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Staunton Vindicator: March 31, 1865 Go To Page : 1 | 2 |

To the People of Augusta
(Column 5)

Summary: The Central Committee at Richmond under the authority of the Commissary General organized a committee in Augusta County to procure supplies for the army. The demand for supplies is urgent. The people of Augusta have a good beginning, in that on Court Day in February, sixty-five gentlemen donated more than 100 barrels of flour, 8000 pounds of bacon, and more than $100,000 in government bonds for this purpose. Other counties are following the example of Augusta, which was the first to institute this system of county appropriations for indigent families of soldiers. Recent events in the Valley demonstrate the need for amply supplying the troops. Early's men had to be dispersed since they could not be adequately supplied, resulting in their absence when Sheridan's troops came through the area scavenging for supplies. Sheridan reported that within a single county he found enough food to supply his army for two months. Had the public not withheld these supplies, there would have been enough to furnish Early's men, and they never would have left in the first place. Augusta should be able to give 1000 barrels of flour, 100,000 pounds of meat, and $1,000,000 in bonds. The committee is composed of Alexander H. H. Stuart, M. G. Harman, and George Baylor. Committees representing districts in the county are as follows: Staunton No. 1--John D. Brown, H. H. Peck, J. W. Hudson; Staunton No. 2--C. R. Mason, W. A. Bell, John Trimble; Mount Solon--J. G. Fulton, Washington Swink, R. H. Dudley; Mount Sidney--W. H. Gamble, J. C. Roler, William Crawford; Waynesboro--George A. Bruce, Dr. Samuel Kennerly, Jacob Killian; Churchville--Dr. R. S. Hamilton, J. W. Calhoun, Henry B. Seig; Greenville--William F. Smith, Archibald McPheeters, Dr. John Tate; Middlebrook--Jacob Baylor, A. S. Turk, Dr. R. A. McChesney; New Hope--Samuel B. Finley, Dr. B. F. Walker, William Patterson. Public meetings will be held, with addresses from Alexander H. H. Stuart, John B. Baldwin, Hugh W. Sheffey, and other men. The meetings are at Staunton, March 27; Mount Sidney, April [illegible]; New Hope, April 5; Waynesboro, April 8; Greenville, April 10; Middlebrook, April 13; Churchville, April 15; Mt. Solon, April 17.
(Names in announcement: Alexander H. H. Stuart, M. G. Harman, George Baylor, John D. Brown, H. H. Peck, J. W. Hudson, C. R. Mason, W. A. Bell, John Trimble, J. G. Fulton, Washington Swink, R. H. Dudley, W. H. Gamble, J. C. Roler, William Crawford, George A. Bruce, Dr. Samuel Kennerly, Jacob Killian, Dr. R. S. Hamilton, J. W. Calhoun, Henry B. Seig, William F. Smith, Archibald McPheeters, Dr. John Tate, Jacob Baylor, A. S. Turk, Dr. R. A. McChesney, Samuel B. Finley, Dr. B. F. Walker, William Patterson, John B. Baldwin, Hugh W. Sheffey)

Full Text of Article:

To the People of Augusta.

The Central Committee at Richmond organized under the authority of the Commissary General to procure supplies for our army and returned prisoners, have appointed the undersigned a committee for the same purpose in the county of Augusta, with authority to appoint sub-committees in each magisterial district.

Under the powers thus conferred, we have appointed the committees hereto appended.

We have authority to ask donations and loans, to make purchases, at such prices as we may deem fair, for the use of our armies, and for the supply of our prisoners who are daily returning to us in great numbers by exchange.

The demand for such supplies is most urgent, and delay in furnishing them may be fatal.

Fortunately for the reputation of our county the people of Augusta at their February Court had to some extent, anticipated this appeal--on that day sixty five gentlemen contributed more than 100 barrels of flour, 8000 pounds of meat, and largely over $100,000 in government bonds to this patriotic object.

This was a good beginning, and we earnestly appeal to the people of Augusta not to let this good work, which they have so nobly commenced, fail for the want of energy and liberality. Other counties are already following our example. Augusta was the first to inaugurate this system of county appropriations for the indigent families of our soldier's which has been promptly followed throughout the Confederacy.

Let us earn a new title to the esteem and gratitude of our country by another exhibition of generous patriotism.

