The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
The good people of this county will be greatly astonished, as we were, to learn from the communication published in this issue, of Brig. Gen'l J.A. Walker, commanding the "Stonewall Brigade" that there are two hundred of the gallant soldiers of that famous Brigade who are without shoes and socks. With Gen. Walker, we think it a "shame", that such should be the fact, but we are sure that the good people of this county would not have suffered such a state of things to exist if they had been apprised of the fact that shoes and socks were needed, had it been possible for them to supply the need. We do not know whether they could have supplied shoes, but socks, they could, and would have supplied with pleasure, if they had been apprised of the need for them. The Government should have supplied these necessary articles, but if it had been known in this county that the Government could not, or had, by mismanagement, failed to furnish them, we know that the citizens of this county would have done all in their power to have the gallant soldiers of the illustrious "Stonewall Brigade" properly shod. Think of it, the thermometer standing at zero, and two hundred soldiers of the "Stonewall Brigade" without shoes and socks!!! This is truly a "shame," but the culpability does not attach to the patriotic and benevolent citizens of this county. If the Government will furnish the yarn, we promise that the fair ladies of "Augusta" will supply, in a remarkably short time, the whole Brigade with good socks knit by their own fair hands. They do not regard working for the soldiers as a labor, but a pleasure. For that burpose [sic] they work con amore, it being with them a labor of love, and we can assure them it will not be "Love's labor lost." As we had heard no complaint from the army this winter of the want of proper clothing we had supposed that the soldiers had been amply supplied by the Government, and consequently we made no appeals to our citizens to supply their wants in that respect. If we had been apprised of the fact that our soldiers were suffering for the want of shoes and socks we would have appealed to our citizens to supply them, and we are satisfied, from their promptness in the past, that the appeal would have been responded to with promptness and cheerfulness. Now that our citizens know the wants of the soldiers in the "Stonewall Brigade," we are sure that they will exert themselves to have their wants supplied. The noble example of Mr. Wm. B. Gallaher and his mother is worthy of emulation, and we hope that it will not be long before the General Commanding the Stonewall Brigade will have the pleasure of acknowledging similar donations from other persons in this county. It is not expected that single individuals shall make such large donations, as but few have the means to do so, but even larger can be made by associated action. Large donations are composed of many small amounts, and if each will give but little the aggregate will amount to a large sum. Even small donations, will be recieved [sic] with gratitude, and, like the widow's mite, will be abundantly blessed. It requires but a short argument to establish that the citizens should contribute liberally to the support of the wants of the soldiers. If our cause shall be successful, it will be due to the efforts and sacrifices of the soldiers, and as they will save our property and make our money good, we should be willing to pay a portion for their comfort. If in spite of their heroic efforts, our cause be destined to fail, then the money will be worth nothing, and the contributor will have lost nothing whilst he will have the consolation to know that he did a good act, and promoted the comfort of the suffering soldiers who freely spilt their blood in defence of his rights and property.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 2
The exhibition of the Tableaux Vivants, given in the Union Hall, on Thursday evening last, was well patronized. The Hall was filled to its utmost capacity, and so great was the press that there was not a seat for the Press, which concluded, in good humor, to stand it. After the Hall had been filled to overflowing, and when it was as hard for any more to gain admittance as it is for a camel to creep through the eye of a cambric needle, the bell jingled, the curtain rose, and the first scene, "The Reception," was exhibited. It was such as is frequently given, but not such as confers pleasure--being formal, stylish and freezingly cold. "Infant Samuel" was well represented, as was also the "Light of Life." "The Soldier and Landlord," illustrated the imposition practised by some Landlords upon Soldiers by charging much for very little. "Home Treasures" were treasures indeed, and where such "treasures are, there will the heart be also." The "Unfortunate Schoolmaster," like the condemned criminal on board ship, was compelled to "walk the plank," and "great was the fall, my countrymen." This scene should have been entitled, "The fall of man." The "Game of Draughts," won, and made a considerable draught upon the approval of the spectators. In "The Soldier's Departure", the departing hero was such a good soldier that he "stood upon the order of his going," instead of going at once," and as the order to go was not given, his departure was not accomplished. "Family Prayer" was a very impressive scene, and should have impressed some who witnessed it that they should cease to prey like vultures and learn to pray like Christians. "The Orphan Boy" struck the chord of compassion in the "Harp of a thousand strings,"--the human heart. In "All is fair in love and war," the chief art of war--"strategy, my boys, strategy"--was shown to possess as much virtue in the court of Cupid as in that of Mars. "The Marriage" scene was so beautiful and attractive as to inspire many of the youthful spectators with the desire of enacting it--tho' not in a style so mute and statue like. "First Boots" was very well acted, and the proud little possessor of the boots had no idea of obeying the call, so common in the army, "come out'n dem boots!" In the "Soldier's Return," the reception given the laurel-crowned and battle-scarred hero seemed more of a surprise than a pleasure, owing probably to the fact that he returned before the war was over--the "hurly-burly done, and the victory won." "Day and night" embraced "all the light of dark eye in woman," and "as sure as the night follows the day" it was not appreciated as it should have been. "The Miniature" was quite a pretty scene. "Beautiful Star," though a "bright, particular star", was not the star scene of the exhibition. "The Dream," though it seemed to partake of the Elysian type, was, like Lord Byron's, "not all a dream." In the scene of "Pocahontas and Capt. Smith," though clubs were trumps, yet hearts won the game. "The Contest" concluded the exhibition, and that it gave satisfaction, no one will contest. The proceeds of this exhibition amounted to $1250. and that of the week before to $850., making an aggregate of $2100., which will be applied to paying the debt of the M.E. Church of this place.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
Both Houses of the Lincoln Congress have concurred in the report of the Committee of Conference on the "Enrollment Bill." The report fixes the commutation fee at $300, but renders the drafted man who commutes liable to be drawn again after the expiration of one year. All able-bodied persons of African descent between 20 and 45 years of age, are to be enrolled, and when the slave of a loyal master is drafted and mustered into service, he shall be free, the master to be paid the sum to be awarded by a commission, not exceeding $300.
