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Staunton Vindicator: April 26, 1861 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Virginia One of the Confederate States--Very Latest by Telegraph
(Column 1)

Summary: A telegraph was received stating that Virginia has joined the Southern Confederacy.

Full Text of Article:

Very Latest by Telegraph.

A telegram was received last (Thursday) night, bringing us the glorious tidings that Virginia had formed an alliance with the Southern Confederacy.

Notice
(Column 1)

Summary: Due to the "general prostration and almost entire suspension of all kinds of business" the Vindicator's income has been drastically cut. The paper asks that all people who owe money please pay at once.

No Vindicator Last Week
(Column 1)

Summary: The Vindicator was not printed on April 19 because all the employees who are members of the local military companies had to march to Harper's Ferry immediately.

Gov. Letcher
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises the Governor for his firm action in stating that a Northern invasion of the South would be considered an aggression upon Virginia.

M.G. Harman, Esq.
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises Harman for being a "true patriot and friend of his country."

C.R. Mason, Esq.
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises Mason's patriotism and devotion to his country. Mason offered the Governor the use of 200 slaves, 300 mules and cars, and himself to serve during the war.

Old Augusta
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises Augusta for its "enthusiastic devotion to a cause." The actions of the people of the county are "worthy the days of the Revolution."

A Solemn Duty
(Column 2)

Summary: Rejects the Spectator's assertion that the Union party has followed the correct policy on the question of secession. The Vindicator argues that Southerners shouldn't follow partisan paths now that they are confronted with the dangers of Northern invasion.

Full Text of Article:

A Solemn Duty.

The remarkable course of the last Spectator in endeavoring at this time to interweave party with the terrible civil war that is now convulsing the country, and attempting to establish that it proves the correctness of the policy of the "Union" party cannot fail to attract the attention of the public. At a time when the people should be warned to prepare to defend their households from the aggressive steps of a perfidious foe, the majesty and sacredness of the occasion is insulted by covertly directing its efforts to the resurrection of its old party. The brief, yet significant allusion to "taxes" etc., shows that the wiry genius who wrote that remarkable letter on the subject of "taxes," during the Convention canvass, is still cherishing the hope of rescuing himself from the consuming wrath of a deceived people and being restored to their forfeited confidence.

Indeed, throughout the columns of the last Spectator, there pervades a persistent purpose to give vitality to party irrespective of the momentous events that are startling the hearts of the people. While the leaders and file of the Democracy are daring the canon's mouth, or giving efficiency to the energies of the State in her grand and glorious efforts to defend her honor, it would seem that some of the Union men have no higher sins than to grovel in the ignoble work of county politics. Instead of casting bullets for the defense of their firesides, they are more intensely engaged in ascertaining for whom the votes of the people may be cast. We will not give expression to our feelings at such conduct. We pray that the people will turn away from such considerations to the solemn and terrible thought that their homes may be invaded by a ruthless enemy, and to prepare for any emergency. Be true to thyself, and then it will follow as the night the day, thou canst not be untrue to another.

Augusta Riflemen
(Column 2)

Summary: Praises Capt. Harman's men, not only for being one of the finest companies in the state, but also for having their uniforms made from cloth woven at the local factory of Messrs. Crawford & Co.

Full Text of Article:

Augusta Riflemen.

Capt. Asher W. Harman has now nearly equipped his fine company of Mounted Riflemen, numbering about 100 men. This will be one of the finest in the State, and if opportunity presents, laurels will be won, for the dashing, intrepid, fearless character of the captain will always lead to where the conflict is fiercest.

Since the above was written, Capt. Harman's company has appeared in full dress parade, presenting an attractive and truly soldierly appearance. The soldiers themselves are not only Augusta men, but the cloth from which their uniforms were made was manufactured at the Wollen Factory of Messrs. Crawford & Co. at this place. The County Court made an appropriation of $3,000 to equip the company, but the actual cost will not amount to more than from $300 to $500. Such an example of economy is worthy of imitation. Augusta can well trust such with her credit and her honor.

Home Guard
(Column 2)

Summary: A Staunton Home Guard has been formed to protect the town in case of invasion. Article lists the officers of the Guard.

Full Text of Article:

Home Guard.

