The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7
Below we append a general order recently issued by Gen. Lee. It reads like the gentle admonitions of a loud father to his erring children. And well may Gen. Lee thus appeal to his soldiers, for he has been to them like a father, and it is their correlative duty to yield him that obedience due from children to a kind and indulgent parent. This appeal is as follows:
Hdq'rs Army of Northern Virginia,
Aug. 10, 1864--6 P.M.
General Orders, No. 54.
All persons connected with this army who are absent without proper authority are enjoined to return to their respective commands without delay.
This order is intended to embrace those who have remained absent beyond the time limited for their return, or after the cause of their absence has ceased. All such persons are admonished that every day they remain away from their posts, adds to the dangers and labors of their comrades, while it increases their own responsibility to the laws they are violating.
The commanding General deems it only necessary to remind those who have erred throughtlessness [sic] or negligence, of the shame and disgrace they will bring upon themselves and their families if they shrink from the manful discharge of duty in the hour of their country's need, and leave their homes to be defended, and their independence to be secured by the unaided courage of others.
"To those whose absence has been prolonged until they have incurred the guilt of desertion, he can only say that a prompt and voluntary return to duty alone can palliate their offence, and entitle them to expect any clemency.
If arrested and brought back, justice to the faithful and true, as well as the interests and safety of the country, require that they shall suffer the extreme penalty of the law.
The Vindicator, September 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Just now the all-absorbing centre of interest to the people of the United States is at Chicago. From the sentiments of that people, as emitted by their press, we conclude that the action of the convention, now sitting at Chicago, is looked forward to by the great mass in the North, Republicans as well as those arrayed in the opposition, as being of momentous consequence to them.
In the action of that convention is embraced the assertion of the rights of the States as sovereignties, and the nomination of a peace candidate on the platform of State Sovereignty, or the ignoring of that doctrine entirely, and the nomination of a war Democrat. However, with the mass of the opposition in favor of peace, and the number of Republicans who also entertain that sentiment, it is scarcely reasonable to presume that they will not select as their candidate an out and out peace man.
It may not be well to calculate on such action, for the notes of warning of the New York Herald, in anticipation of conflict and bloodshed at Chicago this week, and the probable necessity for the city authorities to call on United States forces to preserve the peace, together with the fact that one Illinois regiment has passed Cairo on its way home (as it is said) from Memphis, may not be ill-timed, and the conflict may have culminated, and forces may have been asked for in anticipation of difficulties, but to be used to influence the action of the convention. The arbitrary power of the sword has been so long used with impunity by the Northern administration in controlling elections, and thereby strengthening its power, that it is hard indeed to do away with it. Besides, many members of that convention are already under the ban of the Administration's displeasure, and may be arrested ere they take their seats.
If the convention be harmonious in the choice of a peace candidate, or their convening be disturbed by the arrest of its members, or otherwise, we may hope, ultimately, for a favorable result to us, but if unharmonious and both a peace and war candidate, or two peace candidates, be put in nomination by its factions, then may we look for the continuance of this desolating war. In the latter case let us not be despondent, but remember that the most disastrous campaign to our enemies is that of 1864, in which they have made greater preparations, and shown more energy and determination to subdue us than in any before. We are now better prepared to prevent the accomplishment of the enemy's designs that heretofore, but if the action of the Chicago convention should bring about a peace, on the principles so long contended for by us, which are acknowledged by the impassive world to be just, without the further bloodshed of our gallant countrymen, it would be a consummation most devoutly to be wished. A few days longer, and we shall know what the sentiment for peace in the United States means--let us bide the time in patience.
The Vindicator, September 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Nothing of interest has transpired in front of Petersburg, since the battle at or near Reams Station. The enemy still continue to shell the city, without doing serious damage. The Yankees still occupy the Weldon road in considerable force, and both armies are in close proximity to each other, ready to obey the commands of their respective leaders; who are no doubt busily engaged in arranging their plans for future action.
The result of the recent fight on the Weldon road is to us very significant, apart from the loss inflicted upon the enemy. The further injury of the road is completely checked, and a force is thrown in Grant's rear, to co-operate in any movement which may be made upon the front. We thus occupy positions in his front and rear, which renders it almost impossible for him to operate to any extent, or even hold his position for any length of time.