All that we have is at stake in the present contest. If the issue be unfavorable we will hold our liberty, our property our lives at the will of the enemy. We had nothing to do in bringing on the war. It was forced on us against our will--our only hope is in making our defence successful. It would be better for us to give all we have than be reduce to slavery. We have gallant armies under glorious leaders in the field, and twenty thousand of our bravest brothers recently freed from captivity, are hastening to swell their ranks, fired by the recollections of wrongs and injuries suffered during their imprisonment. Our present need is food to sustain them. Let it not be said that we are ungrateful to those who are perilling [sic] their lives for our defence. Let every man contribute what he can to their support. Let them be cheered by our sympathy. Let no one hold back because he has not much to give. Remember that the widows mite freely bestowed was more acceptable than abundance grudgingly given.

We repeat the need for immediate relief is urgent--Let not those whose hearts, during a long season of captivity, yearned for their father-land, suffer destitution and hunger on their return.

Our patriot here Lee appeals to you to feed his veteran host--will you turn a deaf ear to his appeal? Will you weary in well doing? To them who cannot afford to give, we appeal to lend what they can spare, to be replaced after harvest, or to sell it at the market price. We and those cooperating with us have full authority to buy.

Recent events in our Valley have shown the folly of withholding supplies from our troops. Had Early's army been supported in the Valley, instead of being disbanded for want of food and forage, the recent raid of Sheridan which laid waste the Valley and the Piedmont district could have been checked. Sheridan found the supplies wherever he went, which were withheld from our own soldiers. He reported to his Government that he found food and forage enough in a single county to support his whole army for two months. Had one half of this been furnished to our troops our army would have been retained in an effective condition, and the invaders would have been defeated and our homes saved from desolation.

Let the past teach us a lesson of wisdom. Let the people assemble in each magisterial district and stimulate one another to patriotic effort. Let the clergy unite in pushing on this pious work. Let the women of the county, the mothers and wives and sisters of the gallant men who are upholding our flag, not withhold their countenance and assistance. Let the whole community show that it is in earnest. Let those capable of speaking exhort and explain to those who are backward, the folly of withholding. We are persuaded that if we make one more earnest, and self-sacrifising [sic] effort, victory will crown our struggle.

Let old Augusta again signalise [sic] herself by her generous devotion to the public welfare. She can give 1000 barrels of flour, 100,000 pounds of meat and a million dollars in bonds. Let us see that she does her full duty.

Those who hoard provisions will find they are laying up stores for the enemy.

They will find that they are contributing to their own subjugation.

The committees in each district will report to Major Tate the amount of contributions received with the names of the donors so that they may be published weekly in the newspapers of Staunton. This will furnish assurance to every contributor that his donation is fairly applied to the support of the army around Richmond.

Fellow Citizens--Your destinies, under Providence are in your own hands--our fathers achieved independence through much tribulation--your liberties can be established only by earnest, steady, and persistent exertion. Gird yourselves for this great effort, and the God of our fathers will crown your exertions with victory.

Alex. H.H. Stuart,

M.G. Harman,

Geo. Baylor.

For the Vindicator
(Column 6)

Summary: A meeting of non-commissioned officers and privates of the 5th Virginia Infantry convened to consider petitioning the Confederate Congress to permit the Stonewall Brigade to reorganize. The gathering called Preston Todd to the chair and A. J. Deakins to be secretary. The group adopted resolutions stating their opinion that consolidating their brigade with any others would be inexpedient and injurious, that they are so greatly reduced in number that they can no longer maintain their reputation as the Stonewall Brigade, and that they should be reorganized into a Stonewall Regiment. Further, they endorse the attempts by the peace delegation from the Confederacy and pledge their support of General Lee.
(Names in announcement: Preston Todd, A. J. Deakins, John C. Baskin, C. J. Bell, Sergeant Koiner, B. Horn, Britton, Spitler)

Full Text of Article:

For the Vindicator.

Camp Ewell, Feb. 16th 1565 [sic].

At a meeting of the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the 5th Va. Inft'y convened for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of petitioning the Congress of the Confederate States, to permit the Stonewall Brigade to re-organize:

On motion, Preston Tood was called to the Chair and A.J. Deakins appointed Secretary.

The following resolutions were presented, considered seperately [sic], and adopted.

Resolved 1st, That in the opinion of the men now present, it would be inexpedient and injurious to consolidate this Brigade with any other Brigades, Regiments or Companies and to appoint Officers of the line to command them.

