Transcribed Newspaper Articles--Augusta County: The 1860-61 Sectional Crisis

• The Vindicator, January 13, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "The Homespun Movement." The Vindicator urges Southerners to fight against abolitionist outrages by refusing to buy Northern goods. The paper believes that "By such a policy, the Union will be perpetuated, and the immense resources of the South built up."

• The Spectator, January 17, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "Fighting for the Union." Editorial argues that secession would be a foolish way to remedy Southern grievances and praises congressmen of both parties who are attempting to preserve the Union.

• The Vindicator, January 20, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "The Meeting on Monday the 23rd." The Vindicator reminds Democrats of their duty to send delegates to a convention to "plank out the platform of principles upon which the Democracy of Virginia are to stand during the coming canvass." The key issue that they have to consider is whether or not Southern slaveholders who move to the territories will have their property protected, as the Constitution provides.

• The Spectator, January 24, 1860, p. 2, c. 6: "Letter of Dr. Breckinridge." Summarizes letter of Rev. Robert J. Breckinridge to his nephew, Vice-President John C. Breckinridge, in which he rejects the right to secede and calls on the border states to rally to the Union.

• The Spectator, January 31, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "State of the Country." Praises the letter of Rev. Dr. Breckinridge to his nephew, the vice-president, in which Dr. Breckinridge argues that disunion is a cause of national calamities rather than a solution to them. The Spectator agrees with Rev. Dr. Breckinridge and argues that, as a border state, Virginia stands to lose more in the event of disunion than do most states.

• The Vindicator, February 3, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "Nullification of the Fugitive Slave Law." Complains that three Northern states have passed personal liberty bills that virtually nullify the fugitive slave law. The Vindicator argues that such laws are a "flagrant violation of the Constitution."

• The Vindicator, February 10, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "The Southern Conference." Urges Virginia to participate in the Southern conference and denies that the conference "is intended to be a preparatory step to going out of the Union."

• The Spectator, February 28, 1860, p. 1, c. 3: "The Constitutional Union Party--Address of the National Central Executive Committee." Introductory address of the Constitutional Union party, an alternative to the two main parties that is dedicated to the preservation of Union.

• The Vindicator, March 2, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "Non-Intercourse with the North." The Vindicator supports a bill pending before the Legislature of Virginia that would discourage consumption of Northern goods and thus pressure Northerners to stop supporting abolitionists.

• The Spectator, March 6, 1860, p. 1, c. 5: "Address of the Opposition State Convention." Outlines the positions of the Opposition party, which calls for opposition to both the Democratic and Republican parties. The Opposition promises to work with reasonable men of the North within the bounds set forth by the Constitution to save the Union.

• The Spectator, March 6, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "The Opposition Movement." Editorial praises the activities and positions of the Opposition party, which embodies the patriotic and conservative Whig principles best suited to save the Union according to the Spectator.

• The Vindicator, April 20, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "Slavery in the Territories." Discusses the pro-slavery laws passed by the New Mexico Legislature. Writer argues that territorial legislatures have the power to pass laws either supporting or opposing slavery. The action of the legislature "was a practical declaration of 'Popular Sovereignty'--not 'Squatter Sovereignty'--and an illustration of the doctrine of non-intervention by Congress."

• The Vindicator, October 26, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "Secession and its Consequences." The Vindicator argues that "the act of the secessionists is suicidal to the best interests of the South, incompatible with the existence of a national Democratic party, and tending to the disruption of the Union itself."

• The Spectator, November 13, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "Though Lincoln Is Elected, There Is No Danger." The Spectator regrets to inform its readers that the forces of sectionalism triumphed in the election with Lincoln's victory. However, the editors feel confident that the South can protect its own interests through the other branches of government, which it still controls. It counsels against secession, which would place the South in unnecessary danger by effectively turning all power over to the Republicans.

