The Vindicator, January 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
With this our first issue in the year 1865, we return our thanks to our friends and patrons for the many act[s] of kindness showered upon us, and wish them all a full share of prosperity and happiness for many years to come.
Though our people have been harrassed [sic] at times, during the past year, by the presence of an overbearing enemy, yet we rejoice that the suffering in our midst has been no greater. We believe that on this account we have much to be thankful for.
During the last twelve months, notwithstanding the numbers brought against us and the eventful chances of war, the gain has been decidedly on the side of the Confederacy. Sherman has advanced through the state of Georgia and now holds the city of Savannah, but the country thro' which he passed is still as much unconquered as it was before his onward movement commenced. To compensate for this movement, the only approximation to a successful one of the enemy during the year 1864, many thousand square miles of our territory held by the enemy on the first of January 1864 are again in our undisputed possession. Their army west of the Mississippi has been routed and disorganized, while the grand Union armies of the Potomac and James, from which such great things were predicted and expected, have accomplished nothing and with the great Captain of the age and his gallant army confronting them we have an abiding confidence that the ill success of the hordes of Grant will be continued through the campaigns of 1865.
The new year brings with it new duties. Let each and all of us resolve to do our whole duty, and never, for one moment, give away to despondency, that worst enemy of our cause, but give a "long pull, a strong pull and a pull all together," relying confidently that with an united effort the independence of our country must ultimately be achieved.
The Vindicator, January 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
This distinguished officer has so disposed his troops as to afford ample protection to the County of Augusta. Their continuance in their present position will depend on the spirit which may be manifested by the people. The Army must be fed. The people have the means of doing it. If they wish protection for their families and property, they must supply their defenders with the necessaries of life. If these cannot be furnished, the troops must be removed, and the country left open to the incursions of the enemy. An enlightened self-interest therefore, (to say nothing of patriotism) demands that the farmers should act with liberality. One fifth of their surplus will maintain the army. Common sense would dictate the propriety of even giving that much to save the residue. But this is not asked. All that is required is that they shall sell, at moderate prices, a small part of their crops, to ensure the safety of their families and firesides.
The Vindicator, January 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 4
A soldier belonging to the Artillery of Genl. Earley's army, camped near Fishersville is anxious to open a correspondence with any of the young ladies of the Valley with a view to matrimony. He has been in the army since the commencement of the war--has been in every battle his company has been engaged in and wounded twice--about twenty two years old. For further particular's address, with full description of self.
Henry St. Leon,
2d Co. Richmond Howitzers,
Cutshaw's Art'y Batt'l
Army of the Valley.
Jan. 6--2t*.
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 1, c. 4
From gentleman who had several consultations with Gen. Sherman recently, the Augusta Constitut[i]onalist learns, he says slavery will exist in the South after the conclusion of peace, let the war terminate as it may; that Lincoln's proclamation in reference to its abolition are simply means for the restoration of the Union, that the Supreme Court have, nor will not sustain him, neither will the Federal Government attempt to abolish slavery, but will leave it to the States returning to the Union to settle it, and that he [Sherman] expects to own a thousand slaves in the South one of these days.
He represents Sherman as being a thorough fanatic upon the subject of restoring the "glorious Union."
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The lines below Richmond and Petersburg are quiet, the men busily engaged in repairing damaged done by the late rains. No immediate engagement is expected on either side of the river, though several transports laden with troops, (mostly black) have been seen ascending the river.
From Charleston we learn that our army is advantageously disposed along the line of the road between Hardeeville and Charleston.
The enemy is estimated to number about 50,000--a portion of whom will, it is expected, be left as a garrison at Savannah, together with a number of negro troops.
It is expected that as soon as the enemy completes his arrangements, a combined land and naval attack will be made on Charleston--the land attack from the direction of Savannah.
The negroes taken by Sherman are leaving him in large numbers--an officer having met one crowd, numbering at least 1500, on their returns to their homes, their treatment having been so different from what was promised.
Our informant also states that a large number of negro children were either jostled into the river by the treacherous Yankees, or thrown in by their deluded mothers, their captors having told them they could not take them along.
The following dispatch to the war department gives an account of the success of Gen. Rosser, and his gallant command during their recent trip to the mountains.
Headquarters, Jan. 15.
Hon. J.A. Seddon:
General Early reports that General Rosser, at the head of three hundred men, surprised and captured the garrison at Beverly, Randolph county, on the 11th instant, killing and wounding a considerable number and taking five hundred, and eighty prisoners. His loss slight.
R.E. Lee.
The Richmond papers of Tuesday gave us the intelligence that Fort Fisher, our principle defensive work, at the mouth of the Cape Fear river, 30 miles below Wilmington had been taken by the enemy, at 10 o'clock on Sunday night. There are other works, and various obstructions to be overcome before the enemy can get to Wilmington.
