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

Valley Virginian: December 27, 1865 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Scene--at the Threshold of the United States House of Representatives
(Column 06)

Summary: This article ridicules the Virginians who attempted to gain seats in the house by pledging loyalty to the government and claiming to have been Unionists during the war. The Clerk still refused to seat them.

Universal Suffrage
(Column 06)

Summary: This poem ridicules the idea of suffrage rights for African Americans.

Full Text of Article:

Chalk and Ivoy! 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, yah!
De happiest day I eber saw!
Whar's de tickets? Fotch '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 of de risin' day--
De cullid cuss from Africa!
Oh, kinky, minky, stinky, oh!
If dis aint glory tell me so!

Great Sensation in Philadelphia on Thanksgiving Day
(Column 07)

Summary: The paper reprints a Thanksgiving Day sermon by the Rev. John Chambers, "one of the great apostles of Republicanism," in which he declared that "the negro is not equal to the white man." He went on to criticize emancipation and reconstruction policy, arguing that slavery should have been ended more gradually.

Interesting From Virginia
(Column 07)

Summary: Dr. Stillwell describes the labor situation in King George County, Virginia. Planters refuse to pay blacks to work, and are employing Germans and northern emigrants instead.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Stillwell)

Full Text of Article:

The Concord N. H. Monitor publishes a portion of a letter from Dr. Stillwell, formerly in charge of the hospital in this city, which contains the following items of general interest concerning matters in that portion of Virginia in which he resides, viz: King George county, on the Potomac river, below Washington:

"We have an entire change of labor system. The negroes held a meeting and refused to engage to work, except by the day or month--at $10 per month and board, or fifty cents per day and board. The planters held a meeting, and decided to refuse to hire the blacks under any circumstances, for any price. They are employing Germans for 60 per year. These emigrants are flowing into the country in great numbers, and great suffering is expected this winter by the freedmen being unable to obtain any employment. I have upon my place twenty German families, and they work splendidly. They are building a school house and church, and all the planters are delighted with them."

Grand opportunities are afforded Northern farmers to settle here. The planters have land, in abundance, teams, &c., and will work their land on shares with any one who will feed the laborers during the working of the crop, and oversee the farm. The land will produce corn from five to twelve barrels per acre, or tobacco one hogshead per acre. These are the staples. Live stock is very cheap for cash-a very scarce article here.

Pardons By the President
(Column 01)

Summary: The following citizens from August received presidential pardons: Sam. Kennedy, Jr., Franklin Koiner, W. T. Smith, B. F. Walker, and J. R. Wood.
(Names in announcement: Samuel KennedyJr., Franklin Koiner, W. T. Smith, B. F. Walker, J. R. Wood)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: John P. Bledsoe of Staunton went to Baltimore a few weeks ago to purchase some goods and has not been heard from since. His friends are "uneasy," and ask for any news.
(Names in announcement: John P. Bledsoe)

A Big Thing
(Column 02)

Summary: An article from the Richmond Times castigates the members of the Virginia State Legislature for taking a thirteen day paid holiday. The numbers of poor and destitute, especially among Confederate soldiers, widows, and orphans, makes the waste of taxpayer money unacceptable.

Our Honored Dead
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper prints a list of Confederate dead buried in Staunton's Thornrose Cemetery.

Full Text of Article:

Below we continue the list of Confederate Soldiers buried in Thornrose Cemetery, at this place.

Virginia

W. R. Douglas, 58; T. D. Wright, 37; W. R. Kirkpatrick, 52; N. K. Mays, 13; Robert Taxton, 28; W. T. Edwards, 23; Henry Hodges, 25; George Christie, 31; A. Boyd, 37; James A. Sublet, 21; C. D. Litchcoe, Caskie's Battery; J. Litchcoe, 37; S. M. Harris, 37; G. W. Ramsey, 21; J. Wilson, 37; W. Miller, --; John Berry, 10; L. A. Armstead, 21; J. D. Overfealt, 42; Robert Vartel, 37; Thomas Rottenburg, 37.

