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Valley Virginian: December 13, 1865 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

President's Message
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper summarizes President Andrew Johnson's message to Congress in which he lays out his policy toward the South which invites southerners to participate again in government after slavery has been abolished. The question of suffrage for the freedmen should be left to the states.

[No Title]
(Column 05)

Summary: The prevalence of tuberculosis among African Americans in Warrenton is attributed to the "withdrawal of that kind care for the wants and comforts" that their owners once provided them.

Grape Culture in the Valley
(Column 06)

Summary: This article argues that the Shenandoah Valley is well-suited to growing grapes and producing wine.

Senator Wilson's Bill
(Column 06)

Summary: The paper prints a copy of a Bill introduced in the Senate by Senator Wilson of Massachusetts which aims to protect the civil rights of blacks.

[No Title]
(Column 07)

Summary: The paper supports the appeal of the people of Winchester to raise funds to gather together the Confederate dead buried nearby and bury them in one cemetery.

A Sign
(Column 07)

Summary: The paper reports on controversy surrounding the Clerk of the House of Representatives' refusal to call the names of delegates from Tennessee which included some prominent Union men.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper complains that the presence of "large numbers of impudent and grinning negresses" in the ladies' gallery of Congress keeps white women away.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The editors praise the "iron, lead, copper and other mineral lands" being sold by Echols, Bell, and Catlett. "The mineral wealth of Virginia will be rapidly developed and in a short time these lands will increase greatly in value" offering capitalists "chances of making immense fortunes."
(Names in announcement: Echols, Bell, Catlett)

Our Dead at Gettysburg
(Column 01)

Summary: Mr. L. B. Waller of Staunton just returned from a trip to Gettysburg in which he obtained from Samuel Weaver a list of Virginians buried there. "Their graves are being ploughed over and the head boards taken away, but Mr. Weaver knows their last resting places." Friends and family of the dead are encouraged to address Mr. Waller for information.
(Names in announcement: L. B. Waller)

Our Dead
(Column 01)

Summary: The editors challenge the women of August to follow the lead of the ladies of Winchester in securing aid for burial of the Confederate dead. "There are two thousand heroes buried in, or rather out of Thornrose Cemetery, and the condition of the graves and want of an enclosure is a disgrace to the place. Can't some of our warm hearted and energetic ladies take the matter in hand and raise the means to extend the Cemetery fence so as to include the soldier's graves."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Lt. Charles C. Francisco, 14th Va. Cavalry, who died from wounds received at Gettysburg was buried in Thornrose Cemetery on Monday.
(Names in announcement: Lt. Charles C. Francisco)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: This editorial argues that a railroad in the Valley is essential for developing the area's resources and marketing its crops.

Full Text of Article:

[section missing]

Are we content to go for the next twenty-five years as we have done for the last, satisfied with the bounties which nature has bestowed, and without any effort to keep pace with the march of progress? Are we still to leave vast mineral resources undeveloped, water power unapplied, or even our agriculture in its hampered condition, for want of access to market? Of what use are our deposits of Iron, Coal, Lead, &c., and what value our crops of hay and grain if it be necessary to wagon them from twenty to sixty miles to market? It is evident that so long as the present condition of affairs continues we can expect no rapid improvement of our Valley, no great increase of wealth and prosperity. Mt. Jackson is farther from Richmond or Baltimore in a Commercial sense, than central Connecticut or Ohio. The farmer or manufacturer might as well have his crops or his fabrics in British America as in the centre of this great Valley. The large corn and hay crops of our Country must be converted into Cattle or wasted, while the markets of Baltimore, Washington or Richmond are supplied these staples from Northern or Western States, distant five times as far in miles.

This condition of affairs should be corrected and now is the time to do it. We are just starting out in a new race, and should use all our enterprise to attract the capital and energy now seeking investment. We have natural advantages, in our Valley, unequaled. To have an outlet by which these advantages may be turned to account, is our first need. Our interests require a railroad from Winchester to Salem, a road to be made without delay, and which will put us within a few hours of any of the great markets. The Manassas Gap road seems hopelessly debilitated. It shows no signs of reviving life, and if it were on its legs would probably consume the remainder of the century in doing what ought to be done in the next two or three years. The enterprise must be undertaken anew and under different auspices.

