The Vindicator, February 3, 1865, p. 1, c. 6
The N.Y. Times does not think the "rebellion" ended by a good deal. The Army of Northern Virginia seems to give it particular uneasiness. It says:
"The army are equally devoted to the rebel Government. What may be their feeling toward Davis personally, we have no means of knowing; though undoubtedly, Lee could do with the Army of Virginia whatever he chose. But they are now a lawless, bold, desperate body of soldiery. The most of them have lost home, or negroes or land, or friends, in this stubbornly contested cause; they are cared for and fed by the rebel authorities, at least better than the civilians can take care of themselves; the consider their property (if they ever had any) forfeited by the rebellion; they have no home to return to; they have lost the bonds of civil life and are thoroughly soldiers living entirely for the present moment, and devoted to their general, and always ready to obey his orders. General Lee can do with them just what he chooses; if he wishes to fight to the last ditch, they will probably fight with him. If Lee and Davis agree, the army will very probably continue still to be the powerful military weapon in the hands of the Southern Despotism that it has been from the beginning. And that these two desperate and able chieftains have any thought of peace, we have not the least evidence."
The Vindicator, February 3, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
It is with much pleasure that we announce to our readers, the appointment by President Davis of the Hon. A.H. Stephens (Vice President of the Confederate States,) Hon. R.M.T. Hunter Senator in Congress and Hon. Judge Campbell, late assistant Secretary of War, and formerly one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, Commissioners to proceed to Washington to confer with similar authorities of the United States Government upon the subject of Peace. We learn they left Petersburg on Monday evening, passing through Gen. Bushrod Johnston's lines, to a point on the enemy's railway, and taken thence at once to City Point, where they would take passage direct for the Federal Capital.
The appointment of these Commissioners has created quite an excitement throughout the country, and has been the subject of much comment in the army as well as among civilians.
We feel satisfied that a serious and earnest effort is now about being made by the two hostile governments to bring the war to an immediate close, and it behooves our people and the press throug[h]out the Confederacy, to do all in their power, to aid the government, in effecting the object so much desired.
Whilst all would hail with delight, an honorable cessation of hostilities, and many entertain high hopes that the mission of these Commissioners may result in the recognition of our glorious Confederacy, we would caution our readers (for fear of disappointment) not to indulge too freely in the pleasing anticipation of an immediate peace, and above all to beware of building castles in the air.
The Vindicator, February 3, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
The streets of Staunton were on Saturday last, enlivened by the smiling and familiar faces of the men who constitute Capt. A.W. Garber's Artillery Company. These veteran soldiers, who have by their deeds of daring on almost every battlefield in Virginia, attracted the attention of the country and elicited the praise of the Commanding General of the Army of Northern Va., were, by some of the patriotic ladies of our town, invited to partake of a dinner, which had by their zeal and energy been prepared for them as a testimonial of their gratitude for the distinguished services rendered by them as a company to the country.
At half past three o'clock, the shrill blast of the bugle assembled the men in front of the American Hotel. After the lapse of a few minutes, they were marched into the large dining room of this building, where their eyes and hearts were gladdened, and their stomachs refreshed, by a feast, that for abundance and quality, would have reflected credit on better times. After doing ample justice to the good things set before them, which had been augmented in pleasure by the presence of Gen'l Early and staff, and the smiling faces of the ladies, they quietly withdrew, and formed themselves again in front of the Hotel, and began shouting vociferously for Gen'l Early to make them a speech. The Gen'l come forward, and in his plain and earnest manner spoke in substance as follows:
Soldiers--I enjoyed the dinner prepared for you, by the ladies of your Town, very much--but it afforded me much more pleasure to know you enjoyed it--because you richly deserved it. It has always given me pleasure to speak of the heroic conduct of the Artillery on every battle field in the Valley campaign; and in view of your past services I have given permission for you to stay in town to-night, and enjoy yourselves in any innocent way you may deem proper. I am sure you will not abuse this indulgence, and that your conduct in private life, will be as unexceptionable, as it always has been in the presence of the Enemies of your Country.
