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Valley Virginian: July 15, 1868 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

National Democratic Ticket
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper carries an endorsement of Horatio Seymour for president and Gen. Frank P. Blair for vice president on its column-head.

"Reunion-Peace."
(Column 01)

Summary: This article sings the praises of sectional reunion and peace. Most importantly, the author calls to Northerners to renew the spirit of the pledge made at Appomattox. The election of Grant and the Radical party would render the federal government one supported by hate and fanaticism. The article suggests that Southerners mourn their dead, revel in the glories of the past, and at the same time, renew sectional ties with political allies that will work to defeat the radicals.

Full Text of Article:

From the top of our office, as well as the masthead of our paper, we hoist to-day this flag, bearing the names of the nominees of the National Democratic Convention--SEYMOUR and BLAIR. The detailed account of the proceedings of that mighty outpouring of the gallant representatives of the people--(of a people tired, sick, and weary of the diabolical oppressions of Radicalism) are too long, though deeply interesting, for our limited space. The Platform will be found in another column and speaks for itself. The Soldiers' and Sailors' Convention, composed of representative men, who really fought for the Union and the Constitution as they understood it, and the action of such Confederates as Generals Forrest, Hampton, and a host of others, in return should leave no shadow of doubt on the mind of any true Southern man, no matter what his former political views were, as to where his duty lies. It is, to vote the ticket and accept this proffer of Reunion and Peace, as honestly as it was given.

We accept it as the generous voice of the Northern people, rising above prejudice and fanatical hate! We accept it as the renewal of the pledge made at Appomatox, at Greensboro, in the Trans-Mississippi, and basely broken by General Grant and the Radical party. We hail it as an omen of peace, and thank GOD for the words of cheering hope it sends forth!

The eminent citizens and soldiers--among them our General Kemper and Colonel Baldwin--who met in that Convention, canvassed the whole question thoroughly, and knew what was best to do to make certain the great end--Reunion and Peace! Let there be no division among the people of the Old Dominion--but let us, as our fathers did, stand as one man for the ticket and party which is to save us and the Right! We are cheered by the action of this great Convention; cheered at the sentiments expressed and the unanimity of feeling exhibited; cheered to see soldiers, who fought each other bravely, shaking hands; cheered to see the "hatchet buried," we hope forever--and we smoke "the calumet of peace" with renewed pleasure as we can think better of our fellow men--better of our race--as we see the "rainbow of promise," to republican Institutions reappear once more.

Mourning the heroic dead, who fought for principle--cherishing the memories of the loved and lost sacredly in our hearts--sadly brooding at times, over the glories of the past, we, as Confederates, raise our banner of "Reunion--Peace," and, for the sake of those who are to come after the battered wrecks of this war have "gone to that bourne from whence no traveler returns," we shall re-echo the sentiments of a Forrest and a Hampton until the campaign closes.

The Campaign Opened! Turn Out!
(Column 01)

Summary: Article announcing scheduled speeches by the county canvassers of the conservative party. The paper urges citizens to turn out and go to work for the ticket.

The Great Question
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper reminds readers that the construction of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad is more important than "the election of forty Presidents."

Sibert's Steel
(Column 02)

Summary: This letter between Sibert and Imboden discusses the recent innovations in the steel making process. Sibert, the inventor of the process by which steel is made directly from iron ore, has developed a way to produce malleable steel on a large scale. He writes that this process will be tested in the near future at the Tredegar Works in Richmond, and he expects complete success. Significantly, Sibert suggests that this new process will elevate Virginia to a high position within the general "progress of civilization."
(Names in announcement: Lorenzo Sibert, John Imboden)

Full Text of Article:

The following letter, says the Richmond Whig, which was intended only for the gentlemen to who it is addressed, was received in Richmond a few days ago from Mr. Sibert, the discoverer and patentee of the process of making steel directly from iron ore.--The secondary process of reducing the cast steel to malleable steel has not been hitherto tried on any large scale than in a blacksmith's shop. It will be seen that it has now passed the ordeal of the "Forge," and we understand it will this week be put through the Tredegar Rolling Mills in this city, in the manufacture of several tons of rails:

Mt. Solon, July 2, 1868,
Gen. John D. Imboden, Richmond, Va.

