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Valley Spirit, February , 1864Go To Page : |
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Description of Page: Miscellaneous war and Congressional news |
A Republican Panegyric on the Confederate Constitution
(Column 1)Summary: The writer observes a recent article in the Times wherein that paper examined the Confederate Constitution and found several aspects of it admirable--specifically, those strengthening executive power, and those providing for a longer term for the president. As the Times is a Republican paper, the writer assumes that it is part of an effort to convince the public that an election during the war would be dangerous. This is yet another sign that Republicans hope to extend Lincoln's term by extraconstitutional means.
Excerpt: "But from a free, fair and honest election, conducted without corruption and without terror, the country has nothing to fear and everything to hope."
Origin of Article: World
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Description of Page: Poetry, fiction, and anecdotes |
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Description of Page: Agricultural advice and four columns of classified advertisements |
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Description of Page: Includes miscellaneous news and opinion. |
Are Negroes Descendants of Ham?
(Column 1)Summary: A three-column reply to a letter written several weeks previously, by correspondent "C," who argued against assertions in the Spirit and Times that black people were the descendants of Ham and under the curse of Canaan. The editors first question the writer's attempt to historicize the interpretation of the biblical stories, and then move on to attempt to prove the connection between the biblical stories and contemporary black people.
Excerpt: "Yet it shall be our purpose to show that this curse was pronounced upon all the descendants of Ham, that the descendants of Ham did people the continent of Africa, and that in them, and in no other people on the earth, this curse has been and is being fulfilled even down to the present day."
Full Text of Article:A correspondent, over the signature of "C," in our issue of week before last, accuses us of falling into the "groundless and vulgar error" of supposing the Afrcan race to be descendants of Canaan or Ham, and consequently included in the prophecy of Noah, when he "awoke from his wine." The argument by which he attempts to refute this "vulgar error" deserves credit for its ingenuity, but beyond its ingenuity has little else to recommend it. The very basis upon which it rests is fallacious. The writer asserts that, "No true solution (of the question) can be attained without a careful consideration of the relations of enmity existing between the people of Israel and the Canaanites when this Scripture was written." What bearing the state of affairs existing at the time "this Scripture was written" can have upon the interpretation of the prophecy, we are unable to see. Moses merely recorded the prophecy, which was uttered by Noah long ages before the inspired writer was born. Moses is simply writing history--simply recording what was said and done almost a thousand years before--and must we not look for the true solution of the prophecy in the state of affairs existing, not in the times in which the historian lived, but in the time when the facts transpired and the prophecies were uttered which that historian records? Let us illustrate our meaning by an example from profane history. We find it recorded in a recently published volume of American history that the Father of his Country, in his farewell address, warned his fellow-citizens against the evil of sectionalism, which he predicted would sever the Union. We cannot speak of the prediction as being made under the facts and influences which existed when it was recorded by the historian--the States discordant and belligerent--the land drenched in fraternal blood. No, it stands sublimely by itself, in the mighty past, as the almost prophetic utterance of the purest patriot and greatest statesman of the age and nation. So does the prophecy of Noah; and it matters nothing what influences may have operated upon the mind of the inspired writer when he recorded it. The inimical relations between Canaan and Israel, in the time of Moses, have much less to do with the interpretation of this passage, than those same relations in the time of Joshua, when the Gibeonites, the descendants of Canaan, were made hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation of Israel, and thus this prophecy, to a limited extent, was fulfilled in their enslavement. To approach a true solution of the prophecy on this basis, we must take our stand with Noah and not with Moses--with Noah as he stands in his hoary-headed majesty as the father of postdiluvian man, and looks down through the vista of coming centuries, tracing the development of the races sprung from his loins, through all the ceaseless changes of the world's history.