Lincoln has issued a proclamation declaring the port of Galveston, Texas, re-opened to the commerce of the world, with certain restrictions.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3
The case of Josiah Blackburn, who had furnished a substitute for the war, came up on a writ of habeas corpus for decision before Judge Halyburton's Court in Richmond on Tuesday last. It was decided by the Court that the recent law of Congress, placing this class of persons in the service, was constitutional, and the men liable to service, notwithstanding they may have been exempted for the war. The Judge denied that the Government had the power to make a contract which would alienate her right to the services of every man capable of bearing arms, and that if such contract was made, it was null and void, and there was nothing in the Constitution to restrain Congress from disregarding such contract, whenever the exigencies of service might require the service of all men capable of bearing arms. The case was elaborately argued by Messrs. Davis and Orvis for the petitioner, the Government not being represented. Upon the rendition of this decision the peti[t]ioner, Blackburn, was remanded to Camp Lee.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
Camp Stonewall Brigade,
Feb. 20th, 1864.
ED. SPECTATOR: Allow me a short space in your columns, to acknowledge the receipt of 50 pairs of shoes, a gift from Mr. Wm. B. Gallaher, of Waynesboro, to the refugee soldiers of the "Stonewall" Brigade, and 50 pairs of socks from his mother.
Such generous conduct speaks for itself, and no words of mine can do it justice.
Is it not a shame, Mr. Editor, that there are at least two hundred soldiers in this brigade still barefooted, without either shoes or socks to protect them from the cold weather? Surely the good people of the Valley, whose peculiar pride it is to have furnished the "old Stonewall Brigade" to the country, do not know this, or they would strive with each other who should first come to their relief.
To the people of Augusta, particularly, whose homes have never been polluted by the presence of the invader, and whose means of liberality have not been dimished [sic] by the war, I would appeal for aid. Remember Cross Keys and Port Republic; and remember that more than one barefooted man in this brigade can show scars which they received as they stood on the very border of your county, perilling [sic] their lives to keep the enemy from your homes!
How many gentlemen and ladies of Augusta county will follow the example set them by Mr. and Mrs. Gallaher, and deliver to Col. Nadenbousch, Commanding the Post at Staunton, similiar [sic] donations to be forwarded to the brigade?
I am, Mr. Editor,
Very Respectfully,
J. A. WALKER
Brigadier General.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
CAMP AT SUMMERVILLE FORD,
Feb. 21, 1864
My good old Friends of Augusta:
Whereas, I think it my duty to inform you of our present condition, I shall endeavor to do so, by first informing you that we now are volunteeringly in for the war. Some few of our regiment refused to re-enlist, from the fact that they want a re-organization, which, I think they will not get, and at last be forced into service when their three year's time expires. It is our duty to re-enlist and serve our country to the last. I have been serving the Confederate States of America for three years. I have never had a furlough since I first volunteered. I have received one wound from the enemy which caused me to be absent from my company a few months. Yet I am determined to remain with my company as long as my services are needed in defence of my country.
I am truly happy to inform you that company C, 52d Virginia Infantry, has re-enlisted for the war. This company has fought gallantly in every battle the regiment has been engaged in, which are not a few.
The weather is beautiful at present and I hope it will remain so. All is quiet along the lines at present.
I am, very respectfully,
A SOLDIER.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
At a meeting of the members of Company D, 52d Va. regiment held at their camp near Summerville Ford, Feb. 18th, 1864, for the purpose of reiterating their determination to remain in the service of the Confederate States until the present war with the United States shall have been brought to an honorable close. On motion, Mr. Jesse Ralston, was unanimously elected Chairman, and Sergt. James W. Marshall was chosen Secretary. On motion of Corpl. George Harman, a committee of five were appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the company. Whereupon the Chairman appointed Sergt. Jas. H. Maupin, Fred. Cupp, Jas. Marshall, Jas. Curry and Corpl. Harman. The committee after a short absence returned and the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
Resolved 1st, That we do recognize the necessity of remaining in the service, and offering our past action as a guarantee of the sincerity of our purpose, do pledge our honor, and, if need be, our lives, to fight this struggle to a successful termination, over the embittered foe now marshalled for our subjugation and destruction.
