The Vindicator, December 2, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
Since our last issue, two primary meetings of Citizens have been held at the Courthouse; on Saturday night, of the Citizens of the town exclusively; and on Monday, in which a large number of the people of the country took part. By referring to another column, our readers will perceive a synopsis of the action of both.
There are two facts which appear on the face of these proceedings as published, and stood out prominently in the manner and tone of the meetings, to which we wish to draw particular attention, because these facts are clothed with peculiar significance when the politics, and well known conservatism, of Augusta county are remembered. We refer to the endorsation of the action of Gov. Wise, from the beginning of the troubles at Harper's Ferry, to the present time, and the expressed willingness of the people of Augusta, to support and uphold the Executive of Virginia in any policy which he may think necessary for the protection of Virginia's soil and Virginia's honor. We say when the politics and conservatism of Augusta are remembered, the action of these meetings is doubly significant; for it shows that the people of Virginia are divided by no party lines in reference to the late outrage against its sovereignty; and that the conservatives and patriots of all parties unite in denouncing it, and recommending preparation for the prevention or resenting of like outrages.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
We were peculiarly struck and interested by the speech of this gallant Whig veteran on last Monday. The conservative and Union sentiments of Capt. Kenton Harper are well known, and those sentiments he did not fail to express on Monday; but he acknowledged that the occurrences of the last month or two had for the first time shaken his confidence in the Union of these States, and for the first time made him entertain the thought that a possible contingency might arise when a dissolution might be expedient.
When such men and patriots as Kenton Harper express such views, the emergency must indeed be imminent, and the outrage which has brought on that emergency must indeed be gross.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1859, p. 2, c. 5
At a meeting of the citizens of Staunton, on Saturday evening, the 26th inst., N.K. Trout, Esq., Mayor of the town, was called to the Chair, and the editors of the two papers of the town, appointed Secretaries. The object of the meeting having been explained, on motion of Gen. Harman, a Committee of five was appointed to prepare resolutions for the consideration of the meeting. The Committee consisted of Gen. W.H. Harman, R.G. Bickle, C.R. Mason, Jno. D. Imboden, and L. Waddell, Jr., who, through their Chairman, reported the following resolutions which were adopted:
Whereas, the people of Staunton being solemnly impressed with the alarming condition of public affairs, feel called upon, as good citizens and ardent lovers of their State, its Constitution and laws, to assemble and give expression to their feelings and firm resolve in the present crisis. This crisis, which has been brought about by a mockish and sacrilegious sentiment, fostered and encouraged among a large number of the citizens of the non-slaveholding States of this Confederacy, under the false name of philanthropy, it becomes our duty, as loyal citizens of Virginia, to meet without shrinking and with manly courage.
The foray upon our border at Harper's Ferry, we recognize as the legitimate result of the fanatical teachings of Wm. H. Seward and his party, and whilst we claim to be "order loving and law abiding citizens," we are yet prepared to say to the non-slaveholding States, with the determination of freemen, thus far you have gone, but you shall go no farther!"
1st. Resolved, That we applaud the Governor of this time-honored Commonwealth, for the patriotic zeal and vigilance with which he has taken "care that the laws be faithfully executed."
2d. Resolved, That in his preparations to maintain the majesty of the laws, in the execution of the condemned felons at Charlestown, he has given proof of this patriotic fidelity to that Commonwealth whose dignity and honor were outraged by the thieves and assassins who invaded her borders at Harper's Ferry.
3d. Resolved, that now, or hereafter, whenever our chief magistrate calls upon us to assist him in the defense of Virginia institutions, Virginia homes and Virginia laws, we will respond with the offer of our lives and fortunes, and the pledge of our sacred honor to sustain him.
4th. Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the cultivation of a military spirit among our young men, and the organization of volunteer military companies for the protection of our own firesides, the defense of the honor of our State and the resistance of invasion, come from what quarter it may, is demanded by the threatening aspect of affairs at the present time; and that it is not only the duty, but should be esteemed the high privilege, of the old and substantial men of the town and county, to lend 'material aid' in the way of pecuniary contributions to those who may be willing to risk their lives in defense of the lives and property of others.