Resolved 2d, Owing to the great reduction of our numbers, both in officers and men; we feel conscious of inability to sustain our old and former reputation, and being desirous of handing down to posterity the name given to this Brigade by "that Hero of many Battles," as near untarnished as possible; Be it therefore

Resolved 3d, That we petition the Congress of the Confederate States to permit this Brigade to re-organize, into one Regiment of Cavalry or mounted Inft'y, to be called the Stonewall Regiment, with permission to elect the Officers of the line, from the officers and men that may be present;

Resolved 4th, That we cordially and heartily approve of the course pursued by our Commissioners, Stevens, Hunter and Campbell, in their conference with Messrs Seward and Lincoln, and that we pledge ourselves to follow our illustrious Chieftain Robt. E Lee, until the last one of our foes are driven from our beloved soil, or until we shall find a soldier's grave.

Resolved 5th, That we appoint a committee of six to confer with, and invite the 2d, 4th, 27th and 33d Regiments to co-operate with us;

On motion, the following named men were elected to compose the committee: John C. Baskin, Co "L," C.J. Bell, Co "D," Serg. Koiner, Co "H," B Horn, Co "I," -- Britton, Co "E," -- Spitler, Co "C."

On motion, the Chairman was added to the committee.

On motion, the meeting adjourned to meet again when called by the chairman.

Preston Todd, Chairman.

A.J. Deakins, Secretary.

War News
(Column 1)

Summary: The interruption of mail service means that the Vindicator has received no other newspapers since March 22, 1865, and thus that war news is scarce. Unconfirmed reports relate that a fight between Johnson and Sherman on March 19 resulted in an enemy loss of killed, wounded, and captured of 4500, and in a small loss for the Confederates. Other unconfirmed reports state that Lee advanced on Grant but then withdrew to his original line and that enemy troops near Winchester are preparing for movement in some undetermined direction.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The editor calls on readers who receive Northern or Southern papers to allow the Vindicator to read them and publish from them.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The editor calls the attention of readers to the report from the meeting of the committee appointed by the Central Committee at Richmond for the purpose of attaining supplies for the armies. Future meetings are scheduled, and the editor encourages readers to attend them prepared to respond liberally to the patriotic cause.
(Names in announcement: Alexander H. H. StuartEsquire, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Sheffey)

Accident
(Column 1)

Summary: A wind blew in the end of a three-story building used as a wash house at Staunton's General Hospital last Thursday. The falling wall and floors injured several African Americans who were in the building and buried four children under the debris. Two of them were burned to death, another died Sunday night from injuries received in the accident, and one was uninjured.

Remarkable Occurrence
(Column 1)

Summary: The Grand Jury of Augusta County was impaneled and charged last Monday. They retired and within a short time reported through their foreman that nothing had taken place since the sitting of the previous Grand Jury that required any action. They were then discharged. The editor doubts such a report has been made before in the county court and asserts that the morals of "Old Augusta, in these troublous times, are extremely good."

Election Results
(Column 1)

Summary: The results from a recent county election for Senate and House of Delegates indicate that Christian was elected to the Senate and Skinner was elected to the House. Christian was the only candidate for the Senate. Skinner, McCue, Peck, Sheffey, Kinney, and Payton were candidates for the House. Major James Walker was not a candidate but received a small number of votes for delegate to the House. No polls were open in Deerfield, Stuart's Draft, or Mount Meridian. The returns for the other precincts are as follows: Courthouse--Christian, 171; Skinner, 140; McCue, 102; Peck, 166; Sheffey, 110; Kinney, 21; Payton, 65; Walker, 2. Town Hall--Christian, 55; Skinner, 47; McCue, 35; Peck, 44; Sheffey, 2[]; Kinney, 4; Payton, 13. Waynesboro--Christian, 44; Skinner, 34; McCue, 28; Peck, 27; Sheffey, 41; Kinney, 8; Payton, 1. Middlebrook--Christian, 15; Skinner, 12; McCue, 12; Peck, 2; Sheffey, 1[]; Kinney, 6; Payton, 2. Greenville--Christian, 20; Skinner, 27; McCue, 18; Peck, 15; Sheffey, 27; Kinney, 2; Payton, 1. New Hope--Christian, 14; Skinner, 15; McCue, 13; Peck, 2; Sheffey, 1[]. Spring Hill--Christian, 16; Skinner, 3; McCue, 15; Peck, 7; Sheffey, 15; Kinney, 8; Payton, 2. Parnassus--Christian, 16; Skinner, 5; McCue, 9; Peck, 4; Sheffey, 5; Kinney, 24; Payton, 4. New Port--Christian, 10; Skinner, 8; McCue, 8; Peck, 9; Sheffey, 2. Swoop's Depot--Christian, 5; Skinner, 5; McCue, 5; Sheffey, 5. Sherando--Christian, 10; Skinner, 7; McCue, 6; Peck, 8; Sheffey, 5; Payton, 4. Fishersville--Christian, 10; Skinner, 3; McCue, 9; Peck, 8; Sheffey, 8; Kinney, 1; Payton, 1. Mount Sidney--Christian, 21; Skinner, 11; McCue, 15; Peck, 5; Sheffey, 18; Kinney, 6; Payton, 2; Walker, 10. Churchville--Christian, 24; Skinner, 7; McCue, 20; Peck, 10; Sheffey, 20; Kinney, 12; Payton, 4. Craigsville--Skinner, 8; McCue, 7; Peck, 8; Kinney, 1. Mid[], Christian, 11; Skinner, 8; McCue, 10; Peck, 2; Sheffey, 10; Payton, 2. Mount Solon--Christian, 37; Skinner, 22; McCue, 46; Peck, 25; Sheffey, 22; Kinney, 27; Payton, 8. Totals are Christian, 479; Skinner, 362; McCue, 358; Peck, 342; Sheffey, 337; Kinney, 120; Payton, 109; Walker, 12.
(Names in announcement: Christian, Skinner, McCue, Peck, Sheffey, Kinney, Payton, Major James Walker)