Resolved 2d, That we do, in vindication of what we have expressed, hereby re-enlist for the war, with the reservation that we think the privilege of reorganization ought to be granted us.
Resolved 3d, That in view of the exigencies of the crisis and the imperative duty of every patriot, to rally to the bleeding standard of his country and every Southerner to defend the battle torn and powder-stained flag of the Confederate States, do reaffirm, that we will never consent to lay down our arms, until the nationality and independence of our country shall have been achieved.
Resolved 4th, That a copy of these proceedings be sent to the Staunton Spectator and Rockingham Register for publication.
JESSE RALSTON, Chairman.
JAMES MARSHALL, Secretary.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
The Merchant occupies an intermediate place in society between the producer and the consumer. He is the agent of both. A high and honorable position this, not only because of its responsibility, but also because of the confidence necessarily placed in his honesty. If faithful to his trust, he will be respected and honored; if not, he will recieve [sic] the reward of all unfaithfulness, the distrust and contempt of all.
It is not the function of the Merchant to make his fee--to get his profit. The fee is only the first payment of the labor he expends in providing for the wants of the consumer. It is his function--a function to be performed irrespective of fee or for quite the contrary of fee--to thoroughly understand the qualities of the things in which he deals, and to apply all his sagacity & energy in obtaining them in their purest forms and distributing them at the cheapest price possible, where most needed. This is his bounden [sic] duty, and it is his duty, too, to suffer any loss--to welcome poverty and even death itself--rather than provide that which is impure or adulterated or at exorbitant prices. Does it ever occur to our merchants why it is that they, as a class, are not respected and honored as the men of other professions are respected and honored? The clergyman, the lawyer and the physician are all more respected and honored than the merchant. It cannot be because of the superior or mental qualities requisite to the successful pursuit of these professions. For there is as much energy, tact, foresight, decision and other mental qualities required for the successful management of mercantile operations, as are expected in the members of the other so-called "liberal" professions.
This public estimate of honor must be deeper than in the measurement of their several powers of mind.
The truth is, the respect we pay to the soldier, the lawyer, the physician and the clergyman is founded ultimately in their self-sacrifice. The world honors the soldier, because he holds his life at the service of the State; the lawyer because of its tacit conviction that in all important acts of his life, justice is first with him, his own interest second; the physician, because of his persuasion, that to alleviate the suffering and save the life of the sick is his first object; the clergyman, because it firmly believes he seeks, above all things else, man's welfare for time and eternity. And the merchant the world does nor honor, because he is presumed to act selfishly. The public believe that his whole object in his dealing is to get as much for himself and leave as little for his neighbor as possible. The same public, that loudly declares, as the law of the universe, that it is the buyers function to cheapen and the sellers to cheat--do involuntarily condemn the man of commerce for his compliance with their own rule. And this is the reason, that the land echoes with anathemas pronounced against speculators. Bring speculation to the best of the commonly recieved [sic] laws of trade, and it appears all right and proper. Nevertheless the very men who recieve [sic] these laws of trade for laws of the universe, condemn speculation. It is not right to buy as cheap as possible, and sell as dear as possible, because such a rule ignores all affection--that which we owe to our neighbor--and is therefore a rule commending injustice. The man who hides or stores away in his barns or cellars those things which are necessary to the being and well being of society until his neighbors are starved into paying the highest possible price, is an unjust man, a cheat richly deserving the contempt of all. This robbing the poor, because he is poor, is especially the mercantile form of theft, consisting of taking advantage of a man's necessities to obtain his labor or property at a reduced price.
"He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches shall surely come to want." "Rob not the poor, because he is poor, neither oppress the afflicted in the place of business. For God shall spoil the soul of those that spoiled them."
