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Valley Virginian: January 22, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Sensible Advice of a Colored Preacher
(Column 07)

Summary: The paper applauds the advice of Dr. C. Brown to the Freedmen that urges them not to attempt to take the land of their former masters.

"Ariel"
(Column 01)

Summary: The pamphlet entitled "Ariel" that argues that African Americans have no soul is making a large stir in Staunton's black community. The paper urges all to read it.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper argues that economically times are harder in the South than ever before. Capital is tied up, merchandise is selling slowly, and African Americans are starving.

War Rumors
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper comments on rumors of another war beginning over political issues. "They should remember that the men who fought, on both sides, during the last war have had enough of it, and that those who did not will never fight anybody. Anyway, our policy is to be quiet, vote down the Constitution,--vote up the Chesapeake and Ohio Rail Road, and wait for better times."

From 'Our Own Correspondent'--What a Valley Virginian girl saw on her way to 'West Virginia'--Her opinion of Andrew Johnson, etc., etc.
(Column 02)

Summary: This article briefly describes a journey made by a Virginia girl through parts of the state and finally to Washington D.C. for an audience with President Johnson. She gives descriptions of a meeting with citizens of Alexandria who proudly display a chair once used by R.E. Lee in the field and a trip to the church where George Washington worshipped. Most interesting is her report on the Smithsonian Institute, which details as well as judges non-Christian cultures. Describing a visit to the Executive Mansion, her opinion of the President is favorable, and she predicts that Johnson will not allow Congress to destroy the country.

Full Text of Article:

Phillippi, West Virginia,
7th January, 1868.

Dear Valley Virginian:

In all the mountains of West Virginia there is naught to substitute your bright coming. Will you quite forget me because so far away? Lest this be my sad fate, accept this gentle reminder. That is a noble, noble Valley, whose name you bear - sorrow filled my heart and my eyes were dim with tears, as a farewell was spoken to my native snow mantled mountains that sentinel it on every side. The shadow was not lifted from my spirit, till such a welcome as only sunny faces Virginia girls and a courtly gentleman of the "Old School" can give greeted us at Alexandria: and tho' the snow storm still pelted pitilessly sunshine seemed to have bursted out in all its warmth and brilliancy on all sides.

With a spirit struggle to behold the invisible hands about to bear the Old Year to eternity, we gathered around its death bed - in witnessing the last agony our dead joys died again - buried sorrows once more grappled at the heart strings. The "New Year" came in tears - for its dead companion. We will hope they were not shed for the 'evil to come.' The disappointment it brought for us, we also trust, is not ruinous; for the hearts were set on attending the President's Levee, and with a great deep sigh, that must needs be resigned. A greater cross could have been endured with our surrounding; but we were privileged to enjoy more than grand and warm hospitality affords - our lovely hostess brought out a war chair, unpretending and convenient after camp chair fashion, with a heavy piece of carpeting serving as a seat and back, and with emotion she said "this was Gen Lee's chair during all the war, and after the surrender presented to my husband, who was one of his clerks. He prizes it above everything he possesses." What a great history in that chair and how it speaks to the heart! Among life's highest privileges I hold my communion with the matchless Chieftain's "Old Army Chair." At noon the sunshine came out gloriously, enabling us to visit Christ's Church, where General Washington was wont to worship. - Words may not express our deep emotion as we entered the sacred edifice, and sought the pew, bearing on it a neat silver plate the inscription, "Washington's pew." On the South side is a very antique urn shaped pulpit, no longer used, and only retained against the wishes of modern, fashionable members, because the aged, who worshipped there in days long gone, cannot witness the sundering of so many hallowed associations. It is not difficult to imagine yourself among the spirits of the past, as you sit in those ivy clad shades; and it was not strange that every voice was hushed and the heart wouldlift itself in prayer

Thence, we wandered to the spot made memorable by Elsworth's exploits, and the noble Jackson's fall - though it now bears no marks of the tragedy it had voices for Virginia girls, not quite reconstructed.

Vespers at the Catholic Church were not without interest, with such music as a grand organ and noble soprano could produce in "Come ye disconsolate." From these sources, we went to a hearth stone, so brightly beautiful, that the heart will keep going back to it, wherever the boot step roams.

A charming ride on the Potomac to Washington introduced the second day, and we soon found ourselves in the Smithsonian Institute, wondering much over the meteors. The most marvelous of all, the one found, I think, in South America, weighing 1,400 lbs, presenting the appearance of quite a regularly defined circle and composed of metallic substance. - Then the huge sea-animals, wild beasts from Africa's jungles to America's blooming prairies, with birds of every form and plumage that vocal their praise, called for exclamations. - Among the various products of habitable climes, and curiosities from almost uninhabitable regions, the dress, worn by Dr. Kane in his Arctic Expedition, was curious and most interesting. It was formed of skin, clothed in heavy white wool, the skin extending over the face and hands. A view of the Egyptian Mummies strengthened my wish for a Christian burial; and the Egyptian idols, so rudely fashioned and presenting countenances so inhuman, and even hideous, caused one deep thanksgiving, that the God we worship is without beginning of days and end of years.