We attended the drill of the Home Guard, Capt. W.P. Tate, on Tuesday night last. We were impressed with the character of the men of which it is composed. Numbering two hundred, who constitute the substantial manhood of the community, some of them the oldest, we could not but think that if such men were ready to shoulder the musket in the cause of the State, that we, as a people, were truly invincible. Could Old Abe, in his mind's eye, have taken a glance into Armory Hall last Tuesday night, he might have learned a lesson, and that if somebody was not yet hurt, somebody might be in a very short time.

The officers of the Guard are

Wm. P. Tate, Captain,

John N. Hendren, 1st Lt.

David S. Young, 2d.

Nicho. K. Trout, 3d.

Benj. F. Points, 4th.

E.M. Cushing, Orderly Sergeant.

Prediction Verified
(Column 2)

Summary: Shortly after he became President, Jefferson Davis stated that if war came it would be waged on Northern soil. The Vindicator believes his prediction is being verified--the Confederacy will capture Washington in "less than a fortnight."

Inspector General
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Summary: Col. Baldwin has been appointed Inspector General of the Virginia Military.

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: The students of the Virginia Female Institute have been busily making jackets for the local Volunteers.
(Names in announcement: Rev. R.H. Phillips)

Full Text of Article:

"Prominent among those . . ."

Prominent among those who have manifested their liberality and sympathy with the cause of Virginia and the South, is the Rev. R.H. Phillips, of the Virginia Female Institute. He furnished the material, and the young ladies of the school manufactured three or four hundred, if not more, jackets after the sailor fashion, for the use of the un-uniformed Volunteers from the country.

Interesting Letters
(Column 3)

Summary: Reprints of two letters, one from Capt. A. Koiner and another from W.S.H. Baylor, that describe the activities of the Augusta Rifles and the 5th Virginia Volunteers.
(Names in announcement: Capt. A. Koiner, W.S.H. Baylor)

Full Text of Article:

Interesting Letters.

We have received from Capt. A. Koiner and W.S.H. Baylor, the following interesting letters, one dated at Winchester and the other from Harper's Ferry. From both it will be seen that our gallant boys are in fine spirits and ready for the work to which they have been assigned. Their pluck we know and feel assured that when the tug of war comes the expectations of their friends will not be disappointed. Courage boys, you have the sympathies, prayers and confidence of those you left behind.

Winchester, Va., 20th, 1861.

Mr. Editor:--The "Augusta Rifles" marched for Harper's Ferry at 6 o'clock A.M. on the 19th instant, under my command, arrived in Winchester at 3 o'clock, A.M. this morning in safety, but very much wearied, and are quartered for the present at the Taylor Hotel. We have been very hospitably received and entertained. I have never seen such an outpouring of popular feelings in behalf of the South. The ladies every where appear as enthusiastic as the men. I heard one encouraging the men to "stand up for our rights! If she (I) were a man, she (I) would go too!"

At this writing I do not know whether I will go to Harper's Ferry or not, or stay here for further orders. I have telegraphed to Harper's Ferry, and will hear soon. Our men are in fine spirits, and are very much complimented as fine looking men. It is hard to tell where we will move next. We are in the midst of a great revolution; our people are united as one man, and are determined to maintain their rights at every sacrifice. "United we stand." The Virginia spirit is as high, as gallant, and as patriotic as at any former period.

Tell our militia to be prepared for any thing, and take a high and manly position, with a determination to maintain it. We received several recruits on the way hither, who could not wait for an order of the corps to which they belong. A young lawyer of Albemarle, Mr. Montero, is one of the number. He has made several flaming speeches in behalf of our rights, on the way hither, and here, which were received with much enthusiasm.

You shall hear from me occasionally, as I may have opportunity to write. We have now, after much anxiety and labor, got our company so organized as to be able to live at least. In great haste,

Yours, A. KOINER.

S.M. Yost, Esq.

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For the Vindicator.

Head Quarters, 5th Reg't Va. Vol's.