We still hold the captured works, which are said to be strong, and if the enemy attempt to dislodge our troops, it will only result in loss to Grant, by killing and capturing a few more thousand of his men.
The month of August just closed, ends the summer campaign of 1864, and Richmond, the grand object of the entire Yankee notion, still stands confident of her safety, with the unconquerable army of Gen. Lee between her and the hated for.
The following official dispatch of Gen. Hood to the War Department gives the latest intelligence from Atlanta:
"Atlanta, Aug. 28, 1864.
"Hon. James A. Sedden:
"The enemy have changed their entire position--the left of their line resting near the Chattahoochee, about Sandtown, and their right extending to a point opposite and near the West Point railroad, between East Point and Fairburn. They had all the crossings on the Chattahoochee, but not with a continued line.
"Dispatches from Gen. Wheeler, of the 19th, report the capture of Dalton, with large quantities of stores, about two hundred prisoners, and two hundred miles.
"He destroyed three trains of cars and twenty-five miles of railroad. His command is in good condition.
J.B. Hood, General."
By stage passengers direct from the lower Valley, we learn that General Early encountered the Yankees on Friday last near Charlestown, and after a spirited contest, drove them back some distance.
That portion of Gen. Early's army encamped at Bunker Hill for the past few days, is again advancing in the direction of Martinsburg, and ere long stirring news may be expected from that quarter.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7
A great many people are unhappy if they can't have beefsteak for dinner, or lament the failure of the vegetables this season. We pity the helplessness of such poor creatures. The earth, the air, the waters abound in materials for food. Almost anything that you can crack is good to eat. Since the refreshing rains, with an ingenious friend of ours, we have been gathering mushrooms. He is a person of exceedingly active appetite, and is ever ready to lend us his experience in the preparation of a breakfast. With prejudices against what we had vulgally [sic] associated with the agaric muscarius, or devil's snuff box, and which we ascertained from our friend was a fungus putting up from decayed vegetables, or decomposing animal matter--we have found the champignon a most delightful article of food--a rare and notable delicacy. Care only must be taken in the selection, the rules for which may be found in Miss Leslie's familiar Cookery Book. The Agaric Campestri, or common mushroom, is found out on the commons, in grassy lanes, in meadows, &c. It is cooked with milk, butter and crackers--seasoned with salt and pepper. Care is to be taken in the distinguishing between the good and the bad, as we have remarked, as the calling of the toad stool has the effect of killing you.
Among the most difficult articles of food to procure now are bread and salt; that these are not absolutely necessary, is proven by the fact that the Laplanders never taste either; they substitute animal oil and exercise.
Rats are another well known, but neglected source of commissary supplies. The Chinese have them in their markets, just as we have hares and partridges.
Frogs are said to be of exquisite flavor, and are numerous, almost any evening on Main street. An excellent article, akin to this, is fried snails. They are greatly relished in l'aria. Almost any well is full of them." (not fried.)
The young rook is eaten in England, and as we know of no difference between the rook, and the crow, we do not see why young crows may not be eaten, or, indeed, in war times, old crows.
For consumptive people, snakes are excellent: the receipt for making viper-broth may be found in the pharmacopoea.
This month of August is the season for locusts, and numbers may be gathered in any yard. Locusts and wild honey it may be remembered, were the food of a celebrated character, whose example we recall to our Baptist friends.
In China, the common earth worm is always in good dinners. They are, we believe, eaten either cooked or raw. Birds' nests would probably answer, though, of course, less delicate. The head of the ass is also greatly fancied by the chinese, as well as cats and dogs, (the latter already known to be numerous here from statistics already published.
The old Romans stuffed their pheasants with assafoetida, but this, we take it, is hard to get now. In his feast, in the manner of the ancients, Dr. Smollett speaks of a very pleasant dessert, which was a sort of jelly composed of a mixture of vinegar, pickle and honey, boiled to a proper consistence, and candied assafortida, called among the ancients the laser Syriucum, and esteemed so precious as to be sold to the weight of a silver penny.
The article commonly known as "bad eggs" is eaten with avidity in Cochin China, but we have as unconquerable aversion to it.
"A word to the wise is sufficient," we merely throw out these hints. Talk about starving the South.--Charlottesville Chronicle.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The Chicago Convention met on the 29th ult., and on the 31st ult., selected Gen. Geo. B. McClellan and Geo. H. Pendleton as its candidates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency, respectively.
