The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Since our last issue, nothing of interest has occurred on our lines below Richmond and Petersburg. It is stated by some prisoners recently, taken, that another Yankee picket line has been captured in front of Mahone, on the morning of the 28th. They state that it was very dark, and they could not discern the full force that took them; but that the attack was very sudden, that 20 or 30 were killed on the spot, and about 60 or 70 captured. The general impression with the knowing ones seems to be, that Grant is evidently making ready for another advance on our right, and is massing troops in that quarter. Our batteries still continue to shell Dutch Gap, and it is reported that Gen. Picket, from his lines South of Battery Howlett's, had also opened with his cannon upon the enemy in his front, who are believed to be mostly negroes. The Richmond papers state that a report was current there, that Grant had sent off a considerable body of troops to co-operate with Sherman in Georgia, and to aid that General in reaching and establishing a base on the Atlantic coast.
The latest intelligence we have from Georgia is contained in the following extract which we copy from a Georgia paper.
The Augusta "Sentinel," of the 22d, states that intelligence reached Augusta the evening before, by the passenger train on the Georgia Railroad, that our authorities had burned the bridge over the Oconee river, and that the Yankee column, moving down the road, had diverged from it and was hastening to join the main body.
It is stated that the Yankees had a large wagon train with them, which was divided after leaving the Georgia road, in order to sweep all supplies from the section within reach of the two routes taken. Scouts report them five brigades strong.
The rumor that the Court House and depot at Madison had been burned is correct.
The Macon train arrived the night of the 21st at its usual time. The train left for that city next morning at its usual hour.
The Macon "Telegraph" says it intends to hold forth in Macon until the Confederate flag ceases to wave over the city.
From the Richmond "Whig," who was furnished with a copy of the Augusta "Constitutionalist" of the 25th we learn that Gen. Wayne has whipped Kilpatrick's cavalry division at the Ocenee bridge, driving them headlong and in confusion. He telegraphs that he is perfectly able to take care of himself.
Wheeler, with many thousand men, has intercepted the enemy at a point, at present unmentionable, and is giving them no rest, night or day.
The main body of the enemy is moving down the western side of the Oconee, and has shown no disposition thus far to attempt its passage.
The "Constitutionalist" adds that three hundred prisoners arrived last evening from up the Georgia Road, and four hundred more are to arrive to-day.
These prisoners report that a division of three thousand of our cavalry has followed them all the way, dashing upon them constantly, picking up stragglers and capturing wagons.
We have nothing from the army of Gen. Breckenridge since the affair of the 9th ult., in which the enemy were driven beyond Strawberry plains. The next we hear from this chivalrous chieftain may be that he has penetrated his native State with his gallant army, and hoisted the Confederate banner, under the ample folds of which we hope he may redeem that downtrodden State from the tyranny of Yankee rule, and place her where her heart is, and where of right she ought to be, among her sister States of our glorious Confederacy.
The news from the "Army of Tennessee" is becoming interesting again. We are now informed that it was concentrating near Columbia, Tennessee, last week, and that Thomas was falling back towards Nashville, having evacuated Huntsville, Decatur and Pulaski. The main body of Hood's army crossed the Tennessee river at Florence, on the 13th instant, the day after Sherman left Kingston on his Georgia expedition. Lee's corps had previously occupied Florence.
Nothing of interest has taken place in the army of Genl. Early, during the past week.
The Yankees are said to be encamped below Strasburg, their headquarters at or near Kernstown.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The success of our arms, in the glorious struggle for independence in which we are engaged, depends as much upon sustaining our armies in the field as upon the invincible spirit of the brave men who bear the brunt of battle. That it is of the primest necessity that they should be well fed, well clad and well armed no one will pretend to gainsay, but as to the means of doing this there may be a diversity of opinion. Our section has been sorely oppressed by two invasions of the enemy--its barns, mills, factories, fences &c. burned; cattle, horses, sheep and hogs killed or driven off; wheat and long-forage, seized or destroyed, thus leaving but little for subsistence for our people. To be fed on the meagre remnant left by the Vandal invaders are the non-producers as well as the producers themselves. In some portions of our County, the little our farmers had left has been impressed for the ruse of the army of the Valley, leaving, in many instances, an insufficiency for their own immediate wants, to supply which they must go into the depleted market with the non-producer and buy.
