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Staunton Spectator, February 16, 1864

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-Page 01-

Description of Page: Classified ads, columns 1-4; reports on skirmishing in North Carolina and Tennessee, column 7

Confederate States Congress
(Column 4)

Summary: Summarizes recent proceedings of the Confederate Congress, including bills regarding Confederate officials' salaries and claims made against the government.

The Legislature
(Column 5)

Summary: Reports on the recent proceedings of the Virginia legislature, including the consideration of a bill to aid soldiers' families or any civilians under enemy occupation.

Gen. S. Cooper, A. and I. Genl:
(Column 5)

Summary: Prints report from General Lee about the successful defense of Morton's Ford against Yankee invasion. Notes that the enemy lost seventeen men, while Lee's forces lost only four men.

Trailer: R. E. Lee

A Declaration for Peace
(Column 6)

Summary: Prints speech given by a member of the U.S. Congress that condemns the continuation of the war.

Excerpt: "This war must cease. It was commenced without cause and has been prosecuted without glory, and will end in national impoverishment, disintegration and ruin. Those who favored the war favored disunion."

More Reenlistment for the War
(Column 6)

Summary: Enthusiastically notes that eight more Confederate regiments have reenlisted in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Denouncing the War
(Column 6)

Summary: Reports that General George W. Morgan has resigned from the U.S. army and is now making speeches condemning the war. Notes that Morgan became disillusioned when he learned that the war was about nothing more than depriving Southern planters of their slaves.

Two Cavalrymen Murdered by Negro Soldiers
(Column 6)

Summary: Reports that the four black Yankee servicemen recently captured by Confederate troops overpowered two Confederates and killed them.

Marrying a Negro in Vicksburg
(Column 6)

Summary: Expresses disgust with a Northern female teacher who recently married a black man in Vicksburg.

Excerpt: "The doctrine of negro equality, so liberally advocated by the Northern Abolitionists, is bearing its legitimate fruits in practice, and negro worshippers have now the grim satisfaction of knowing that their labors have not been in vain."

Recruiting in the Yankee Army
(Column 7)

Summary: Suggests that Lincoln's new draft is an indication that efforts at voluntary recruiting have been exhausted in the North.

Liability of the Confederate States for Slaves Lost
(Column 7)

Summary: Notes that Virginia recently passed a resolution acknowledging that the Confederacy is liable for slaveholders' losses following the impressment of slaves.

-Page 02-

Page Image

Description of Page: Report on enemy forces in Williamsburg, column 2; classified ads, columns 6-7

A Soldier Killed
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports on the killing in Staunton of a soldier from the 18th Virginia Cavalry by another soldier of the same unit. Notes that liquor was probably to blame.

Outrages of the Swamp Dragons
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports on the murderous raid through Highland County undertaken by the traitors and deserters who comprise the Swamp Dragons.

Two Bills Approved
(Column 1)

Summary: Notes that the President recently approved two bills that would restrict foreign commerce.

Tableau
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces that a tableaux will be given at Union Hall on Thursday. Tickets may be purchased at the stores of G. A. Armentrout and P. N. Powell, and proceeds will be given to the M. E. Church to help liquidate its debt.
(Names in announcement: G. A.Armentrout, P. N.Powell)

Package Wanted
(Column 1)

Summary: Asks that the person who has the package of clothing and dental instruments left by H. W. Chambers for his family please deliver it.
(Names in announcement: Mr.H. W.Chambers)

Impressment of Meat
(Column 2)

Summary: Explains the terms of recent legislation authorizing the impressment of meat. Assures readers that they will be allowed to keep half the quantity they usually have to support themselves.

Escape of Federal Prisoners
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that 109 federal prisoners escaped from Libby Prison in Richmond last week, 43 of whom have since been recaptured.

The Army and the Speculators
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that General Imboden has announced that his troops cannot survive without impressment.