Col. Wm. H. Harman, was then called on, and responded in a short and stirring address.
After Colonel Harman, the Battalion Commander, and Company Officers, were called on, but did nothing more than excuse themselves, by telling the men, that their talent lay in the fighting and not in the speaking line. After the speech making was over, the men quietly returned to the homes of their families and friends--the whole affair having been a complete success.
It affords us great pleasure to say these brave men, although they have passed through the hardships and dangers of every considerable battle fought on the soil of Virginia, are as firm and and [sic] as unalterably as their determinations to be free free [sic] from yankee rule, as they were on the day they enlisted.
An honorable peace would be most agreeable to them, but they will never be willing to abandon their arms for any thing short of absolute and complete independence. To obtain this independence for their Country, they are willing to fight to the last extremity, and even to the last man--They deem it far better to join the ranks of the silent, but unfettered host, who sleep calmly and sweetly on the bosom of their mother State, than to wear the gilded chains, and enjoy the luxuriant ease, that a cringing submission, or a cowardly policy, might purchase for them. The spirit that animates this Company, in common with the army of Northern Va. ought to make the croakers and submissionists of this and other sections, hang their heads in shame, that they ever despaired of the liberties of the country, or ever, in any way, impeded the success of our cause.
If this class, instead of disheartening and discouraging the army, would only vie with the ladies, and other good Citizens, in administering to the wants of the soldiers, and thereby nerve their hearts and hands for the work before them, this war would then be brought to a successful close.
Do as they may, however, the patriotism of the ladies and soldiers, will, some day, or other, triumph over all obstacles, and bring our Country to a glorious independence.
The Vindicator, February 3, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
At a meeting of the Staunton Artillery held at their camp near Fishersville, on the 1st Feb 1865, Capt A.W. Garber was called to the Chair and Sergt A.S. Spitzer was appointed Sec'ry.
Lieut. A.H. Fultz offered the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted.
We are fighting for our liberty! The despondency talked of does not exist in the army. The same spirit animates us now which inspired us in 1861. We are determined never to acquiesce in any accom[m]odation short of the independence of our Confederacy--we believe this to be the spirits of the whole army; and we appeal to the people of our loved homes to respond to it; especially we demand it of our Congress. We do therefore Resolve.
1st. We know no such word as fail in this contest.
2d. We will never consent to any peace which does not assure our independence and liberty.
3d. We ask our Representative in Congress to present our humble views and to pledge us to stand by the glorious South till the last man has shed his last drop of blood.
On motion of Sergt John Butler.
Resolved, That our hearts have been cheered and our hands strengthened by the evidence of kind feelings afforded us by our fellow countymen and fair county women in the bountiful repast provided for us on the 28th inst, and we now renew our pledge, given nearly four years since, to defend their liberties and ours, to the bitter end.
A.W. Garber, Chairman.
A.S. Spitzer, Secry.
The Vindicator, February 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
While the mission of Blair was involved in mystery, many men in our land believed that it remained with President Davis alone to have peace or war as he might prefer and that he would elect war. Contrary to their expectations a commission of three distinguished and prominent men were sent to confer with the Administration of the United States upon the prospect of a speedy adjustment of the existing difficulties. Scarcely had they left before some, not in our Valley we rejoice to say, declared that reconstruction was the panacea for all our ills. Strange conclusion, when the mere anticipation of the troubles the South would be called upon to endure from the rule of Abraham Lincoln, caused the acts of secession and the formation of an independent Government, and after the spilling of the blood of thousands of the brave men of the South to maintain that independence while the war has been prosecuted against us with a more fiendish malignity than ever characterized the benighted nations of a barbarous age, that by restoring the Union we might secure all that we have thus long contended for. Messers Lincoln and Seward, however, speedily dispelled this delusion, for they said to our Commissioners, they would agree to nothing less than our unconditional submission to the constitution of the United States, and all laws passed under its forms, that is, the confiscation law to be enforced and the penalty of treason to be meted out to all of us.