Georgia

J. Brunes, 13; S. A. Hodges, 31; J. D. Brown, 38; James Hollins, 26; E. Turner, 61; James English, 13; J. Watts, 61; C. Miller, 38; A. E. Wood, 31; E. A. Brawsom, 61; J. J. Hendron, 13; J. D. Carter, 26; R. Taff, 1; William Partridge, 38; L. Marshall, 13; J. M. Duman, 60; M. R. Rice, W. Knight, 26; John Coakley, 12; John McCarkle, 17; J. W. Boud, 38; Obedious Smith, 12; W. Hitch Downing, 61; W. B. Wilson, 13; G. Mansfield, 61; W. T. Edwards, 11; J. M. Bewin, 22; W. T. Alexander, 60; George Molden, 19; J. Johnson, 26; N. M. Wood, 11; David Thomas, 25; W. D. Ball, 11; J. H. Peyton, 38.

North Carolina

T. W. Lamar, 18th; H. Long, 1st; J. P. Harrold, 30; Lewis Donathan, 28; S. C. Hawkins, 28; J. C. Pierce, 33.

Alabama

Richard Evans, 47; R. G. Steele, 47; M. B. Tarldon, 47; Alex. Key, 48; S. T. Trammell, 47; Walter Thomas, 48; G. M. Becket, 47; Martin Baker, 47; Jesse Briskie, 14; S. H. Carter, 47; H. Hunningham, 48; S. C. Sutton, 14; E. T. Mathews, 15; H. L. Simms, 47; T. Skinner, 47.

South Carolina

W. Walker, 17; J. Fields, 33; L. G. Anderson, 23; J. E. Boyce, 23; W. C. Readsett, 5.

Louisiana

H. W. Jeffries, 10; W. C. Skarboro', 2; E. Quirk, 1; Michael Slimer, 10.

Tennessee

Albert Vicers, 14; L. H. Johnston, 7; James Powers, 5th, Florida.

Winter Management of Dairy Stock
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper gives tips for caring for dairy animal over the winter. "The scarcity of forage in Virginia and the great value of our dairy stock, owing to the great reduction of their number by the war, give unusual importance to all information as to their economical management."

Condition and Health of ex-President Davis
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper publishes a letter detailing the conditions Jefferson Davis faces as a prisoner of the United States government. His health is reportedly good.

The Great War Between Andrew Johnson and the Radicals
(Column 04)

Summary: This article reports that the Radical Republicans have sustained a series of political defeats. The States of the ex-Confederacy are ratifying the 13th Amendment, and President Johnson is rapidly re-admitting them to the Union. Several reports from the South, including Grant's and Schurz's, have been presented in Congress and report that southerners no longer harbor secessionist sympathies and are ready to return to the Union.

Full Text of Article:

The war between the President and Conservatism on our side, and the Radical mob, led by Sumner, Stevens & Co., on the other, still rages. The President has received a "heavy reinforcement" in the report of that generous conqueror, Gen. Grant, and though the "rump" Congress may still make a show of resistance, and attempt to ruin the South, our people may rest easy, for Johnson, aided by Grant, is master of the situation. The Richmond Enquirer's special telegraph correspondent from Washington, usually so well informed, gives that paper the following review of the situation on the 20th. He says:

The Congressional proceedings yesterday, in both houses of Congress were of the most absorbing interest, particularly in the Senate.

The message of the President announcing the reports of Lieut. Gen. Grant, and Maj. Gen. Schurz upon the condition of the Southern States was a bombshell in the Radical camp. It came upon them like a clap of thunder from a clear sky. Sumner bitterly denounced the reports and the Administration.

Reverdy Johnson, Dixon and Doolittle came to the rescue and a lively debate ensued.

Major General Howard's report on the same subject has been sent into the House, and Hon. John Covode's is yet to be presented. These reports are all of the same tenor. They represent the masses of the people of the South as thoroughly cured of any secession proclivities, and ready and anxious to do everything that can be honorably and honestly required of them to restore their States to the Union. Simultaneous with the presentation of these reports comes the correspondence between the Secretary of State and the Governor of Alabama, announcing unequivocally the restoration of the State to the Union.

In addition, the proclamation states that the anti-slavery Constitutional amendment has been adopted by three-fourths of the States, including, to make up the requisite number, the States of Virginia, Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas and South Carolina. Thus eight of the so-called Confederate States are necessarily recognized as still States in the Union, in order to perfect the adoption of the Constitutional Amendment, and the onus is thrown upon the Radicals of undoing all that has been done, and declaring that the amendment is not incorporated in the Constitution if they fail to recognize the legal and loyal existence of those eight lately insurgent States.