W.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 7
I would like to talk an hour with each of you, but as that can't be, I address you thus:
You are all busily in engaged in preparing your Spring crops. This is right, and I urge you to the most strenuous exertions to raise to the full extent of your means, grains, hay, and vegetables. There is but one serious obstacle in your way, and that is the possible interference with your farming operations by the public army during the early Spring months. I think there are well founded apprehensions that this great Valley will be subjected to plundering raids before and in corn-planting time. If the enemy comes he will seek to destroy your farming operations and resources by stealing your horses, burning your implements, and kidnapping your negroes. All this can be prevented, and I think will be, by the presence of an adequate force for your protection, provided it can be subsisted in your midst. As regards ample provision for the men I have no apprehensions, but the defence of this Valley requires a large cavalry force, and to maintain it the horses must be fed. I know that the Valley people have, this Winter, furnished an enormous amount of army supplies, and that there is a general scarcity of grain and long forage; but, I believe, there is still a sufficiency to carry your stock safely through the Winter on diminished allowance and to spare enough by a little close economy to support the Valley troops. In sixty days from this time your cattle, sheep and colts can live on grass, and in ninety days your horses can do the same, and so can ours. It is of the utmost importance to you and the country that the Yankees shall be kept from plundering you during these sixty or ninety days. That can hardly be expected to be done unless you can feed the cavalry and artillery horses. We cannot haul feed from the upper country, 75 or 100 miles, to feed our horses when on duty to the front. I might possibly obtain a supply by sending my Quartermasters to your barns and cribs with orders to take whatever they might find; but if this is done you will think yourselves outraged in many instances. The Quartermasters will be cursed and I shall be denounced. If on the other hand supplies cannot be had at all, and the troops are obliged to fall back on that account, and the Yankees ride over your country, stealing and plundering as they go, and living off the very supplies we could not get, I shall be cursed from one end of the Valley to the other for falling in my duty, and the Government will be blamed for an alleged indifference to your safety and welfare. Now I don't want to send impressing officers to barns and corn-cribs, to your hay mows and garrets, for it is the most unpleasant task I ever have to perform, nor do I intend to fall back too far to afford protection, unless I am ordered to do so, or forced by dire necessity. To meet the whole difficulty and surmount it, I think you have but to act in concert, and promptly. I have a plan to submit to you, and beg that you earnestly consider it. It is this--in each neighborhood let some energetic patriotic man immediately mount his horse and see his neighbors, and ascertain from each one, on a close calculation of his wants for the next 90 days, how many pounds of hay he can spare--how many shocks of fodder he can let go, and how many bushels of corn or oats he can dispose of. If he can't spare a ton, perhaps he can a half a ton of hay or fodder, or if that would run him too close, he would hardly miss 500 pounds. In the same way try his corn. No one has a moral right to hold on to 6 or 9 months provisions. He must trust in Providence and the seasons for a good harvest, and have faith in the army and our cause, and show his faith by "pinching" a little. Let the names of all who can spare us a little be sent to me by the 19th of March, with a statement of what they can furnish, and I will send the money and a wagon to each house to pay for and collect it. If a wagon can't be loaded at one house it may at two or three, and the aggregate, I am sure, will supply our wants. Thus imprecaments will be unnecessary--good feeling will be preserved and promoted--the troops will be sustained--the farmers and our wives and children, I hope, will be protected, and, with the blessings of Providence, our armies, which are never low-spirited or desponding, will, I firmly believe, this year, drive the dastardly and hated invader beyond our borders, and establish our future peace and maintain our present independence. The distinct proposition I have submitted may seem to many a small affair, but I assure you it is a most important one, and affects you more nearly, perhaps, than you are aware. I consider no matter too small for the earnest consideration of any man, which contributes to our success. An acre of cabbage is of more real value to us now than would be a ship load of the richest spices of India. I would rather see a spare load of hay in one of your barns than a rosewood Chickering piano in your parlor, and would rather be invited to send for 20 shocks of corn than to attend, at one of your houses, the most sumptuous entertainment of even the halcyon days of peace. "A little here and a little there" will furnish all I need. Then, again, I appeal to you, as your fellow-citizen, to rid your country in the manner proposed. If you cannot see each other during the week, confer together on Sunday at church. It surely cannot be a desecration of the most holy day and place to help forward a cause so sacred as that we are fighting for.
J. D. IMBODEN, Brig. Gen'l,
Comd'g Valley District.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
HEADQ'RS 25th VA. REGT.,
Feb. 16th, 1864
I have been requested by the men of this regiment, to tender their grateful acknowledgements to the ladies of Staunton for a package of cloth socks and gloves--36 pairs of socks and 22 pairs of gloves. They were received a short time since, and many of the men being destitute of socks suffered from the exceedingly cold weather, or were excused from duty for want of this necessary article of clothing, thus leaving the duty, to be performed by those better provided, much harder than it ought to have been. But owing to the timely arrival of this package the men were rendered comfortable for the time, and to-morrow when the regiment goes on picket all will be able to go.
The ladies may think they cannot do much to advance the interests of our cause, and may feel discouraged at times in regard to their efforts; if so, they know not how much their labors contribute to the preservation of the health and efficiency of the army, and do not realize how highly their efforts are valued by the officers and men. A soldier that has warm socks is not particular whether they are yarn or cloth; and moreover his health is preserved during the Winter and he is ready for the earliest Spring campaign.
I regret that those who so kindly donated these articles could not be present when they were distributed, that they might have heard the expressions of gratitude used by the thankful recipients.