General McClellan was allied with the war party in the effort to subjugate the Confederate States, but, although some hard things were charged against him, it was always considered as undoubted, while in command of the Union army, that his heart was not wholly in the cause to which he had attached himself.
George H. Pendleton is a man of Southern birth and feelings, and is classed by the Northern press among the Copperheads of the "yellowest hue," meaning by that term that he favors the immediate cessation of hostilities, and the acknowledgment of Southern independence.
This ticket is thought by some to be the strongest one that could be presented to the Northern people, and was the best, perhaps, that the Convention could make, composed of many elements as it was. it seems to us that out-and-out peace men, on a purely peace platform, was the surest way to defeat Lincoln and secure peace and prosperity to the United States.
If the candidate for the Presidency, who once lent his ability to Southern subjugation, "is of the same opinion still," and consequently for coercion if "other peaceable means" fail to restore peace "on the basis of the Federal Union," we cannot see how the change from Lincoln to McClellan can be desired by, or be of advantage to the people of either the United States or the Confederacy; but if he assumes as true, the acknowledgment of the Convention, that "the war to restore the Union, after a four years' trial, is a failure," and believes that, with a cessation of hostilities, the war between the United States and the Confederate States should end, on account of its failure to accomplish the purpose intended--the restoration of the Federal Union--whether peaceable means would accomplish it or not, then would accomplish it or not, then would his election be preferable to that of Lincoln, as the result would be alike beneficial to both republics. His letter of acceptance may give an insight into his present views, and we therefore await with some anxiety its publication.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The platform put forth by the Democratic-opposition Convention at Chicago, which we publish in this issue, is the most singular compound of the sort we remember to have seen.
If we read it, discarding the second resolution, we are compelled to consider the Democratic-opposition party of the United States as committed to the preservation of the Union at all hazards, even at the risk of national ruin by the continuance of wasting, desolating war, whereas if we discard the first and fourth resolutions, its tone is evidently for a peaceable solution of the difficulties, whether it results in union or separation.
We are led to conclude with one or two of our co[n]temporaries, that it was framed to meet coming circumstances. If the result of the campaign of the next two months be favorable to the Union armies, it is a war platform, but if favorable to the Confederate forces, then will the advocates of McClellan and Pendleton herald and proclaim it as the platform of a party whose expressed desire is for peace.
Our armies must continue, as they will, to hold their own for a brief time, and the peace party in the North will be a fixed fact. The Northern people will then be demonstrative for peace, and we will speedily, as we must ultimately, wring from them the acknowledgment of our independence.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The wires and the press a few days since gave us the unexpected intelligence that Atlanta, after a gallant and heroic defence of nearly seven weeks, had fallen.
After the occupation of the Atlanta and West Point Railroad by the enemy, the close proximity of the Atlanta and Macon Read rendered the holding of Atlanta only a question of a very few days. As General Hood was unable to dislodge the enemy from these railroads, Atlanta was no longer of any use to him, and he therefore vacated it. In the language of one of our co[n]temporaries, "neither General Johnson nor General Hood was able to defeat the enemy, and the place has fallen because there was not men enough to properly defend it."
The following is Gen. Hood's official dispatch to the War Department:
Headquarters, Sept. 3.
On the evening of the 30th August the enemy made a lodgement across Flint river, near Jonesboro. We attacked them there on the evening of the 31st, with two corps, but failed to dislodge them. This made it necessary to abandon Atlanta, which was on the night of the 1st September.
Our loss on the evening of the 31st was small.
On the evening of the 1st September, Gen Hardee's corps in position at Jonesboro, was assaulted by a superior force of the enemy, and, being outflanked, was compelled to withdrew during the night, with the loss of eight guns.
The enemy's prisoners report their loss very severe.
J.B. Hood, Gen'l.
The evacuation of Atlanta took place on Thursday night, 1st inst. and the enemy occupied the city on Friday. Gen. Hood blew up his ordnance supplies, destroyed his commissary stores, and fell back on the Macon road to Lovejoy's Station, distant 20 miles from Atlanta. At this place he formed a junction with Gen. Hardee, where the whole army is now concentrated.
Whilst the fall of Atlanta is regretted, the army and the people are not discouraged. The following is the latest despatch from Gen. Hood:
Lovejoy's, Sept. 5, 1864.