We do not doubt that the necessity, at times, was such that the army of the Valley would have suffered if this course had not been pursued, and on this account many have hesitated to complain, but the evil seems to be a growing one and we therefore raise our voice, against the evident mismanagement which makes its continuance necessary. Many portions of our State have been entirely free from the annoyances to which our Valley has been subjected and we are informed that in those sections the crops have been generally good and produce abundant--certainly more abundant than in this pillaged district. They are indirect Railroad connection with this place, and ample supplies may be procured and easily transported to this point and thus relieve our people and the army for a further draft upon their already scanty allowance. Besides this the transportation of supplies from Staunton to the army is over a good road and can be much more speedily done than from our different farm houses over mud roads.
If it is desirable that a crop should be raised in our Valley next year it is necessary that our people should have enough left to subsist them, which can not possibly be the case if continuous drafts are made upon their present small supply and hence we appeal to those who have this matter in hand to take hold of and arrange it so that the army will be supplied from more plentiful sections and the chances for a crop next year in this locality be greatly increased.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
In the Senate on Tuesday, Mr. Henry of Tennessee, from the committee on Military Affairs, reported a bill to amend an act to increase the efficiency of the army by the employment of free negroes and slaves in certain cap cities. The bill increased the compensation given to free negroes and and [sic] other free persons of color to $18 per month; authorizes the employment of 40,000 slaves, instead of 20,000 by the Secretary of War--to impress them, if unable to hire them, and those not engaged in agricultural productions shall be the first impressed, and then those engaged in agricultural pursuits are to be taken from persons having more than fifteen able bodied hands, between the ages of 16 and 50 years. The bill was ordered to be printed, and placed upon the calendar.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Ran away from the subscriber on Thursday the 24th of this month, my negro boy
He is about fifteen years old, tall for his age and slender of a clear black color, can read, has an appearance of simplicity when spoken to and often twists up his forehead when addressed. He had on a Grey jacket, brown pants and a brown shirt and took with him a hand satchel believed to be black. He is probably making his way towards Gordonsville or Charlotte County.
I will give Four Hundred Dollars for his arrest and detention in jail or otherwise se[e] that I recover possession of him.
Hugh W. Sheffey.
Staunton Dec. 2--3t 1864.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Ran away from the subscriber near Greenville, Augusta Co., Va., on the 26th day of October last, a mulatto boy named
about 15 years old, walks with his toes somewhat inward. One Hundred Dollars will be given for his apprehension and confinement in the Staunton or Lexington jail so that I may recover him.
A. F. Kinney,
Depositary.
Dec 2--4t.
The Vindicator, December 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The activity manifested in the enemy's camps below Richmond for several days past seem to indicate an early advance on the part of the Yankee General. Nothing positive however is known of their movements, except that it was discovered on Monday morning that the white troops had been withdrawn from our front near Fort Harrison and their places supplied with negroes.
The Yankee papers gave us the information some days ago, that all the negroes in Grant's army were to be put into the Eighteenth corps, under Gen. Weitzel. The transfer of that portion of them at Bermuda Hundred and in front of Petersburg to this side would go far to confirm that statement.
From our lines below Petersburg nothing of interest has taken place since the attack of the enemy on Stony Creek Depot on the 1st inst., the result of which will be found in the following despatch from Gen. Lee.
Headq'rs Army Northern Va.,
December 2.
Hon Jas. A. Seddon:
The enemy attacked Stony Creek Depot yesterday, and burned most of the buildings, consuming some stores and corn, but most of the latter was saved. The railroad is unharmed.
Gen. Lee coming up as the enemy was retiring, attacked and drove him rapidly eight miles, capturing some prisoners, but could not bring him to an engagement.
The depot was occupied by about 150 men under Captain Waldham, about one hundred and twenty-five of whom are said to have been captured--among them, I regret to state, Major Fitzhugh, Quartermaster.
The enemy left some dead at the depot and along the route of his retreat.
R.E. Lee.
From the Richmond papers we learn that official intelligence has been received that Sherman is at last moving towards the Atlantic coast in earnest. His point of destination is believed to have been at length discovered; but it is deemed imprudent at present to mention it. The general impression seems to be, that there will be a battle within the next few days which will decide the question, whether Sherman is to reach the coast in safety.
