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Valley Virginian: June 17, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Memorial Day in Staunton
(Column 01)

Summary: While this article begins as an account of the Memorial Day proceedings of the previous week, the principle purpose of the author is to motivate the citizens of Staunton to properly care for the city's cemetery. The speakers cited are concerned about how the cemetery has fallen into disrepair despite the great number of Confederate soldiers buried there. The article includes two sentimental poems honoring the dead.

Full Text of Article:

The Coronach

He is gone on the mountain,
He is last to the forest,
Like a summer-dried fountain,
When our need was the sorest.
The font, reappearing,
From the rain-drops may borrow,
But to us comes no cheering,
To Duncan no morrow!
The hand of the reaper
Takes the ears that are hoary,
But the voice of the weeper
Wails manhood in glory.
The autumn winds rumbling,
Waft the leaves that are searest,
But our flower was in flushing
When blight was nearest.
Fleet foot on the corral
Sage counsel in cumber,
Red hand is the foray,
How sound is thy slumber!
Like the dew on the mountain,
Like the foam on the river,
Like the bubble on the fountain
Thou art gone, and forever.

Last Saturday the people of Augusta paid fitting tribute to the "loved and lost." The programme, published in the Valley Virginian of last week, was generally carried out. We cannot think of a more appropriate heading to this article than the "Coronach"--the Scottish wail for the dead. We think it will strike the key-note of every true Southern heart, which pulsated to the music of the past last Saturday.

The procession was the largest that ever honored the streets of Staunton. Early in the morning the people--the women, children and the old and young men commenced coming into the town. Their hands were full of flowers and their hearts were full of love. At 9 1/2 o'clock all who could get in the spacious Methodist church listened to an earnest address from Rev. F.H. Bowman. A higher compliment could not be paid to it than that of a lady manager, who pronounced it "the finest ever delivered upon such an occasion." Maj. Lacy made some striking remarks after Mr. Bowman. After which the procession was formed by Chief Marshall Baldwin and his aide--the Stonewall Band heading it. From the top of Cemetery hill, along down the winding paths, down Main street to the church, the line of flowers extended. The Augusta Fire Co., and D.D. &B., in full uniform, added no little to the interest of the occasion, by their soldierly and gentlemanly conduct. The scholars of St. Francis Catholic school, under the charge of Col. Nick Cleary, numbering 52 boys and 25 girls, with their banner draped in mourning, were the most conspicuous part of the procession. The Colonel had his "battalion" in complete order and the conduct of his charge did honor to him, the Cause and the Church.

After the decoration the procession was reformed at the gate of the Cemetery. Col. M.G. Harman made a sensible and practical speech. He spoke freely of the neglected condition of our Cemetery. Said it was a disgrace to our county and State. He offered to head a subscription by $100 for the Cemetery and $100 for a fund to the support of widows and orphans of the gallant dead. Col. Baldwin was called on and expressed his willingness to contribute to the extent of his means. He thought every one should go down and that Mrs. Robert Cowan, (that true Sister of Charity, the Mother in Israel to Confederate soldiers) should take the matter in hand and so the work, as she always did everything for our loved dead and maimed living.

The common machine "writing up" of the incidents of such an occasion is simple work to a newspaper man, but when the heart is full of memories of the past; when the dearest, the bravest, the most loved and honored of all that is dear to us, lie seemingly uncared for; when every family is in mourning--when we think of all that has been done and how little accomplished; the ready pencil refuses to move obedient to our will and we can only say, with Albert Pike;

"Conquered, we are not degraded,
Southern laurels have not faded,
Mourn, but not in shame for Dixie!
Deck your heroes graves with garlands,
'Till the echo comes from far lands
'Honor to the dead of Dixie!'"

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper points out the hypocrisy of Virginia Republicans who have not nominated one African American for office. "The 'white trash' want the offices and the negro can do the voting. 'It's all the nigger's fit for' as they elegantly say."