5th. Resolved, That the Chairman appoint a Committee of ----- to solicit contributions for the full equipment of our military companies, such as will insure their preparation and readiness for every emergency.
On motion of M.G. Harman,
6th. Resolved, That there be raised $500 forthwith, to carry out in part the purpose of the above resolutions.
7th. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the newspapers of the town.
During the progress of the meeting animated addresses were delivered by Jno. D. Imboden, Esq., Maj. Watts, Powell Harrison, B.A. Stuart, and others, and in response to the solicitations of the Committee, nearly $400 were raised on the spot for the purposes indicated in the 4th resolution. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
N.K. Trout, Ch'm.
H.B. Michie, Jr., L. Waddell, Jr., Acting Sec'ys.
Richmond papers please copy.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1859, p. 2, c. 6
A meeting was held at the Court-house on Monday last for the purpose of considering the propriety of a movement in behalf of the construction of a Railroad from Salem to Harrisonburg. Kenton Harper, Esq., was called to the Chair, and L. Waddle, Jr., and H.B. Michie, Jr., appointed Secretaries. Jno. B.I. Logan, Esq. of Salem, presented the cause in an appropriate manner, and read the proceedings of a meeting in Botetourt. On motion of H.M. Bell, Esq., a Committee of five was appointed to correspond with other parties on the line of the proposed road, and take such other steps as may best promote the object. The Chairman appointed H.M. Bell, Wm. M. Tate, John B. Baldwin, R.L. Doyle, and J.D. Imboden, as the Committee, whereupon, on motion, the meeting adjourned.
K. Harper, Pres.
L. Waddell, Jr., H.B. Michie, Jr., Secretaries
The Vindicator, December 2, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
The following are the officers, elected and appointed, of the Staunton Artillery:
Imboden, Jno. D., Captain;
Harman, Thomas L., 1st Lieut.;
Michie, John C., 2nd Lieut.;
Peyton, Wm. H., 1st. brevet Lieut.;
Garber, A.W., 2nd brevet Lieut.;
Berkeley, T.A. Dr., Surgeon;
Balthis, Wm. L., Qr. Master and Com;
Imboden, Geo. W., Ord. Sergeant;
Armentrout, Geo. A., 2nd Sergeant;
Garber, M.C., 3rd Sergeant;
Stoddard, H.M., 4th Sergeant;
Turk, R., Ensign;
Waddell, L.Jr., 1st Corporal;
Kayser, A.S., 2nd Corporal;
Harrison, Powell, 3rd Corporal;
Wood, Henry, 4th Corporal;
Burnett, Wm. A., Sec'y and Treasurer
The Vindicator, December 9, 1859, p. 3, c. 1
The following letter from the editor and proprietor of the "Eclectic Magazine," (to a gentleman in this place) of denial of all knowledge of, and responsibility for, the action of his agent Rood, who was arrested in Charlottesville on suspicion of tampering with slaves, we publish with pleasure. It has never been our desire to misrepresent or injure any one, either in their person or business, and if unintentionally we do the one or the other, we are always ready, when approached in the proper manner, to make all the reparation in our power.--The fact that the agent of a Magazine, who was sent about by its editor to procure subscribers in the South, had been caught tampering with the slaves of the community in which he happened to be, was, we thought, sufficient evidence to convict his employer of complicity, or at least knowledge of his designs; but we are willing to receive his emphatic disclaimer, and acquit him of either complicity or knowledge of the affair. We are also, as a reader of the Eclectic, willing to bear testimony to the general soundness and conservatism of that magazine:
"I should regret to find myself deceived in the views and conduct of the agent to whom you allude, especially in the face of his own solemn declarations. But I am not his keeper. He is not under my control or direction, as such. But if he has, by word or deed, knowingly and intentionally done aught to disturb the peace, or trench on the rights of the community, where he many happen to be, then I am with you to denounce him to the law, and invoke that stern old magistrate to teach him better manners and a proper regard to the rights of others. He can have no sympathy from me beyond his good behavior. I disclaim all responsibility on his account.