The Georgia papers inform us that important movements are on foot to meet Sherman wherever he may go, but these will be developed at the proper time. Gen. Wheeler has thus [illegible] managed Kilpatrick with all ease, and with less force, has whipped and driven him in every engagement.
The Lynchburg "Republican" states that official information has been received at Richmond that a fight had taken place between Wheeler's Cavalry and a portion of Sherman's army, embracing one corps of infantry and Kilpatrick's cavalry. The enemy attacked Wheeler's position and made several charges all of which were repulsed. The enemy's loss was very heavy. Kilpatrick reported wounded. Wheelers officers and men behaved most gallantly.
From the army of Gen. Hood we have no news, except what we gather from Yankee papers, which must be taken with many grains of allowance. They report that Gen. Hood has been repulsed at Franklin Tennessee with severe loss, amounting to 5 or 6000 men, 1000 prisoners captured including one Brigadier General. There loss only 1200 or 1500. They further state that the battle commenced at 4 o'clock P.M. and lasted till dark, an interval of only one hour and a half elapsed, during which time this wholesale destruction in the Confederate ranks was effected. We adopt the remarks of a co[n]temporary on this splendid achievement of Yankee skill that either some of the best and severest shooting on record was done on that occasion or some huge lying was found necessary to embellish the circumstances of the retreat to Nashville.
Notwithstanding that splendid victory of which they so much boast, they acknowledge in a subsequent dispatch, that on the night after the engagement they fell back from Franklin and took a position within 3 miles of Nashville, where they formed a line of battle. If Hood was as badly whipped as the Yankees say he was, what was the necessity of their army falling back within the suburbs of Nashville? Hood according to their own account was able to follow them up, and skirmishing was going on all day about five miles South of Nashville. Heavy cannonading could be heard in the city. Taking the enemy's own account of this affair we feel perfectly satisfied, that Gen. Hood, instead of sustaining a defeat, has obtained a splendid victory, and in its train will follow the reduction of Nashville and the recovery of the whole of Tennessee to the Confederacy.
We have nothing of interest from the lower Valley, since the expedition of Gen. Rosser on the Baltimore and Ohio R. Road. The following dispatch from Gen. Lee tells the tale.
Headq'rs Army Northern Va.,
December 2,
Hon. Jas. A. Seddon
Gen. Early reports that Gen. Rosser, with Payne's and his own brigade, encountered, on the 27th ult., near Moorefield, a small party of the enemy and captured forty prisoners and one piece of artillery.
On the 28th he surprised and captured Fort Kelly, at New Creek, with four field pieces, four siege guns, between seven and eight hundred prisoners, a large number of horses and mules, and eight stand of colors; and destroyed two hundred wagons and a quantity of commissary and ordnance stores.
He brought off the field pieces and some wagons, spiked the siege guns and destroyed the carriages.
He also captured Piedmont, destroyed the Government buildings, containing a number of engines, burnt several b[r]idges, did considerable damage to the railroad, and collected several hundred head of cattle.
The boldness and energy exhibited by Gen. Rosser and the conduct of his men deserve much praise.
R.E. Lee.
That so much should have been accomplished with the loss of only two killed and three wounded on the Confederate side is very remarkable, and can only be accounted for upon the principle that the plans of Gen. Rosser were well matured and admirably executed.
Another circumstance, attending this expedition scarcely less remarkable, is related by a correspondent of one of the Richmond papers who states that the 5th and 6th Yankee "Virginia" Regiments of Cavalry were captured by the 5th and 6th Virginia Confederate Regiments.
The splendid success of Gen. Rosser and his gallant command in this expedition, will command the admiration of the whole country, and their chivalrous conduct on this, as well as many other occasions of a similar character will in after years form one of the brightest pages in our country's history.
The Vindicator, December 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
Gen. R.D. Lilley of our place has been assigned to the command of the Reserves in the Valley and has already entered upon the duties of the office.
Gen. Lilley has been an active participant in the war since its commencement and was wounded at the battle of Winchester which resulted in the loss of an arm.
Should it become necessary for the defence of our homes, that the Valley Reserves should be called to the field of battle we feel assured from his past conduct in many hotly contested engagements, that in Gen. Lilly they will have as commander, upon whom they can rely, and with such a leader, the Reserves, we doubt not will reflect credit upon themselves.
