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Franklin County : Reconstruction and Military Occupation

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Franklin Repository, May 3, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Victory--Peace!"
In the wake of Gen. Johnston's surrender, the editors proclaim that the war is all but over. Yet, they caution, there is still much work to be done. The federal government faces the enormous task of bringing order to the "chaos that has swept the insurgent States."

Franklin Repository, May 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "The Measure Of Retribution."
With the war coming to a close, the editors contemplate the proper punishment for the rebels.

Franklin Repository, May 31, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Treason."
Having emerged victorious from the conflict with the South, the government should strive to ensure that such treason will never again threaten the nation's foundations, assert the editors. To prevent such a reoccurrence, the editors insist that the leaders of the rebellion should be punished appropriately.

Franklin Repository, June 7, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "The South."
In a relatively short period of time, suggest the editors, the South grew to command considerable political and economic power within the country. Southerners, however, sacrificed all they had gained when they chose to follow the "reckless men," who claimed to represent the section's best interests, into battle with the rest of the country. As a consequence of their poor judgement, "they are struggling with a sort of anarchy from which they can only escape by" relying upon the "friendly interposition of that power they defiled, and which they sought to crush."

Franklin Repository, June 7, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "Summary of War News."
A notice that President Johnson issued a new Amnesty Proclamation on May 29th. While his decree pardons many former rebels, there are several persons exempted from its "benefits."

Franklin Repository, June 7, 1865, p. 2, c. 7: "Valley of the Shenandoah."
The letter reports on the efforts underway in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to revitalize the region now that the war has ended and life is slowly returning to normal.

Valley Spirit, June 28, 1865, p. 1, c. 3: "Secession is Dead."
The article ridicules the idea prevalent among northerners that the spirit of secession is still alive in the South, and repudiates rumors that former rebel leaders intend to reclaim power in the upcoming state elections. "They feel that they have had their day," the Times states, "and that it is neither politic nor decorous for them to lead in the work of reconstruction."

Franklin Repository, June 28, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Shall The Leaders Be Pardoned?"
Although the editors have advocated a "liberal policy" toward the "revolted States" and their leaders, they insist that it would be "positively criminal" for the federal government to restore citizenship to anyone who had a commission in the Army or Navy, or had been a Senator or Congressmen, and subsequently joined the rebellion.

Valley Spirit, July 5, 1865, p. 1, c. 4: "Negro Mutiny."
Reports on a mutiny of black soldiers in the 25th Corps stationed in Hampton Roads, Virginia, on June 12th. The revolt began after the troops were informed they would be sent to Texas, but was quickly put down.

Valley Spirit, July 5, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "Correspondence of the Valley Spirit."
Chronicles the experiences of a Union soldier in Richmond and the Tidewater region.

Valley Spirit, July 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "Huge Standing Army To Be Kept."
Speculation in Washington indicates that a huge standing army will be maintained in the wake of the war. It is envisioned that the cost to maintain the troops will not be less than $175 million annually, a sum that is sure to dismay and anger citizens already burdened by high taxes.

Valley Spirit, July 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "Correspondence of the Valley Spirit."
Contains the latest installment in a series of communications from a Franklin county soldier who, having set sail from Richmond, is currently on his way to Texas. Includes musings about the people and places he has encountered during the voyage.

Franklin Repository, July 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Avenging Justice."
Noting that judgement has been passed for those individuals guilty of conspiring to kill Lincoln, the editors pronounce "the verdict and its fearless execution will stand approved wherever justice is revered." Yet, they proclaim, all will not be right until Jeff Davis has suffered the consequences of his actions.

Valley Spirit, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Military Commissioners."
Criticizes the rule of military commissioners as unconstitutional. To support its argument, the article defines and delineates the functions of the different branches of the government, as prescribed by the Constitution.

Valley Spirit, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
Praises southerners for accepting the results of the war and lauds their behavior both during and after the conflict. The article stresses the need for national reconciliation.

Valley Spirit, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "In A Hurry."
The article chastises the Cincinnati Gazette for its condemnation of the South. The Gazette argues that southerners have "failed to give evidence of fitness for the resumption of civil rights," a claim disputed by the Journal of Commerce, which contends that it is too early to condemn an entire "race of people."