R.D. Lilley,
Lt. Col. Commanding 25th Va. Regt.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
With the early Spring, there comes a duty to those out of the army, as well as to the gallant defenders of the country. That duty is diligent labor to raise supplies of food for man and beasts. Let there be early and late planting of corn, taking the chances of all seasons; plant large supplies of vegetables; give the ground all kinds of seeds, and then strain every effort to make the most out of mother earth. This is the duty of those out of the army--a duty second only in importance to that of the army. Well performed by every farmer, an enemy more dangerous than those commanded by Meade and Grant will be defeated, and the overthrow of Lincoln's hireling soldiery no longer a matter of doubt.--Enquirer.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 2
The undersigned, a Committee appointed to disburse the funds of the Corporation for the relief of the families of Volunteers now in the field are prepared to purchase wheat, flour, corn, rye, and wood. They sell to the above families at about one half prices, and they earnestly request those farmers who have the above articles for sale to give them a call before disposing of them else where.
J. W. CRAWFORD.
W. B. HAYSER.
J. C. WHEAT.
November 3--tf.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
In several issues of the "Rockingham Register," the Editors stated that they had been informed that there were some of the members of these churches, the members of which are exempt in consequences of religious faith and the payment of five hundred dollars, who did not intend to raise any more produce than would be necessary for their own families. We were astonished at the statement, and thought that there must be some mistake about it, and are pleased to learn from the last issue of the "Register" that our confidence in the loyalty of that class of citizens was not misplaced. Those who will do all they can to raise supplies will perform as efficient service as if they were in the field, for it is necessary to plant corn as to plant batteries, and as necessary to reap wheat as to reap victories. The enemy is now making war upon our means of sustenance, and every one is efficiently defending his country who is engaged in increasing the supplies of subsistence. The "Home Soldier" wields the peaceful implements--the plough, the shovel, the hoe--whilst the soldier in the battle's front uses the gun, the sabre, the bayonet--the former laboring to save, whilst the latter strives to destroy life; yet both are using means for the accomplishment of the same end--Liberty and Independence. The soldiers in arms will do their duty and we hope those at home will do theirs also. We are pleased to hear that more ground than usual has been already ploughed, and that the prospect for planting a large crop of corn is very flattering.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
Some time since, a colored boy, "Bob," 15 years of age, the property of Mrs. Margaret A. Crawford, went to the depot where the Engine, "H. D. Whitcomb," was standing. A gentleman observing that he seemed interested in the engine, asked him what he thought of it. He replied, "pretty big work, Master, but I think I can make one like it." The gentleman addressed laughed at what he conceived to be the absurdity of the negro boy's presumption. The boy went home with his mind full of the project of vindicating the truth of his assertion, and, sure enough, with no tools but an axe, hammer, saw, knife and gimblet, he made in wood an exact counterpart of the Engine, complete in all its parts. This model can be seen at the Law office of Mr. Wm. B. Kayser of this place, where it has excited the admiration and wonder of all beholders. They all agree that "Bob" must be a boy of remarkable mechanical genius. Such genius should be cultivated, and "Bob" ought to be placed in some good machine shop where his genius can be made serviceable to the country. "Bob" would be as happy in a machine shop, as a "common nigger" would be at a dance or "shucking."
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 5
Let our people plant early and largely of vegetables. Let every one who has a perch of ground tax it to its utmost. Let us economise in consumption; and especially, let us deny ourselves meat that the army may eat. There are many who are indulging their families, white and black, with unabated profusion. There are thousands who, stimulated by the cry of scarcity, have put away as "supplies for the year," unaccustomed amounts. These things are very wrong. The army is suffering while gluttons are surfeiting and negroes wasting, and while timid providers are watching their swollen hoards. We must economise that we may have to spare; and out of what we have, whether much or little, the army must be supplied.
The Spectator, March 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
It will be seen by reference to the advertisement of Capt. Avis, provost Marshal of this place, that he is desirous of receiving recruits between the ages of 45 and 50. Those between these ages liable to military service would do well to apply at once, as by being members of the Provost Guard they would be kept near home where they could see to the interests and welfare of their families, and have an opportunity to give some supervision to their farming operations.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 5
The New York News shows that Lincoln's war is not popular in the North, as the administration papers maintain, but, on the contrary, that the people "yearn for peace and will have it." To learn the true sentiment of the people of the North, "we must not go," says the New York News, "to the columns of the pensioned press of the dynasty at Washington; nor to the manufacturer of New England or New York, or elsewhere, who have grown fat on the carnage of better men; nor to the traders, or jobbers, or contractors, or place-men, or parasites--the myriad of jackals who feed on the bloody offal of the strife. We have only to contemplate the simple and naked facts, that with a population three times that of the States at war with us, and a fighting population proportionately much larger--with bounties proffered, such as never tempted cupidity, in any war before--we are compelled to seduce foreigners from their homes to fight our battles for pay, and are driven to the still more degrading necessity of committing the honor of our flag and the vindication of our manhood to the hands of negroes, bond and free. Not the relentless grasp of a most merciless and unconstitutional, conscription, nor the seduction of bounties large enough to make a poor man's fortune, can now drag or entice American citizens, except in numbers absolutely insignificant, to fight the battles of this war. It is insolent, as well as idle and absurd, to talk of the "popularity" of any war that can command no warmer support than this, from a brave and impulsive people. If the hearts of the people were in the war, they themselves would be in the field to fight to the death. If they sincerely believed it to be a war in which they ought to offer themselves as a sacrifice, they would crowd to the very horns of the altar, without threat or bribe. That they shrink from the contest--that they will devote all the little earnings of their lives to purchase exemption--that they cannot be tempted or forced into the ranks, while there is an escape--all these things tell the story. The people do not feel any longer that the war is their war. They may support a little while because the government is waging it and the flag is waved over it. Some of them may be willing it should continue, because it pays themselves or their friends large profits, or keeps up their influence or advances their party, or flatters their vanity or gratifies their rancor. But the great current of public feeling and opinion runs in its favor no longer. It has now no hold on public enthusiasm. Its popularity is dead!