Virginia
(Column 2)

Summary: The Staunton Bar met at the Augusta County courthouse on March 27, 1865. The meeting appointed Thomas J. Michie to the chair and Nicholas K. Trout to secretary. Upon the motion of Hugh W. Sheffey, the Staunton Bar unanimously adopted resolutions commemorating the life of William H. Harman and expressing sympathy to his family.
(Names in announcement: Thomas J. Michie, Nicholas K. Trout, William H. Harman, Hugh W. Sheffey, William A. Burnett)

List of Subscriptions for the benefit of the Army, Already Made
(Column 2)

Summary: The following people have agreed to provide the amount of funds and supplies indicated in support of the Confederate soldiers: M. G. Harman, 1800 pounds flour, 900 pounds bacon, $10,000 bonds; W. H. Harman, 2 barrels flour, $500 bonds; J. M. McCue, 5 barrels flour, 300 pounds bacon, $5000 bonds; W. A. Burke, 1 barrel flour, 100 pounds bacon, $1000 bonds; C. R. Mason, 5 barrels flour, 300 pounds bacon, $5000 bonds; G. B. Stuart, 2 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $5000 bonds; A. H. H. Stuart, 2 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $5000 bonds; Washington Swink, 2 barrels flour, 100 pounds bacon, $500 bonds; Hugh W. Sheffey, 5 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $1000 bonds; D. C. McGuffin, 1 barrel flour, $500 bonds; W. H. Peyton, 2 barrels flour, 180 pounds bacon, $2000 bonds; William A. Bell, 1 barrel flour, 100 pounds bacon, $5000 bonds; Wayt Bell, 2 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $2000 bonds; H. M. Bell, 2 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $2000 bonds; R. Turk, 2 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $2000 bonds; L. Maupin, 3 barrels flour, $300 bonds; Dr. McChesney, 5 barrels flour, 100 pounds bacon, $3000 bonds; John Trimble, 3 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $2000 bonds; H. Y. Peyton, 2 barrels flour, $1000 bonds; no name listed, 180 pounds flour, 90 pounds bacon, $1000 bonds; W. J. Shumate, 5 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $3000 bonds; Captain Roberts, 180 pounds flour, 90 pounds bacon, $200 bonds; John Churchman, 2 barrels flour, 200 pounds bacon, $10000 bonds; David S. Bell, 1 barrel flour, 100 pounds bacon, $1000 bonds; H. H. Peck, 1 barrel flour, $2500 bonds; W. McFall, 1 barrel flour, $1100 bonds; B. Walter, 2 barrels flour, 50 pounds bacon, $500 bonds; James Harden, 5 barrels flour; W. J. D. Bell, 2 barrels flour, 180 pounds bacon, $2000 bonds; Colonel Skinner, $1200 bonds; S. C. Baskin, 1 barrel flour, 50 pounds bacon; Major Jones, 1 barrel flour, $2400 bonds; David Henkle, 2 barrels flour to benefit General Early; E. M. Cushing, 1 barrel flour, 50 pounds bacon; Joseph Tanabill, 1 barrel flour, 50 pounds bacon, $100 bonds; D. V. Gilkison, 3 barrels flour, $500 bonds; W. A. Abney, 2 barrels flour, $500 bonds; W. H. Bell, 2 barrels flour, $200 bonds; Dr. R. Colston, $6000 bonds; Cyrus Snap, 3 barrels flour, 100 pounds bacon, $700 bonds; James Poage, 2 barrels flour, $1000 bonds; C. B. Taylor, $500 bonds; W. H. Gambell, 180 pounds flour, 90 pounds bacon; T. J. White, 540 