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Valley Spirit: October 29, 1862 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

The London Times on the Battles in Maryland
(Column 5)

Summary: A report from the London Times of October 2, relating the details of the battle at Sharpsburg. The correspondent describes the Federal victory as a surprise and credits it to McClellan's willingness to engage the enemy. Until now, the Confederates had outfought superior Union armies, but the fight now seems to be about equal.

Origin of Article: London Times

Penalty for Refusing to Serve When Drafted
(Column 6)

Summary: The editors relate the penalties for evading the draft, which are a fine of not more than one years pay and not less than one month's pay, and, on refusing to pay, an imprisonment at the rate of one month for every five dollars owed. The penalty was set out in an act of Congress in 1795.

To Democrats
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors claim that the Democratic party has been more "traduced and vilified" than any other. Now that the Democrats have triumphed in the recent elections, the editors urge them not to retaliate against those who have persecuted them.

Infamous Proscription
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors claim that all employees of the Philadelphia Arsenal who did not vote Republican in the election were fired, and they argue that abolitionist leaders are willing to discard white workers.

Origin of Article: Constitutional Union

Hurra for the People!
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors interpret recent Democratic victories as an indication that Northern voters have endorsed the Democratic policy of "the Constitution as it is and the Union as it was." Such a policy should be encouraging to the average citizen of the South, the editors believe, as it promises a return to the Union with all their rights intact. However, the editors conclude, Confederate leaders are still determined to fight, and a strong show of force will be necessary to discredit these leaders.

Origin of Article: Louisville Democrat

The Recent Election: Will Abraham Lincoln Listen to their Teachings?
(Column 3)

Summary: The writer takes issue with the Philadelphia Inquirer's interpretation of the election as an endorsement of President Lincoln. In the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, Democrats gained nine seats, with fifteen Democratic congressmen and nine Republicans. Democratic control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives gives Democrats a majority on the joint ballot, which will give them enough power to name David Wilmot's replacement in the Senate. A number of prominent Pennsylvania abolitionists were defeated at the polls. Ohio and Indiana show similar results. Voters have "peaceably notified" Lincoln that they are tired of emancipation, tired of "Abolition treason," tired of criticism of McClellan, and tired of the suspension of habeas corpus. The editors wonder if Lincoln will hear the voters' message.

Origin of Article: Constitutional Union

Pennsylvania Election--Official
(Column 5)

Summary: Gives the county-by-county breakdown of votes for auditor general and surveyor general, the breakdown of votes within the Adams-Franklin-Fulton-Bedford-Somerset congressional district, the breakdown of votes within the Adams-Franklin-Fulton state senatorial district, and the breakdown of votes within the Franklin-Fulton legislative district. It also includes a roll of the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives.

The Drafted Militia
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors praise the quality of the recently drafted soldiers from Franklin County and claim that they are of even higher quality than the volunteers from the area. They editors believe the draftees will most likely be stationed within Pennsylvania, and they ask for a detail to be placed in Chambersburg.

Full Text of Article:

We think that we never saw a finer body of men, physically, than the drafted men that appeared in our town on Tuesday last. They are much superior, as a general thing, to the volunteers, and judging from appearances will make as good, if not better, soldiers, than any that this County has already sent to the "tented field." Universal good humor prevailed amongst them and every man we conversed with expressed a determination to "pitch into" the Rebels as soon as they got a chance.

It is highly probable that the drafted men of the border counties, will go into camps, near the state line, for the protection of the Old Commonwealth from future incursions of horse thieves under Stuart and Hampton. The government should, by all means, establish a camp near this place and send here several batteries of artillery, so that if the enemy again makes an inroad, in this direction, we may be able to give him a warm reception.

List of Deaths in Hospitals in Chambersburg, since October 4
(Column 1)

Summary: Academy Hospital: Sgt. George D. Robertson, Co. A, 1st NY Cavalry, d. Oct. 12; Corp. John Kellam, Co. C, 88th PA, d. Oct. 15; 2nd Lieut. Charles W. Bean, Co. H, 5th NH, d. Oct. 19. School Hall Hospital: Private Patrick Mulligan, Co. K, 1st CA, d. Oct. 4; Private J. Danforth, Co. C, 19th MA, d. Oct. 5; Private Stephen H. Ellis, Co. H, 137th PA, d. Oct. 8; Lieut. J. Finch, Co. A, 124th PA, d. Oct. 20. Franklin Hall: Private Charles A. Trask, Co. K, 13th MA, d. Oct. 1; Private C. H. Wellington, Co. K, 13th MA, d. Oct. 1; Capt. Zechariah Dakins, Co. K, 95th NY, d. Oct. 7; Corp. A. G. Edwards, Co. A, 125th PA, d. Oct. 9; Private Isaiah S. Hartman, Co. C, 132nd PA, d. Oct. 20; Private Edward H. Kunkles, Co. I, 4th MD, d. Oct. 22.

The Depot
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors visited the burned-out railroad depot and warehouse of Wunderlich and Nead. They complimented both the Cumberland Valley Railroad and Wunderlich and Nead for their efforts to rebuild.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Wunderlich, Mr. Nead)

Accident
(Column 1)

Summary: Cyrus Knepper of Quincy Township was badly hurt when he was thrown from the top level of an omnibus as he rode it from Greencastle to Waynesboro. Knepper fell when the omnibus crossed a railroad track, and the wheels passed over his head.
(Names in announcement: Cyrus Knepper)

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors complain that the gas streetlights are often unlit on the darkest and rainiest nights, while on the brightest nights they are lit when they are not needed.