The following official report giving all the particulars that are yet known of the fall of this place was received at the War office.
"Headquarters, January 16, 1865.
Hon J.A. Seddon:
"General Bragg reports that the enemy bombarded Fort Fisher furiously all day yesterday. At 4 P.M., their infantry advanced to the assault--a heavy demonstration at the same hour being made against their rear by our troops.
"At half-past six P.M., General Whiting reported that their attack had failed, and the garrison was being strengthened with fresh troops.
"About 10 P.M. the fort was captured with most of its garrison.
"No further particulars at the time known.
R.E. Lee."
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
One of our Richmond co[n]temporaries has called attention, on two separate [sic] occasions, to the wants of our noble "Stonewall Brigade."
They are in need of clothes to keep them warm. they do not complain but we understand they suffer for many comforts. The men composing this Brigade are from our own midst--our own friends and relatives--and can be supplied with many things needful to them by us. If our people will but make the effort it need not be more than a very few days before these gallant men, who participated in the glory and will share the fame of the immortal Jackson, may be made comfortable for the winter. Let our ladies undertake this matter and we are satisfied our poor boys will not suffer long. To keep the soldiers from our midst comfortable while hazarding all for us is clearly an imperative duty, and its [illegible].
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
Head Qr's Pegram's Brigade,
January 4th, 1865.
Ladies of the Churchville soldiers Aid Society,
The collation prepared by you for this Brigade, after some delay, reached us, and was I assure you, enjoyed not less on account of those from whom it came, than for its own sake. It was certainly an enlarged quantity which prompted the ladies of a single neighborhood to attempt the preparation of a feast for a whole Brigade; and the success with which it was accomplished is highly gratifying to philanthropic observers, but was especially so to the hardy soldiers who participated in the repast.
At the commencement of the war when means were abundant, exuberant liberality toward the devoted men who so promptly went forth to battle for their country, was a thing of course. But now, when supplies are difficult of attainment, the sustained effort to bestow when the veterans still in the field, something of the comforts that before the war they were wont to enjoy, is worthy ever of the incomparable women of our own country. Nor is such worthy example without its parallel in the army--where, even when the foe presses most pertinaciously, true soldiers resolve the more stub[b]ornly never to yield, and strike the more vigorously for their honor and their freedom.
From the plains that border the Potomac--from the mountain bound Valley where the Cacapon winds its way--and from the green hills far away beyond the Alleghanies, come patriotic and gallant men of this Brigade, who for long years, and in countless conflicts, have battled side by side with patriotic and gallant men from Augusta. Their mothers sit sadly at the door where they do not come; their wives go about their domestic duties with distracted air; and their little children, when the day is done and they gather around the domestic hearthstone, with earnest words enquire when their father will return--and ever a lone heart echoes mournfully--"When Oh! when will their father return!["] These are encompassed by watchful and implacable enemies. No carefully prepared delicacy, no fondly wrought token, not even an encouraging message, may find its way from them to the heroic men who in the Camp and in the field--during the weary toil of the day and in the lone watch of the night, think of those at home whom they love. But the women of Augusta have ever generously divided their provident offerings between their own cherished friends and the strangers whom they know only as soldiers battling for a common cause.
The brave and faithful soldiers in our service will not always be separated from their mothers, their wives, and the maidens they love. This protracted war must one day have an end--and it can have but one termination. He who controls the Universe, yet watches the sparrows flight, does not intend that the delicate daughters of Virginia shall be the bond-women, or far worse, the wives of ar[r]ogant puritans of New England. And when each brave soldier shall have fought the fight--and finished the work before him, and the hand of dissolution shall be lifted from his house, and his own fig tree shall again bear fruit and his vine pour out its juice, and the trials and perils of the great war shall be told to loving listeners, the patriotic kindness of the noble dames and beautiful damsels of Augusta shall not be forgotten.
Most Respectfully,
J.S. Hoffman Com'dg Brigade.
The Vindicator, January 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
In Camp Jan. 14th 1865.
Mr. Editor.
Allow me, through the columns of your paper, in behalf of several of the members of the Staunton Artillery, to return our sincere thanks to Mrs. Col. W.H. Harman for several pairs of socks, knit by herself, and presented to us through Lt. M.C. Garber. Such substantial Testimonials of Remembrance by the fair ones for whom we have been battling for near four years emblazons their names upon the tablets of our memory, undoubedtly [sic] cheers our soul, warmes [sic] our hearts, and nerves our arms "For deeds more great" in their defence.