If the Administration really believes that all this is false--if it is persuaded that the popularity of the war continues, let it abandon the conscription and the bounty system and make the experiment of volunteer enlistments for a single week. That brief space of time would suffice for the entire solution of the problem. If such an experiment, however, be deemed hazardous, let Mr. Lincoln and his counsellors make a still simpler one. Let them tell the people the truth for a single month, if the thing be possible, if not let them endeavor to do it for a fortnight. Let Mr. Chase give us the real amount of the public debt and of his means and provisions for its payment. Let him inform us of the amount of taxes which we must endure to avert the shame of repudiation now without increasing the debt a single dollar. Instead of see-sawing between greenbacks and bonds, which appears to be the substance of his financial policy, and concocting paltry schemes for jobbing in gold on Wall street, let him trust the people, if he dare, with the facts from which they may know their own solvency, or insolvency, and appeal to them to meet the issue, face to face. Let Mr. Seward try if he can write one solitary despatch without some intentional perversion of the truth, and confine himself to the legitimate purposes of diplomatic correspondence abroad, instead of loading the files of the State Department with claptrap and misrepresentation for home consumption and deception. Let Mr. Stanton, instead of flooding the country with false bulletins from irresponsible or fictitious sources undervaluing the strength and resources of the enemy, exaggerating their wants and sufferings, multiplying their reverses and our triumphs, give himself up, for ever so brief a space, to the dissemination of the truth, which the people are entitled to have in regard to a struggle for which they are taxed to the utmost in treasure and blood. With what face can he assert the war to be the people's war, when, after having caused the press to teem with telegrams, announcing the almost universal and enthusiastic re-enlistment of the veterans of the army, he has caused the President to refuse to give the House of Representatives any information on the subject, on the ground that it would be "prejudicial to the public interest?["] If the Administration will not venture to pursue the plain, straightforward course we indicate, let it cease to prate of its war policy as rooted in the confidence of the people. If the people uphold it, why conceal from the people what they uphold? Or, is it that the war can be maintained in its pretended popularity, only so long as the people are kept from knowing what it is and what it promises.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6
Camp "STONEWALL BRIGADE,"
Feb. 20th 1864.
Mr. EDITOR:
Allow me through the medium of your well known paper to direct the attention of the citizens of Augusta to one of the most hardhearted and mercenary acts that has been perpetrated in our county since the commencement of the war. The circumstances of the case are these--At the late battle of "Paynes Farm" on the 27th of November, one of the best and bravest soldiers in the 5th, Va. Infy., (Co. E.) fell mortally wounded whilst charging the enemy; his admiring and sympathizing comrades, out of their own small means, made up money enough to have the body taken from the battle field and sent to Augusta County for burial, that their gallant comrade might rest beneath the soil that he had so long defended so bravely and loved so well. The distressed widow of the deceased soldier, on the arrival of the body at home, took the twenty dollars which is allowed by the county to the wives of soldiers for their support, and wishing to pay the last sad rites to her husband in the usual manner, went to a prominent cabinet maker in Greenville, for a coffin, the usual price of which was twenty or twenty-five dollars, but he refused to let her have it on any terms unless she paid him forty dollars cash, refused to credit her for the remaining twenty dollars, and had it not been for the generosity of some kind neighbors in making up the money, this cabinet-maker, whose heart must surely resemble in durability one of his coffin plates, would have left the remains of our beloved comrade unburied yet.
On hearing of the above facts, many members of the company, although more accustomed to handling the musket than the pen, resolved, to try to show to their fellow citizens at home that there exists even in Old Augusta some men as mean and avaricious as even Yankee land can boast of. We do not mention the name either of the deceased soldier or of him who so cruelly treated his widow, as we hope he will take warning by this exposure of his degrading and disgraceful conduct and--"go and sin no more."
