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Staunton Spectator: September 28, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Memory of our Deceased Soldiers
(Column 06)

Summary: "W. H. T." asked Virginians to remember and honor their brave soldiers, even though this may be a painful memory to recall. Closed with a poem.

Full Text of Article:

Whilst we are contemplating upon the passing scenes of life, marking each moment as it flies, and recording upon memory's pages the changes incidental to our animated existence -- may we not forget to pause a moment to reflect upon those illustrious dead who fell in vindication of their native soil. Both the ties of nature, and the bonds of affection, demand that we should cherish with high veneration the memory of our brothers, our relatives, our friends. We do not think it at all probable that those dead ones have been forgotten; for how can we erase from memory the mental images of those brave and noble patriots who chose death rather than submission.

Some one may say that this subject is too painful to be recalled to mind, and others perhaps, that it is a matter of little consequence whether the dead are remembered or forgotten; but I would think it much more painful to know that we were to die and be forgotten. -- Let us then in our minds' eye review the battle fields where the heroes who fought for justice are sleeping their last sleep of death. Our dead! where are they? Would you seek their last resting place? Then go to the plains of Manassas and you will find them there sleeping in all the honor and glory of the slain soldier. Visit the battle-fields of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, and you will find them there. Go to the banks of the James and call for our dead, and the murmuring waters of that stream as they glide swiftly along, on their way to the sea, will respond to your call, and gently proclaim that our dead are resting there. Survey the fields of a thousand battles, and you will perceive there, where many of our friends and comrades are quietly reposing.

Sleep on, brave soldiers, and take your rest where the battle-cry disturbs you not, and the clash of arms is never heard. You have fallen in defence of your homes and firesides, and we humbly trust that high Heaven will reward you for your gallantry, and in memory of the slain may it be inscribed upon the hearts of the living, Dulce et decoran est pro patria mori.

Sleep on, brave soldiers, take your rest

Where the din of battles cease,

And the war trump's sound disturb you not,

THERE MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

The winds a tale of you unfold--

The stream lets murmur too--

The leaflets tremble in the breeze,

IN MEMORY OF YOU.

We'll not forget to mourn your loss,

And speak of you with pride;

Brave soldiers of the southern cross,

HOW NOBLY YOU HAVE DIED.

Sleep on brave soldiers! sleep in peace,

As quiet as the dove;

Till Heaven's trump shall call you home,

TO BETTER WORLDS ABOVE.

W. H. T.

BEALETON STATION, Va., Sept. 15th, 1869.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Lynchburg Virginian advised the Legislature to simply ratify the fifteenth amendment, and then dissolve. Also reported that three hundred cadets are currently enrolled at the Virginia Military Institute and more may arrive later.

Full Text of Article:

The Lynchburg Virginian expresses the wish that the Legislature will say nothing, and do nothing, at its meeting but ratify the fifteenth amendment. This is our view of the whole duty imposed upon it; and such we believe to be the view of a large majority of the people of Virginia. They want a silent Legislature, for once that will give a single vote and adjourn.

The Virginia Military Institute has already present upwards of three hundred cadets, and will very certainly reach, during the session, three hundred and fifty to four hundred.

Valley Railroad
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper printed excerpts from the Baltimore Gazette expressing support for a $1,000,000 appropriation to the Valley Railroad. The increased trade from the Valley would benefit Baltimore greatly.

For the Spectator
(Column 04)

Summary: An anonymous writer reiterated the importance of the proposed Valley Railroad for Augusta county. Called the project the most important enterprise for the future of the Valley and urged the immediate raising of capital for its construction. At the end, he suggested that Commodore Matthew Maury of Lexington serve as President of the Valley Rail Road Company.

Full Text of Article:

MR. EDITOR: -- On all hands it is acknowledged that the construction of the Valley Rail Road is the greatest enterprise upon which the future of our Valley is based. Without it we languish -- with it, and the advantages we would derive from it in the development of our resources, agricultural, mineral and manufacturing, it would be difficult to estimate the amount of wealth which would fall into the possession of the present owners of the lands of the great Valley. Column after column of your sheet might be exhausted in telling the well understood tale, but at last we know that the construction of the Road is dependent upon the raising of the necessary capital, and that again upon the names and reputation of the men who, as the leaders and conductors of the enterprise, are to disburse it. The writer has nothing to say in disparagement of the gentleman who up to this time has had charge of the fortunes of the Road. He has done his part well and faithfully in arousing attention to the claims of this Road to general and local favor. It is believed that his efforts in that behalf have assured the subscription of the necessary capital, and now the question arises who shall be the leader in the prosecution of the work to its completion -- upon whom shall the meeting of Stockholders, convened for the 12th of October next, devolve this important duty. We have in our own Valley a great and mighty name -- a name famous throughout the civilized world in its connection with science and works of practical utility -- a name which commands the respect of all interested in our great work and which would call forth the necessary contributions of capital -- a citizen of our neighboring county of Rockbridge, which by her liberality and promptitude in voting $400,000 to the stock of the Road has entitled herself to a foremost position in its organization. I nominate for President of the Valley Rail Road Company, Commodore Matthew F. Maury, of Lexington. What says the Press and people of the Valley? AUGUSTA.

Incendiarism
(Column 01)

Summary: An old house used as a granary and stable by John Gregory of Staunton was destroyed by fire. He lost 130 bushels of wheat.
(Names in announcement: John Gregory)

Married
(Column 03)

Summary: Alex C. King of Augusta and Mrs. Martha F. Brown of Albemarle were married at the Staunton residence of George Harlan on September 26th by the Rev. George C. Kramer.
(Names in announcement: Alex C. King, Martha F. Brown, Rev. George C. Kramer)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Washington Swink died at his residence near Moscow on September 19th. He was 55 years old.
(Names in announcement: Washington Swink)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: John T. Arnall died of paralysis at his Staunton residence on September 22nd. "Mr. Arnall was generally known and highly esteemed by the people of Augusta county whom, for many years, he had served with fidelity and efficiency in important public trusts. As a public officer he was distinguished for promptness, clearness and method in all his transactions, and for a genial and pleasant manner, which gained friends and secured good will. As a citizen, he was the advocate and exemplar of that sound conservatism which recognizes civil liberty as dependent upon social order and the supremacy of the law. In all the social and family relations, as neighbor, friend, father and husband, he lived and died without reproach, leaving to his family the priceless inheritance of a good name."
(Names in announcement: John T. Arnall)