Search the Newspapers Browse Newspapers by Date Articles Indexed by Topic About the Newspapers Valley of the Shadow Home

Staunton Vindicator: September 29, 1865 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Negro Suffrage
(Column 06)

Summary: The paper reprints a poem ridiculing the idea of voting rights for blacks.

Origin of Article: Logan Gazette

Full Text of Article:

The "local" of the Logan Gazette occasionally gets off some good things. The following is one of his latest productions:

"Chalk and ivory! Heels and shins!"
Sambo's glory now begins!
Go 'way white man! You don't know
How to vote right--dat is so.
Yaw, yaw, yaw!--Yaw, yaw, yaw!
De happiest day I eber saw!

"War's de tickets?--Fetch em straight!"
I votes early--I votes late--
I votes often--I votes right--
I's no ignoramus white--
Man and brudder--equal born--
De Maker's image (in a horn!)
De glory ob de rising day;
De culled cuss from Africa!
Oh, kinkey, minkey, stinky, oh!
If dis ain't glory, tell me so!"

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper expresses concern that the freedmen will suffer from poverty and exposure over the winter. The editors posit that this condition stems from the freedmen's willingness to listen to "false friends" and leave the plantations and homes of their former masters in search of better work. The paper urges them to remain faithful to their old masters, and applauds the initiatives southern churches have taken in providing them with religious instruction.

Full Text of Article:

The condition of the freedmen of the Southern States has excited the sympathy and interest of their former masters in no ordinary degree. They feel that, unless some inducement to labor and to remain steadfast to their engagements can be offered them, there must necessarily be great suffering among them during the winter seasons. It is a problem how this anticipated unpleasant condition of the freedmen can be avoided or averted. They do not seem to believe themselves free until they have left their old masters to live with new employers, without contracts, or, if made, to break them at pleasure, and swallow with avidity the councils of strangers, while the healthy advice of their old friends, to keep their faith inviolable and to fulfill their contracts, even if not seemingly so advantageous as some new and luring offer, in order to promote their future prosperity, is almost unheeded. We believe that nothing can prevent suffering among them this winter, caused by erroneous impressions received from new and professed friends. Experience, however, will teach some that they must follow the example of the bee and the ant to be either comfortable or happy in their new condition. Next to experience, comes the improvement of the negro's mental and moral condition, to render freedom any thing of a boon to him. The various churches of the South, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Episcopalian, especially, are turning their attention to this subject and exhibit, in their desire to ameliorate the condition of the negro, by rendering him more fit to enjoy the freedom thrust upon him, real philanthropy, which is in direct contrast with the shallow pretences and heartless schemes of the abolitionists, whose every step but adds to his embarrassment by bringing him in conflict with his real friends, with whom there should be no conflict. They do not care so their own plans for self aggrandizement are accomplished. To show the spirit of the Southern people, as expressed by their churches, we give the report adopted by the Episcopal convention which lately assembled in Richmond, merely premising that late Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist convenings have taken somewhat similar action on the same subject.

"Recognizing the change in the social condition of the colored race, the Church of Virginia desires to express her continued interest in the welfare--both spiritual and temporal--of the freedmen scattered throughout the Diocese; therefore

1. "Resolved, That the clergy of the Diocese of Va. pledge themselves to renewed efforts in the work of their religious instruction by preaching, Sunday school efforts, and every other available means that may contribute to their moral and religious well-being.

2. "Resolved, That the laity of the Diocese will co-operate with their pastors, and as far as practicable, both in the Sunday school and at home, give particular attention to their mental as well as religious instruction.

3. "Resolved, That, as one of the means for the accomplishment of the above purpose, the establishment of parochial schools be recommended."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper celebrates the battle President Johnson is fighting of "united and co-equal states against a consolidated despotism." The editors state that southerners, northern Democrats, and conservative Republicans have been pleasantly surprised by Johnson's conciliatory approach to reconstruction and are supporting him as a result. The paper urges southerners to elect to office men who did not support secession in order to deprive radicals of an issue.

Full Text of Article:

Slowly but surely has President Johnson pursued his policy for the restoration of the Union, nor, whether attempted to be cajoled by sickly adulation, or dragooned by menaces, does he deviate from the path marked out. He is to-day fighting the battle of a Republic of United and Co-equal States against a consolidated despotism. Guided by the light of the Constitution, he is pursuing the only course which will restore a permanent Union. His conservatism surprises, as well as delights the people of the Southern States, who had been led to expect a stern and bitter fate, and will make them firm friends of permanent Union, while his conciliatory measures must and will redound to the everlasting praise of Republican Governments. Not only does his conservatism and conciliation meet with the cordial approbation of the people of the South, but the Democracy of the North have commended and endorsed his policy, and the conservative Republicans of the States of New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, recognizing the fact that, the question of slavery being removed from the political arena, there only remain a wise, conservative and conciliatory policy to be pursued to reunite the old Republic on a firm and lasting basis, have also endorsed his policy of restoration.

While the President is receiving the assistance of the conservatives of the North, the South must add her voice in sustaining him, by sending, as her representatives, men who have not been leaders in the Secession movement, or in any way identified with its extreme measures. By such a course, the Northern radicals, whose ranks are daily dwindling away, will find but a meagre morsel, in the newly elected representatives of the South, upon which to feed their fanatical followers. In fact we believe they will, as a matter of self preservation, go over "horse, foot and dragoons" to the conservatives.

The people of the South must look well to their interests in the selection of their representatives, and if they be but true to themselves, their section and the whole country, in the coming elections, a far brighter day will dawn upon us.