What think our reconstructionists now? Do they still upbraid President Davis as electing war and being unwilling to reconstruct the union? Will they yield up their all and submit to the doom of traitors, or will they stand up like men and yet strike a blow that will undeceive the despots of the North and learn them that we are freemen, who know our rights and dare maintain them?
We opine the idea of speedy peace other than through the success of our arms has vanished forever from the Southern mind, that reconstruction will only be thought of with a shudder and that in one week from this day the entire South will stand more united and determined than at any period of this struggle for liberty.
Let the speculator and croaker cease their respective endeavors to accumulate and to cavil at this or that, and let us all bend all our energies to the attainment of that success which ultimately awaits us, being willing rather to give our all and to sacrifice ourselves for the cause of liberty and independence, than to see our lands and tenements; our sacred places and our keepsakes confiscated for the use of the polyglot rabble, who are endeavoring to tear every vestige of liberty from this continent, while we would be compelled to stand aside and suffer the penalty of treason. God forbid that such a fate should ever befal[l] the noble people of our beloved Confederacy and by His help, with an united effort on our part, it never will.
The Vindicator, February 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
From Petersburg we learn the enenmy [sic] drove in our pickets on Gen Jordans front on Sunday, and a portion of their force reached the Vaughn road, and crossed Hatches run. Some skirmishing had taken place, but there has been no engagement as yet. The object of the movement is not yet developed.
The enemy were busily engaged in running their trains on Saturday night, supposing their troops from [illegible]. The can[n]onading which [illegible] Saturday night, was thought to be the heaviest that has occurred on this line for some weeks and was caused by the enemy shelling our Chesterfield works.
Since the foregoing was in type, we learn that an engagement took place, and the following is Gen Lee's official dispatch of the affair.
To Gen S. Cooper.
The enemy moved in strong force yesterday to Hatcher's Run. Part of his infantry, with Gregg's cavalry, crossed and proceeded on the Vaughan road, the infantry to Cattail Creek, the cavalry to Dinwiddle Court House, where its advance encountered a portion of our cavalry and retired. In the afternoon parts of Hill's and Gordon's troops demonstrated against the enemy on the left of Hatcher's Run, near Armstrong's mill. Finding him entrenched, they were withdrawn after dark. During the night the force that had advanced beyond the creek returned to it and were reported to be recrossing. This morning Pegram's division moved down the right back of the creek to reconnoitre [sic], when it was vigorously attacked. The battle was obstinately contested for several hours, but Gen. Pegram being killed, while bravely encouraging his men, and Col. Hoffman wounded, some confusion occurred, and the division was pressed back to its origin position. Evan's division ordered Gen. Gordon to support Pegram's, charged the enemy and forced him back, but who in turn compelled to retire. Mahone's division arriving, the enemy was driven rapidly to his defences on Hatcher's Run. Our loss is reported to be small; that of the enemy not supposed great.
(Signed) R.E. Lee.
General Lee reports to the War Department a very creditable affair in the Valley. It seems that about eight of the enemy surprised our cavalry picket at Edinburg, and Capt. Grandstaff and Lieutenant Mohler with twenty men of the 12th Virginia Cavalry, pursued and overtook the enemy at Woodstock, where they attacked and routed the party, recapturing our picket and their officer, and taking sixteen of the enemy and twenty horses.
The Vindicator, February 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Camp Pegram's Brigade,
January 31st, 1865.
To the Ladies of the Churchville Soldier's aid Society and of the Vicinity of Churchville.
Ours is the pleasant duty of acknowledging the receipt of your handsome donation viz: Our second dinner. At this late period of the war when provisions are scarce, even in the most fertile regions and a dinner, which had by their zeal and [illegible] energy been prepared for them, as a testimonial of their grattitude [sic] for the distinguished services rendered by them as a company to the country.