The president has evidently accepted the gauge given by Thad. Stevens in the House and Sumner in the Senate, and has, in the estimation of all parties, trumped their trick. He has furnished to the caucus committee, of fifteen, General Grant's report on the condition of the Southern States, which they cannot, dare not and will not controvert. He has provided for them the testimony of eye and ear witnesses of all grades, from the highest military to the highest civil reputation; testimony which cannot be impeached, and within twenty-four hours after the Radical batteries were opened upon him and his policy, he has completely silenced them by a coup de main, that was not dreamed of in their philosophy. He is marching straight forward in his programme, turning neither to the right nor left. It is admitted this evening, even among the Republicans, that he has won the day.

The majority of the Republican party here are already, after yesterday's demonstrations, preparing to keep step to the Presidential music, and claim the whole programme as Republican; repudiating the ultraism of Sumner and Stevens. They conclude that it is better to throw overboard a few of the great gentlemen of the Republican crew, who think to endanger the whole ship. They are even beginning to back out from the test proposed by a popular vote in this District upon the negro suffrage question. They advise voters not to go to the polls on Thursday, so that they may have an opportunity to claim that no test has been made. The simple fact is they have been badly beaten at all points, and have nothing whatever to show as their trophies in the fight, except their caucus resolutions and Sumner and Stevens tirades of abuse.

The Administration party is daily growing stronger, and it is predicated by sage political observers that when the President opens fire from his reserve of big guns there will be few left to oppose his policy. This is to be done early in January, beginning with the use of Executive patronage.

Even Republicans admit that within thirty days a majority of the Senate will be on the side of the Administration. This is all that will be needed, for which a Conservative majority in the Senate, the Radicals in the House will be utterly powerless for hurtful legislation, except to refuse admission to members from the Southern States.

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: Captain James G. Riley, of Winchester, West Virginia, and Miss Ella A. Hite, of Augusta, were married at Miller's Hotel, Baltimore, on December 7th by the Rev. Benjamin Hengst.
(Names in announcement: Capt. James G. Riley, Ella A. Hite, Rev. Benjamin Hengst)

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: James A. Collins, of Nelson County, and Miss Margaret E. Shields, daughter of J. A. Shields, were married on November 9th near Greenville, Augusta County, by the Rev. G. B. Taylor.
(Names in announcement: James A. Collins, Margaret E. Shields, J. A. Shields, Rev. G. B. Taylor)

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: Captain Harman Hiner of Barboursville, Orange County, and Louisa E. Harrison of Augusta were married on December 13th at the American Hotel, Staunton, by the Rev. J. C. Dice.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Harman Hiner, Louisa E. Harrison, Rev. J. C. Dice)

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: Lt. J. W. Waddy, of Louisa County, and Miss Mary Lizzie Larew, daughter of John J. Larew of Augusta, were married on December 12th at the residence of the bride's father by the Rev. F. McFarland.
(Names in announcement: Lt. J. W. Waddy, Mary Lizzie Larew, John J. Larew, Rev. F. McFarland)

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: James W. Kelley and Miss Servilla A. Koontz, both of Augusta, were married on December 14th by the Rev. G. A. Shuey.
(Names in announcement: James W. Kelley, Servilla A. Koontz, Rev. G. A. Shuey)

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: Henry Whitmore and Miss Nannie E. Layman, both of Augusta, were married on November 23rd near Waynesboro by the Rev. Mr. Walker.
(Names in announcement: Henry Whitmore, Nannie E. Layman, Rev. Walker)

Marriages
(Column 05)

Summary: Edward Floyd and Miss Fannie Messersmith were married on December 21st in Mount Solon by the Rev. Mr. Jefferson.
(Names in announcement: Edward Floyd, Fannie Messersmith, Rev. Jefferson)

Deaths
(Column 05)

Summary: Miss Sallie Ann Hawpe died on December 8th at the residence of her father, William S. Hawpe, near Greenville. She was 23 years old.
(Names in announcement: Sallie Ann Hawpe, William S. Hawpe)

Deaths
(Column 05)

Summary: Mrs. Mary Jane Rush died at Millboro on December 7th after suffering a brief illness. She was 58 years old. "We'll meet again, are words that cheer/While bending o'er the tomb;/For oh! that hope, so bright and dear,/Can pierce its deepest gloom."
(Names in announcement: Mary Jane Rush)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Virginian declares itself pleased to see all the Valley papers supporting the construction of the Valley Railroad after the Virginian "broke ground" on the issue.