Excerpt: "He says that at the time of his order referred to, his men, who had not rested for ten days since April, 1863, were in an almost starving condition; and that this was the heartless infliction of speculators."

Origin of Article: Examiner

Plot to Assassinate the President
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports on the investigation into a plot by disloyal Southerners to kill President Davis. Notes that the apparent ringleader has already been arrested.

Origin of Article: Examiner

The President's Address
(Column 3)

Summary: Takes note of a recent address by President Davis that praises soldiers for their bravery.

Excerpt: "It is the public official acknowledgment of the invaluable services rendered by the reinlisting soldiers to the country. It speaks not only for the President, but it is the expression of every citizen. It is the voice of the nation returning thanks to its brave defenders--the grateful homage of a whole people to their protectors."

Origin of Article: Enquirer

The Wool Interest of Virginia
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that a new bill in Congress would prohibit the sale of sheep for meat.

The Military Bill in the House of Representatives
(Column 4)

Summary: Summarizes contents of the most recent military bill passed by the Confederate House of Representatives. Notes that the rules regarding exemptions have been tightened.

Independence
(Column 4)

Summary: Offers suggestions as to what sort of nation the South should build once it gains independence.

Excerpt: "We should not import the degraded manufacturing labor of Europe, but raise up artisans among our own people, manufacture our own clothing, furniture, and agricultural implements, build our own ships, and man them with our own seamen."

Address of the President to the Army
(Column 5)

Summary: Prints transcript of the President's recent upbeat speech to the soldiers of the Confederacy.

Excerpt: "Already the pulse of the whole people beats in unison with yours. Already they compare your spontaneous and unanimous offer of your lives, for the defence [sic] of your country, with the halting and reluctant service of the mercenaries who are purchased by the enemy at the price of higher bounties than have hitherto been known in war."

For the Spectator
(Column 5)

Summary: Praises Samuel Paul, a former member of the 52nd Virginia Regiment who lost a leg in battle, for his bravery, and urges him to declare his candidacy for sheriff.
(Names in announcement: SamuelPaul)

Trailer: Many Friends of Disabled Soldiers

Interesting Service
(Column 5)

Summary: Notes that John H. Taylor, son of Simpson F. Taylor, was recently ordained and will be going to work as a chaplain for the 35th Georgia Regiment.
(Names in announcement: John H.Taylor, Simpson F.Taylor)

For the Spectator
(Column 6)

Summary: Calls for contributions to help the family of Dr. Wright, of Norfolk, which has recently been left widowed and fatherless.

Excerpt: "Among the dark deeds of the enemy, his name will ever recall the darkest of them all; and must awaken in every heart the desire to express such sympathy for those whose lives have been saddened by it, as will at least keep from them the shadow of want."

Trailer: X.

Religious Notice
(Column 6)

Summary: Announces that Rev. J. L. Stirewalt will preach in the Lutheran church in Staunton next Sunday.
(Names in announcement: Rev.J. L.Stirewalt)

Ordination Service
(Column 6)

Summary: Announces that the ordination of John H. Taylor will take place next Tuesday at the Baptist Church. The sermon will be preached by Rev. Dr. Jeter of Richmond.
(Names in announcement: John H.Taylor, Rev. Dr.Jeter)

Married
(Column 6)

Summary: On January 28, Rev. C. Beard married Joel Y. Wheeler and Margaret Patterson.
(Names in announcement: Rev.C.Beard, Joel Y.Wheeler, Margaret A.Patterson)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: Mary Catherine Scott, infant daughter of J. C. and L. Richardson, died of pneumonia on February 3.
(Names in announcement: Mary CatherineScott, J. C.Richardson, L.Richardson)

Died
(Column 6)

Summary: On February 5, William James Kincaid, the 6-year-old son of James N. and Amanda E. Kincaid, died after a two week battle with diphtheria.
(Names in announcement: William JamesKincaid, James N.Kincaid, Amanda E.Kincaid)

Trailer: J. S. G.