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Valley Virginian: January 7, 1869 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

The Year 1869
(Column 01)

Summary: This optimistic welcome to the New Year stresses the importance of sectional reconciliation. While this has clearly not happened yet, the author hopes that the incoming Grant administration will continue to widen amnesty and maintain their motto, "Let us have peace." This is an imperative for a country that strives to return to the prosperity of the past.

Full Text of Article:

This is the first week of the New Year and it is nothing more than right that we should quietly look into the events of the past year that we might derive knowledge from our experiences and as a guide during the future. As that able journal the Baltimore Sun remarks, there are few men to whom the retrospect of a year can afford unvarying satisfaction. Either calamities which were unavoidable, vacant places around the hearth, or misfortunes resulting from their own errors of judgment and wrong principles of action, checker the view which they take of the past. There has been no path entirely free from nettles of some kind, yet they may be converted into a wholesome medicine if those who suffer from them will learn hereafter to avoid the causes of such of them as might have been averted by proper circumspection, and to submit with fortitude and resignation to those which were inevitable. Even where a survey of the past year discloses an almost broken career of prosperity yet, as we pass this important point of time, we are reminded to temper our exultation by the reflection that all here is transient; that there are a thousand contingencies in human life which admonish the most successful to moderation, and that all, the fortunate and the miserable, are alike being borne onward to the common poverty of the grave.

In regard to matters of material concern, if we have not cause for congratulations in the restoration of union and harmony among the States, there is not at least an absolute deprivation of all hope for the future in the political events of last year. The gradual widening of the terms of amnesty, in successive proclamations from the President, until at last it has been made universal, indicates a subsidence in the flood of sectional passions opened by the late war, which we trust may be permanent. The motto of the incoming President is, "Let us have peace," and if his administration is in accordance with that sentiment, the year upon which we have entered may advance the nation far on its way to its former prosperity. The opening year presents a good opportunity for this country to start anew in a career of economy, cutting down extravagant expenditures, and avoiding the source of them by discarding that policy of sectional hate and persecution which engenders a state of things which is supposed to render necessary expensive military establishments and appliances, as well as to foster corruption and fraud. In addition to this, our eyes should be kept steadily fixed upon a return in all branches of practical life to the old standards of business, and we should adapt ourselves to getting back to the former basis of such transactions, and the resumption of specie payments. If our legislators return to the capital animated by the sentiments which the Christmas holidays are so well fitted to inspire, and with the desire of improvement and progress which is suggested to all by the recurrence of the day, we shall have reason to wish to the country, as we do to all our readers and friends, a happy new year.

The Recent Conference
(Column 01)

Summary: The author of this article briefly describes a conference of gentlemen in Richmond pertaining to the manner in which Virginia will reenter the Union. He suggests that these men were all in favor of reforming the bonds between North and South, particularly to foster peace and prosperity for both sections. Yet, while the author mentions that some of the terms of reunion--negro suffrage--are inevitable, he reports that the conference in Richmond came to the conclusion that black people were not "ready" for such a momentous undertaking as government participation.

Full Text of Article:

The Dispatch says of the Conference:--We publish to day the resolution adopted by the most recent conference of prominent gentlemen of the State held at the Exchange Hotel in Richmond. The gentlemen composing this conference, the most of whose names are appended to the paper they adopted, were privately requested to meet here to consider the subject of the manner of the readmission of Virginia into the Union. Agreeing as to the object desired to be effected by the distinguished gentlemen who set the movement on foot, (Mr. Stuart, of Augusta,) they readily complied with his invitation. They came to confer; and while speaking more especially for themselves, they did not hesitate to state their own impression as to the opinions of their fellow-citizens. The representations of these gentlemen are altogether reliable--while their proceedings were entirely frank, unselfish, and patriotic.

The committee appointed by the conference is a good one. It certainly should not provoke a feeling of suspicion or unkindness from the dominant party. They are all frank and practical and patriotic gentlemen--as much devoted to the restoration of national concord and prosperity as any man who lives north of Mason and Dixon's line.

The paper prepared by these gentlemen is unobjectionable in its main particulars to all persons who properly view the exigency in which we are placed. Negro suffrage is plainly inevitable, and longer opposition would be vain. While admitting this fact, the paper declares a truth in asserting that the people of Virginia do not think the negro yet prepared for the exercise of the franchise, and that it should not have been conferred on him until he had opportunities and time to fit himself for this responsible relation to the Government. This frank statement should entitle those who make it to the general respect of the party in power. That party must know that the people of Virginia entertain this opinion, and must place much more trust in their professions when they boldly avow it than if they hypocritically espoused the opposite opinion.

Extension of the Stay Law
(Column 02)

Summary: This article is a verbatim reproduction of General Schofield's General orders No. 24, issued from Richmond in March 1868. The orders concern the relationship between debtors and creditors especially when property is concerned. It allows for hearings to commence that will determine the duration of time a forced sale of property shall be suspended while financial arrangements are worked out. The orders, which were initially set to expire on January 1st, 1869, have been extended until July of the same year to allow for further compromises to be negotiated.