The Meeting of Hospital Superintendents
(Column 02)

Summary: The Association of Medical Superintendents of American Hospitals for the Insane met in Boston. Dr. Stribling of Staunton attended.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Stribling)

"Forget"
(Column 02)

Summary: This article briefly summarizes the sentiments of the "unreconstructed," emphasizing the word "forget" to underscore the fact that those who do so are in essence traitors to the southern bid for independence as well as the memory of the most famous Confederate leaders. A short poem reiterates the author's opinion.

Full Text of Article:

This is the word used by every scalawag and dog in the South. "Forget" what? "Forget" that you honestly went into the war for Southern Independence!--"Forget" that you carry in every fibre of your body an ache or a pain for every weary mile and every hour of exposure! "Forget" the glorious memories of LEE and JACKSON! "Forget" that you were a man and turn dog--tell a lie and take the "test oath." Forgiveness is a Christian virtue and "Vengeance is mine saith the Lord." We may forgive, but "forget!"

"The bridegroom may forget the bride,
Was made his wedded wife yestreen;
The monarch may forget the crown
That on his head an hour has been
The mother may forget the child
That smiles so sweetly on her knee;
But I'll remember thee, Glencairn,
And a' that thou hast done for me.

To Colored People
(Column 02)

Summary: This article is the customary warning to black citizens to keep away from the polls. The author recounts wartime "protection" of bondsmen as a way to show how white southerners have blacks' best interest in mind, and that Yankees simply used them as "breastworks." The implication here is that whites will look after the interests of black citizens if, and only if, they refrain from voting.

Full Text of Article:

Again we repeat our former advice to you; don't vote for anybody--don't vote at all. --Let Conservative and Radical whites settle this question. It is for you to hold on to what you have--your freedom and rights under the law. That you have, and may lose by mixing up in politics. During the war the white people of the South had you; they could have forced you into the army and made "breastworks" of you, as the Yankees did.--They did not do so, but let their sons bare their breasts to the storm, alone and unprotected. They simply ask you now, as they did then, to say and act "hands off" and we tell you, in all earnestness, your fate depends upon your doing.

The Correspondent of the Richmond Enquirer on Staunton
(Column 03)

Summary: A Richmond newspaper correspondent, after visiting Staunton, describes the several attributes of the city. Including, after a brief "sermon" on the mineral worth of Virginia, are accolades heaped upon Staunton's industry, civic growth, educational institutions, and women. He points out that the city is a principle area of settlement for people from all areas, including the North. (He does note that he is happy more southerners than Yankees live in the city). Equally important, the author thanks the many Staunton citizens he has met for their hospitality.

Full Text of Article:

Your correspondent was kindly received and most hospitably entertained by Mr. Robt. Burke, former doorkeeper of the House of Delegates, and now one of the largest merchants in this thriving place. In the evening, after teas, I visited Maj. Jed Hotchkiss, whose name and fame are familiar to your readers, and spent several hours pleasantly in looking over his publications (particularly the truly valuable contributions to the history of war, which relates and illustrates by perfect maps the transactions of each of the memorable days of Chancellorsville) and his cabinet of minerals--a collection well worth studying, since it discloses at a glance the great mineral worth of Virginia. Cabinets of minerals ought to be found in every cultivated gentleman's house. In fact, however, there are not a dozen in the whole State. The result, is, that while our men have a smattering of dead languages, the earth around them, which is alive, in a sense they never dream of, and instinct with marvelous and beautiful meanings, is (for them at least) "without form and void" almost as when the creative fiat went forth. I have long been satisfied that man must, for knowledge, and the happiness which comes of knowledge, in contradistinction to speculation, go to the source from which he derives his life--the dust of the earth. In stronger terms, the study, close and profound, of God's footstool is the key to the right comprehending of God's throne.

"That was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

I do not disparage the scriptures, but I do, if forced to it, disparage the excess of classics and belle letters, according to the monkish system of instructions, which has had its full day, and I do contend that nature is revelation. About that there can be no dispute.