pounds flour, 270 pounds bacon; S. F. Taylor, $2300 bonds; General Lilley, 1 barrel flour, $1000 bonds; J. C. Coveil, $1000 bonds; W. H. Garber, $1000 bonds; Benjamin Crawford, 5 barrels flour, 500 pounds bacon, $10000 bonds; John Keller, Jr., 25 pounds bacon, $200 bonds; Reverend E. P. Walton, $200 bonds; R. P. Smith, 1 barrel flour, "all he has got"; Tom Noland, paid 25 cents in specie, $50 bonds; G. W. Mowry, 5 barrels flour, $500 bonds; J. D. Craig, 1 beef (estimated 100 pounds), $500 bonds; W. B. Kayser, 1 barrel flour, 50 pounds bacon; Reverend W. G. Campbell, 1 barrel flour, 25 pounds bacon; F. S. Pressley, $100 bonds; Alexander L. Vanleer, 1 barrel flour, 25 pounds bacon; Joseph A. Houff, 100 pounds bacon; T. J. Michie, $2000 bonds; B. T. Morris, $10 bonds; General Harper, 1 barrel flour, 100 pounds bacon, $1000 bonds; W. H. Tams, 1 barrel flour, 90 pounds bacon, $1000 bonds; Burke and Kunkle, 300 pounds bacon; A. J. Garber, 1 barrel flour, $50 bonds; William Marshal, $50 bonds; William M. Tate, 5 barrels flour, 150 pounds bacon, $5000 bonds.
(Names in announcement: M. G. Harman, W. H. Harman, J. M. McCue, W. A. Burke, C. R. Mason, G. B. Stuart, A. H. H. Stuart, Washington Swink, Hugh W. Sheffey, D. C. McGuffin, W. H. Peyton, William A. Bell, Wayt Bell, H. M. Bell, R. Turk, L. Maupin, Dr. McChesney, John Trimble, H. Y. Peyton, W. J. Shumate, Captain Roberts, John Churchman, David S. Bell, H. H. Peck, W. McFall, B. Waiter, James Harden, W. J. D. Bell, Colonel Skinner, S. C. Baskin, Major Jones, David Henkle, E. M. Cushing, Joseph Tanabill, D. V. Gilkison, W. A. Abney, W. H. Bell, Dr. R. Colston, Cyrus Snap, James Poage, G. B. Taylor, W. H. Gambell, T. J. White, S. F. Taylor, General Lilley, J. C. Coveil, W. H. Garber, Benjamin Crawford, John KellerJr., Reverend E. P. Walton, R. P. Smith, Tom Noland, G. W. Mowry, J. D. Craig, W. B. Kayser, Reverend W. G. Campbell, F. S. Pressley, Alexander L. Vanleer, Joseph A. Houff, T. J. Michie, B. T. Morris, General Harper, W. H. Tams, Burke, Kunkle, A. J. Garber, William Marshal, William M. Tate)

Married
(Column 3)

Summary: Willie Harman, daughter of Colonel M. G. Harman, married Dr. Robert C. Eye at the home of her father on March 1, 1865, with Dr. Sparrow officiating. Eye is from Augusta County, and Harman is from Staunton.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Sparrow, Dr. Robert C. Eye, Miss Willie Harman, Colonel M. G. Harman)

Died
(Column 3)

Summary: Joseph Willie Kelly, two months old, died of congestion of the lungs on February 15, 1865. He was the son of Kate and John Kelly.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Willie Kelly, Kate Kelly, John Kelly)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: S. Kennerly, Jr., announces that the Augusta Medical Society will meet April 13, 1865, at eleven o'clock.
(Names in announcement: S. KennerlyJr.)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: H. H. Peck, President, announces that the county overseers of the poor will meet at the office of N. K. Trout in Staunton on the second Monday of April 1865.
(Names in announcement: N. K. Trout, H. H. Peck)