Full Text of Article:

For the benefit of the "Valley Virginian," we give the following general order extending the stay law, issued by General Stoneman:

Headquarters 1st Military District Sate of Va., Richmond, Va., December 22, 1868.--In view of the pecuniary distress and difficulties which must necessarily ensue throughout this military district upon the termination of the stay law on the first of January next, and in the absence of any Legislature or body competent to devise the appropriate remedy, therefore, it is ordered;

1. That the stay of executions against personal property, so far only as the same exists under laws now in force, and which by the provisions thereof expires on the said first day of January, 1869, shall be and is hereby extended until the first day of July, 1869, and, if on or before the said last named day the debtor shall have paid all the interest then due and owing thereon, such execution shall be further stayed until the orders from these or superior headquarters.

2. If, during the existence of this order, and debtor shall be eloigning any property, which, but for the existence of this order, would be liable to said execution, or shall dispose, or attempt to dispose of the same, to the prejudice of his creditor, it shall be lawful and right for a creditor to apply to any Circuit Court, or to any judge thereof in vacation, giving reasonable notice of such application to the debtor, and said court or judge thereof in vacation, upon the statement under oath of the parties, and such legal evidence as they may adduce, may take an order to the clerk to issue said execution for the entire debt, interest and cost, or else dismiss such application, with costs to either party, as to the said court or judge shall seem right.

3. General orders No. 24, March 12th, 1868, are hereby continued in force, and the military commissions and circuit judges entrusted with their execution are enjoined to observe and give effect to the same.

4. It is intended by this order that whilst affording relief to the debtor not to impair the rights of the creditor, but to preserve and enforce the same by subjecting the whole personal estate which is now exempt by the stay law to the lien of the creditor's execution, and at the same time enforce a prompt payment of a part of the debt, and an early payment of the remainder.

By command of General Stoneman.
S.F. Chalpin,
Assistant Adjutant General

The following is General orders No. 24, of March 12th, 1868, referred to above:

"Headquarters, 1st Military District, State of Va., Richmond, Va., March 12th, 1868.--Sale of property under deeds of trust, when every civil remedy has been exhausted, will be suspended by the operation of this order in all cases where such sale would result in a ruinous and unnecessary sacrifice of property, or where the payment of interest when due, and of the principle in a reasonable time, can be secured without such sacrifice; and also in cases where such sale would leave a family of persons non compos or infirm, without means of support.

"2. In any case coming within the above conditions the grantor may apply by petition in writing in duplicate, under oath, to the military commissioner or circuit judge having jurisdiction of the place in which the property encumbered is located, setting forth a statement of all charges, encumbrances or liens relating to the property, and the material facts relied upon to support the petition. If the judge or commissioner be of opinion that the facts set forth are sufficient to sustain the petition, he will endorse such opinion on the duplicate petition, and cause one copy thereof to be served upon the trustee; where upon the trustee shall suspend the sale, and it shall remain suspended until the said opinion or commissioner shall be withdrawn, or the grantor shall give his consent in writing to its discharge, or an order shall be made by the commanding general authorizing the sale.

"3. If it be demanded by the trustees or beneficiaries or other parties in interest, the judge or commissioner will hear all parties by evidence and counsel, and upon the facts as proved at such hearing will affirm or withdraw his previous opinion, or suggest to the parties such terms of compromise as to him shall seem equitable and just. But either party may appeal from such final action of a judge or commissioner to the commanding general, give notice of his appeal in writing to the judge or commissioner, who will inform the other parties in interest, and in case of appeal by the grantor or parties claiming under him, the sale shall remain suspended until the decision of the commanding general is made known. All such appeals shall be accompanied with a copy of the original petition, with the opinion of the judge or commissioner, of the record of facts proved before him.

"4. Reasonable expenses for clerical labor connected with the hearing may be directed to the judge or commissioner, to be paid by either or both parties, as shall seem to him just. In case of appeal, the expenses of such clerical work connected with the appeal shall be paid or secured by the applicant.

"5. It is the purpose of the commanding general hereafter as heretofore, not to interfere with the operations of the State laws as administered by the civil tribunals, except where the remedies thereby afforded are inadequate to secure to individuals substantial justice. It is expected that, in general, cases of the class referred to in this order will be settled by mutual concession and compromise between the parties, in accordance with the principles herein set forth, and that the orders of the commanding general will be required only in an exceptional case

"By command of Brev. Maj. Gen. Schofield.
"S.F. Chalpin,
"Assistant Adjutant General.

General Amnesty
(Column 03)

Summary: President Johnson issued a proclamation on Christmas Day granting amnesty to anyone not previously relieved of disabilities.