Valley Spirit, August 16, 1865, p. 1, c. 4: "Reconstruction of Southern Industry."
Since the end of the war, the Spirit avers, southerners have been far too busy trying to get their lives together to worry about politics. To help speed the process, the article urges the federal government to take a hands-off approach. With slavery finished, the introduction of the new labor regime has fueled the break up of the large plantations that had dominated the antebellum landscape. These smaller units, the piece assures readers, will provide large numbers of landless whites and yeomen with a chance to improve their station, and will lead to a more varied distribution of wealth. Rather than interfere, the North should let the experiment continue.

Valley Spirit, August 16, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "Effect of Negro Suffrage in the South."
Using the Census of 1860 as its guide, the article determines that in twelve of the slave states there are 254 counties, out of a possible 886, in which there is "an excess" of blacks. Additionally, the former slaves make up the majority of the overall population in Louisiana, South Carolina, and Mississippi. If black suffrage is legislated, the piece warns, the make-up of the congressional delegations from the South will change tremendously, and not for the best.

Valley Spirit, August 23, 1865, p. 2, c. 5: "From the Army."
The newest installment from a Pennsylvania soldier currently serving in Texas with a black regiment. Thus far, the soldier has reported on his encounters while traveling overland through Virginia and via steamship to his current locale.

Franklin Repository, August 23, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Progress of Reconstruction."
Despite taking the oath of allegiance and promising "to be obedient to the constitution and [its] laws," whites throughout the South are manipulating the political process to elect "blood stained, defiant rebels" into office. To support this allegation, the editors point to the political tumult in Virginia where the "re-constructed" municipal governments of Norfolk and Richmond have made life "uninhabitable" for Union men.

Valley Spirit, August 30, 1865, p. 1, c. 5: "'Military Justice' Again."
Impugns the continued existence of the military tribunal system during peace-time as an unnecessary intrusion of the federal government.

Valley Spirit, August 30, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "National Teacher's Association."
Dismisses the position endorsed by some delegates at the National Teacher's convention that there can be "no successful or permanent reconstruction of the Union" that does not "include the extension of a system of popular education throughout the Southern States, and a thorough education of the negro masses."

Valley Spirit, September 6, 1865, p. 1, c. 7: "Southern View."
The article disputes a variety of claims made by Gen. Kilpatrick in a letter reportedly circulating in North Carolina. Dispatches from the state contend that the contents of the general's communication indicate his apprehension about the future of reconstruction in the South, which he feels should be put off for another four years because of the continued dominance of the region's antebellum leadership.

Valley Spirit, September 13, 1865, p. 1, c. 2: "the Memorial of the Mississippi Ladies in Behalf of Mr. Davis."
Details the particulars of a petition signed by a group of over 400 ladies, from Holly Springs, Mississippi, in support of Jefferson Davis. The women requested that President Johnson grant the former Confederate leader clemency since, they maintain, he was only an elected "representative" of the South, chosen by the people to lead -- rather than being the instigator of the rebellion.

Valley Spirit, September 13, 1865, p. 1, c. 3
Asks if it is fair that Jefferson Davis will be hanged while northern Radicals, such as Wendell Phillips, Garrison, and Sumner, escape punishment for their part in provoking the sectional crisis that led to the war.

Valley Spirit, September 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "Thoughts for Pennsylvanians."
Labels stories of Southern intransigence and reports of violence committed against blacks as evidence of Radicals' propaganda, which is designed to inflame northern sensibilities. To speed reconciliation, a necessity for Pennsylvania since it is reliant on access to wide markets for its continued prosperity, the article asserts that Johnson's prescription for reunification must be adhered to.

Franklin Repository, October 11, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
The piece relates that a scheme to supply southern planters with white laborers "has been devised by men in the East," led by Gov. Andrew of Massachusetts. The goal of the plan is to promote the emigration of "a population having Northern energy and ideas," which will thus "'reconstruct' the Southern States socially as well as politically."

Valley Spirit, October 18, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "Exit the Colored Troops."
Under orders from President Johnson, Gen. Grant announced that all remaining black troops will be mustered out of the federal army. With the removal of the black soldiers, 75,000 white troops will remain in the service. Johnson hopes to reduce the number to 50,000 as soon as possible.

Valley Spirit, October 25, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Progress of Pacification."
Lauds the pace of reform in the South, proclaiming the President's reunification policy a success.