Local Items
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper lists the proceedings of the latest meeting of the County Court: Jacob Cason was acquitted of shooting James P. Brown "with intent to kill;" Augustus Fisher was charged with stealing a horse; Jno. W. Kuhn, J. F. Huffman and freedwoman Mary Bell were severally charged with felony; George C. Crouse and Davis B. Hyde were denied liquor licenses; Augustus Blouth was granted a license to keep a house of public entertainment in Greenville; William Chapman and Jno. B. Smith were granted licenses to keep houses of private entertainment in Waynesboro; General John Echols and Capt. Orlando Smith were qualified as Attorneys; Robert G. Bickle, William Chapman, and James Henderson were appointed proxies to represent the County Stock in the Va. Central Railroad in the next annual meeting of stockholders; Robert M. White, William F. Smith, S. B. Finley, James M. Lilley, and Jno. M. Irvin were appointed Augusta County road commissioners.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Cason, James P. Brown, Augustus Fisher, Jno. W. Kuhn, J. F. Huffman, Mary Bell, George C. Crouse, Davis B. Hyde, Augustus Blouth, William Chapman, Jno. B. Smith, General John Echols, Capt. Orlando Smith, Robert G. Bickle, James Henderson, Robert M. White, William F. Smith, S. B. Finley, James M. Lilley, Jno. M. Irvin)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports on Robert E. Lee's brief stay in Greenville. He caused an immediate sensation after being recognized by "an old negro man."

Full Text of Article:

One day last week, a friend of ours, residing in our neighboring town of Greenville, was asked by an elderly gentleman, on horseback, to be so kind as to direct him to the hotel of the town, which our amiable friend did in as kind terms as the request had been made, and after the departure of the gentleman, turned to pursue his business, little thinking that the occurrence would again be brought to his mind. An old negro man, coming down the street, passed the solitary horseman, and politely lifted his hat to him, and upon approaching our friend asked him if he knew the gentleman. Upon receiving a negative reply, said "why that's our great old General. That's Massa Robt E. Lee." If a thousand Mortars had suddenly let loose upon the town a greater excitement could scarcely have been created. The news spread like wild-fire, crowds from town and country rushed in to get a sight of the great and good man whom, not only the Southern people, but those throughout the world, who appreciate true greatness, love to admire.

He was on his way to assume the duties of President of Washington College, to which position, without solicitation, he had been lately elected, and, in his unostentatious way, would have passed by unknown, but for being recognized by the old negro, who had followed his campaigns. As it was his advent into Greenville was an era in her history and long will she remember the day.

Local Items
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces that the office of the Adam's Express Company has been refurbished under direction of its "enterprising" owner, F. Scheffer Esq. The company agent, Richard Hawkins, has again taken up business in the old quarters, and "under the late schedule of low rates, with increased facilities for dispatch, is prepared to forward all goods, moneys, letters, &c., to any point within sound of the rattle of a Stage coach, or the whistle of an Engine."
(Names in announcement: F. Scheffer, Richard Hawkins)

Local Items
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces that Charles W. Turner, of Staunton, is doing business for the Baltimore firm, Chaney, Randall, and Co. The firm has been praised by local merchants, and "from the established reputation of our young Townsman as a business man, we predict for the firm, and trust they will receive, a large share of the Valley trade."
(Names in announcement: Charles W. Turner)

Local Items
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper announces that many Virginia post offices are re-opening by order of the Postmaster General, including the following from Augusta County: Swope's Depot, Mrs. Bettie A. Dull, Postmistress; Mt. Sidney, A. H. Ross, Postmaster.
(Names in announcement: Bettie A. Dull, A. H. Ross)

Committed to Jail
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper announces that a youth named Ralph Marshall was committed to County Jail for stealing a horse belonging to Augusta County resident John Switzer on August 31st.
(Names in announcement: Ralph Marshall, John Switzer)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: Mr. Robert Gaw, of Woodstock, and Miss Margaret E. Bean of Staunton, were married in Staunton at the residence of Job Turner on September 22. The Reverend George B. Taylor presided. According to the paper, "both bride and bridegroom" were "Deaf Mutes."
(Names in announcement: Robert Gaw, Margaret E. Bean, Job Turner, Rev. George B. Taylor)

Married
(Column 01)

Summary: Capt. Benjamin G. Patterson, of Harrisonburg, married Miss Fannie Koiner, daughter of Augusta County resident Martin Koiner, on South River on September 21st. The Rev. J. Killian presided.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Benjamin G. Patterson, Fannie Koiner, Martin Koiner, Rev. J. Killian)

Married
(Column 01)

Summary: Mr. William J. Radford and Miss Sarah Gladwell, both of Augusta County, were married on September 21st by the Rev. J. W. Kiracofe.
(Names in announcement: William J. Radford, Sarah Gladwell, Rev. J. W. Kiracofe)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: Mr. George B. Ensor, of Davisville, Baltimore County, Md., married Miss Jennie H. Beard at the home of the bride's father, John Beard, near Mint Spring, Augusta County, on September 14th. The Rev. J. C. Dice presided.
(Names in announcement: George B. Ensor, Jennie H. Beard, John Beard, Rev. J. C. Dice)

Died
(Column 02)

Summary: Mrs. Mary W. Imboden, wife of General John D. Imboden, died of consumption on September 21st at Mulberry Hill, Charlotte County, Va., the home of her father, John B. McPhail. She was 32 years old.
(Names in announcement: Mary W. Imboden, Gen. John D. Imboden, John B. McPhail)

Died
(Column 02)

Summary: Mrs. N. H. Hamilton, wife of Dr. R. L. Hamilton and daughter of the late Henry Sterrett, died in Churchville after a brief illness on the evening of September 8th.
(Names in announcement: N. H. Hamilton, Dr. R. L. Hamilton, Henry Sterrett)