In another respect the groundwork of "C"s argument is fallacious. He tells us, "No interpretation (of this passage) can be admitted by reflecting men, which makes the curse upon Canaan to be the immediate consequence of the conduct of Ham." While we admit that the curse is not the immediate consequence of the conduct of Ham, yet we contend that "C" entirely loses sight of the true connection between the narrative and the prophecy itself. He regards the events detailed as merely the occasion on which the prophecy was uttered. We maintain that there is a typical relation between the narrative and the prophecy, which renders it necessary that they should correspond with each other. We can illustrate our meaning by reference to a similar case in the Scriptures, where King Joash smites the ground with his arrows, at the bidding of the Prophet Elisha [2 Kings 13; 15-19]. As many times as he should thus smite the ground, so many times was he to overcome the Syrians. He smote it but thrice, "and the man of God was wroth with him and said thou shouldst have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it." No one would pretend that the future defeats of the Syrians were smitten out thrice, because the king smote but thrice. So in the case under consideration. The narrative and the prophecy are so closely related as to be mutually dependant [sic] upon each other. The facts recorded previously just suit the prophecy; and had the prophecy been of a different character, we are compelled to believe that Providence would have provided a different state of facts. That this is the true theory of interpretation is evident because Moses relates the facts as the introduction to the prophecy; because the three sons of Noah who appear in the narrative appear again in the prophecy--two of them in proper person and the third in the person of his son Canaan, a change which Moses leads us to expect by previously announcing that Ham was "the father of Canaan" who is mentioned in the prophecy; and lastly because those who behaved righteously, as recorded in the narrative, were blessed in the prophecy, and those whose sins are recorded in the narrative are cursed in the prophecy. Surely, then, though the curse of Canaan is not the immediate consequence of the conduct of Ham, yet there is an inseparable connection between the narrative and the prophecy, which compels us to take them together, if we would arrive at a correct understanding of the whole passage. But this is just what our correspondent don't [sic] wish to do, because it will not serve his purpose. He must isolate Canaan from all his surroundings, and argue as if the preceding verses were blotted from the Bible; though in doing so he violates every known rule of interpretation in Law, Science or Scripture.
From these false premises "C" builds his argument. We might be content to stop here, for when the foundation gives away the whole superstructure must tumble. Yet it shall be our purpose to show that this curse was pronounced upon all the descendants of Ham, that the descendants of Ham did people the continent of Africa, and that in them, and in no other people on the earth, this curse has been and is being fulfilled even down to the present day.
The inspired writer evidently designs to explain the occurrence of the name of Canaan, by previously stating that Ham was "the father of Canaan," thus showing that he regarded the latter as the representative of his father. A number of the most able commentators, amongst them Hengstenberg, hold that Canaan was the eldest son of Ham, though mentioned last in the list of sons, for the sake of convenience; just as Japheth, the eldest son of Noah is always mentioned last, though at Noah's death he became the head of the whole family, and is called Japheth "the elder." So here, Canaan, the eldest son, is the representative of his father. This same view is suggested by the words of the prophecy, "cursed be Canaan, a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren." Canaan's brethren were Mizraim, Cush, and Phut, and it is clearly established by history that neither he nor his descendants became the servants of his brethren; while it is just as clearly established that the descendants of Ham, including Canaan, did become subject to the descendants of his brethren Shem and Japheth. The prophecy, moreover, says, of both Shem and Japheth, "Canaan shall be his servant." Both passages taken togehter would read, "cursed by Canaan, a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren Shem and Japheth." But Canaan is not the brother of Sham and Japheth, and can only be considered so when standing in the place of his father. He must therefore represent his father in this prophetic view of the future history of the three great families of the human race, and through him the curse must have passed from all the descendants of Ham. There is extant an Arabic version of the Scriptures, which renders this passage "Cursed be Ham the father of Canaan." Bishop Newton, in his work on the Prophecies, says "If we regard the metre, this line 'cursed by Canaan' (the ancient Hebrew being written in metre) is much shorter than the rest, as if something was deficient. May we not suppose therefore that the copyist wrote by mistake only Canaan, instaed of Ham the father of Canaan?" There are other arguments to prove that the curse was pronounced upon all the descendants of Ham, but our space will not admit of them.
Having thus shown that the curse had reference to all the descendants of Ham, we now proceed to prove that the Africans were the descendants of Ham, we now proceed to prove that the Africans were the descendants of Ham, and that the curse applies to them. The very name of Ham signifies "the blackish one" and it is used in the Scriptures, a number of times, as synonymous with Ethiopia. The descendants of Cush, the first mentioned son of Ham, emigrated to Assyria and Arabia, and founded a kingdom in Meroe, now called Abyssinia. The Rev. Dr. Alexander says the kingdom of Cush, ****
Military Damages
(Column 4)Summary: The editors note the supplement to the act passed last session in the state legislature to provide compensation for damages incurred during the Confederate raid in 1862. The addition, proposed by Mr. Sharpe, would include all incursions of the enemy into the state, and would also cover damages sustained from the occupation by state militia forces. Those who suffered losses due to occupation of their land or supplying troops will be given certificates of indebtedness bearing four percent interest, redeemable in twenty years or sooner at the option of the state; those who lost horses or other property taken by the Confederates will receive certificates of redemption that will be funded by a special tax of one-fourth mil on the dollar. The editors urge representatives from counties not invaded to consider the bill favorably.
[No Title]
(Column 5)Summary: The Republicans, note the writer, have begun to act under the assumption that the Confederates have no rights under the Constitution. Now, it would be impertinent for Confederates to try to claim Constitutional rights, as they reject the Constitution in other ways, but for Republicans to deny the Confederates the privileges of the Constitution implies that they release them from its obligations as well. The editors compare it to a Christian claiming that an infidel cannot claim treatment as a Christian since he does not live by those laws, but it does not mean that they would not treat this infidel without Christian obligation.