If past three o'clock, the shrill [illegible] the bugle assembled the men in the American Hotel. After the [illegible] a few minutes, they were marched to a large dining room of this building. Their eyes and hearts were gladdened, their stomachs refreshed, by a [illegible] that for abundance and quality, would have reflected credit on better times. After [do]ing ample justice to the good things before them, which had been augmen[ting] pleasure by the presence of Gen'l and staff, and the smiling faces of ladies, they quietly withdrew, and formed themselves again in front of the Hotel, began shouting vociferously for Gen'l [illegible] to make them a speech. The Gen'l came forward, and in his plain and earnest [illegible] spoke in substance as follows: "Soldiers--I enjoyed the dinner prepared for you, by the ladies of your Town, very [illegible]--but it afforded me much more pleasure to know you enjoyed it--because you [illegible] deserved it. It has always given me pleasure to speak of the heroic conduct [illegible] the Artillery on every battle field in [illegible] Valley campaign; and in view of your services I have given permission for you to stay in town to-night, and enjoy yourselves in any innocent way you may deem proper. I am sure you will not abuse this indulgence, and that your conduct in private life, will be as unexceptionable, as it always has been in the presence of the Enemies of your Country."
Col. Wm. H. Harman, the Battalion Commander, and Company Officers, were [illegible] led on, but did nothing more than ex[illegible] themselves, by telling the men, that their talent lay in the fighting and not in the speaking line. After the speech making was over, the men quietly returned to the homes of their families and friends--the whole affair having been a complete success.
It affords us great pleasure to say these brave men, although they have passed through the hardships and danger of every considerable battle fought on the soil of Virginia, are as firm and and [sic] as unalterably as their determinations to be free [illegible] from yankee rule, as they were on the day they enlisted.
An honorable peace would be most agreeable to them, but they will never be willing to abandon their arms for any thing short of absolute and complete independence. To obtain this independence for their Country, they are willing to fight to the last extremity, and even to the last [illegible]--They deem it far better to join the [illegible] of the silent, but, unfettered host, [illegible] than sleep calmly and sweetly on the bosom of their mother State, than in wearing gilded chains, and enjoy the luxuriant [illegible] fair dames and beautiful damsels o' our land. If they would but remind their husbands and lovers that their failure is the disgrace of the wife and the sweetheart and assure them that they would rather weep to see them buried in a soldier's grave than have them survive by skulking duty, soon would every lurking place be vacated and every breast bared to the shafts of the enemy. We assure you, however, you the ladies of the Churchville neighborhood, that for us you have done more than your part, more than we had any right to expect. We appreciate the patriotic spirit you have exhibited in our behalf. It is a matter of great consolation to know that you sympathize with us in our hard fortunes and that your anxieties will follow us wherever the stern fate of war may bear us. It strengthens our resolution to continue to tread the path of glory and to adhere, even in the greatest fatigues of the march and the worst hazards of battle, firmly to our determination to put forth the very best efforts of which we are capable to save you, ourselves and our country from the disgrace and subjugation by an unprincipled foe. And should we perish in the struggle, should some ill-fated missile spill our hearts blood-recking to the ground, the assurance will be pleasant that there are those who will drop a tear of grief over our untimely fate. Should we however survive this crash of arms attendant upon the dissolution of the National Union and be permit[t]ed to return again to our native county in peace, and [illegible] as we shall most certainly do, to the formation of a more personal and agreeable union, you, ladies of Churchville and neighborhood, may look out for "fifty two." Oh! ye fair daughters of Augusta, like as the bright Phoebus with his golden fingers opens the portals of the dappled dawn and kisses with his purple ray the crystal dewdrop from the tender plant, so may your lovers soon emerge from this dark cloud of war and tip with their bright smiles the sparkling teardrop of joy from your fairy cheeks. And now we commend you to Him whose hand unseen hath tenderly borne you up, whose eye hath kindly watched all your paths, and pray that his kind providences may ever attend you in time to come.