• The Vindicator, November 16, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "The Meeting To-Morrow." The Vindicator argues that "the meeting called to-morrow is premature. We should await any demonstration counter to disunion until we see something tangible to strike at."

• The Vindicator, November 16, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "Sound Advice." The Richmond Whig encourages Virginians to not act in haste now that Lincoln has been elected.

• The Vindicator, November 23, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "The Crisis--National Convention." Criticizes the Breckinridge papers in the state for calling for a Southern convention. Such a convention can only inflame sectional passions, not solve the South's complaints against the North.

• The Vindicator, November 23, 1860, p. 2, c. 4: "Where Are Our Statesmen?" Complains that no Virginia statesmen, except for Letcher, have come forward to help solve the current crisis.

• The Spectator, November 27, 1860, p. 2, c. 1: "Treasonable Desertion." The Spectator believes that senators who abandon their positions in the Senate ought to be treated as soldiers who desert the army--that is, as traitors.

• The Vindicator, November 30, 1860, p. 2, c. 4: "Virginia and South Carolina." Criticizes the Alexandria Sentinel for suggesting that Virginia should apologize to South Carolina for not supporting her call for a Southern convention last winter.

• The Vindicator, December 7, 1860, p. 1, c. 3: "Why Are Our Southern Friends . . ." Wonders why Southerners are worried about Lincoln when Mary Lincoln is such a friend of slavery.

• The Spectator, December 11, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "Nothing to Regret." Editorial argues that those who supported and voted for the Union ticket have nothing to be ashamed of, and that a conservative force is needed now more than ever to save the country.

• The Spectator, December 11, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "They Know Not What to Do." Editorial claims that the people are looking to Congress to find a way out of the peril in which the Union now stands, but it seems that there is no one in that body who has any idea how to find a solution.

• The Vindicator, December 14, 1860, p. 2, c. 3: "Manifest Destiny." Looks to ancient history and the wisdom of the founding fathers to explain the current political crisis.

• The Vindicator, December 21, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "Border State Convention." The Vindicator is pleased that many newspapers support its proposal for a convention of the Border States. The paper believes that "A Border State Convention is the most feasible idea upon which the Union can be reconstructed, the forms of republican government preserved, and the growth, power and prosperity of our country secured."

• The Vindicator, December 21, 1860, p. 2, c. 2: "Disunion from a Love of Disunion--Disunion by Reason of a Failure to Correct the Breaches of the Constitution." The Vindicator distinguishes between disunionists who want secession because they believe that the South would be better off on its own, and disunionists who support the Union, but will leave it if the North fails to protect Southern interests and Southern property. The Vindicator puts itself in the latter category, one of the first times that the paper has embraced any type of disunion sentiment.

• The Spectator, January 1, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "The Richmond 'Enquirer' Advises . . ." The Richmond Enquirer urges Maryland and Virginia to seize the District of Columbia to prevent Lincoln's inauguration.

• The Vindicator, January 4, 1861, p. 2, c. 5: "Meeting of the Legislature." The Virginia Legislature will meet in an extra session on January 7th. Its first duties will be to call a state Convention and take steps to arm the state.

• The Spectator, January 8, 1861, p. 2, c. 3: "We Have Not Seen It Adverted to . . ." Notes that South Carolina does not intend to put the ordinance of Secession to a vote of the people and relegates the responsibility of being "dragged to ruin" not to the people of South Carolina but to a few "fanatic aristocrats."

• The Spectator, January 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Convention and Secession." Reports that the Virginia legislature has called for the election of a convention to respond to the secession crisis in South Carolina. This state convention will debate the possible secession of Virginia. The Spectator calls for the citizens to vote for pro-union representatives because "men tainted with the principles of secession would not represent the sentiment of our people."

• The Spectator, January 22, 1861, p. 1, c. 3: "God Save Our Noble Union." A poem extolling the virtues of the Union.