The Vindicator, December 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
We are prevented by want of space from publishing the Message of Abraham Lincoln, but we incline to the opinion that our readers lose nothing thereby a its perusal would scarcely pay, there being but little in it of interest to us.
In regard to the present position of affairs he states, that his armies hold and maintain all the important points possessed by them at the time of inditing [sic] his previous Message, while we know that the campaign in Louisiana and Arkansas resulted in driving the enemy from nearly every portion of those States, except a narrow strip adjacent to the Mississippi River. He speaks of the movement of Sherman as the most remarkable military operation of the year, yet hesitates to speak of its success. When its result is known if we can judge from the tenor of the news, partly unwritten, from that section we will be surprised if Sherman shall escape from the hazardous position in which he has placed himself, while we doubt not from the success which has crowned the advance of Hood into Tennessee that ere long not only a portion of but that entire State will be freed from the rule of Lincoln and his man Friday Andy.
He continues to hold out the same inducements to us which he has so cheerfully offered us on previous occasions--to lay down our arms, and submit to the edicts of Lincoln. In this connection it must be remembered that he avows his determination not to deviate a hairs-breadth from his action in reference to our peculiar institution.
With these splendid (?) inducements held out it is highly probable that the only true conclusion at which he seems to have arrived will obtain, that between the contending forces, it must be decided by victory and defeat. No negotiation will be effective. Nothing but victory will be decisive. This we believe and hope ere long our cause may be crowned with a victorious result.
The Vindicator, December 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Nothing of interest has occurred on the [illegible] in front of Richmond during the past week.
On the lines about Petersburg there has been of late, more than the usual cannonading and picket firing. On Saturday evening the enemy, for several hours, shelled our lines near the Appomattox furiously, but with no result worth mentioning. Besides there daily cannonading there is nothing of interest occurring in the Petersburg front.
From the Lynchburg Republican we have the latest intelligence from the Yankee raiders in the Southwest, states that they came as far as mack Meadow, a point on the Virginia and Tennessee Rail Road, and after destroying the Depot, and one or two small bridges, turned back in the direction of Abingdon, destroying property of all kinds as they went. A party of fifteen were sent to the Lead Mines in Wythe, who pattially [sic] destroyed them, but it is through the damage can be repaired in a week or ten days at farthest.
At Wytheville the Depot, Ordinance and other government offices, and that of the Medical Purveyor were burned. All the Depots and Bridges on the Rail Road, between Mack Meadows and Glade Spring are destroyed. The track is thought to be but little injured at any point, and can be speedily repaired.
On Saturday evening the raiders were met on their retreat, at Atkin's, a short distance this side of Marion, by the command of Colonel Witcher. A fight ensued lasting from 4 o'clock until dark, when the enemy broke through our lines and succeeding in escaping, not however without suffering considerable loss. Col. Witcher pursued them and it was hoped would chastise them still more.
It is reported by passengers from the West that the enemy had concentrated at Saltville, and that a battle was fought there Sunday morning. We learn that a courier from Saltville arrived at Dublin before the train left yesterday morning, who reported that a fight had taken place and that the enemy had been whipped and were retreating. We learn further that this statement was believed by the military authorities at Dublin. If it be true we shall possibly have official confirmation of it before going to press.
Conductor R.H. Buckner, with the engine of his train, went as far as Mack's Meadows, seven miles from Wytheville, on Sunday. He confirms the report of the retreat of the raiders and the burning of the depot at that point.
We regret to have the report of the deportation of the Bristol Register confirmed. We also regret to hear a report that the office of the Abingdon Virginian was partially if not wholly destroyed.
It is barely necessary to contradict the enemy's tale of the capture of Savannah, and eleven thousand officers and men. We learn from the Richmond papers that the Government received official dispatches from Savannah on the 19th which stated that all was well. The latest public intelligence from that place is contained in the Charleston Courier of the 15th inst which has the following.
The enemy made a demonstration on Savannah Tuesday and were repulsed. It is supposed to have been only a feeler, put forth to ascertain our strength there. General Hardee, in a despatch to General Beauregard dated Savannah, Tuesday, December 13th, reports everything working well, and that in his opinion the enemy were endeavoring to reach the coast by way of Genesis Point and Fort McAlister. The enemy's fleet off Ossabaw Sound had largely increased. Arrangements have been made which it is confidently believed will interfere very materially with Sherman's progress towards the coast, if they do not check him altogether. Sherman has been disappointed in not being able to cross the Savannah river into South Carolina and effect a junction with Foster's forces at Pocofaligo or Coosawatchie. He was thetefore [sic] compelled to move down along the Ogeechee. All was quiet along the line of railroad yesterday."