Very Respectfully,
Many members of Co. "E." 5th, Va. Infy.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 7
"In a deep vale, shut out by Alpine hills from the rude world," there once lived an humble dweller of the forest who earned his bread by the sweat of his brow and partook of the bounties of munificent nature beneath his own vine and fig tree, where there was none to molest or make him afraid. With "conscience void of offence" he lived at peace with his Maker and all mankind. But, alas! grim visaged war sent his agent into this Eden to bring forth this simple "child of nature" to do battle for his country. Without a moment's warning he was hurried away from his forest home and the dear little ones who were wont to climb upon his knee and make glad his heart with their ceaseless caroling. Unaccustomed to war, and knowing nothing of the privations to be endured he went forth without blankets or clothing, never thinking that he would have to sleep upon the cold wet ground with nothing to protect his shivering body from the wintry blast. After a few months suffering in the service of his country, he received the sad intelligence of the illness of his wife. When he thought of that loved one at home--the idol of his heart--lying prostrate upon her couch, the victim of insidious disease, and of those dear little ones who could not minister to her wants and who were likely to suffer from hunger, he lost sight of his duty to his country, and in one wild paroxysm of anxiety, threw down his musket, plunged into the dark wilds of the forest without thought of duty or danger. Onward he pressed day and night, all heedless of weariness and hunger, until he found himself by the prostrate form of his bosom companion ministering to her every want. After providing for his family, as best he could, he was about returning to his command, when the hand of disease laid him low. When he had partially recovered, he was again hurried off under guard to his regiment, where he was ordered to the guard-house; and after suffering as never man suffered for some three or four months, he was arraigned before that honorable (?) body--the court-martial, where he was sentenced to be shot to death with musketry.
Come with me poor, wayworn soldier, with your tattered garments--you who have stood by my side when the leaden hail fell thick and fast; let me take a stroll in the direction of yonder splendid mansion. See, the candles are lighted in the parlor and hall. Listen, there is a sound of music and revelry there. Let us go to the gate, Lazarus-like, that we may learn something of the pomp of this world. The bacchanalian song is struck up, the dance begins, and all moves on as "merry as a marriage bell."
Who is this man that can revel in luxury and riotous living, while every one else is mourning in sack-cloth and ashes on account of the great calamity which is now resting upon and devouring us? From whence all this luxury and grandeur? Go ask the poor widow and orphan children of him who poured out his heart's blood in defence of his country. They will tell you who it was, in the beginning of this war, that made loud professions of patriotism and persuaded their husbands and fathers to go forth and do battle for their country while he remained at home and wrung the last morsel of bread from them that he might "dress in purple and fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day." With him swindling is not only one of the prerequisites of trade, but a virtue. With a smile upon his face, such as we might well imagine Satan wore when he approached our first parents, he meets the soldier and asks, "When are you going back again?"
Let us bring these two characters face to face that we may compare them for a moment. The one served his country until the sickness of his family requires his presence, when he left in order to rescue them from starvation, for which he was tied to a stake and shot to death.
The other never did a day's service, but on the other hand has done more to break down and destroy our country than the avowed enemy, and yet, strange as it may seem, he is permitted to go unmolested, unrebuked.
Fellow-soldiers, are you to permit the man to go unscathed? Are you going to stand like dumb brutes and see your fellow-soldiers shot to death, while your worst enemy--the Speculator--roams up and down the country at large? May my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, and my right arm forget her cunning if I fail to heap upon him my maledictions! Come forth, you miserable recreant, you loathesome vulture who has been feeding upon the vitals of our country; take your place in the criminal box with this poor soldier and let the world judge between you and him.
He left his post to rescue his family from starvation. You avoided your country's call that you might remain at home and filch the bread from his poor starving children. He persuaded no one to leave his post of duty. You have caused hundreds to desert, by hoarding up the necessaries of life, so that their wives and families could not get them. He caused no dissatisfaction in the ranks. You have caused more croaking, more rebellious feeling than all other causes put together. He was guilty only of desertion, you of high treason.
I do not ask those high in office, who have screened this man from the beginning of the war and who had the other shot, to render a verdict in the case. But I ask those who shouldered the musket and marched to the "field of carnage and bloodshed," who have withstood the leaden hail of the enemy without flinching, whom they consider deserving of death in this case.
This man, with patriotic sentiments upon his tongue, and treason written in blazing characters upon his penurious soul, may go unscathed through this world; but I would just remind him that the Supreme Judge of high Heaven, He who passed sentence upon a certain rich man many years ago, shall be his Judge.