Valley Spirit, November 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Mr. Johnson's Conversation with Mr. Stearns."
Contains a synopsis of President Johnson's conversation with Massachusetts abolitionist George Stearns, during which Johnson reiterated his plans for the re-admission of the southern states.

Franklin Repository, November 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "The Trial Of Jefferson Davis."
In the strongest terms possible, the editors demand that Jefferson Davis face justice, before a military commission, for his role in the late conflict between the states.

Franklin Repository, December 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "From One Learn All."
Southerners, say the editors, have been "emboldened" by the "kindness" showered upon them since the end of the war. As a result, they have assumed a more arrogant air when dealing with the government. They have made a mockery of the lenient terms offered by the President for re-admission and have undertaken a course of action that "is insulting to the moral sense of the country."

Valley Spirit, January 17, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Spirit of the South."
Declares that the South is fully prepared to take its place among the other states of the Union and derides all claims to the contrary. All negative portrayals, the article insists, are the product of the Radicals' effort to keep the country divided. Without conflict, the piece continues, the Republican Party would surely perish.

Valley Spirit, February 14, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "The Freedmen's Bureau."
After detailing the particulars of a proposed bill to enlarge the Freedmen's Bureau, the article criticizes the plan because "it's only effect would be to maintain an army of greedy office-holders, and a million or more ... lazy negroes in idleness." Additionally, charges the author of the piece, the legislation would "paralyze the industry of the South" and "retard the sorely needed development of its resources."

Valley Spirit, February 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 6: "The Freedmen's Bureau."
Provides an extract from Congressman Saulsbury, of Delaware, during the debate over the extension of the Freedmen's Bureau's power. In his speech, Saulsbury challenged the judiciousness of spending large sums of money to aid the former bondsmen, who he claimed were "too lazy and too worthless to support themselves," a position endorsed by the Spirit.

Valley Spirit, June 3, 1866, p. 1, c. 7: "An Appeal to the Magnamity of the North."
Invoking the country's first hundred years of "toil and glory in common cause," the article appeals to northerners to overlook the past four years of rebellion and reconcile with their southern brothers.

Valley Spirit, June 3, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Let the Laboring White Men Read."
Across the country, asserts the article, laboring white men are finding themselves in dire financial straits. In spite of their hard-work, they are unable to improve their situation financially thus making simple dreams, such as owning their own home, impossible. Yet, the piece remarks, the Freedmen's Bureau will provide the ex-slaves with $11 million worth of "comforts," supplied largely by tax money paid by white workers.

Valley Spirit, June 13, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "Correspondence of the Valley Spirit."
Contains a letter from a former resident of the Keystone State, now living in West Virginia, who writes to publicize some of the annoyances encountered by those below the Mason Dixon line but unknown to northerners, namely the registry law which, he says, has disfranchised many of the staunchest supporters of the Union.

Franklin Repository, June 13, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "Jefferson Davis."
Despite the recent flurry of activity related to the Jefferson Davis trial, the article contends that it is little more than a sham because the President has "resolved and pledged the traitors of the South that Davis shall not be punished."

Valley Spirit, July 4, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "Slow Justice."
Reports on the failed efforts of Senator Poland to indemnify loyal residents of the South who furnished supplies to the Union armies during the war.

Franklin Repository, July 18, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "Loyalists in Council--A Call for a Convention of the Unionists of the South A Country's Destiny not to be left in the hands of those who, with Might and Main, Sought to Destroy it."
A copy of a resolution signed by "loyal" white southerners calling for delegates from southern states to attend a conference in Philadelphia on the first Monday of September. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ways to end the continued dominance of the South by the region's "atrocious" antebellum leadership.

Franklin Repository, October 10, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "From New Orleans. An Important Statement. Rebel Secret Societies. The Rebellion To Be Renewed."
It is reported that "important disclosures" will soon be made regarding the spread of secret societies, which now "permeate the entire South." There are "branch circles" of the organizations in the West and even in New York, where membership "is said to number 50,000." Each group is "well-armed with the most improved weapons" and is "ready at a moments notice, should a favorable opportunity arise, to renew the struggle for the lost cause."