• The Spectator, January 22, 1861, p. 1, c. 5: "For the Spectator." Writer advocates remaining in the Union as long as guarantees of Southern property rights can be granted by the federal government. If war comes, however, the writer feels that Virginia should join the Southern states.

• The Spectator, January 22, 1861, p. 2, c. 3: "To the People of Augusta County." Alexander H. H. Stuart tries to persuade readers of the disastrous consequences of secession (mostly economic) and believes that Southern grievances can best be addressed within the Union.

• The Spectator, February 5, 1861, p. 3, c. 1: "To Be Dragged." Article admonishes South Carolina for "applying the spur" to force Virginia out of the Union. Cited are South Carolina's declaration that secession is final along with her rejection of the Virginia resolutions and her intention to force a collision at Fort Sumpter.

• The Vindicator, February 8, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Why It Was So." Argues that the results of the election of delegates to the state convention show that "there was a wide spread panic in this county--that the people were under the impression . . . that they were voting upon a question of peace or war."

• The Vindicator, February 8, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "What Can Virginia Do?" It appears that a majority of "Union" candidates have been elected over their "Secession" opponents in the delegate races. Article points out that "Union man" has a very different meaning in Virginia than it does in the North. Virginia Union men will not quietly submit to the rule of the Black Republicans.

• The Vindicator, February 8, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "We Call the Attention . . ." The Vindicator calls the attention of the editor of the Spectator to a letter signed "Augusta" in today's paper. The paper argues that "the friends of Judge Douglas can never be seduced into the embrace of any Delilah in the shape of the Whig party."

• The Vindicator, February 8, 1861, p. 2, c. 7: "For the Vindicator: 'Some of the Supporters of Judge Douglas.'" Denies the Spectator's assertion that Douglas supporters have allied with the secession men and accuses the Spectator of deserting the South.

• The Spectator, February 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "The 'Harm' We Are Doing." In response to criticism that the Spectator is doing more harm than any other state paper, the Spectator says it will accept this taunt as a compliment because the damage is done only to the cause of disunion.

• The Vindicator, February 22, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Party Complexion." Criticizes the Whigs, who have made the state convention into a party vehicle.

• The Vindicator, February 22, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "The Position of Virginia" States that two delegates to the State Convention have expressed the view of the Vindicator--that "Virginia will be forced to separate from the Northern States, if security, ample and comprehensive, is not given for the future."

• The Vindicator, March 1, 1861, p. 1, c. 5: "Mr. Lincoln and His Friends." Reprinted article from the New York Express that claims that the Union men of Illinois, who know Lincoln well, believe that he is too incompetent to be President. Article claims that "The election of such a man at such a crisis is undoubtedly the greatest evil that has ever befallen this country."

• The Vindicator, March 1, 1861, p. 2, c. 4: "The Main Question." Argues that the question which threatens to plunge the country into civil war will soon be answered: will the Lincoln administration adopt a policy of coercion or will it recognize secession.

• The Spectator, March 5, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Speeches of Col. Baylor." In praise of unionism, the article calls readers' attention to the speech of Col. Baylor at the convention attacking the "fiery dragon of secession."

• The Spectator, March 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "The Chief Object--The Preservation of the Union." Another installment in a series of articles which use the writings in The Federalist Papers to argue that the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation principally to ensure the preservation of the Union.

• The Spectator, March 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 3: "Lincoln's Inaugural." Provides a reaction to Lincoln's inaugural address. The author understands that it is Lincoln's sworn duty to uphold the laws of the country, but he regrets that Lincoln did not call for a national convention in order to provide a legal outlet for the seceded states to relieve the president of his duty and thus avert war. The article indicates uncertainty over whether the president intends to enforce the laws up to the point of force or if he intends to precipitate armed conflict.

• The Spectator, March 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 5: "A Capital Burlesque." Reprints a copy of an ordinance of secession spoofing secessionist views. It was left under the door of the state convention delegate from Hardy county and suggests that, if Virginia does not secede in a matter of days, Hardy County will secede unilaterally and assume all powers of a sovereign nation.