Gen. Bragg: The enemy withdrew from my front in the direction of Jonesboro' last night.
(Signed) J.B. Hood, Gen'l.
From Petersburg we learn that every thing is quiet since the terrific artillery duel on Sunday night. The Express says it lasted for several hours, and was tremendous, but did no other damage than to arouse the unoffending women and children of the city.
On Monday evening the enemy demonstrated on our right with infantry and artillery, but the movement resulted in nothing. An impression prevails in Petersburg, and the Express seems to concur in it, that Grant intends to make an effort to gain possession of the South Side Railroad. This was the opinion several days ago of an intelligent correspondent of the press now sojourning with the army of Northern Virginia.
From the lower Valley we have received nothing of interest during the past week. The Northern papers seem to have changed their tune within a very short time, a few days since they stated that Early was retreating up the valley, and Sheridan in close pursuit. They now say:
"In the first place Early has not left, and has no intention of leaving the Valley. His headquarters are at Bunker Hill, half way between Martinsburg and Winchester.
"He is busily engaged in repairing and putting up the telegraph wires, and already has telegraphic communication with Richmond from this side of Woodstock.
"Early is receiving reinforcements, and Fitzhugh Lee is known to have received 500 fresh horses for his cavalry, who are said to number 7,000.
"There is a regular stage from Winchester to Staunton, which runs every day, and several officers and soldiers are receiving short furloughs to go home and return to Winchester, which does not look as though they intended leaving the Valley.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Field Infirmary, Augusta Co.,
August 21st, 1864.
To the Ladies of New Hope and its Vicinity:
In behalf of the wounded soldiers who were left at this Infirmary, I return you my sincere thanks for your kind attentions and invaluable services. While in a state of extreme destitution, without food and many without clothing and with no means of communication with our authorities, you came to their relief and administered to their wants with an energy and liberality that have at all times characterized our southern women. Most of the recipients of your kindness have been sent to their homes and will there relate to grateful relatives the history of your benevolence and hospitality. Some have been returned to their commands and will often enliven their camp fires with glowing descriptions of their treatment while in old Augusta. Some of them now fill the patriots grave and in their last moments blessed the hands that soothed them. To all this you have added the sublime sacrifices of christianity. Like the good Samaritan of old you have "bound up your enemies wounds" and "poured in the oil and the wine." In hospitable acts, charitable deeds and christian devotion you have no superiors. Long may you live and enjoy the fruit of your labors!
I would notice particularly the names of the following who were indefatigable in their attentions, viz: Mrs. Col. Crawford, Mrs. Thomas Walker, Mrs. Sallie Johnston, Mrs. Sallie Stout, Mrs. Livie Marshall, Misses Martha Walker, Lucy Stout, Cornelia Stout, Matha Rankin and Sallie Crawford.
Chas. H. Harris,
Asst. Surgeon in Charge.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Ran away from the subscriber Saturday night last, my boy William, very black, low and chunky built, height not known, about eighteen years old, and dressed with a round about coat and cotton pants.
I will pay a very liberal reward for his return to me, or confinement in any jail, or any information that will lead to his recovery.
John Myers,
Churchville, Augusta Co.
Sept 9--3t.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
The Peace party of the North seem determined to bolt McClellan's nomination. The New York News, the organ of the party, states that "preliminary steps are being taken by the friends of peace to call a national convention of the Democracy, to place in nomination candidates for President and Vice President. Speaking on the subject, it says:
The peace party believes the idea of a Union brought about by force to be, intrinsically, a profligate absurdity. They believe that war can never rebuild the blessed fabric raised for us by our fathers, which the bloody hands of fanaticism and violence have already shattered into ruins. They believe that we cannot fight free men into loving us--that we cannot slaughter and trample them into brotherhood with us; and that, even if we could, we should be immeasurably more infamous than they. The Peace democracy believe further, that the armed coercion of States is a constitutional heresy, and that it cannot be consummated without striking a vital blow at the first principles of the Federal compact, and consolidating a despotism at Washington.
Reviewing McClellan's letter of acceptance, the News well says:
Genera McClellan's words and purposes cannot be mistaken or misunderstood. After seeming to "exhaust the resources of statesmanship" to re-establish the Union, he says:
"If a frank, earnest and persistent effort to obtain these objects should fail, the responsibility for ulterior consequences will fall upon those who remain in arms against the Union. but the Union must be preserved at all hazards."