Runaway
(Column 01)

Summary: John Newman's horse ran away from him last week and "smashed up" his buggy.
(Names in announcement: John Newman)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Dr. Thomas L. Opie of Baltimore, formerly of Staunton, informs readers that the remains of Mr. Benjamin Atwell, formerly of Staunton, lie in a vault in Loudon Park Cemetery, Baltimore.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Thomas L. Opie, Benjamin Atwell)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper predicts a "gay Christmas" in Staunton due to visit home of the town's students and the "influx of strangers" in recent days.

A Sign
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports that "the Freedmen's Bureau wanted to arrest a citizen Christmas day, for striking an insolent negro, but the U. S. soldiers joined with the citizens in preventing it."

Another Runaway Team
(Column 02)

Summary: A four horse team ran off up New Street creating a dangerous disturbance. The paper attributes the frequency of such accidents to "outrageous" practice of leaving teams standing unattended on the streets. The city magistrates must try every violator who the police arrest.

The Fair
(Column 02)

Summary: The ladies Episcopal Fair was a "great success" despite bad weather and "the scarcity of money." It raised $300 over two nights. "The enterprising ladies who had the management deserve great credit for the taste displayed in the manner everything was gotten up."

Arrested
(Column 02)

Summary: Dr. Ellsworth passed through Staunton in the charge of three soldiers. The "scoundrel" had been "imposing upon our community as agent for the Freedman's Bureau" and "assessor of damages by the Federal Army." He also "imposed upon himself that of improperly appropriating a set of surgical instruments, which he found in a Doctor's office at Edinburg."
(Names in announcement: Dr. Ellsworth)

Almost a Fire
(Column 02)

Summary: A fire nearly broke out in the rear of Mrs. Brandenburg's house behind the National Express Office on New Court House Street. "A negro had carelessly put ashes and coals in a barrel, near the house, and but for the exertions of several energetic men the house would have been destroyed." The incident reinforces the need of equipping the fire company with a hose.
(Names in announcement: Brandenburg)

Some on the Negro Question
(Column 02)

Summary: Donaghy writes a letter opposing suffrage for African Americans.
(Names in announcement: Donaghy)

Full Text of Article:

Donaghy, at the Asylum, has written a letter to some distinguished man in Richmond on the questions of the day. We find the following sensible extract in a Richmond paper.

"P. S.-I hereby make it known to you that I duly received the circular upon the question of a negro suffrage. I most respectfully enter my protest against any such law being enacted within our State, and think you should be damn cautious, and keep your right side up with care when you vote on the nigger question.
Donaghy."

Christmas Day
(Column 02)

Summary: This article describes Christmas Day in Staunton.

Full Text of Article:

Broke upon us bright and beautiful as a spring morning. Staunton was alive with Freedmen and a great many freedmen were alive with whiskey, as well as some white folks. Some heads were smashed but more eggs. The boys fired crackers and a general racket was kept up.

About 12 o'clock the military ordered Saloons to be closed and cleared the streets and from that time on every thing was more peaceful. On the whole every body seemed to enjoy themselves in their own way and no one seemed sorry that Christmas day passed as well as it did.

The Spring Travel
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports on preparations being made to accomodate tourism to the mountains next spring and summer.
(Names in announcement: J. I. A. Trotter)

Full Text of Article:

This was once a great thing in the Mountains and bids fair to be so again. We learn that all the watering places are making most extensive preparations to accommodate the seekers of health and pleasure, next Summer. Our energetic friend, J. I. A. Trotter, is now running his stage lines to nearly all of the Springs, and is making arrangements to run to all of them. His stages now run to Lewisburg, and to almost every part of the Mountains, and by the time the travel commences, in April, he will have all the lines re-established. As the Cholera never reached the Mountains of the great Valley, they will offer great inducements to persons forced to leave the cities on the coast.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper predicts that President Johnson will win his war with the radicals. He is reportedly pleased with the progress the South has made toward reunion.

Full Text of Article:

The President's message, enclosing reports on the condition of the South, is very conservative and he expresses himself satisfied with what the South has already done. General Grant agrees with Andrew Johnson, but Sumner and the Radicals say the message and reports are "white-washed" affairs. The war with the Radicals "goes bravely on," but don't be uneasy, for he is master and is certain to win.