The news from Tennessee, furnished altogether by the Yankee papers is indeed not of the most cheering character, and if true, it is wholly different from what we expected to receive from that quarter. We have however this consolation upon which we can always rely, that Yankee statements, made for the Press, and the official bulletins of Stanton the Yankee Secretary of War do not always contain facts but on the contrary are oftepn atched [sic] up for the occasion, without regard to truths, and only intended to deceive, and amuse the followers of Lincoln and Stanton.
The following from the Sentinel presents the whole affair in a nutshell.
It appears that on Thursday, the 15th an attack was made on Hood's lines around Nashville, by Gen. Thomas, who held that city. On our left the attack was sided by the Federal gunboats, and at that point it succeeded. On our right the attack was unsuccessful, Hood holding his ground till night.
The enemy claim that our left was pressed back eight miles, and also that our centre retreated two or three miles. This last movement was probably done to prevent the flank, exposed by the falling back of the left wing. The number of prisoners claimed to have been captured, "between eight hundred and a thousand," would indicate no considerable disorder in our lines. The number of pieces of artillery (sixteen) is out of proportion to the captures, and was probably due to some accident.
Hood is reported, on the next day, to be retreating in full column. We have great hope of hearing that he has since been able to make a more successful battle. Unfortunately, it appears that Forrest was not with him in the battle of Thursday. he has doubtless joined him again, as well as the infantry sent to operate against Murfeesboro'. So far as we yet know, the fight of Thursday may have pretty evenly deivided [sic] its favors; the adva[n]tage being with the enemy on the left, and with Hood on the right. In the next with galla[n]t Forrest to help, we may win a victory, which may God grant, that will turn our mourning into laughter and thanksgiving.
We observe that the claim of victory, which may God grant, that will turn our mourning into laughter and thanksgiving.
We observe that the claim of victory did not bring gold, down in New York, the bankers saying that if the story was true, as told, it "did not amount to much!"
The Sentinel states that a report was current on yesterday that a member of the Legislature had received a dispatch from the neighborhood of Saltville, that Gen. Breckinridge and gained a decided victory over Burbridge on Sunday, and that on Monday he again attacked the enemy, and compelled him to retreat towards East Tennessee. The fight is stated to have occurred beyond Glade Springs. Nothing relative to this reported fight had been received at the War Department last evening.
By passengers in the Stage this morning we learn, that, Genl. Rosser attacked on Wednesday morning about 4 o'clock, Custer's Division of Cavalry at Mellrose, a point on the Turnpike 5 miles below Harrisonburg; and after a short skirmish, succeeded in driving them from their position, and capturing about 40 prisoners.
At last accounts they were moving down the Valley. It is fu[r]ther stated , that the main portion of the Yankee Cavalry now in the Lower Valley have crossed the mountain, and are moving in the direction of Gordonsville. Genl Early is in the right place, and will be able to confront them in any direction they may think proper to take.
The Vindicator, December 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Our own dear boys have returned to winter among us--battered and warworn--wanting all comforts, yet never complaining--deserving all honors, yet never claiming them--brave yet modest. For nearly four years, this gallant company, composed of our sons and brothers--the choice spirits of our town and county, have bared their breasts to almost every battle throughout the glorious campaigns of the Valley, and of old Virginia. Among the first to volunteer in our sacred cause, their daring valor has never quailed, but has often won the merited applause of our most distinguished successes. What will their friends--their relatives--do for them now? What testimonial of gratitude and approval will be offered to the remnant of that gallant band who have periled their all for our protection? They come divested of everything but glory. They have suffered all that we might be saved. The festivals of Christmas and Year are at hand--let the fatted calf be killed--let a grateful people see that these, their defenders shall be warmed and fed--that having bravely periled all for us, the storms of Winter shall not consume their precious bodies that the storms of War have spared.
People of a brave and patriotic community--the duty here enjoined has been too long neglected. Come together now and act worthy. Cheer up the hearts of your noble soldiers by unmistakable evidences of your approval and love.
Senex.