My Dear Sir:--I write this morning to inform you that yesterday I went to Mossy Creek Forge and had my ingots wrought into steel bars without any trouble at all. The quality of the steel is good, and what I call a No. 1 article. It works well, takes a fine temper, and its complexion is rich and silver-like. The crystallization or molecular cohesion is perfect and tenacious. In the fewest words, it cannot in anywise be surpassed anywhere.

I am proud of my success, and hope to be an advantage to my fellow men, poor and rich. What I most desire is to see the sons of Virginia become possessed of the rich bounties of a most beneficial God that have been locked up in the rocky vaults of our mountain chains for ages past.

Without any apprehension of contradiction, I can now say to you that we have fought the good fight and won the victory.--The cloud of doubt that hung over our enterprise (that was full of merit) has passed away, and the sunshine of our future prospects is not obscured by a single speck in the horizon, but invites us on and on in the progress of civilization.

When I come down I will bring with me some bars of steel that will astonish you. You may now go as far as you think proper in giving publicity to this subject. You can not go too far to be sustained by the facts.

I am certain that you know that the sun sets in the West. Just that sure am I that I will make at the Tredegar Works as fine steel rails, at the first trial, as were ever made in Europe or America, and cheaper, too, than General Anderson can make wrought iron rails.

My compliments to Messrs. Talcott and friend Whitcomb, and say to them that I have some steel that will astonish the natives.

I remain, yours, truly,
Lorenzo Sibert.

Democratic Platform
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper prints a copy of the Democratic Party platform. It calls for restoration of the southern states to the Union, amnesty for southern citizens, and payment of the public debt.

Latest Local and General News
(Column 03)

Summary: 1,127 travellers have arrived at Staunton hotels in the month of June, and travel to the mountains is on the rise. Corporation court is meeting, a train broke down near Shadwell, and Virginia stocks are rising.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper complains that the streets and alleys of Staunton are still filthy.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: There are 60 visitors at the Augusta White Sulphur Springs and more are arriving daily.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper urges those who love Virginia and wish to further their own interests to vote for the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad subscription.

[No Title]
(Column 02)

Summary: Robinson's Circus will be at Augusta Springs, and Hefflefinger is making arrangements for Staunton citizens who are planning to attend.
(Names in announcement: Hefflefinger)

A Big Day in Staunton
(Column 02)

Summary: The streets of Staunton were crowded while the circus performed in town. "Old, young, married, single, big negroes, little negroes--all came in to 'see the show.'" The crowd was excited but orderly, in contrast to crowds in many northern cities.

The Dead From McDowell
(Column 02)

Summary: The remains of 30 Confederates who fell at McDowell have been re-interred in Staunton. The ladies call on the people of Highland to send any more that may remain in that area. "Patriotic citizens, who did not have their money with them 'Memorial Day' are informed that the ladies are prepared to receive it now, and that it is badly needed. If you will make a little sacrifice of time and money this Cemetery will be an honor to our country. As Stonewall Jackson said: 'Fall in men, fall in, and don't leave the work to the women.'"

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: George M. Baker, formerly of Winchester, died in Staunton on July 13th. He was 28 years old. "Mr. Baker was a worthy and much esteemed citizen. He leaves a wife and a large circle of friends to mourn his loss."
(Names in announcement: George M. Baker)

Deaths
(Column 03)

Summary: Miss Margaret B. Noon of Staunton passed away on July 9th. She was 20 years old. "In the bloom of youth and beauty, and with every tie to bind her to this world, her gentle spirit has flown to a better and happier sphere. Though it may be wrong in us to do so, we cannot but sigh/'For the touch of a vanished hand,/For the sound of a voice that is still.'"
(Names in announcement: Margaret B. Noon)