There are two ideas that suggest themselves. First to have a new Company with a charter to make their road from Winchester to Salem. Or, next, to give to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company the right of way. This company has always been extremely anxious to open a road through the Valley, and now we understand are willing to make the road entire, if only the charter be given. Nor is there any doubt that this Company and Baltimore City would advance all the funds needed to build the road, to any company that might take it in hand, provided they were secured reasonable privileges in return. There are many reasons why we should prefer that the road should be in the hands of a company composed of citizens of our own State and located in it. Nor do we doubt that the enterprise might be successfully set on foot, and that without delay, on this basis. But this ought not to be a sine qua non. Our first need is the road. If no other arrangement can be effected, we hope the legislature will promptly give the charter asked for to the Baltimore Company, coupled with a requirement that the road shall be completed in some certain short space of time. Then with five thousand workmen put on it we might have the road done to Staunton in six months, and to Salem in two years.

The March of Civilization
(Column 02)

Summary: This item ridicules the intelligence of African Americans.

Full Text of Article:

A citizen of this town on "wash day" went into his kitchen and found his colored "woman of all work" writing rapidly and earnestly. He asked her what she was doing and she replied "writing poetry." Curiosity led him to look over her labor and he found she had produced the following beautiful, remarkable and original piece of poetry--

"De rose is red,
De violets blue
Sugar is sweet,
And so is you.

This was addressed to a 'colored geman' and as it is perfectly original, we give it as a specimen of the genius of the 'free American citizens of African descent.'

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The gas in town went out Thursday night due to a lack of rosin. Col. Peck went to Wilmington, N. C. to have more delivered.
(Names in announcement: Col. Peck)

What is Store For Us
(Column 03)

Summary: Although the current political situation looks gloomy, the editors argue that there is room for hope. The policies of the radical Republicans promise to alienate the West, along with moderate northerners. The President has made it clear he will oppose their reconstruction policies, and southerners are supporting him because of it.

Full Text of Article:

We publish a full synopsis of the President's Message and Senator Wilson's bill, which is one of the many bills of a similar character introduced to degrade the South and hamper the President in his policy of restoration. In reading the message and Wilson's bill our people will see that the issue between Andrew Johnson and the Radicals is distinctly made by the latter. The President wants the Southern States restored to their Constitutional rights, but the crazy radicals want them degraded and reduced to a territorial condition. It remains to be seen who is the most powerful, and in the contest the Southern people will support, as far as they can, the President.

The times indeed look gloomy on the surface, and the Radical mob at Washington seem to have everything their own way, but, looking beneath the scum that has floated to the top, we can see evidences of disintegration and demoralization among the unconstitutional party that now controls Congress. The dignified and manly course taken by the members from Virginia and the South, in returning home, as soon as they found their services were not needed by Congress, has strengthened the hands of all constitutional men North and placed the Radicals in their proper position, as the dis-union party. The moderate Republicans and Conservative members, from the North and West, are evidently disgusted with the extreme measures of the Radicals, and supported by the President and the conservative sentiment of the whole country, time is sure to brig everything right.

This is the hopeful view of the political situation, for if the Radicals continue to have everything their own way the darkest day of the South is yet to come. While we hope for the best we should not despond if the worst comes. Admitting the facts of the present we must never disgrace our past by making unconstitutional concessions to power--never admit wrong is right, by sending pliant tools to Washington to "misrepresent" us. Let us work along, as best we may, and build up our shattered fortunes. After what has passed we can lose nothing by waiting patiently, and if we are only true to ourselves; true to our Country; true to Constitutional principles, a just God will never see such a people as ours, made the slaves of a Radical mob who now seek our destruction.

A Chance for Capitalists
(Column 03)

Summary: The editors declare that money could be profitably invested in construction of tenements in Staunton. "The number of inhabitants in Staunton and the constant increase has filled the houses to overflowing. Not a house or room can be had, and the prosperity of our town is greatly impaired by the want of tenements." An estimated forty buildings are needed.

[No Title]
(Column 04)

Summary: Over 170 guests stayed at the American Hotel last week.

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: William M. Simpson, formerly of Staunton, and Miss Maggie E. Nolls, of Alexandria, were married in Alexandria on December 4th by the Rev. C. C. Bitting.
(Names in announcement: William M. Simpson, Maggie E. Nolls, Rev. C. C. Bitting)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mr. A. E. Armstrong and Miss Elza A. Brubeck, both of Augusta, were married on November 16th by the Rev. William S. McClanaham.
(Names in announcement: A. E. Armstrong, Elza A. Brubeck, William S. McClanaham)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mr. W. S. Golladay and Miss Eliza J. Wright, both of Augusta, were married on November 20th by the Rev. William S. McClanaham.
(Names in announcement: W. S. Golladay, Eliza J. Wright, Rev. William S. McClanaham)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mr. John A. Hite and Miss Lizzie F. Golladay, both of Augusta, were married on November 30th by the Rev. William S. McClanaham.
(Names in announcement: John A. Hite, Lizzie F. Golladay, Rev. William S. McClanaham)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mr. G. F. Thomasson of Richmond, and Miss Kate Huff of Waynesboro, were married on November 16th at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. John Huff, by the Rev. H. A. Gaver.
(Names in announcement: G. F. Thomasson, Kate Huff, Rev. H. A. Gaver)