Valley Spirit, October 24, 1866, p. 1, c. 3: "The Proposed Contitutional Amendment--A Letter From Governor Sharkey."
With their representatives barred from participating in the debates over the proposed amendment, the public in Mississippi has been denied an opportunity to hear where their officials stand on the issue. In an effort to remedy the situation, Governor Sharkey has issued an open letter in which he voices his many concerns with the amendment and challenges the legitimacy of the proposed vote.

Valley Spirit, November 7, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Investments in the South."
Employing an article taken from the New Orleans Crescent to substantiate his opinion, the editor argues that the South is in need of a massive infusion of capital to help it become productive once again. He claims, however, that businessmen are reluctant to invest there because of statements "made in the Radical papers, that no security can be given for capital in the Southern States," considering the present state of affairs in that section.

Valley Spirit, November 14, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "What is Loyalty?"
During the past few turbulent years, notes the editor, the Republicans' definition of "loyalty" has morphed and evolved largely as a result of their political standing. While Lincoln was alive, Republicans branded anyone critical of the president's policies a traitor; they abandoned this position, however, following Johnson's ascendance to the presidency.

Valley Spirit, November 14, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "The Cotton Crop of the United States."
Facing increased competition on the world cotton market, the South must reorganize its labor system and refocus its productive efforts to succeed.

Valley Spirit, November 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "A Glimpse Behind the Mask."
Contains an extract of a letter reportedly written by a black Baptist minister from South Carolina that characterizes northerners who have come to the South to "enlighten" the freedmen as selfish individuals bent on exploiting blacks for personal gain.

Valley Spirit, December 12, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--Education of the South."
On Dec. 9th, Capt. George W. Curry, a representative of the Freedmen's Bureau, delivered an address in Chambersburg in which he spoke on the importance of establishing schools in the South. According to the article, Curry sought to garner the crowd's support for this endeavor by stressing the fact that the Bureau's plans are "intended to embrace the destitute white population of the South as well as the freedmen."

Franklin Repository, December 12, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "Jefferson Davis."
The editors appeal to the federal government to proceed with its case against Jefferson Davis. Though they acknowledge it would be difficult to bring Davis up on the charge of treason, since most of his fellow Confederates have already been pardoned, they do insist, however, that Davis should stand trial for his role in the horrible mistreatment and wholesale murder of Union soldiers at Andersonville and other Confederate prisoner-of-war camps.

Valley Spirit, December 19, 1866, p. 2, c. 4: "The North Carolina 'Reconstruction Movement.'"
Radicals in North Carolina intend on holding a convention to organize a new state government. The article contends that the plan is disturbing both because it is unconstitutional and because the election of the delegates will be open to all male residents of the state who are twenty-one or older, who can read and write, or own $100 worth of real estate, and, most importantly, can take the loyalty oath.

Franklin Repository, December 26, 1866, p. 2: "What Of Reconstruction?"
The editors characterize the arguments put forth by southern leaders to justify their reluctance to accept the proposed amendments as disingenuous. Though there are no assurances that ratification of the amendments will automatically result in a re-admission, just as the southerners claim, their failure to adopt the terms prescribed by Congress stem from their refusal to accept their defeat more than anything else.

Franklin Repository, January 23, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Life in the South."
The report provides a bleak assessment of life in post-war South Carolina, particularly for union men and blacks who "are at the mercy of a set of wretches, as unprincipled as they are cruel." The war may have brought about the destruction of the Confederacy, relates the piece, but the outcome has had little impact on everyday life; the antebellum elite continues to rule over society and the ex-slaves are virtually powerless to defend themselves from violence perpetrated by whites.

Franklin Repository, January 30, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Life in Virginia."
An "old and ever loyal citizen" of Virginia, formerly of Franklin county, provides a portrait of life in the Old Dominion since the end of the war. The writer of the piece places the blame for the South's desultory condition on President Johnson.

Valley Spirit, February 6, 1867, p. 2. c. 3: "Correspondence."
After assailing the Republicans for their efforts to remove President Johnson, "Oglethorpe" informs readers that many of their friends and neighbors have purchased farms in West Virginia, due in large measure to the reduced price of land in the state.

Franklin Repository, February 13, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Reconstruction."
The editors express their disappointment with the South's continued intransigence regarding reconstruction policies. In spite of the Civil War's outcome, they explain, Southerners appear intent on claiming "an untrammeled voice and vote in the government they have exhausted all their resources to destroy."