Pardon my little sermon. Hotchkiss is a marvel of information and of energy, a positive gain to Staunton and to the whole State. He could not have selected a fitter place to reside in, for here energy is the characteristic of the people and the quality most prized--perhaps too much prized, for Mr. Bledsoe, I hear, complains that he has not in Staunton a single subscriber to his able quarterly, and General D.H. Hill found it necessary, by statistics of the relative sales here of Yankee and Southern publications, to rouse the people up to their sense of the duty in sustaining their own literature. That done, he succeeded very well. Since the war, more than two hundred houses have been built here, and fifty or sixty others will be built this year. Mr. B.T. Bagby, the great contractor, has his hands full of public and private contracts. The town is to be newly paved, the court-house is being repaired, large woolen, cotton and flouring manufactories are to be greeted this summer, thirty thousand dollars have been raised to adorn and improve the county fair grounds, a movement is on foot for the establishment of a free school, and turn which side you will the evidences of individual and corporate thrift and energy meet you. Of the four female schools, Mr. Pike Power's male academy, the public institution for the insane, the blind and the deaf mutes, the eminent men who make this their home, the two excellent hotels and the three flourishing newspapers, it is scarcely necessary for me to speak. The healthfulness of the place, the attraction of its society, and the prosperity which rewards industry, have made Staunton a rallying point for Eastern Virginians, for Northerners and for Southerners. One is surprised at the number of Virginians, who have come here from Fredericksburg, Richmond, Halifax, the Eastern Shore and other points, and the whole--souled autochthones will not, I trust, object if I claim these Eastern folk impart an additional charm to their society. More Southerners than Yankees have settled here, and that, to say the least, is not a bad thing. Of the beauty of the ladies I cannot speak decisively, having seen but few of them on the street, but as I ascended Gallow's hill yesterday evening, I passed one dressed in black who, from the brief glance I allowed myself, seemed equal to any in Virginia, and that is saying as much as well can be said for any lady. Just here, I must not forget to mention among the recent accessions to the society of the place, the daughters of two of the prominent of Richmond, one the wife of an artist full of promise, and the other an accomplished teacher of music. And before I quit the subject of Augusta enterprise I must allude to the extensive foundries and iron works of Mr. W.A. Burke, and Messrs. Parkins, Nelson & Co., establishments where all manner of work is done, and which would do credit to large cities.

The gentlemen connected with the three newspapers here received me very cordially for my own sake and that of the Metropolitan paper which I represent, showing me every civility and kindness in their power, and I take pleasure in making this acknowledgement of their courtesy. BOLIVAR

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper suggests that if a US Army officer would arrest the freedmen in Augusta, they could make up an entire company of recruits for the military.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Travel to the mountains "has opened brisk." 420 people arrived at Staunton's Hotel so far this June.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reports that it can be seen in the marriage column that Dr. J. B. Grove, "another son of old Augusta," has been "captured by one of the fair daughters of the West."
(Names in announcement: Dr. J. B. Grove)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Samuel Wiseman and Mrs. Frances M. C. Flenger, both of Augusta, were married in Staunton on June 16th by the Rev. J. I. Miller.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Wiseman, Frances M. C. Flenger, Rev. J. I. Miller)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: C. W. Hunter of Staunton and Miss Lute M. Jones, daughter of Maj. F. William Jones of Louisa, were married on June 10th at the Disciples Church in Louisa C. H. by the Rev. L. A. Cutler.
(Names in announcement: C. W. Hunter, Lute M. Jones, Maj. F. William Jones, Rev. L. A. Cutler)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: John B. Humphreys of Augusta and Miss Laura J. Munday of Albemarle were married on June 4th at "Chestnut Avenue" by the Rev. R. W. Watts.
(Names in announcement: John B. Humphreys, Laura J. Munday, Rev. R. W. Watts)

Marriages
(Column 03)

Summary: Dr. John B. Grove, formerly of Augusta, and Miss Louisa Westfall of Indiana were married on June 3rd by the Rev. N. S. Dickey.
(Names in announcement: Dr. John B. Grove, Louisa Westfall, Rev. N. S. Dickey)