• The Spectator, March 19, 1861, p. 1, c. 3: "A Southerner on Secession." Article quotes a letter from a Southern gentleman in Augusta, Georgia, who says that with taxes and tariffs rising under the Confederacy and the populace roaming about armed, the citizens of the South, if left alone for six months, would probably seek to re-enter the Union.

• The Vindicator, March 15, 1861, p. 1, c. 3: "Lincoln's War Policy." The Washington correspondent of the Richmond Examiner believes that Lincoln will adopt "hostile measures against the South" very soon.

• The Vindicator, March 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Southern Confederacy." Argues that the foundations of the new Confederacy are being firmly laid. This Confederate government will never unite with "a people whose entire education is enmity and whose highest ambition is oppression, aggression and outrage."

• The Vindicator, March 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 4: "Virginia--The Battle Ground." The Vindicator believes that Virginia has been chosen as "the grand arena for the display of Black Republican prowess" since the federal government has been amassing troops around Washington, D.C.

• The Vindicator, March 29, 1861, p. 2, c. 3: "Judge John W. Brockenbrough." Judge Brockenbrough gave a brief impromptu speech to the citizens of Staunton. He stated that all efforts to assure the South of its constitutional rights have failed. As a result, he claimed that he "saw no other course for Virginia to pursue with honor, than to immediately separate from the Northern States."

• The Vindicator, March 29, 1861, p. 2, c. 5: "'Mr. Bennet, One of the Financial . . .'" One of the financial officers of the state has called for a 20 cent per hundred dollar increase in taxes. According to the Vindicator, " If the policy of the submissionists is adopted, and Virginia becomes a part of the Northern Confederacy, her negroes will be transported South. This will remove one source of revenue, and then the taxes on lands, &c., will be doubled!"

• The Vindicator, March 29, 1861, p. 2, c. 6: "'Col. Baldwin . . .'" The Vindicator claims that Col. Baldwin made a fine speech, but his position is untenable. The paper argues that Virginia must decide whether it will go with the North or the South. If it goes with the North, Virginia must decide "what are we to do with our Negroes? Converted into pests and vampyres as they soon must be in such connexion, they will suck out the very lifeblood of the Commonwealth."

• The Spectator, April 2, 1861, p. 1, c. 6: "Policy of the Border States." The Spectator argues that the interests of the border states are best served in the Union. It is in the Union that such issues as the return of fugitive slaves can best be addressed. Furthermore, the border states have concerns that the gulf states do not share, being disproportionately affected by such problems as fugitive slaves and the threat of war with the North.

• The Spectator, April 2, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "The Fruits of Secession Agitation." Charges that secession agitation has caused property values to fall and taxes to rise. The article asks how much taxes would rise if Virginia seceded if the mere dim prospect of secession causes a fifty percent increase.

• The Vindicator, April 5, 1859, p. 1, c. 5: "A Patriotic Letter." Letter from a Southern woman to her cousin in Virginia, in which she praises the Confederacy and questions why it has taken Virginia so long to leave the Union.

• The Vindicator, April 5, 1859, p. 2, c. 4: "Patriotic Letter." States that the "Patriotic Letter" printed in this issue was written by a sister of William Smith of Virginia.

• The Vindicator, April 5, 1859, p. 2, c. 2: "This District." The Vindicator argues that the key issue in the next Congressional election is whether the destiny of Virginia lies with the hostile North or the "sister States of the South." The paper criticizes Mr. Harris and the Spectator for their submissionist views.

• The Vindicator, April 5, 1859, p. 2, c. 5: "The Union and Our Liberties." Argues that preserving the Union will no longer preserve liberty, especially if the "ignorant and vicious masses" of the North come to predominate that region.