Camp Hill, Harper's Ferry,

April 22d, 1861

Mr. Editor:--My duty to the relatives of the men composing my command makes me impose upon your columns a few lines. I am glad to say that all of my men, with but one or two exceptions, are and have been well, and in the finest spirits. A portion of my regiment, the West Augusta Guard, and a battery of two pieces of the Staunton Artillery is now encamped on the most romantic and commanding spots about Harper's Ferry. It is the most important post here, and I have been assigned the command, with old Augusta's boys, to hold it against any force. It is the post of danger, and therefore the post of honour, and we will maintain it against every enemy. You and your readers must pardon seeming vanity, Mr. Editor, for the pride which I have for the gallant fellows under me, may make me exceed propriety. Their conduct reminds me of the glorious deeds of our forefathers, and their name and memory shall never be disgraced by their sons. All of my men are contented, and have adapted themselves to the strict rule of military life, and the arduous duties of the camp. Thanks to the ladies, and our liberal citizens, we are the best equipt command, and if they could only see us on duty, I know they would be satisfied that their generous liberality was not improperly bestowed.

We have all been working hard, and Gen. Harman's command has been by far the most active here, and I would not believe that any one could do the work and lose the rest that all of us have done. I have not had off my clothes since I left Staunton; I am sure I have not slept ten hours all put together. The men work willingly, eat heartily, and sleep as soundly on the ground, as a prince in a palace.--They are ready for a fight, and I believe are eager to show their courage in driving back any invading foe. Great enthusiasm animates all, and should the vicegerent of the arch-fiend dare send his minions to Old Virginia, we will repel them, or leave the memory of brave men for our friends to revere.

I wish Mr. Editor, you would draw a comparison between the soldiers here. I am sure old Augusta would not suffer by it. The Staunton companies exceed any here in number by at least twenty, whilst the county companies (Captain Koiner's and Captain Crawford's) are larger than the majority of others here. The 5th Regiment will be the flower.

I promised the friends of my soldiers that I would be a brother to them. I intend to redeem the promise. I will spare no pains to make them comfortable. None of them shall suffer. I trust their friends will give themselves no trouble or concern about them. God is on our side. He will defend the right.

We ask the prayers of our friends for our success. We will do our duties as men--as men of Augusta. I write in greta haste, with a thousand things pressing upon me. When more leisure comes, I will write fully to you.

Wm. S.H. Baylor

P.S.--If a fight occurs, we will be the first in it, and the last out of it. We have Minnie muskets, which by our vigilance we captured, so we will be paid for our trouble, even if we don't have a fight.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Praises the ladies of Staunton for their work in outfitting the volunteer companies.

Full Text of Article:

"The ladies of Staunton . . ."

The ladies of Staunton, and especially the pupils of the different Female Institutes here, have entwined their brows with glorywreaths of evergreen, which beautifully reflect the fresh and buoyant courage of their hearts. For days they have been busily engaged in making the uniforms of the new volunteer companies, scarcely permitting twenty-four hours to pass after the order had been placed in their hands, ere the full uniform, neatly made, was presented to the young soldier. What a touching evidence of the affection of these fair daughters of Virginia and the South for the sunny clime of their nativity. The sweet-heart caparison her lover, and with a smile and a tear bids him go and dare and do, and then return for his reward in the gift of the hand that fashioned the badge of his calling--God bless the sweet girls, and God speed and protect the brave boys.

Dr. S.H. Moffett
(Column 4)

Summary: The Vindicator announces that Dr. Moffett from Rockingham is a candidate for the Montgomery Congress.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Expresses the view that the present conflict will lead to the establishment of two distinct nationalities. War is not likely to break out for a few months, however.

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: The residents of Staunton have become so animated with spirit that Thomas Shumate, a 70 year old man, has spent "one-third of two days" on his horse engaged in business related to the order for Lexington arms. He is only one of many.

[No Title]
(Column 6)

Summary: The County Court of Augusta appropriated $50,000 for the equipment of volunteers.

Mt. Sidney Company
(Column 7)

Summary: Letter insists that a "false impression is abroad in the community as to the action of the Mt. Sidney Union Greys." Only a few of the Mt. Sidney men responded to a call that they meet in Staunton on April 17 because their leader, Captain Crawford, was sick in bed. When the men were given official notice to gather in Staunton on the 19th, however, they all were present. The letter states that this should be a "complete vindication of the Mt. Sidney company from any imputation upon their spirit and promptness in responding to the call of the State."

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: Married on April 25.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J.R. Wheeler, David Snell, Sarah Jane Van Fossen)

Died
(Column 3)

Summary: Clarence Lightner died on April 7 at age 18 months.
(Names in announcement: Clarence D. Lightner, A.B. Lightner, S.E. Lightner)