Camp on the Potomac
(Column 2)

Summary: Capt. George L. Miles reports on the activities of Company K of the 126th Reg't Penn Volunteers, which he commands. He reports that every man who mustered into the company is still present, save for several sick in the hospital. He also praises the company for its courage and eagerness to fight, even though they reached the battlefield of Antietam a day after the battle had finished.
(Names in announcement: Capt. George L. Miles)

Full Text of Article:

For the Spirit and Times.

Battle Field of "Antietam,"
October 20th, 1862.

Messrs Editors: I have thought it due my my [sic] company to give some expression of my regard for them, and state some matters connected with our movements, through the public prints. The company designated "G" in the 126th Regiment, Penna. Vols, was among the first reported at Harrisburg, for the Nine Months service. We left Harrisburg on the 15th of August and crossed the Beng Bridge at Washington into Virginia the following day. Since that period we have occupied various camps near Washington and Alexandria and this section of Maryland. We have marched fully two hundred miles afoot, and a portion of our late principal march, namely, from beyond Frederick, to Antietam Battle Field about 27 miles over two mountains, and by night, in 14 hours was certainly one of the most remarkable of this war. It is now nearly three months since we were mustered into the U.S. Army, and I am proud to say that at this date I have every man of the original number yet in my command. A few are sick in the hospital and from the same cause one or two are absent with leave. None, however, are seriously ill. Not one of my men have "deserted," or been arrested for any dishonorable act or for any flagrant violation of the Regulations of the Army. I accept their past conduct as a guarantee for the future in this respect. At this time the roll of my company exhibits as many men for active duty as any other in the Regiment.

It affords me no little pleasure to be enabled to speak in commendatory language of the general conduct of my company. I can say frankly and candidly that they are always prompt and faithful in the discharge of any duty assigned them. To the officers they are respectful, courteous, and obedient. In their intercourse with one another, on and off duty, they are kind, generous and forbearing. Their persons they keep as clean as it is possible to do in camp, and their quarters evidence order and neatness. They have given proof that they are ready at any time to engage actively in the business of their organization, namely fighting for the Stars and Stripes and the glorious cause of their country. Arriving on the day following the battle of Antietam, but before it was certain that that sanguinary contest had ended, they were full of enthusiastic ardor, and ready to march into position with the rest of the army at the word of command. Again, when notified by Gen Tyler, the brave Commander of this Brigade, on the next Saturday, that they would certainly face the enemy in conflict within a very short time, they were ready without flinching for the order to move. On the late reconnaissance over and several miles beyond the Potomac into the enemy's country, and which was fraught with danger at every step they proceeded bravely and determinedly. The enemies shells and bullets came towards them thick and fast, but they still advanced boldly over rough roads and newly furrowed fields, climbing rocks and high fences and pushing through almost impenetrable woods. They did all this without a murmur or faltering in the least.

I make this record of my command after three months intimate association with them for the simple purpose of indicating to their relatives and friends, their past conduct and what we may all hope for in the future. I have spoken of them with no intention to disparage the claims of my fellow officers and their companies, in this regiment, or to undervalue their services, for we are all associated and united in a common purpose and a sacred cause.

It may be of interest to the families of my men to know that the 31st of the present month is the date fixed for the appearance of the Paymaster, when each man will be paid the amount due him for three months services.

George L. Miles,
Capt. Co. G. 126th Regt., Pa. Vols.

Trailer: Capt. George L. Miles

A Proclamation
(Column 2)

Summary: Reprint of a proclamation issued by Gov. Andrew Curtain, recommending that the people of the Commonwealth set aside Thursday, November 27, as a day of "Solemn Prayer and Thanksgiving to the Almighty." He adds a prayer for God to aid the leaders to have "right judgement" in things, and to grant military leaders "zeal and vigor in action, that the fire of rebellion may be quenched."

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: Hasting Gehr of Washington City married Mary F. Smith, daughter of the late Frederick Smith, Esq., of Chambersburg, on October 23.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. Steck, Hasting Gehr, Frederick Smith, Mary F. Smith)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: William Witman of Harrisburg married Kate Deck of Franklin County at the house of the bride's father on October 2.
(Names in announcement: Rev. M. Snyder, William Witman, Kate Deck)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: Martin Grove and Margaret E. Karper, both of Franklin County, were married at the house of the bride's father on October 9.
(Names in announcement: Rev. M. Snyder, Martin Grove, Margaret E. Karper)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Sarah Lizzie McFadden, daughter of D. S. and Elizabeth McFadden, died of diphtheria in Chambersburg on October 18 at age 3 years, 11 months and 17 days.
(Names in announcement: Sarah Lizzie McFadden, D. S. McFadden, Elizabeth McFadden)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Mrs. Susan Blankney died in Greenvillage on October 23 at age 81.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Susan Blankney)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Maggie E. Dixon, only daughter of Capt. William D. Dixon and Martha Dixon, died in St. Thomas on October 18 at the age of 3 years, 11 months and 2 days.
(Names in announcement: Maggie E. Dixon, Capt. William D. Dixon, Martha Dixon)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Anna Cook died in Chambersburg on October 23 at the age of 71 years and 12 days.
(Names in announcement: Anna Cook)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Mrs. Isabella Marshall died in Upper Strasburg on October 21 at the age of 71 years and 12 days.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Isabella Marshall)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Jacob Gebhardt, son of George J. and Anna Gebhardt, died on October 24 at the age of 10 months and 24 days.
(Names in announcement: George J. Gebhardt, Anna Gebhardt, Jacob Gebhardt)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Michael H. H. Falkenstein, son of George M. and Elizabeth Falkenstein, died on October 27 at the age of 10 months and 12 days.
(Names in announcement: Michael H. H. Falkenstein, George M. Falkenstein, Elizabeth Falkenstein)