• The Vindicator, April 5, 1859, p. 3, c. 1: "The Right Sentiment." The Vindicator directs the attention of the Spectator to a recent article from the Richmond Whig. In it, the Whig argues that Lincoln cannot continue his "do-nothing policy" and think that the border states will remain in the Union. Virginia and the other border states are only delaying their secession to see if it is possible to "obtain from the North guarantees that will justify their remaining longer in association with that section."

• The Vindicator, April 12, 1859, p. 2, c. 2: "Wanted--A Policy." The Vindicator discusses the New York Times and its critique of the Lincoln administration's seeming lack of policy.

• The Spectator, April 23, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Glorious 'Old Augusta.'" Praises the steadfast efforts of Virginia to negotiate a settlement in the Union, but, now that Lincoln has issued a call for troops and peace has failed, the article indicates that it has become appropriate for Virginians to abandon their quest for peace and fight for the Commonwealth.

• The Vindicator, April 26, 1859, p. 1, c. 1: "'A Telegram Was Received . . .'" News dispatch stating that Virginia has allied itself with the Southern Confederacy.

• The Spectator, April 30, 1861, p. 1, c. 5: "'Your Letter of Yesterday . . .'" Letters exchanged between A. Nicholas of New York, and Col. J. M. McCue of Augusta County, regarding Virginia's decision to secede. Nicholas hopes that Virginia will stand by the Union; McCue accuses the North of hypocrisy and of instigating the war, and expresses his wish to have the "earnestly hoped for meeting" on the battlefield.

• The Vindicator, April 26, 1859, p. 2, c. 2: "A Solemn Duty." Rejects the Spectator's assertion that the Union party has followed the correct policy on the question of secession. The Vindicator argues that Southerners shouldn't follow partisan paths now that they are confronted with the dangers of Northern invasion.

• The Spectator, April 30, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "How Virginia Was United." Article reproaches those who blame the Union men for the current state of war because they resisted immediate secession. The article says that by attempting to compromise, Union men forced Lincoln to develop a policy that united all Virginians in opposition. If secession had occurred before compromise efforts were exhausted, there would have been parties in Virginia discontented with such an action.

• The Spectator, May 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 5: "Virginia, God Bless Her!" Praises Virginia's commitment to fight the tyranny of Lincoln.

• The Spectator, May 7, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "Stand United." Urges Virginians to remain united against Lincoln in spite of their political disagreements.

• The Spectator, May 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Lincoln's Pledge Not To Invade." Expresses hope that Lincoln will keep his inaugural promise not to invade the seceded states, apart from those localities or properties previously held by the United States.

• The Spectator, May 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 7: "For the Spectator." Writer supports secession based on the assumption that the goal of the North is to steal Southern property and ravage Southern women.

• The Vindicator, May 17, 1861, p. 1, c. 3: "The Ordinance of Freedom." Urges Augusta voters to support the "Ordinance of Secession" in the vote on the fourth Thursday of the month.

• The Vindicator, May 17, 1861, p. 1, c. 4: "Beware." Warns that any voter who votes against secession in the upcoming election is an "enemy of Virginia."

• The Vindicator, May 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 2: "Hon. A. H. H. Stuart's Position." Lengthy letter from A. H. H. Stuart in which he states that the time has come to support the Ordinance of Secession, even though he has long advocated a pro-Union position.

• The Vindicator, May 24, 1861, p. 2, c. 3: "The Election." Augusta County overwhelmingly supported the Ordinance of Secession in the recent election--only ten of the thirty-five hundred votes were cast against ratification.

• The Spectator, May 28, 1861, p. 2, c. 7: "For the Spectator: The Union Party of Virginia." Claims that the Union party is not dead, but has been forced to accept secession by a president insensitive to the needs of the South.

• The Spectator, June 4, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Victory Will Be Ours." Urges Southerners not to become overwhelmed by the seemingly superior strength of the federal armies. The Spectator argues that the South will be victorious because the South is in the right and will not be defeated if "we perform our whole duty manfully and faithfully."

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