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Semi-Weekly Dispatch: August 13, 1861 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

N. Y. Herald's Proposition
(Column 5)

Summary: Suggests that slaves should be taken from the "300,000 rebel aristocrats who now own them" and sold for $25 a piece to the "750,000 poor whites" of the South. This scheme would turn the poor whites into Union men, and the government would receive $750 million, "or rather more than enough to pay the whole cost of the war."

Origin of Article: New York Herald

Gen. McDowell's Report
(Column 1)

Summary: Relates that the official report submitted by Brigadier General McDowell "makes it quite clear" that the army was not ready for the advance on Bull Run. However, the action could not be delayed, because the term of service of most of the Union troops was about to expire.

Origin of Article: Phila. Eve. Bulletin

What It Takes for an Army
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that an army officer estimates the amount of food that 50,000 men consume per day at 312 tons, 10 cwt., thus requiring 300 horses to carry one day's provisions for an army of that size. With baggage and ammunition, an army would require over 1,000 horses for a single day's necessities.

Thirteen Dollars Per Month
(Column 1)

Summary: Describes the passage of a bill in Congress to increase soldiers' pay by two dollars per month. The bill as first proposed provided for an increase of four dollars per month.

Jewish Burial
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that the remains of a Jewish woman by the last name of Einstine were brought to Chambersburg from Hagerstown, Maryland, the previous Sabbath. She was buried in the "burial ground of that people" on the eastern part of Washington street.

Hope, Attention!
(Column 1)

Summary: Requests that the members of the Hope Fire Company attend a meeting this evening at eight o'clock.

Trailer: JAS. McKESSON, Pres't.

Whortleberries
(Column 1)

Summary: Relates that on the previous Thursday a woman from the South Mountain brought 250 quarts of huckleberries into town to sell.

Death of Col. James C. Boyd
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the death of Col. J. C. Boyd, which took place at his residence near Mercersburg on August 7 after a protracted illness.

Fast Riding
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports the arrest and fine of a man the previous Saturday afternoon for "fast riding through our streets."

Full Text of Article:

On Saturday afternoon last, Constable Gross arrested a man for fast riding through our streets, which is in violation of a Borough Ordinance. He was taken before L. S. Clarke, Esq., Burges, when he paid the fine imposed. It would be a very fine thing if more were arrested and fined for the same offence, as there is a deal of risk of life and limb incurred by children particularly, owing to fast riding and driving on our thoroughfares.

Change of Name
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that the name of Mr. John Fisher's hotel will be changed from the "Southern Hotel" to the "Union Hotel."
(Names in announcement: Mr. John Fisher)

Forced to Leave
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports the departure of Mr. Jno. W. Shinefield and his family from Ravenswood in Jackson County, Virginia, where they had lived for the past five years, and their arrival in Chambersburg. The Shinefields left Virginia because of their Union sentiments and because Governor Wise's forces were approaching the town. The Dispatch criticizes the eight tavern owners in Harrisburg who refused the Shinefields hospitality.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Jno. W. Shinefield)

Full Text of Article:

Mr. Jno. W. Shinefield, son of Mr. Shinefield, late Steward of our Alms House, with his wife and four children, arrived in our midst on last Friday, under very distressing circumstances. For five or more years past, Mr. S. has been a resident of Ravenswood, Jackson County, Va., where he carried on the merchant tailoring. The people of the town in which he resided, owing to their Union sentiments, and for fear of being forced into the rebel ranks by Gov. Wise, who was approaching the place with his rebel forces, precipitately crossed the river into Ohio, with whatever of their property they could hastily gather up. Mr. S. succeeded in taking but a small quantity of his goods, leaving behind nearly all that he was worth, which of course, fell into the hands of the enemy. With his family he then endeavored to make his way to this County, his former residence, with what difficulty any person may well imagine, as he had but a small amount of money when he left Virginia. He succeeded, however, thro' much trouble, in reaching Harrisburg, where he supposed he had escaped the ferocity of the rebels and reached a humane and civilized community, but judge of his surprise when, on application to obtain lodgings and something to eat for his family, he was denied entertainment by the proprietors of eight different Public Houses! He was refused this after a statement of his situation and after offering everything he possessed in pledge for payment. Mr. Shinefield would have had to lodge his little ones in the Market-house but for the kindness of a police officer, we believe, who took them to his home. Mr. S. and family are of genteel appearance, and why such cold-blooded inhumanity should be exhibited towards him, we are at a loss to say. One thing is certain, the names of these hotel proprietors should be made known, and their houses shunned by all decent people.

Court Week and Rain
(Column 2)

Summary: Comments that, "as usual," it has begun to rain since the August term of court began the previous Monday morning.

Returned
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that the wife of J. Allison Eyster has returned from an attempt to visit her husband at Richmond, where he is held prisoner. When she reached his headquarters, General Banks advised her to return when he feared for her safety.

Pennsylvania Volunteer Artillery
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the organization of the first Regiment of Volunteer Artillery ever formed in Pennsylvania. Captain H. Easton and Lieutenants Palsgrove and Stits, all of Chambersburg, command the regiment of 800 men, who comprise eight companies.

Deaths
(Column 3)

Summary: Mr. Wm. H. B. McConnell, died on August 11 in Antrim Township after a protracted illness. Mr. McConnell was 40 years of age.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Wm. H. B. McConnell)