Valley Spirit, February 20, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Radical Humanity."
The Spirit editor denounces recent Repository articles warning Northerners to remain suspicious of Southerners.

Valley Spirit, February 27, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Feeling of the Southern People Toward Northern Emigrants."
In sharp contrast to the "falsehoods" circulated by the Radicals, Southerners, says the editor, hold no enmity toward Northerners and eagerly welcome outside investment in the region.

Valley Spirit, March 20, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "The Northern Interest."
Argues that southern whites have been "reduced to political slavery," and surmises that the situation is a result of the northern public's "indifference" to their plight.

Valley Spirit, April 3, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Military Rule."
The article labels General Sheridan's decision to replace several high-ranking state officials in Louisiana as proof of the Radicals' disregard for the "social order."

Franklin Repository, April 3, 1867, p. 1, c. 4: "Confiscation."
The article contains a transcript of the speech delivered by Thad Stevens on March 19th before Congress detailing his reasons for supporting the confiscation of rebel property.

Valley Spirit, May 1, 1867, p. 2, c. 4: "Politics in Tennessee."
The Conservative State Convention of Tennessee met on April 16 in Nashville where delegates nominated Emerson Etheridge for Governor. According to the article, the meeting was plagued by fractious debate over the issue of black suffrage. On one side stood the "old slave holders," who maintained that "the negro should have the right to hold office as a necessary result of emancipation." On the other stood the delegates from the war-time unionist strongholds in East Tennessee who "strongly opposed" any move to grant the freedmen political rights. Ultimately, the Black Belt planters persevered, demonstrating that "the Conservatives are now decidedly ahead of the Radicals on the negro question."

Valley Spirit, May 22, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Release of Jefferson Davis."
In the wake of Jeff Davis's release on bail, the article surmises that this is "the last we shall ever hear" of his trial for treson. The failure to adjudicate the Davis case rests solely on the shoulders of Chief Justice Chase, who did not feel sufficiently "competent" to preside over the proceedings. The treatment of Davis "has been in scandalous violation of all law" and "is a blot on the fair name of the nation which can never be effaced."

Franklin Repository, May 22, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Tragedy And Farce."
In no unclear terms, the editors condemn the decision to release Jeff Davis, which they construe as a signal to southerners who continue to reject the authority of the federal government that "treason is not a crime."

Franklin Repository, May 22, 1867, p. 3, c. 3: "Attack On Judge Kelly."
While on tour of the South, relates the piece, Judge Kelly was attacked by a mob in Mobile, Alabama. The "tumult" started during a speech delivered by the judge when a group of onlookers rushed the stage. Soon after the outbreak of violence, guns shots were fired sending the crowd off in a panic. Scores of people were killed or seriously injured in the mayhem, though Kelly escaped unharmed.

Valley Spirit, May 29, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Greely On The 'League.'"
Contains a copy of Horace Greely's caustic reply to the New York Loyal League, which censored him for his decision to become a bondman for Jefferson Davis. Greely, a member of the organization, contends his actions are in-line with the pronouncements he made at the close of the war when he advocated "magnamity in triumph" and "universal amnesty."

Valley Spirit, May 29, 1867, p. 2, c. 7: "Greeley's Trial."
Contains a synopsis of a special meeting of the Union League Club's Executive Committee, which discussed the appropriate "action the club should take in reference to the conduct" of Horace Greeley, who provided bail for Jefferson Davis.

Franklin Repository, May 29, 1867, p. 2, c. 7: "Letters From Mrs. Jane G. Swisshelm."
In her article, Swisshelm rails against the decision to free Jefferson Davis and questions the logic behind it.

Valley Spirit, June 5, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Correspondence."
"Ogelthorpe" recounts the details of his trip up the Shenandoah Valley "to see how matters stood in that historic region." He asserts that, despite "having been robbed of their domestic help," the people there have adapted to the new order of things.

Franklin Repository, June 5, 1867, p. 3, c. 4: "Mr. Stevens on Confiscation."
In his letter, Stevens spells out his reasons for supporting the confiscation of rebel property, and expresses his belief that northern border counties, like Franklin county, that suffered damages as a result of raids should be compensated from funds derived from the sale of Confederate estates.