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Description of Page: Page includes a brief summary of war news, and two columns of advertisements. |
The Veterans and Local Bounties
(Column 1)Summary: The Provost Marshal General, in reply to an inquiry from the Provost Marshal in Pittsburgh, writes that unless veterans who enlist in the field specifically credit their re-enlistment to the quota of a county or township, they will not receive a bounty for re-enlistment. The editors find this unfair, as they see no reason that veterans should be denied the "liberal local bounties" being offered, and they believe the effect of the opinion will be to discourage veterans from re-enlisting.
Origin of Article: Patriot and Union
A Good Chance
(Column 1)Summary: B. C. Dawney has associated himself with Captain Orem in raising a company for the 22nd Pennsylvania Cavalry. Orem has been in the service for two years, and is known as an experienced and courageous officer. Dawney goes in the capacity of Second Lieutenant. He was a member of the 126th Regiment, and since then he has been associated with the Provost Marshal's office of this place. The editors praise his military reputation and believe his connection with the Provost Marshal's office will put new recruits at a great advantage.
(Names in announcement: B. C.Dawney, Capt.Orem)
Relief for Prisoners
(Column 1)Summary: Some citizens are under the mistaken impression that, since the escape of federal officers from Libby Prison, no packages can be sent to prisoners there. Dr. Reid informs the editors that the express agent at Fortress Monroe says that articles of food and clothing, from private parties, are still being forwarded and received as usual.
(Names in announcement: Dr.Reid)
Alarm of Fire
(Column 1)Summary: The chimney of the Poor House caught on fire last Wednesday, setting the roof on fire. It was quickly extinguished, though, and the damage was minimal.
2d Regiment Penna. Artillery
(Column 2)Summary: Lieut. B. F. Winger writes to deny the charges against Col. A. A. Gilson, who was accused of refusing to fly a Pennsylvania flag with the colors of the mostly Pennsylvania regiment. The state flag, says Winger, has been flying the entire time he has been with the regiment. Winger blames the accusations on intrigue among the officers. He goes on to write that he hopes they will be moved from garrison duty soon.
(Names in announcement: 1st Lieut.B. F.Winger)
[No Title]
(Column 2)Summary: Rev. C. H. Forney will preach the following series of sermons in the Bethel, on the corner of Queen and Water Street, on Sunday, commencing on February 28. The titles are: "The duty and manner of hearing the word;" "The Church of God--Her form and faith;" "Ordinances, nature and character of;" "Baptism, Action of;" "Baptism, subjects of;" " Feetwashing, an ordinance;" "Lord's Supper, Nature, etc."
(Names in announcement: Rev.C. H.Forney)
Cavalry Camp
(Column 2)Summary: A cavalry camp has been established four miles west of Chambersburg on the Pittsburgh turnpike, where new cavalry recruits will be sent for drill. At present, the 20th and 21st regiments are in camp, the former having arrived from Harrisburg and the latter having been recruited principally in Franklin County. General Stahle is to take command of the camp.
Excerpt: "A cavalry camp has been established about four miles west of this place . . . "
Full Text of Article:A cavalry camp has been established about four miles west of this place, on the Pittsburgh turnpike, where all new cavalry recruits are to be sent for drill and the men put in proper condition to take the field. There are at present in camp, the 20th and 21st regiments, the latter being recruited mainly from this county; the former having arrived from Harrisburg on the 22d inst. We understand that General Stahieds to take command of the camp.
Rev. P. S. Davis
(Column 2)Summary: Rev. P. S. Davis of Norristown will preach in the German Reformed Church of Chambersburg next Sunday morning and evening.
Mr. Warner's Lecture
(Column 3)Summary: The Rev. J. R. Warner, of Gettysburg, gave a lecture last Thursday on the battle of Gettysburg and drew a full house to the Methodist Church. It was a graphic description of the battle, and Warner was frequently interrupted with applause. The lecture produced about $75 for the Ladies' Aid Society.
Counterfeit
(Column 3)Summary: A counterfeit $20 bill on the Bank of Gettysburg has just been issued. The bill is of very good quality, the only distinguishing mark being that the fake is signed by W. G. McPherson and R. Smith, while the genuine are signed by G. Swope and T. D. Carson.
Provost Marshal General
(Column 3)Summary: The Provost Marshal General has decided that officers do not count against a state's quota and cannot be offered a bounty. Officers technically do not enlist, but instead accept a commission. Bounties are considered a gratuity for enlisting, not for taking a commission.
