 100 per cent. Another such patriotic meeting would, like the touch of Midas, convert every barrel of flour into gold. Call another meeting--it affords such relief to the poor!

25th Va. Infantry
(Column 3)

Summary: As part of an appeal for socks, the author reminds the public of the sacrifices and accomplishments of the 25th Va. Infantry. The author also notes that Lieut. Col. R. D. Lilley is from Staunton.
(Names in announcement: Col. John C. Higgenbotham, Lieut. Col. R. D. Lilley)

Editorial Comment: "We certainly think that the people of Augusta and surrounding counties ought to do something for these veteran soldiers who have been fighting our battles and enduring hardships since the beginning of the war."

Va. Central R. Road
(Column 3)

Summary: An economic analysis derived from the report of the President of the Virginia Central Railroad shows a net revenue of $768, 283.59 for the year. The article also notes that the Cowpasture bridge is nearing completion, at which time the whole road will be brought into operation as far as Jackson's river.

Withholding Corn
(Column 3)

Summary: Citing biblical scripture, the author reminds merchants to sell their grains at a fair price and they will reap the "luxury of doing good."

Full Text of Article:

As many persons are now withholding corn [which means all kinds of grain] we would again call their attention to the following passage of Scripture: "He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him," but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it." We would recommend those who are now withholding corn, to post this upon the doors of their granaries that they may read it and reflect upon it whenever the poor are beseeching them to sell them grain at a fair price.

Be kind and charitable to the poor, and you will experience the "luxury of doing good."

House Burned
(Column 3)

Summary: The dwelling house and kitchen of Mr. Clemens Ervine of Rockingham County was consumed in a fire that began, it is believed, when a spark landed on the kitchen roof. The total loss is estimated at about $10,000.

Blown Up
(Column 3)

Summary: Last week, a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad carrying Union troops was destroyed by torpedoes.

Revival
(Column 3)

Summary: The M. E. Church of Staunton has been experiencing a major revival of late, with 170 persons making a profession of faith and over 70 actually joining the church.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Mr. Dice)

Full Text of Article:

A meeting of great interest has been in progress in the M. E. Church of this place for the last four weeks under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr. Dice. One hundred have made a profession of religion and Seventy have joined the Church--the meeting is still continued, and the congregations continue to be very large.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Northern papers describe a series of labor actions by stage-drivers, tailors, tin- workers, and copper and sheet-iron workers.

Origin of Article: New York papers

Homeguards Of Rockbridge
(Column 4)

Summary: In thanking the men of the Rockbridge Home Guard, Gen. Imboden notes that while the guard wasn't actually in combat, "you have been nearer a battle than many soldiers who had served 12 months." He also congratulates the men of the company in their choice of a commander, who served with Gen. Imboden at the commencement of the war.

Origin of Article: Lexington Gazette

Editorial Comment: "Our citizens know that the Home Guards at Rockbridge responded very promptly to the call to rally to the support of Gen. Imboden when it was thought the services were needed to meet the advancing force under Gen'l. Averill. Before dismissing the Home Guards of that county, Gen. Imboden addressed them, as reported by the Lexington Gazette, as follows:"

The Real Issue
(Column 4)

Summary: Argues that there can be no compromise on the issues for which this war is being fought. The alternatives are independence and total subjugation.

Origin of Article: Richmond Whig

Full Text of Article:

Whatever may have been the true relations of the States to the Federal Government prior to the partial disruption of the Union, touching which there was a diversity of opinion among our own people, there is no shadow of doubt now as to what must be the future relations of the States that seceded to what is still called the United States. These are to be thorough and perfect separation, with unconditional independence, or, this failing, then absolute and hopeless subjugation to the power of the Yankee race, political ostracism, social degradation, and loss of everything which a white man ever deemed worthy of preservation. The issue is distinct and definite. The last resort of nations can alone determine it. The people of the Confederate States must lose everything, or make good their independence. There is no alternative, nor ought there to be any. Absolute independence from the old Yankee Government is a necessity we have to embrace, and we can never think of the close of the war upon any other basis.

The Citizens Of Fairfield
(Column 4)

Summary: Recent measures adopted in Fairfield, South Carolina and Clark County, Mississippi seek to supply the families of soldiers with corn and necessary supplies. In South Carolina, the citizens are asked to supply one bushel of corn for every slave they own. In Mississippi, planters are being asked to subscribe one-fiftieth part of their corn crop to the cause, and the names of those who agree and those who refuse are to be published.

Capture of the R. E. Lee
(Column 4)

Summary: According to New York papers, the R. E. Lee has been captured along with a valuable supply of quartermaster stores.

The Poor Of Savannah
(Column 4)

Summary: The Georgia House of Representatives has passed a bill that will provide ten thousand dollars a year for three years to pay the rent of the families of indigent soldiers in Savannah.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Henrico County has appropriated the sum of $27,000 for the relief of poor families of that county.

[No Title]
(Column 5)

Summary: Responding to a lack of respect for the Southern troops on the part of Gen. Averill, the author of this letter looks forward to the opportunity to engage the general in battle and acquaint him with the valor of his company.

Origin of Article: "AJAX, of 62d."

For The Spectator
(Column 5)

Summary: A letter from Camp Stonewall Brigade alerts the readers to the actions of two gentlemen from Staunton (names not disclosed) who recently arrived at camp with packages for various soldiers. Despite the fact that these gentlemen had solicited packages and announced that they would deliver them without charge, upon arrival at the camp they charged the soldiers exorbitant prices for carrying the goods to the camp.