52nd Va. Regt.
The Vindicator, February 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
Ran away from the subscriber near Staunton Va on January 20th 1865, a bright Mullatto Boy named
about 5 feet high, straight hair and between 14 & 15 years of age, had on when he left Round about and Pants of brown janes and a grey cap. I will pay the above reward if he is taken up and lodged in jail or for any information which will lead to his recovery.
E.G. Marshall.
Feb 10--3t*
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The special committe[e], composed of one from each State, on the subject of taxation, reported a bill on the 17th inst., in the House, an abstract of which we give below, taken from the Richmond Enquirer.
It is proposed to take one-fifth of the agricultural products from year to year, as we now take a tenth; and to apply one-half to feed the army (as we now do) and the balance to pay the army and other war expenses here after accruing. This latter half is to be sold to the producers at four-fifths of its market value, by allowing them to commute it in money at that rate. To relieve them and encourage production, it is proposed that all agricultural productions hereafter impressed shall be paid for at market prices. They are also to have credit for the value of the whole fifth against the property tax on the entire plantation and all the slaves on it.
The cotton and tobacco are to be borrowed or purchased to as large an extent as the government may desire and the owners may agree. If necessary, a quantity not exceeding one-half of the cotton or tobacco belonging to any owner may be impressed.
Taxes are to be levied as high as it is thought the country can [and] will bear, payable in treasury notes and other evidences of debt against the government--five per cent on property valued as of 1860 and the income and business taxes, (except the 30 per cent. additional tax levied by the act of June 14th 1864) are doubled.
In order to apply the other resources--the crops and cotton--immediately, exclusively, economically and advantageously to the payment of the army and other expenses of the war hereafter, it is proposed to issue, at once, bills drawn against the half of the tax in kind and all the cotton of the government. These bills (called revenue bills) are to be in a suitable form for circulation. The half of the tax in kind is to be commuted in these bills alone at a reduction of one-fifth from its appraised value and the bills are to be redeemed by the government on demand in cotton at fifty cents a pound. Not more than $200,000,000 of them are to be in circulation at any time.
With these bills the army is to be paid a bounty equal to two months pay (in addition to the pay in treasury notes) for all who are not illegally absent at any time in April or May next. The balance of the bills will be paid for the pay of the army and other expenses accruing hereafter.
It is expected that by the use of these bills, limited in amount, not resting merely on government credit but convertible into commodities of value, the expenses will be greatly reduced, prices will fall, the army will be well paid, the government will be supplied with a sufficient revenue in a good currency and the farmers will have a powerful motive to sell their productions in order to obtain means to continue the tax in kind. The country will be relieved of a currency hopelessly depreciated. It will be gradually withdrawn and a good one substituted.
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
Our readers may remember that some time since we expressed our opinion as to the croakers. We now reiterate the opinion expressed then. These people are doing more harm to the cause than "an army with banners." It is not worse now than it was after the capture of Roanoke Island and the fall of Fort Donelson, &c. Hoarse croaking was heard then, and it is repeated now. In the name of God, Liberty and the heritage of our children, let us put our foot upon croakers and meet the emergency like men. We know now (thank God!) we are to be freemen or slaves. Mr. Lincoln has made his ultimatum--utter submission or extinction, we have joined the issue--we will die or be free.
Our military condition is really better now than it has been at various periods in the past. It is worse than idle to say, "we can not feed our soldiers?" Is there no food? who amongst us has given a single meal of meat?
The spirit of our soldiers is unshaken as we have Lee to direct, Beauregard, Kirby Smith, Taylor, Forrest, Early and a host of others to execute. They only ask the people to be firm. The women are ready to make every sacrifice--the very children show fight.
The concentration of our troops is inevitable--the success of our arms certain, if we will only put ourselves (we mean those of us out of the army) under the lead of our women.