Condemned Horses at Auction
(Column 3)Summary: Three-hundred horses condemned as unfit for service in the U.S. cavalry will be sold at auction in Harrisburg on February 26. They will be sold singly. They are recommended for farm or road work.
New Counterfeit
(Column 3)Summary: Readers are alerted to counterfeit $2 notes on the Bank of Stroudsburg (Pennsylvania). The vignette is of a locomotive and cars. They first appeared on Wednesday.
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Cyrus McGowan married Maggie E. Meredith of Peters Township at the house of John Miller, Esq., in Mt. Parnell, on the evening of February 11.
(Names in announcement: Rev.R. P.Thomas, JohnMillerEsq., CyrusMcGowan, Maggie E.Meredith)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Thomas Lindsey and Rebecca Killinger, both of Greenvillage, were married on February 18.
(Names in announcement: Rev.WeslyHowe, ThomasLindsey, RebeccaKillinger)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: George Stouteagle and Elizabeth Dansberger, both of Chambersburg, were married on February 11.
(Names in announcement: Rev.J.Dickson, GeorgeStouteagle, Elizabeth M.Dansberger)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Thomas Comfort of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, married Luaretta Mudd of Chambersburg on February 11.
(Names in announcement: Rev.J.Dickson, ThomasComfort, LuarettaMudd)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Sgt. John J. White, Co. B, 22nd Reg't Penn. Cavalry, of Bedford County, married Charlotte Baughman of Franklin County on January 28.
(Names in announcement: Rev.B. S.Schneck, Sgt.John J.White, CharlotteBaughman)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Reuben M. Palmer and Anna E. Withers, both of Franklin County, were married on February 11.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr.B. S.Schneck, Reuben M.Palmer, Anna E.Withers)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Elijah S. Embich of Middletown, Dauphin County, married Mrs. Dorothy A. Kupfender of Chambersburg on February 16.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr.B. S.Schneck, Elijah S.Embich, Mrs.Dorothy A.Kupfender)
Married
(Column 5)Summary: Henry Cayhoe of Wayne County, Ohio, married Amanda Susan Hoves, of the vicinity of Waynesboro, on February 11.
(Names in announcement: Rev.W. E.Krebs, HenryCayhoe, Amanda SusanHoves)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Martha Ellen Tritle, youngest daughter of John C. and Nancy Tritle, died on February 5 in Guilford Township, aged 1 year, 2 months and 14 days.
(Names in announcement: Martha EllenTritle, John C.Tritle, NancyTritle)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: David Zimmerman, Sr., until recently a citizen of Orrstown, died at the residence of his son-in-law, David Wingert, in Shippensburg, aged 82 years [no date of death given].
(Names in announcement: DavidZimmermanSr., JohnWingert)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mary A. Ludwig, daughter of John and Martha M. Ludwig, died on February 17, aged 1 year, 6 months and 26 days.
(Names in announcement: Mary A.Ludwig, JohnLudwig, Martha M.Ludwig)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Elizabeth Falkenstein, wife of George Falkenstein, died on February 18, aged 42 years and 27 days.
(Names in announcement: ElizabethFalkenstein, GeorgeFalkenstein)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mrs. Elizabeth McClintic, formerly of Chambersburg, died on February 19 at the home of her son-in-law, L. G. Graff, in Philadelphia, aged 73 years.
(Names in announcement: L. G.Graff, Mrs.ElizabethMcClintic)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: James Morton Gamble died on January 27 near Dry Run, aged 36 years, 10 months and 25 days.
(Names in announcement: James MortonGamble)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Emanuel Unger died on February 15, near Welsh Run, aged 63 years, 2 months and 17 days.
(Names in announcement: EmanuelUnger)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mrs. Sarah Rebecca Ervin died on February 9 in Waynesboro, aged 41 years, 11 months and 18 days.
(Names in announcement: Mrs.Sarah RebeccaErvin)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mrs. Sophia Tracey died on February 13 near Monterey, aged 48 years, 7 months and 21 days.
(Names in announcement: Mrs.SophiaTracey)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mrs. Sidney M. Vanlear, wife of Matthew Vanlear, died on February 7 near Mercersburg.
(Names in announcement: Mrs.Sidney M.Vanlear, MatthewVanlear)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mrs. Margaret Cooper died on February 18 in Mercersburg, aged 76 years.
(Names in announcement: Mrs.MargaretCooper)
Died
(Column 5)Summary: Mrs. John J. Chambers died on February 12 in Mercersburg, aged 40 years.
(Names in announcement: Mrs.John J.Chambers)
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Description of Page: Classified advertisements |
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Description of Page: Classified advertisements |
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Description of Page: Classified advertisements |