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Valley Spirit: January 7, 1863 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

To our Patrons--Thanks
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors thank their subscribers for paying their bills and announce that instead of raising the price of the paper, they will temporarily reduce its size to four pages from eight.

The Emancipation Proclamation
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors note the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation. While they do not comment on it extensively, the editors observe that Lincoln's proclamation will have little effect but to prolong the war and exacerbate the conflict.

Full Text of Article:

The Emancipation Proclamation.

The President has issued the promised emancipation proclamation declaring the slaves of certain States and parts of States "henceforth and forever free." It will be found in another column of our paper to-day.

Our views upon the policy of emancipation are well known to our readers and we do not deem it necessary to reiterate them at this time. We may say, however, that we regard this pronunciamento, to use the language of the President himself, as impracticable as the "Pope's bull against the comet." It is unwise, ill-timed, outside of the Constitution and full of mischief. Its effect will be more thoroughly to unite and exasperate the whites of the South in their resistance to the National Government, and to make the war still more prolonged, bloody and bitter.

But the radicals have told us that it would end the war in thirty days; that it was the great remedy for the evils afflicting the country; and the Harrisburg Telegraph of Saturday last, exclaims: "The deed is done. The heart of the rebellion has been struck and the Union is saved."

Well, we will now see this emancipation policy tested practically, and learn, from experience, the value of abolition philosophy. The country expects them to redeem their promises and with one tremendous blow struck at the "heart of the rebellion" crush it at once, and give peace to the country.

Drive on, "Massa Linkun," we are anxiously awaiting the result.

Disturbed
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors suggest that the reason that the Dispatch is upset with the Spirit and Times's coverage of Fredericksburg is because of mental infirmity.

How Richmond was not Taken
(Column 2)

Summary: Citing testimony from the court martial of General McDowell, the author argues that if McDowell's corps had not been withdrawn from McClellan's command during the approach to Richmond, McClellan would have been able to take the city. Therefore, the author concludes, the blame should be laid at the feet of President Lincoln, who split the armies and gave McDowell a separate command.

Bloody Beecherisms
(Column 2)

Summary: The writer quotes several speeches by Henry Ward Beecher, in which the minister argues that the blood being shed in the war is for a noble cause and that God should be thanked that there are more men who can be sacrificed. This, says the writer, is evidence that abolitionists are willing to sacrifice all in a fanatical quest for their goal of emancipation.

Origin of Article: Patriot and Union

Emancipation Proclamation
(Column 3)

Summary: Reprints President Lincoln's order to emancipate the slaves in the rebellious states.

Important from the Army of the Cumberland--A Great Battle at Murfreesboro'
(Column 5)

Summary: Provides a partial report of the battle at Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Worthy of Commendation
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors note that the management of the Cumberland Valley Rail Road has settled with about seventy-five members of the Corn Exchange militia regiment of Philadelphia, who were wounded in the accident last year. The editors believe this is a highly honorable gesture by the company. While the management does not acknowledge any responsibility, they are nonetheless devoting part of their profits to help relieve the suffering of those wounded in the accident.

Tribute of Respect
(Column 1)

Summary: The members of the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers issued a resolution commemorating their fallen comrades.
(Names in announcement: Adam R. McClellan, Sgt. W., W. Brinkley, Dallas E. Mowen, Sgt. R. S. Brownson)

A Donation
(Column 1)

Summary: The German Lutheran congregation of Chambersburg presented their pastor, Rev. Mr. Wolff, with a new suit of broadcloth, and his wife with a new bonnet, dress, and cloak, made of "the best material." The editors note that it speaks well of the "liberality" of the congregation and the popularity of Rev. Wolff.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Mr. Wolff)

Carriers Address to the Patrons of the Valley Spirit and Times
(Column 2)

Summary: A reprint of the poem read by the carrier to subscribers, recounting the events of the year.

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: William Gillan and Mary A. Fetter, both from the vicinity of Orrstown, were married on December 30.
(Names in announcement: Rev. G. R. Zacharias, William Gillan, Mary A. Fetter)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: John Kadel and Elizabeth Heller, both of Chambersburg, were married on December 25.
(Names in announcement: Rev. M. Wolf, John Kadel, Elizabeth Heller)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: Johannes Williamson and Elizabeth Seger were married on January 4.
(Names in announcement: Rev. M. Wolf, Johannes Williamson, Elizabeth Seger)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Jonathan Creamer died in Upper Strasburg on December 30, aged 31 years, 11 months and 11 days.
(Names in announcement: Jonathan Creamer)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Melchia Brendel died near St. Thomas on December 28, aged 96 years, 10 months and 11 days.
(Names in announcement: Melchia Brendel)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Wilhelmina Hardley, daughter of Catharine and Henry Hardley, died on December 27, aged 4 years, 6 months and 15 days.
(Names in announcement: Wilhelmina Hardley, Catharine Hardley, Henry Hardley)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: William Augustus Flack, aged 6 years and 5 days, and Emma E. Flack, aged 1 year, 9 months and 15 days, children of Samuel and Lydia Flack, died on January 1 near Jackson Hall of diphtheria.
(Names in announcement: William Augustus Flack, Emma E. Flack, Samuel Flack, Lydia Flack)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Charles B. D. Coffroth died in New York City on December 21 of a heart attack at the age of 30.
(Names in announcement: Charles B.D. Coffroth)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: George J. McLean died at "Harewood Hospital" in Washington D.C. on December 22, of wounds sustained during the battle of Fredericksburg, at age 21.
(Names in announcement: George J. McLean)

Origin of Article: Shippensburg News

Certificates for Damages
(Column 4)

Summary: A notice to people who have been before the Commissioners (D. O. Gehr and Samuel Reisher) and have had their claims adjusted for the impressment of horses, saddles, bridles, hauling, forage, blacksmithing, services, etcetera, that they should call on Gehr or Reisher to receive certificates by leaving the vouchers they now hold.
(Names in announcement: D. O. Gehr, Samuel Reisher)