The Valley Railroad
(Column 03)

Summary: Robert E. Lee lends his influential voice and endorses the Valley Railroad. He says, a railroad of this sort will be beneficial both to the farmer and to the region in general. Lee suggests to Harman, the railroad president, that a financial pledge form Augusta, Roanoke, and Botetourt Counties will greatly enhance the money already put forward by Rockbridge County. Together, these counties can greatly contribute to providing the means by which the region can overcome the "difficulties" set before it.
(Names in announcement: Col. M. G. Harman)

Full Text of Article:

The following letter is from General R.E. Lee, to Col. M.G. Harman, President of the Valley Railroad:

Lexington, Va., Dec. 18, 1868,
Dear Colonel:

I am glad to learn from your letter of the 15th, that the prospects for the early construction of the railroad from Harrisonburg to Salem, are so favorable. It is a work of great importance to the fertile region through which it will pass. Besides enabling the farmer to send to market their staple crops with greater ease and profit, it will render valuable many products of the farm, orchard, and garden, which now, for want of proper facilities, cannot reach a market, and in addition will greatly enhance the value of the farm itself. It will also open the rich mining interests of the upper part of the Valley, and will afford an avenue by which capital and labor may be introduced for the development of manufactures. The almost unanimous vote of Rockbridge county, to subscribe four hundred thousand dollars to the road, proves the importance in the eyes of its citizens. If the rich county of Augusta will give an equal sum, and the counties of Roanoke and Botetourt each half that amount, it ought to inspire the early construction of the road. Railroads have become essential to the growth and prosperity of a country. Any section beyond their reach and influence is looked upon as cut off from the rest of the community. They are a necessity now as common roads were a generation ago.

I believe that the advantages which will flow from this railroad, when completed, will more than compensate our people for all the money they may spend in its construction, and will justify its energetic prosecution in the face of all difficulties by which we are surrounded. The greater our difficulties, the greater the necessity for continued effort to overcome them. They are not insurmountable, and will surely yield before prudence and energy.

With my earnest wishes for the speedy completion of the road, I am very respectfully, and truly yours, R.E. Lee.
Col. M.G. Harman, President Valley Railroad.

Conference of Citizens of Virginia
(Column 04)

Summary: A meeting of Virginia citizens gathered at the Exchange Hotel, Richmond, on December 31st. They passed resolutions asserting that the freedmen were not prepared or fit to receive the right to vote, and appointed a committee to argue the case before Congress.
(Names in announcement: A. H. H. Stuart, N. K. Trout, H. M. Bell, John Echols, Thomas J. Michie, John B. Baldwin)

The Virginia Express Company Sold Out
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that the Adams Express Company bought out the Virginia Express Company and absorbed their operations.

A Hint
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper declares that although many are demanding specie payments, the paper is willing to accept greenbacks.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper declares that C. E. Wood, confectioner, deserves patronage. He lost a leg during the war.
(Names in announcement: C. E. Wood)

Flourishing Congregation
(Column 01)

Summary: The Presbyterian Church of Staunton gained 81 members by conversion in the past year, and lost only one by death. It is the largest and "probably the wealthiest" congregation in the county.

Lorenzo Sibert
(Column 01)

Summary: The "great Steel King" purchased property on the C and O Railroad near Buffalo Gap on which he plans to build works for the manufacture of manganese steel.

[No Title]
(Column The Valley R. R.)

Summary: The vote on the county subscription of $300,000 to the Valley Railroad will take place on February 6th. "Vote for it if you want your property to increase in value. You are losing a great deal now. Look well into the matter. Here is a chance to redeem yourselves."

Temperance
(Column 02)

Summary: Staunton Temperance Council Number 47 has been in existence for 3 months and has added 65 members. New recruits are coming in at the rate of one per day, "which of course puts the treasury in a healthy condition, and really a more zealous set of men we have never met with, wholly devoted to the cause of temperance." John Noon will speak before the organization on Monday.
(Names in announcement: John Noon)

Friends of Temperance
(Column 02)

Summary: Staunton Council Number 47, Friends of Temperance, elected officers last week, including J. W. Newton, president.
(Names in announcement: J. W. Newton, H. H. Peck, W. D. Chandler, J. F. Maupin, John A. Noon, A. T. Maupin, John F. Rice, D. H. Shultz, Robert K. Rice, Charles A. Richardson)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: William T. Bowers and Miss Catherine A. E. Sheets, both of Augusta, were married at the residence of the bride's father on December 24th by the Rev. H. Tallhelm.
(Names in announcement: William T. Bowers, Catherine A. E. Sheets, Rev. H. Tallhelm)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: George Hogshead and Lydia O. Fudley, both of Augusta, were married on December 19th by the Rev. C. B. Hammack.
(Names in announcement: George Hogshead, Lydia O. Fudley, Rev. C. B. Hammack)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Louisa Wilson died at Spring Hill on December 12th. She was 53 years old.
(Names in announcement: Louisa Wilson)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Mary A. Bolen died at Mt. Solon on December 26th. She was 26 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary A. Bolen)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Miss Polly Matheny died at Mossy Creek on December 29th. She was 70 years old.
(Names in announcement: Polly Matheny)