I thank you for your kind testimony to the course of the Eclectic as unexceptionable during the long years in which you have been its reader and patron. I enclose you a slip of the cover upon which I printed, some sixteen months ago, an expression of my views. I hope and trust the good opinions and confidence of our friends in the South will not be easily disturbed or impaired in regard to the Eclectic, without good reason. Let me say, I shall feel personally obliged to the editor of the "Vindicator"--a slip of which you enclosed--if he will make some kind explanation of the matter, using this hasty letter if needful, to neutralize the injurious effects of the paragraph, which I am sure he would not unnecessarily do. But enough. My pen has run on beyond my intention in replying to your very friendly note. I am, very truly and cordially yours,
W. H. BIDWELL.
The Vindicator, December 16, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
The West Augusta Guards of Staunton, who have been on duty at Charlestown for the last ten days or two weeks, returned home on last Tuesday. They were met at the cars by a large number of admiring friends, desirous of welcoming the "returned soldiers." After parading Main street they proceeded to their armory room, where was prepared for them by the citizens, a substantial banquet, to which they paid their compliments as only men who have been fed on crackers and middling for some time can. No one could have helped noticing the immense improvement in the drill of the Guards since they have been on duty. If no other good should result from the ordering of troops to Charlestown than the improvement of our volunteer corps, this of itself would be sufficient to justify the movement. All the members seemed to be in the finest spirits, and although glad to get home, they, to a man, express their entire readiness to perform any duty in defence of their State which its Executive may think necessary.
The Vindicator, December 16, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
LADIES' FAIR.--We are requested to state that the ladies of the Protestant Episcopal Church will give a Fair on Tuesday next, Dec. 20th, at the Town Hall.
The Vindicator, December 23, p. 1, c. 5
The mothers of the South!
In the lurid morn of battle,
When from the cannon's mouth
Came the thunder's deadly rattle;
Their fair and fragile forms
Shrank not, in terror, from us,
But--rainbows on the storms--
Still gave us freedom's promise!
Then pledge to-night their memories bright,
Our noble Southern mothers!
Who in the strife--maid, matron, wife--
Stood by their sons and brothers.
On Camden's fatal plain,
At Eutaw and Savannah,
The star of freedom's train
Was beauty's woven banner;
Throughout the night of woe.
The flag was still resplendent,
And many a son fell low
To keep its folds ascendant!
Then pledge to-night their memories bright,
Our noble Southern mothers!
Who in the strife--maid, matron, wife--
Stood by their sons and brothers!
Oh, yes! we'll keep their names
Embalmed in song and story,
Those lion-hearted dames,
Who cradled freedom's glory;
And should the strife of war
E'er tinge again our waters,
We'll find our hearts to cheer
Those matrons in their daughters!
Then pledge to-night their memories bright,
Our noble Southern mothers!
Who in the strife--maid, matron, wife--
Stood by their sons and brothers!
Meek's "Songs of the South."
The Vindicator, December 23, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
Quite a stir was created at the depot on Sunday last, upon the arrival of the Mountain Guard, under command of Capt. Bushong, from Charlestown. They were cordially welcomed back by their friends both from town and country. Respect for the day, was the cause of no formal demonstration upon their arrival. Though perhaps not as well drilled as some other companies, yet we learn that handsome compliments were paid them by Gov. Wise and others, for their soldier-like appearance. Having exchanged their military coats for red flannel shirts, they presented quite a dashing appearance, as they marched through town to their homes in the country.
The Vindicator, December 23, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
The Annual Report of the President and Directors of the Western Lunatic Asylum, has been laid upon our table. Under the management of Dr. Stribling, the Institution continues in a prosperous condition.--There are now in the Asylum 372 patients--males 219, females 153.
The Vindicator, December 23, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
The Staunton Artillery received on Monday last, from Richmond, a mounted brass six-pounder, together with their side arms. Another piece is still to come.