JUSTICE,
Co. F, 5th Va. Infantry.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 1
As the labor of the Valley is done chiefly by white persons, and as the conscription act, together with the repeal of the exemption of those who had employed substitutes, will abstract nearly all of the productive labor from this section, unless a very liberal system of details be adopted, and as supplies are needed as much as soldiers, and as the Valley of Virginia is entitled to be called the great granary of the State, the best thing, in our humble opinion, the Department could do would be to grant details to all those in the Valley who are engaged in agriculture, and who are not now in the military service. If the labor be withdrawn from the Valley, there will be some danger that there will not be sufficient supplies raised in this State to feed Gen. Lee's army, and as we cannot depend upon the limited means of transportation to ensure supplies from the South--even granting the supplies to be there--it might necessitate the withdrawal of that army from this State. The necessitated withdrawal of that gallant army from Virginia by any cause whatever would depress the spirits of the people, not only in this State, but in the whole South, more than all the defeats we have suffered since the war. We have no idea that anything else than the want of supplies can cause the withdrawal of that army from Virginia. It is altogether important that proper provision be made to ensure a sufficiency of supplies, and nothing would go so far to secure that result as the retention of sufficient labor in the Valley to cultivate its fruitful soil. Unless details be liberally granted to those engaged in productive labor, the fertile lands of the Valley will lie idle, and no crops will be raised where, otherwise, abundant harvests would be gathered, and a sufficient supply obtained to furnish the armies in Virginia. Details of this character should be liberally granted in all such sections as the Valley where the soil is fertile and slave labor scarce. What we have said of the Valley applies to most of the counties of Western Virginia.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
CAMP STONEWALL BRIGADE.
March 24th, 1864.
Mr. EDITOR:
Thinking our friends [of whom I hope there are many] in Augusta, would like to hear what the boys of the old "Stonewall" are doing these snowy times, I thought I would tell you of a big fight we had yesterday.
Day before yesterday was one of the worst days we have had this year. It commenced snowing early in the day, and continued until late in the night, in consequence of which we found, on awaking in the morning, old mother earth covered with snow about fifteen inches deep. This was just what our boys wanted. We were beginning to think Winter would pass away without our having a snow-ball.
Quite early in the morning, the 4th and 5th formed and started to storm the camp of the other three regiments. We succeeded in routing them after some very heard [sic] fighting. But this was not enough to appease our desire for fun, so a part of the whole brigade, together with some Louisanians, and commanded by a Louisana Col. drew up in line in front of Dole's, Georgia brigade, and challenged them to combat, which they were not at all loth [sic] to accept; but quickly forming, charged for a small bridge across a ravine which divided the contending parties and led by Gen. Dole in person. Here occurred one of the most stubborn fights of the kind ever known.
Gen. Dole tried several times to force his horse over, but in vain. He was at last knocked from horse, and, supposing him badly hurt, both sides ceased firing. We then agreed to let them cross over and have half of the field.
It may be well here to state, that a great many of our side, thinking the fight over, and hearing that the 3rd Gen. Stuart's brigade, was in posses[s]ion of our Camp, left the field. By this we were considerably weakened. In the mean time Gen. Dole was bringing out every man.
Well, all the preliminaries being arranged, the fight soon became general. First one party would charge and then the other, and the tide of battle ebbed and flowed without either gaining any decided advantage. Thus things continued for some time; but after a while our boys had to give way. We would rally every few paces, and stand for some moments, but finally they proved to[o] many for us. We wished very much for Gen. Walker, but no one apprised him of it. They continued to drive us until we reached our camp, where they halted and went back exulting over their victory. Nothing could please them more than to say that they had whipped the "Stonewall brigade" for it has ever been a source of envy to many brigades that any one should take the name of him who, when living, they loved to follow to fields of glory, and whose memory, now that a kind of Providence has taken him away, they revere and hold most sacred.
Hostilities now ceased for a while, but the mortification of a defeat, a thing unknown to the army of Northern Virginia, much less the "Stonewall brigade," was rankling in the bosom of every man.
About this time, Gen. Dole and Staff undertook a raid through our camp. They were greeted on all sides with showers of ball, during which two of the party lost their hats. They claimed that it was as successful as Kilpatrick's. Gen. Walker now rode out and formed the brigade, determining to fight to the last, but such was the enthusiasm of our boys, when led by our gallant Brigadier, that we broke their line the first charge, and drove them through their camp in complete rout. After giving three cheers for Gen. Walker and the "Stonewall Brigade," we returned to camp entirely satisfied with our day's work.
I write this account of our snowball battle hoping it may entertain some of our friends, and also to correct some of the rumors which reach our homes that we are all depressed and in low spirits about our affairs. I assure you these are all false. Our boys are all in fine spirits and look forward to the coming campaign with anything but feelings of despondency, and hope, ere the beginning of another year, with the blessing of the God of battles, to free Virginia's soil from the presence of our unscrupulous and blood-thirsty foe.
PRIVATE.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 4
What a sacred name, what a responsible office! she must be the unspotted sanctuary to which wearied men flee from the crimes of the world, and feel that no sin dare enter there. A wife! she must be as pure as spirits around the everlasting throne, that man may kneel to her in adoration, even in adoration without abasement. A wife! she must be the guardian angel of his footsteps on earth, and guide them to Heaven; so firm in virtue that should he for a moment waver, she can yield him support and place him upon its firm foundation; so happy in conscious innocence that, when from the perplexities of the whole world, he turns to his home, he may never find a frown where he sought a smile. Such, my son, thou seekest in a wife; and reflect well ere thou choosest. Open not thy bosom to the trifler; repose not the head on the breast which nurseth envy, and folly and vanity. Hope not for obedience where the passions are untamed, and expect not honor from her, that honoreth not the god that made her.