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Staunton Spectator: April 19, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 |

Notice: Office Provost Marshal
(Column 2)

Summary: Notice dated March 10, 1864, calls on men between ages 45 and 50 to apply for service in the local Provost guard.

Trailer: John Avis, Capt. and Provost Marshal

Once Cent Reward!!
(Column 2)

Summary: Asks for help in finding fourteen-year-old William Newman, who had been placed with Werner by the keeper of the Poor House.
(Names in announcement: William Newman, Conrad Werner)

Trailer: Conrad Werner

A Card!--To the Farmers of Southern Augusta!!
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces that a topographical survey of the county is underway and asks for residents to provide the surveyors with grain and forage.

Trailer: P. W. Oscar Koerner, 1st Lieut. per Eng'rs.

Supplies Wanted Immediately!
(Column 3)

Summary: Asks residents to sell flour, bacon, corn, beef, beans, potatoes, and soap to the state in a transaction that will not be considered impressment.
(Names in announcement: William H. PeytonAgent, Charles W. Parker)

Trailer: Wm. H. Peyton, Agent

l779--1864
(Column 4)

Summary: Prints letter from George Washington to George Mason, March 27, 1776, in which Washington expresses concern about men who place their private interests above those of the nation.

Origin of Article: Richmond Enquirer

Editorial Comment: "That our readers may see how literally history repeats itself, and how national sins return from father to son, we reproduce from the 'Virginia Historical Register' the following letter from Gen. Washington. All our present trials are there depicted as well as the sins of our people."

Gov. Smith and Justices of the Peace
(Column 5)

Summary: Explains reasoning behind the military exemption of justices of the peace.

Origin of Article: Petersburg Express

Trailer: R. R. Collier, Senate of Virginia

Roll of Honor
(Column 5)

Summary: Reports that the Virginia legislature will begin publishing a list of all men involved in the war effort.

Origin of Article: Richmond Dispatch

New York Herald on Lincoln
(Column 5)

Summary: Prints comments made by the New York Herald alleging that Republicans have pronounced Lincoln a "failure."

Garrett Davis on Lincoln
(Column 6)

Summary: Notes that Garrett Davis of Kentucky made a speech before the U.S. Senate denouncing Lincoln as a "tyrannical usurper."

Feeding Pigs
(Column 6)

Summary: Explains how to keep pigs happy and healthy on half-rations.

Origin of Article: Lexington Gazette

Cultivation of the Soil
(Column 6)

Summary: Urges readers to work hard to cultivate as much as possible from the soil.

Origin of Article: Richmond Dispatch

The Right Spirit
(Column 6)

Summary: Calls on the government to grant more details in order to help farmers harvesting corn and oats crops.

Origin of Article: Lexington Gazette

To the Voters of the 8th (Mt. Solon) Magisterial District
(Column 7)

Summary: Declares his candidacy for office of the justice of the peace and notes his opposition to government conscription policies.
(Names in announcement: John Doe)

Trailer: John Doe

For the Spectator
(Column 7)

Summary: Prints letter from a soldier stationed at Camp Randolph, Orange County, to his father, in which he expresses support for Samuel Paul and Joseph Ryan, candidates for sheriff and court clerk, respectively.
(Names in announcement: P.W. , Samuel Paul, Joseph Ryan)

Trailer: P. W.

Virginia Elections in May
(Column 7)

Summary: Explains which offices will be voted on in next May's county elections.

Shoe Blacking
(Column 7)

Summary: Offers suggestions of alternative ways to blacken shoes.

Origin of Article: Southern Cultivator, Southern Banner

"Beast" Butler and the Clergy
(Column 7)

Summary: Laments recent news of two clergymen in Norfolk and Portsmouth who took the oath to the Union.

Good Advice
(Column 7)

Summary: Prints portion of a recent speech given by General Howell Cobb in which speculators are condemned.

Victory in Louisiana
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports on enemy losses in a recent battle near Shreveport, Louisiana.

Rations of Tobacco
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that the Confederate Congress has authorized the distribution of tobacco rations to soldiers.

From Suffolk
(Column 1)

Summary: Notes that Suffolk, Virginia, has been occupied again by Yankee troops.