At the same time Mr. Editor allow me to thank you for the commendable discretion exercised in reference to the communication sent by myself to you for publication. Upon calm and mature reflection, I confess it was premature and unjust, and regret exceedingly even the harsh thoughts indulged in ignorance of the real facts, and the impulse of the mement [sic] are palliating circumstances for the indiscretion. Once more we sincerily [sic] thank our friends and the cittizens [sic] of Staunton and the County for their kindly efforts and liberal contributions for our benefits, though we received it not.
Sic. Semper Tyranis.
The Vindicator, January 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The resolution offered in Congress by Mr. Marshall to purchase for the Confederate States all the Tobacco and Cotton in the Confederacy, which has met with decided favor in the lower House, from all that we can learn, seems to meet with the approbation of nearly all save those who have made fortunes during the war and placed them for safe keeping in the hands of King Cotton and his consort Tobacco. These persons seem a little feverish when the seizure of Tobacco and Cotton is spoken of, and proceed without delay to vent their hitherto pent up feelings upon the devoted heads of Congress, and especially a few who favored the measure. We have often heard it stated that "capital was timid" but it has been reserved to us of this day to witness the truthfulness of this remark, handed down to us as the experience of past ages, by the tremulousness of men of means when the hazarding of their fortunes is even discovered in the dim distance. Had this matter been dealt with in the first year of the war, as it should have been, by the purchase then of all the Cotton and Tobacco in the Confederacy, we doubtless would now experience a better state of affairs. It is useless, however, to repine over the past. A measure calculated to promote the good of the Country as much as this is likely to do should meet with universal assent. When life and liberty are placed in the balance against wealth and property, we say unequivocally away with wealth and all its concomitant comforts. We at first felt indisposed to favor this measure, but upon a closer scrutiny and a better understanding of the desired result of the resolution we feel that it will be productive of great good to our Country and its cause.
Our Representative from this District, Hon. J.B. Baldwin, gives the measure his hearty support, and places Va in the proud position she has always desired to occupy. We append a short abstract of his remarks below.
Mr. Baldwin, of Va., earnestly advocated Mr. Marshall's resolution. He said that rumo[r]s had reached Congress that parties in certain states were willing to treat for peace independent of the common Government, and he therefore desired that it should go forth to the country and the world that the Confederacy now, as at the beginning of the struggle for independence is a unit. He could speak for Virginia, and could say that she was now willing to give her means as freely as she had given her sons. Mr. B, during his remarks, alluded to the fact that a member from one of the cotton States had threatened on yesterday to resign if the resolution under consideration prevailed, and that no gentle man from that section had yet endorsed it.
The Vindicator, January 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
At the present writing all is quiet along the lines of the James and Appomattox.
On Sunday night last, an attack on our lines was expected and arrangements were promptly made to meet it. The night however passed off and the enemy came not. The roads and the weather, are obstacles of suffic[i]ent importance to prevent either of the armies from attempting an immediate advance.
From the Dispatch of Tuesday we learn that Maj. Gen. Gordon has been placed in command of the Second Corps lately commanded by Lieut. Gen. Early. He issued an address to the troops upon taking command.
From the Charleston Courier we learn that our forces had abandoned Pocotaligo on Saturday night, burning the Saltketcher bridge and falling back to this side of the Saltketcher river.
A force of the enemey [sic] estimated at 15000 men under the command of General Foster, were advancing on Pocotaligo. The enemy encountered our forces near the old battle ground at Old Pocotaligo. A fight ensued, and the enemy were held in check until dark, when our troops, in accordance with previous arrangements, were withdrawn to our lines behind the Saltkehatchle. All the commissary stores, &c., a Pocotaligo were brought off safely. No particulars were received.
The Lynchburg Republican gathers from one of our Surgeons who remained in Winchester in charge of our wounded during the whole of the campaign from the 19th of September, some interesting facts relative to our losses.
This gentleman states that we left in the hands of the enemy, in the fight of the 19th of September, about 400 wounded, and that there were in Winchester previous to the fight 260 and wounded. Our informant further states that the entire number of sick and wounded captured by the enemy, was 864. This includes all the fights in the Valley from the 19th of September to the close of the campaign. These losses are certainly very far under the estimate we had heretofore had, but that they are correct we have every confidence, as our informant's position gave him every facility for obtaining accurate information.
The gentleman tells us that the enemy claimed to have 45,000 infantry and 12,000 cavalry.
The Yankee surgeons at Winchester told our informant that they buried, after the fight at Winchester on the 19th of September, six of their own men to one of ours, and that the hospitals in the town contained six thousand of their wounded from that fight alone.
This exhibit of the losses of the two armies evidences the skill and gallantry with which our officers and men fought, and though they were unfortunate in not securing the fruits of their oft repeated victories, yet none will deny that they deserve well of their country, when they remember the overpowering odds against which they had to contend.