To what "ulterior consequences" does he allude, and what "hazards?" He means war, and no honest man will pretend that he means anything else. If he had been frank, he would have used the word. He means that if he cannot reconstruct the Union by negotiation--nay, more, to use his own language in another part of the letter, if the people of the South are not "ready for peace on the basis of the Union" as a condition precedent to negotiation--the consequences will be on their own heads, and he will make war on them until they yield. They may have solemnly declared by State conventions or otherwise, that they will not re-enter into a common Government with us; the people may be as fixed and unanimous as their leaders; they may have resolved to have independence or death, as Mr. Davis has recently declared, still General McClellan is pledged to overthrow their resolves by fire and sword.
To a policy so wicked, so inhumanly absurd, we cannot, nor can any peace Democrat, subscribe without renegading from every conviction and from every instinct of self respect.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
There is nothing new from Georgia. The front is quiet under the flag of truce agreed upon between Generals Hood and Sherman. The truce expired on yesterday morning, from which time hostilities are to be resumed.
Nothing of interest has occurred in front of Petersburg since the bold and daring raid of Gen. Hampton, passing below Ream's Station on the Weldon road, and immediately in the rear of Grant's army. The result of this daring adventure was the capture of 300 Yankees, and what was much more valuable, 2,500 head of fine fat cattle. On his return he was attacked by Gen. Gregg's cavalry, whom he defeated, bringing off in safety all his captures. The line traveled by Hampton was twelve miles long. The following is the official dispatch of Gen. Lee:
"Hd'qrs Army of Northern Virginia,
September 1, 1864.
"Hon. Jas A. Seddon, Secretary of War:
At daylight yesterday the enemy's skirmish line west of the Jerusalem plankroad was driven lack upon his entrenchments along their whole extent. Ninety prisoners were taken by us in the operation. "At the same hour, General Hampton attacked the enemy's position north of the Norfolk railroad, near Sycamore Church, and captured about three hundred prisoners, some arms and wagons, a large number of horses, and twenty-five hundred cattle.
General Gregg attacked General Hampton on his return in the afternoon at Belcher's Mill, on the Jerusalem plankroad, but was repulsed and driven back. Everything was brought off safely.
Our entire loss does not exceed fifty men.
"R.E. Lee."
"A raiding party of the enemy's cavalry, numbering about five hundred, passed through Culpeper on Monday to the railroad bridge over the Rapidan, which they attempted to destroy, but it having been constructed recently of green pine timber, was not seriously damaged. They crossed the Rapidan and burned Holliday's mills, which contained a quantity of wheat belonging to the Orange and Alexandria railroad company."
"They then started in the direction of Orange Court-House, when they were ambushed by some of our infantry, thirty captured, fifteen killed, a number wounded, and the remainder scattered, and fleeing in every direction."
"They are believed to be the same body that Mosby has been skirmishing with, and that they came from the neighborhood of Alexandria."
"In their flight a number of mules were recaptured from them, besides the cavalry taken."
After burning the bridge, and mill and committing sundry other depredations, they were arroused [sic] by a sound of a locomotive whistle in the rear. It being evident they had cut off a train, they immediately started back to capture it.
"The train came nearly up to the bridge, and was shrieking away in the most frantic and distressed manner imaginable. The raiders were sure of having a good thing of it, and hastened towards the scene of distress. As they came in sight, the train commenced backing slowly, as if almost out of steam. Nothing could have been more excessively rich to the raiders, and they followed, full of fun. But the train kept on backing, keeping just out of range, until suddenly the raiders received a volley of musketry, several hundred of Confederate soldiers sprung upon them, and a fierce fight ensued. A large number of horses that had been captured by the enemy were recaptured, many of them were killed and wounded, and with the exception of some taken prisoners, the rest were dispersed, and it is supposed, made their escape."
We learn the following particulars from the Valley. On Monday morning last, Gen. Early's forces were attacked by the enemy about three miles below Winchester, and the engagement lasted till after mid-day. Rodes occupied the centre, Gordon, supported by Fitz Lee's cavalry, the right wing, and Wharton, supported by Vaughn's, Imboden's, Jackson's and McCausland's cavalry, the left.