The desire to tell you of the beautiful corals, snatched from old ocean's secret mines, the curiously rich mosaic from Pompeii, the less ancient, though not less eloquent battered sword presented by Lafayette to an officer in the Revolution, must not be indulged, for you are weary of my long talk and I am in haste to reach the President's mansion. Yes, a band of Virginia girls, very much enraptured with the magnificence of that American Palace, had the audacity to beg the privilege of seeing the President; but I must confess, the thought that our request would be denied nerved me wonderfully, and as much as I desired the honour, the Usher's "walk this way ladies," was not altogether a pleasing summons; however, once in his Honour's presence, greeted by a smile and a cordial grasp of the hand, it was possible in homely country girl style to express our appreciation of the privilege. Was it vanity that prompted me to believe his noble countenance brightened, when told we were from the Valley of Virginia. Much as we admired the almost sublime stand he has taken in this life struggle between a lacerated, bleeding country and political aspirants, we were not prepared to find a personage so affable and a reception so near akin to Old Virginia hospitality. While showing us his Library, and calling our attention to the beautiful view of the Potomac from that point, he spoke tenderly of the Country's present and future, and expressed a determination to do his duty and leave the result to an All Wise Ruler of Nations. When we took our leave, he kindly presented us with photographs, which we hold in the most profound reverence. While reflecting upon the sentiments he so nobly uttered, and reviewing his Official conduct, we were constrained to believe that, with such a President all the power of a fiendishCongress cannot destroy the Country. Pardon me! - This letter has grown fearfully. If you desire to hear from me again, cheer my mountain retreat by yourcoming.

White Labor of All Kinds
(Column 02)

Summary: Gen. J. D. Imboden has begun an agency for procuring white labor. "It takes population, white people, to build up a country; that we have the best country on God's earth and we only want labor. A thickly settled white country means power."
(Names in announcement: Gen. J. D. Imboden)

Christmas in the Mountains
(Column 03)

Summary: "Lina" writes the Valley Virginian with a description of Christmas in the mountains near Staunton.

Full Text of Article:

Brown Hill, Augusta Co., VA,
13th January, 1868.

MR. EDITOR:--I wish I could write you a good letter, one worthy a place in the columns of the Virginian. There is enough to tell, but I can't think of it. Our new home is surrounded by those great grey mountains that stand off to the west of Staunton like sentinels. I remember, when I was a young girl in the A. F. Seminary, if I felt weary after the recitations of the day, I would turn my back on all indoors, and seating myself at one of the windows that looked to the west, I would gaze upon the mountains bathed in the glory of an autumn sunset, "solemn, yet beautiful to behold."

But it was not of the old home that I started to write, but of our new one here in the mountains. "Cold, bleak region," you call it? Now let me tell you, despite all privations, we do manage to enjoy ourselves sometimes. The country is thinly settled, and facilities for "getting around" are scarce; yet I dare say, your city belles can't boast of a gayer Christmas than we had. The beauty and chivalry of the country spent one night in mirth and dancing. As I looked around on the company there assembled, memory stole back to the happy Christmas of '66; many of that company were then mere children, and many more were dwellers in fair city homes. I wonder if two years have changed my old home as much? On New Year's day we were honored with an invitation to a Darkey wedding. After witnessing the very amusing ceremony, the white folks were invited into "Old Massa's" kitchen, where an ample repast was spread. Now I would like to make people believe this was a little paradise, might even convince myself of it, did I not so long for my old home and friends.

More Anon.
Lina

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Capt. Thomas P. Jackson remains Chief of the Freedmen's Bureau for Augusta.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Thomas P. Jackson)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: Dr. C. R. Harris will lecture at the Staunton Lyceum on Friday night.
(Names in announcement: Dr. C. R. Harris)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The Fire Company met recently. The paper urges citizens to donate money to the organization, since it is a great boon to property holders.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: E. A. Wayland and Joseph N. Woodward of Augusta have declared themselves bankrupt.
(Names in announcement: E. A. Wayland, Joseph N. Woodward)

Registration
(Column 02)

Summary: Captain A. F. Higgs, Military Commissioner for the district including Augusta, visited Staunton last week. The people of Albemarle recommend him highly. He appointed W. McCutcheon President of the Augusta Board of Registration.
(Names in announcement: Capt. A. F. Higgs)

The Revolution in the Iron Business of the World
(Column 02)

Summary: Lorenzo Sibert's "Sibert Process" will revolutionize the manufacture of steel. The Staunton foundry of Nelson, Moorman and Company cast some farming tools using the method that proved "far superior to anything now in use." Locomotive tires will be tested next on the Virginia Central Railroad.
(Names in announcement: Lorenzo Sibert, Nelson, Moorman, Y. Howe Peyton)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Capt. John Richardson, Conductor on the Virginia Central Railroad, and Miss Sallie Brown, daughter of Judge Samuel B. Brown, formerly of Staunton, were married on January 21st by the Rev. Mr. Baker.
(Names in announcement: Capt. John Richardson, Sallie Brown, Judge Samuel B. Brown, Rev. Baker)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: R. W. Cleveland of Staunton and Miss Alice T. Trowers of Charlottesville were married on January 22nd by the Rev. Dr. Broadus.
(Names in announcement: R. W. Cleveland, Alice T. Trowers, Rev. Broadus)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Henry H. Taylor of Rockbridge and Miss Mary J. Price of Augusta were married on January 2nd by the Rev. J. M. Shreckhise.
(Names in announcement: Henry H. Taylor, Mary J. Price, Rev. J. M. Shreckhise)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Major Robert T. Poage died near Mt. Sidney on January 11th. "He leaves a disconsolate widow and an infant daughter."
(Names in announcement: Robert T. Poage)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Eli H. Parrent died at the Staunton residence of his daughter, Mrs. Gillock, on January 12th. He was 73 years old.
(Names in announcement: Eli H. Parrent)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Daniel Forrer died near Mossy Creek on January 2nd after a short illness.
(Names in announcement: Daniel Forrer)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Mrs. Ann Stubbs died in Staunton on January 15th.
(Names in announcement: Ann Stubbs)