Valley Spirit, June 26, 1867, p. 1, c. 5: "Opinion Of The Attorney General As To The Powers Of The Military Commanders In The South."
According to the editors, the U. S. Attorney General disputes the constitutionality of the Reconstruction Act, specifically those provisions that provide the military commanders in the South with the authority to remove "proper officers of the State" or to interfere with the criminal courts.

Valley Spirit, June 26, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "A Trip Through The Valley Of Virginia."
Contains a letter written by a member of the entourage from Chambersburg, detailing the group's experiences during their "tour of observation through the famous Shenandoah Valley." Among the people the group encountered on the way to Staunton, Va., were several former residents of Franklin county, including Maj. E. S. Troxell and David C. Byers.

Valley Spirit, July 3, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "A Trip Through The Valley Of Virginia."
Contains the second half of a detailed summary of the trip through the Shenandoah Valley taken by several prominent citizens of Chambersburg. Included in the piece is a lengthy description of the region's landscape.

Valley Spirit, August 14, 1867, p. 1, c. 7: "Gen. Meem's Property."
Gives an account of the efforts made by landowners in the Shenandoah Valley to restore their farms to their pre-war level of productivity, which, in light of the "scanty and uncertain" labor supply since the end of the war, is a considerable task.

Valley Spirit, October 2, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Results Of Registration."
In the wake of an army report showing that blacks constitute the majority of the registered voters in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, the article rails against the Radicals' efforts to deprive white southerners of their constitutional rights.

Valley Spirit, October 23, 1867, p. 2, c. 4: "Letter From Dixie."
Contains a letter from a former resident of Franklin county, who now resides in Mississippi. Among the topics touched upon in the correspondence are the effects of white disfranshisement and the general state of disrepair among Mississippi's plantations.

Franklin Repository, October 30, 1867, p. 2, c. 1
It is reported that voters in Virginia have come out in favor of a Constitutional Convention, which, when it meets, will "contain a radical majority." "Virginia," the piece notes, "will be restored, not as an oligarchy, but as a model Republican State, based upon pure democratic principles."

Franklin Repository, November 6, 1867, p. 2, c. 8: "Reconstruction of the South."
As a result of the outcome of the late elections in the South, says the article, constitutional conventions will be held across the region and the overwhelming majority of the delegates will be "advocates of the Congressional plan of reconstruction."

Valley Spirit, November 20, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Loyalty And Disloyalty Change Places."
There has been radical transformation in the country since the end of the war, assert the editors. No longer is the South the bastion of treasonous sentiment; rather, the region is home to the country's most patriotic citizens. In contrast, the editors contend, the reverse is true in the North, where "those who trample loyalty beneath their feet" are now honored.

Franklin Repository, November 20, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "A Small Mistake."
Despite their rivals' claims to publish nothing but "the pure unadulterated, wholesome truth," the Repository editors contend that the Valley Spirit either committed a grievous error in its coverage of the recent election in Virginia or lied.

Valley Spirit, December 11, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "What Say You?."
Armed with a report from Gen. Grant, which casts doubt upon the ability of the freedmen to participate intelligently in the political process and predicts that federal troops will have to remain in the South for an indeterminate amount of time to guarantee the freedmen's access to the ballot, the article lampoons the Radicals' effort to implement universal manhood suffrage as a costly and futile exercise.

Franklin Repository, December 18, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "The Southern Convention vs. Mr. Johnson."
In contrast to the impudence articulated by President Johnson and the Democrats, say the editors, it is refreshing to hear what is taking place in the various constitutional convention now meeting in the South. There, they relate, "capable and trustworthy men" are drafting legislation to make the southern states "the freest, purest, happiest, and best form of commonwealths."

Franklin Repository, December 25, 1867, p. 2, c. 2
The article states Jefferson Davis set sail for New Orleans last Friday, and notes that, under the administration of Gen. Hancock, the Commander of the Fifth Military District, he "will be permitted to enjoy" all his "former rights and privileges." The article predicts that the area will soon become home to many of the former rebels who fled to Central and South America in the wake of the Confederacy's defeat.

Franklin Repository, December 25, 1867, p. 2, c. 2
Relates that the Alabama loyalists have drafted a new state constitution that "is perfect in all its framework. It permits no distinction to be made in any of the civil affairs of the State on account of race, color or former condition."