On our right the enemy were defeated, but on the left, Vaughan's and McCausland's men gave way, exposing Imboden's and Jackson's commands (who are said to have fought splendidly,) to attack on both flanks, as well as in front, and thus compelling them to fall back, in turn exposing Wharton to a flank attack, which resulted in his withdrawal, when our whole force was ordered to fall back. Except on the extreme left, the most perfect order in the retreat was observed. Gordon's command particularly distinguished itself in its unwavering order in falling back.
When the left was somewhat pressed, and some little confusion was being created there, Fitz Lee threw his command from his position on the right to the left, and charging the advancing enemy furiously, enabled the left to be brought on in comparatively good order.
Every foot of the ground from the White House, below Winchester, to Newtown, was contested by Gen Early, where night coming on, he withdrew his forces to Fishers Hill, two miles this side of Strasburg. The enemy were skirmishing heavily with our forces there, on Wednesday morning, when our informants left, and it was supposed they would bring on a general engagement.
In the fight below Winchester, Gen. Rodes and Gen. Godwin were killed, and Fitz Lee wounded. Col. Funk, of the 5th Va. infantry, was killed, and Maj. Newton of the same regiment, wounded Capt. James Bumgardner and Lieut Wm. Galt, of the 52d regiment were missing at last accounts.
Our loss was heavy, though not so heavy as at first reported, while the enemy is said to have suffered more severely than we did.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
There will be no time perhaps when we can propound the above question to ourselves more appropriately for candid consideration than the present, when our enemies are exultant over the occupation of Atlanta, and the surrender of the forts below Mobile.
There are a few who think, with the Yankees, that overrunning a country conquers it, but we would call to their mind the oft repeated times our own beloved Valley of Virginia has been overrun by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, and, since Com[m]issary Banks first moved over the greater portion of it, how many men it has furnished to aid in achieving Southern independence. So far from conquering those parts of our country held in their possession, it has been the means of increasing the ardor of these true to our cause, and converting even the lukewarm into patriots.
The fall of Atlanta and the possession of the Mobile forts have not been without their moral effect in the North, but Donnelson, New Orleans and Vicksburg each had as much effect there, and each caused us to put forth renewed exertion, which insured the discomfiture of the enemy at every point of their advance. That likewise those causes, which may create in the minds of some temporary despondency now, will in the end avail us much, we do not doubt. While the spirit of resistance to Northern oppression burns as intensely in the breast of the united people of the Confederacy, as at present, we may be overwhelmed at a few points, or driven to the wall, but cannot be conquered--no, never!
What remains for us to do is to nerve ourselves for a more desperate contest. The clear spot of peace which gave evidence of bursting forth in the North Western horizon, has been rudely darkened by the land which was expected to dispel the clouds of war from the Northern sky, and spread the banner of peace over a blood-stained land. The cry for war alone has its representatives there, due to the late successes of our enemies, but the spirit of peace, which is overshadowed at present by adverse circumstances, will beam forth again with renewed brilliancy when we shall have proven to the enemy, and the world, the fact that defeat at any point but adds renewed vigor to Southern arms, and renders us more invincible than ever.
We have all along felt that we must wring peace from our enemies, and we will, for, with the resources of our Confederacy, the spirit of our armies and people, and with the help of God, we can never be conquered, but must in the end triumph over those who would oppress our people, and make our land desolate. Then let us put forth renewed exertions for the conflict, and trust in God for a glorious result.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
We publish in to-day's issue an order for the registration of all persons between the ages of 17 and 50, not serving with the Confederate armies in the field, or with the Reserves, whether exempt or detailed. This is not intended to be a levy en masse, we presume, but to obtain information not otherwise so speedily to be obtained, as well as to review all exemptions and details. We call the attention of all interested to a speedy compliance with the order of Col. Peyton, and would also request of him to arrange that some one shall be on band at all hours to register parties reporting, as the present is too important a season for the farmer to be compelled to come day after day for several days on account of the inadequate number of clerks for registering, or arriving after special office hours.
The Vindicator, September 23, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Ran away, from one of the subscribers' farms, on the 5th instant, a negro boy,
about five feet nine inches high, color between that of a dark mulatto and a black, no marks recollected. When spoken to he has rather a down look. The above reward will be given for him if taken out of the county, and delivered to me or in jail. If taken in the county and delivered to me a reward of twenty dollars.
Michael G. Harman.
Sept 16-3t.