Full Text of Article:

Camp Stonewall Brigade,
Nov. 11, 1863,

Mr. Editor:--We wish to call your attention, and through the medium of your well known paper, the attention of the public, to what we consider the shameful and degrading conduct of two citizens of Augusta, who lately paid a visit to our camp near Brandy Station, one of these individuals has a son, and the other, two brothers in company D, 5th Va. Regt. of Infantry. These persons, before they left home, pretended, to all concerned, that they would take pleasure in attending to any boxes of provision or any thing else that the relations and friends of our soldiers wished to send them, without charging any price for their trouble. Under this impression, a great many packages were entrusted to their care.--On their arrival at camp, these men charged our soldiers the most exhorbitant [sic] prices for bringing down things, which it can be proved were hauled at a low rate of charge to Staunton, and on which they had to pay little or no freight on the cars; in some instances they charged more than the value of the package or box consigned to their care. The reason we do not mention the names of the perpetrators of this Yankee trick, is because of the fact that, they are already too well known in the regiment, and we also wish to give them a warning which may teach them better. If the thing is repeated we intend to publish them by name in both the Staunton papers. If there is one act of meanness greater than another surely it is that low hypocrisy, which, under the guise of kindness to our brave and suffering soldiers, takes care to fill the pockets of scheming speculators and extortioners.

Hoping sir that you will give this article a speedy insertion in your paper, and believing that you and your readers will take the same view of the case as ourselves, we remain with high respect.

Yours Respectfully,
MANY SOLDIERS of 5th Va. Regt.

Trailer: "Many Soldiers of 5th Va. Regt."

The Right Spirit
(Column 5)

Summary: In response to a possible threat by Gen. Averill, the Augusta Raid Guards turned out in fine fashion to repel the enemy. While they weren't actually called on to engage the enemy their turnout indicates that in an emergency they will acquit themselves admirably.
(Names in announcement: Hon. Jno. B. BaldwinCol., Gen. Kenton HarperLt. Col., Capt. AntrimMajor)

Origin of Article: Rockingham Register

Full Text of Article:

We were exceedingly gratified with the spirit of patriotism shown by our neighbors of Augusta county on Friday and Saturday last.

The whole county seemed to be moved by a stern resolve to give the enemy, who was then expected, the best reception possible. We were satisfied, from what we saw, that Averill would have had "a hard road to travel" had he turned his face towards Staunton. There were ten companies, making a fine regiment of 800 or 900 then in the field ready to show the invader that the Augusta Raid Guards were ready for such an emergency as then seemed likely to occur. This formidable and effective organization is composed, of course, of the very best citizens of old Augusta--gentlemen who are exempt from military service, but who will claim no exemption from such obligations should the common enemy dare to put his foot upon their soil.--We were pleased to see several of our citizens who have left the county of Rockingham to reside with our neighbors in the ranks of this fine organization for home defence. The officers selected to lead this regiment of citizen soldiers are Hon. Jno. B. Baldwin, Col., Gen. Kenton Harper, Lt. Colonel, and Capt. Antrim, Major.--Rock Register.

Liberal
(Column 5)

Summary: At a recent united meeting of the Richmond Presbyterian Churches, over $4,000 was raised for the purchase of shoes and socks for the barefooted soldiers of Gen. Lee's army. The money raised was placed in the care of Mr. W. P. Munford, Chairman of the Army Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association.

[No Title]
(Column 5)

Summary: Recent orders from Gen. Butler have mandated capital punishment for all Confederate military personnel caught within Union lines bearing their weapons.

The Mississippi Legislature
(Column 5)

Summary: The Mississippi legislature is currently considering two bills of note. The first would tax all persons who refuse to receive Confederate money in payment of debts, one hundred per cent or more upon the value of such debt; another bill would revoke the current exemption from military service of the legislature.

Death Of General Posey
(Column 5)

Summary: Brig. Gen. Posey, commander of Featherstone's brigade of the 48th Mississippi regiment, died in Charlottesville of wounds he received at the recent fight at Bristoe Station. He was interred in Charlottesville with full military honors.

Capture of Dr. Peters
(Column 5)

Summary: Dr. Peters, who murdered Gen. Van Dorn, was recently captured on his plantation upon the Mississippi river, where he was reportedly engaged in selling wood to the Northern troops. Upon his capture, Dr. Peters claimed that he had long desired to return to the Confederacy to stand trial on the charges that he had murdered Gen. Van Dorn.

Floridas
(Column 6)

Summary: A number of citizens of Alachua County, Florida have pledged themselves to furnish "to soldiers' families, and those who are not engaged in speculation, whatever supplies we have to spare, for confederate money, and at the prices that may be assessed from time to time by the Government Commissioners of the State. We further agree to furnish FREE OF CHARGE, to such soldiers' families as are unable to pay--feeling that this is no act of charity, but a debt due from us to our brave soldiers."

Origin of Article: The Charleston Courier

Republican "Majorities" In Ohio
(Column 6)

Summary: The recent majorities secured by Republican candidates in the state of Ohio are attributed to widespread voter fraud rather than popular sentiment.

Editorial Comment: "The following from a Northern paper, explains the great 'majorities' the Republicans boast of having received in the late election in Ohio:"

The Yankee Congress
(Column 6)

Summary: The Northern Congress is believed to be about equally divided between Administration (92), and Democrats and border states (90) seats.

Origin of Article: The New York Tribune

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: Mr. Bernard S. Brown, of Rockingham, and Miss Bettie A. Armstrong, daughter of Col. Edward J. Armstrong, were married on November 5th.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Bernard S. Brown, Miss Bettie A. Armstrong, Col. Edward J. Armstrong, Rev. J. J. Lafferty)