Full Text of Article:

Suffolk, says the Petersburg Express, has been again occupied by the Yankees. On Tuesday, the brutal and notorious Col. Spear, at the head of three regiments of infantry and five companies of cavalry, arrived and established quarters. One of the infantry regiments is composed entirely of negroes, black as ebony, and as saucy and vulgar a set of devils as were ever pressed into the Yankee service. It is not positively known what Spear's intentions are, but the general impression seems to be, that Butler has sent him to Suffolk for the purpose of watching the movements of the Confederates from a nearer stand point than that he has been enable to do hitherto. His plans, whatever they may be, will probably develop themselves at an early day.

Orders in Reference to Enrollment
(Column 2)

Summary: Outlines recent orders given and actions taken by the government with regard to the enrollment of reserve forces.

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: Notes that a ball is planned at the Virginia Hotel this evening for the benefit of destitute families.

A New Regiment
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the formation of a new cavalry regiment under General Imboden's command.

The Yankee Congress
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports on the attempted expulsion from Congress of an Ohio representative who stated that he would prefer to recognize the Confederacy than kill Southern people.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that the Mt. Solon home of James H. and Preston Todd burned, perhaps as the result of arson.
(Names in announcement: Preston Todd, James H. Todd)

The Two Campaigns
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports on the discord surrounding upcoming elections in the North.

The Old Currency and the New Six Per Cents
(Column 3)

Summary: Explains that the old currency can now be funded in six percent bonds.

The War Power
(Column 3)

Summary: Highlights a recent Alabama court decision which stated that Congress does not have the power to grant permanent exemptions from military service. Instead, exemptions can be revoked at any time depending on the needs of the nation's war effort.

For the Spectator
(Column 4)

Summary: Gives update on camp life, including religious worship, and condemns the disloyalty of speculators at home.
(Names in announcement: Rev. See)

Full Text of Article:

MR. EDITOR: As any news from the army is read with interest, by those at home, I will endeavor to note down some things that have come immediately under my notice.

I am now writing almost in full view of the Yankee camp--our brigade being on picket at this time. This is not the most pleasant part of a soldier's duty, yet it serves to break the monotony of camp life. Our regiment is very comfortably quartered, enjoying the luxuries to which many of our friends at home are strangers, such as sugar, coffee, molasses, &c., of which we are drawing pretty abundantly.

We have preaching almost every night when the weather will permit, by our chaplain, the Rev. Mr. See. There does not appear to be that interest manifested on the subject of religion as was last winter, but, on the whole, there is a pretty good attendance at divine service.

War is very disastrous in its effects; it corrupts the morals, blunts the sensibilities, and destroys the finer feelings of man, not only of the soldier, but of the civilian. It has surprised me very much to see the change that has taken place in the minds of many persons at home. Some of them pledged their last dollar for the support of the soldiers' families, who have since been the leaders in extortion and speculation. Others who appeared equally as zealous have refused to sell their productions to soldiers for Confederate money; and when induced to sell, actually charged a half month's wages for a single pair of half soles for his shoes.

If this does not constitute disloyalty I am at a loss to know what does. The change has been so gradual it would scarcely be noticed by those who witnessed it every day, but I must confess it struck me forcibly. There is another class of persons who have surprised me even more, viz: Those persons who seemed to be so impatient to get Virginia out of the Union, could not wait until there could be a Convention called for the purpose, wanted to be pitching into the Yankees, felt themselves able to whip almost an unlimited number. But since the war has been inaugurated have become exceedingly patient, willing to let it move quietly and steadily along unwilling to assist in any capacity, except as quartermaster, wagonmaster or in some other bullet-proof position, and then take care to avail themselves of the first exemption bill, or employ a substitute, and now when there is no other alternative, have the audacity to ask for a detail.

I think it is the duty of every able-bodied man, especially those who are in possession of property, to participate in our struggle for Liberty and Independence. We who have been standing [a wall as it were] between the enemy and their property, think it very unjust that they should remain at home enjoying their ease, while we are compelled to remain in service and endure the hardships and privations of another Summer's campaign. That we are tired of the service no one will deny, but we are not so tired that we would be willing to give up the conflict, provided every man comes up and does his duty.