Married
(Column 04)

Summary: Mr. Marion Koiner and Miss Julia Koiner, both of Augusta, were married on November 23rd at the residence of the bride's father, Simon Koiner, by the Rev. J. Killian.
(Names in announcement: Marion Koiner, Julia Koiner, Simon Koiner, Rev. J. Killian)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that "two negro men, in jail for murder and horse stealing" unsuccessfully attempted to escape on the night of December 4th.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Hog cholera has been raging near Greenville, Augusta County.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that Thanksgiving day "passed quietly in Staunton." Stores were partially closed but "very little praying was done and an unusual amount of whiskey drank by some folks."

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: George A. Bruce of Waynesboro was elected Associate President of the Sons of Temperance at a meeting in Petersburg.
(Names in announcement: George A. Bruce)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The editors applaud the suggestion made by the Richmond Whig of John B. Baldwin for Judge of the Court of Appeals.
(Names in announcement: John B. Baldwin)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: William A. Burke is building a foundry on the corner of Lewis and Frederick Streets on the site of the old stage yard.
(Names in announcement: William A. Burke)

Badly Needed
(Column 01)

Summary: The Staunton Fire Company is reorganized but in need of a new hose to go into business. According to the paper, the old hose was destroyed by Union General David Hunter during the war.

New Drug Store
(Column 01)

Summary: Dr. N. Wayt and Bro. have opened a drug store. "The Doctor made an enviable reputation while engaged in our army, and puts up prescriptions himself."
(Names in announcement: Dr. N. Wayt)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The ladies of the Episcopal Church are holding a fund-raising fair and supper on December 20th.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Major W. J. Hawks, Chief C. S. for Stonewall Jackson, has 'reconstructed' his old business selling coaches and carriages.
(Names in announcement: Major W. J. Hawks)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: M. H. Brown, "one of the most enterprising young men of Staunton" and "a good soldier" is now with Hemerelrich and Hecht, boot and shoe dealers, Baltimore.
(Names in announcement: M. H. Brown)

Fine Tobacco
(Column 02)

Summary: Those wishing to purchase tobacco products should see George A. Armentrout.
(Names in announcement: George A. Armentrout)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: G. W. Dudley was allegedly "attacked by two negro ruffians" on the night of December 4th as he made his way to his home near Mint Spring. "The reins of his bridle were cut and he was brought to the ground. Several cuts were made at him with a knife but without effect. The rascals escaped and Mr. Dudley was not seriously hurt."
(Names in announcement: G. W. Dudley)

Elections
(Column 02)

Summary: The editors urge the unanimous election of Mr. James Bumgardner, Jr., to the office of Commonwealth's Attorney.
(Names in announcement: James BumgardnerJr.)

Personal
(Column 02)

Summary: Alexander H. H. Stuart returned to Augusta after being refused his seat in Congress. "Mr. Stuart persued the only manly and dignified course and his action reflects credit on the district as well as upon himself. His course was followed by all the delegates from the South. He is very hopeful of the future, when the passions of the hour pass away, and right and true constitutional views prevail, as they will in time."
(Names in announcement: Alexander H. H. Stuart)

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper introduces its soldier-employees to its readers.
(Names in announcement: Samuel D. Myers, Lt. Jacob B. Rosenberger, George A. Bagby, Nathan Anderson)

Full Text of Article:

The work on the Valley Virginian is done by Confederate soldiers--Sam'l. D. Myers, foreman, assisted by Lt. Jacob B. Rosenberger, Co., D. 18th Va., Cavalry, George A. Bagby, Co. I., 31st Va. Infantry, and Nathan Anderson, McNeil's Rangers. The paper and Job work show that their services and wounds during the war, have not made them forget their "cunning" in business. No office in the State has a harder working or more faithful set of printers.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The Rev. J. J. Miller, pastor of the Lutheran Church of Shepherdstown, Va., accepted a post with the Lutheran Church, Staunton.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. J. Miller)