Away with fear! away, with croaking! away with discussion! In 1861 we vowed to be free and if we are true to ourselves we will be free! Let the Cities and the Sea coast, if it is necessary be surrendered--Lee and Beauregard [illegible].
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
The latest accounts from our lines in front of Richmond and Petersburg report every thing comparatively quiet.
Grant is no doubt waiting with much anxiety the result of Sherman's movements.
From South Carolina we learn, that Columbia, the Captital [sic] of the State, was evacuated by our troops on the 16th inst., and on the 17th occupied by the enemy.
Charleston is also reported to have been evacuated about the same time.
There can remain no doubt now as to Sherman's intentions. His grand object will be, to march to Virginia, and unite with Grant, which he will do unless prevented.
His objective point being clearly defined there is nothing else needed, to obstruct his march, but a concentration of the forces which Beauregard can command. This accomplished, the army of Sherman will be confronted, and we trust so thoroughly whipped that it never can be brought together again, and being so far in the interior, with swamps and rivers innumerable to cross, we cannot imagine how they can hope to retreat successfully.
The next few days will be pregnant with interest, and we await the result with the firm belief, that upon the soil of either the Palmetto, or the old North State, Sherman will be badly beaten and compelled to retrace his steps in disorder and confusion.
The following despatch was received Tuesday night at the War Department:
Hon. John C. Breckenridge, Secretary of War:
Major A.E. Richards, of Mosby's right, reports that on the 18th inst., with 38 men, he attacked a party of the enemy, 120 strong, of whom he killed and wounded 25. Among the wounded were a Major and Captain. He captured 64 prisoners and 90 horses. He had one man slightly wounded.
R.E. Lee.
Giltner's brigade of Kentucky cavalry had an engagement last Saturday at Ball's bridge, in Lee county, Virginia, twenty-five miles north of Cumberland gap, resulting in a splendid victory to our arms. Our loss was not over sixty killed and wounded.
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
On next Monday, the 27th inst., Court day, there will be held in Staunton a Mass Meeting of the citizens of Augusta County, to express their sentiments on the action of Abraham Lincoln to the late peace conference. The meeting will be addressed by several gentleman of distinction. Let all the citizens of Augusta, who can possibly attend, be present, and give a full and explicit expression of their condemnation of the course of the United States administration, in proposing to tear away the last vestige of our rights as a condition of peace. The unequivocal sentiment, in opposition to this, Lincoln's last imperial edict, and an unanimously expressed determination of the people of our Confederacy, to maintain their rights is now demanded. Old Augusta should now maintain the proud position claimed for her by the "Father of his Country," by aiding in rallying men enough around our banner, still "to raise our bleeding Country from the dust and set her free."
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
Escaped from the Jail of Augusta County, on Tuesday evening, the 21st day of Feb., 1865, a negro boy named
the property of Mr. John McClanahan. He was imprisoned for committing a felony. He is about 21 years of age; 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, dark brown color, well clad, wore a dark brown Janes coat and slouched hat. The above reward will be given for his apprehension and delivery at the Jail of Augusta County.
George Harlan, Jailor.
Staunton, Feb. 24, 1865--1t*
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
Ran away from me on the night of the 28th inst., a Negro man named
aged about twenty, about 5 feet 9 or 10 inches in statue, slender made and dark color, was dressed in a new jeans frock coat with metal buttons, had 2 pair greg [sic] jeans pants and a white felt hat and cloth cap, and belongs to John C. Helskell, of Hampshire County. I will pay the above reward if he is delivered to me, or secured in the County jail.
Wm. D. Anderson.
Feb. 27--4t*
The Vindicator, February 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
Ran away from the subscriber, near Hebron Church, on the 25th day of January a Negro Girl named,
about 15 years old, well grown and heavy set, has a bushy head of hair, and a small scar on her left cheek near the mouth and is a bright mulatto,--Had linsey clothes on when she left. I will give the above reward for her lodgement in jail or any information which will lead to her recovery.
Z.D. Shafer.
Feb 24--3t.