But there is another class I would notice before closing, with whom there appear to have no changes taken place. I mean the Ladies, noble-hearted creatures, who seem to have no other end in view than the achievement of our Independence. May their expectations be realized, and through their efforts may many be brought into the service who have been shirking duty, is the desire of your humble servant.

COMPANY D, 5th Va. Infantry.

Trailer: Company D, 5th Va. Infantry

Discharge of Soldiers
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports that soldiers over age 45, or under age 18, will be discharged at the end of their present term of enlistment.

Frederick Senatorial District
(Column 4)

Summary: Announces that Samuel W. Thomas, Esq., of Warren County, is a candidate for senator from the Frederick senatorial district.

Temperance Notice
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports that the Sons of Temperance met in Staunton on March 1, and that anyone from a temperance organization that disbanded because of the war is invited to attend future meetings.

Full Text of Article:

A convention of the Sons of Temperance met on invitation of Charity Division, at their hall, in the town of Staunton, on Monday, the 1st day of the March Court, and after having considered the topics presented for deliberation, adjourned to meet at the same place, on Monday, the 1st day of April Court, at two o'clock, P.M.

Delegates representing five subordinate divisions were present.

A cordial invitation is hereby given to Divisions in this, as well as in adjoining counties, to send strong delegations to this meeting and,

As many Divisions have ceased to operate from causes growing out of the war, any members of such disbanded organizations are invited to be present, and cooperate in these deliberations, that suitable measures may be adopted for reviving the slumbering energies of this admirable institution and giving it greater efficiency.

April 19-2t

BY ORDER.

$550 Reward
(Column 4)

Summary: Offers reward for the return of eight slaves who ran away from Elizabeth Furnace.
(Names in announcement: Rafe , Frank , Major , Sandy , Henry , Neal , Lester , Bill , Beverly , D. & H. Forrer)

Circular: Bureau of Conscription
(Column 5)

Summary: Outlines most recent government rules regarding exemptions and details.

Trailer: Col. J. C. Shields, Comdt. Conscripts for Va.; Ja. H. Binford, Lt. & Adjt.

Married
(Column 7)

Summary: Rev. Horatio Thompson married D. Enos Ott and Virginia McCormick, daughter of Robert McCormick, on April 12.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Horatio Thompson, D. Enos Ott, Miss Virginia McCormick, Robert McCormickEsq.)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: On April 3, Robert E. Crawford died at age 48 of typhoid fever, at the residence of W. J. D. Bell near Staunton.
(Names in announcement: W. J. D. Bell, Robert E. Crawford)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: Mary Jane Dunlap died on April 2 of typhoid pneumonia at age 47. She was the wife of William R. Dunlap.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Mary Jane Dunlap, Mr. William R. Dunlap)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: Mary Catherine Hilker Wetzel died at age 18 years, 8 months, and 10 days on April 6 at the Woodstock residence of her father, Rev. H. Wetzel.
(Names in announcement: Mary Catherine Hilker Wetzel, Rev. H. Wetzel)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: At age 33, William F. Achord died in Maryland of wounds he received at Gettysburg as a member of Company E, 5th Virginia Infantry. He was the son of Peter and Elizabeth Achord, and a member of United Brethren Church.
(Names in announcement: William F. Achord, Peter Achord, Elizabeth Achord)

Died
(Column 7)

Summary: William Guy, Esq., who was born in Derry, Ireland, and came to the United States in 1804, died on March 15 at age 67.
(Names in announcement: William GuyEsq.)

Virginia
(Column 7)

Summary: In Goode v. Skeen et. al., Samuel Goode and his wife, Mary, seek a portion of the Samuel V. Gatewood estate on behalf of Andrew O. S. Gatewood.
(Names in announcement: Samuel GoodeGuardian of Andrew O. S. Gatewood, Mary P. Goode, Andrew O. S. Gatewood, William Skeen, Samuel V. Gatewooddec'd, Eugenie S. Gatewood(widow), William B. Gatewood, William TaliaferroJr., Susan J. Taliaferro)