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Valley Spirit, April , 1864 Go To Page :

Defence of Gen. McClellan: Speech of Hon. Reverdy Johnson
(Column 1)

Summary: Prints speech given by Senator Reverdy Johnson of Maryland that denies General McClellan displayed cowardice at the battle of Malvern Hill.

Designs of the South--Intercepted Rebel Correspondence
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports on the contents of dispatches to Jefferson Davis that were found on a rebel attempting to cross Union lines. The dispatches indicate that Davis has appointed a special ambassador to Mexico.

Bobby Lincoln
(Column 2)

Summary: States that Lincoln's son should not be exempted from the draft.

Excerpt: "We should like to see him fighting as a private in the ranks, but, if this is too low a station for his 'vaulting ambition,' let his venerable and venerated 'parent' secure him a commission in some regiment composed of 'American citizens of African descent,' that he may flash his maiden sword upon the field of battle, and by his valor make the name of Lincoln immortal!"

Origin of Article: Sunday Mercury

Politics in the Army
(Column 3)

Summary: Argues that Republican politics were behind the recent removal of certain generals from the Army of the Potomac.

Origin of Article: Washington Correspondence of the World

A Good Joke
(Column 4)

Summary: Dismisses reports in abolitionist newspapers that Generals McClellan and Lee held a confidential meeting after the battle of Antietam. Calls such reports "improbable lies."

Both Sides of the Picture
(Column 4)

Summary: Argues that only the atheist, the blaspheming infidel, or the corrupt office holder would support Lincoln in the next election.

Origin of Article: World

Soldiers' Voting
(Column 5)

Summary: Offers suggestions for soldiers' voting procedures that will cut down on potential fraud.

Democratic State Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: Summarizes proceedings of the Democratic State Convention, including speeches given concerning the restoration of the Union. H. G. Smith is listed as the senatorial delegate representing Franklin, Adams, and Fulton counties, and William Horton and Calvin M. Duncan are both listed as the delegates from Franklin and Fulton counties to the House. William Horton was also appointed to serve as a vice president and to serve on the Committee on Organization, while Calvin M. Duncan was appointed to the Committee on Resolutions.
(Names in announcement: H. G.Smith, WilliamHorton, Calvin M.Duncan)

The Democratic State Convention
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises state Democratic Party members for placing party harmony above personal gain during the last convention. Suggests that such unity will guarantee a victory for the Democrats in the next election.

Excerpt: "The unanimity with which the Convention recommended General McClellan as Pennsylvania's first choice for the Presidency was a fitting tribute to the merits of that brave and accomplished officer and true and tried patriot. . . . The true friends of the Union and constitutional liberty in both sections of the country, South as well as North, are looking up with anxious hearts to the noble hero who twice saved the nation's capital, to bring them deliverance from the bondage of their oppressors, as the Israelites in the olden time looked up to Moses in the land of Egypt for deliverance from the bondage of Pharaoh."

Loyalty
(Column 2)

Summary: Encourages the Philadelphia Inquirer to file a slander suit against an abolitionist newspaper for suggesting that the Inquirer's criticism of Lincoln was an act of disloyalty.

The Spring Campaign
(Column 3)

Summary: Wishes the Army of the Potomac good luck as a new season of large-scale military movements is about to get underway.

Excerpt: "It stands to common sense that if General Lee is to be defeated, he must be fought where he is to be found. When his army is beaten and cut to pieces, in Virginia, we apprehend there will be little difficulty in getting to Atlanta."

The Truth of History
(Column 4)

Summary: Offers clarification of General McClellan's true motives and reminds readers that he is responsible for saving Washington, D.C. from destruction.

Mrs. President Lincoln's Sister
(Column 5)

Summary: Suggests that Mrs. Lincoln's sister, Mrs. J. Todd White, is a spy for the Confederacy. States that there is evidence that she smuggled contraband goods back to her home in the South after a recent visit to the White House.

Origin of Article: New York World

To the Editor of 'The Valley Spirit':
(Column 6)

Summary: Former resident of Chambersburg suggests that the town is not doing enough to support the army.
(Names in announcement: PhilipBowers)

Excerpt: "If a few of the brave stay-at-homes of Chambersburg and vicinity would send out just one from every third family, it would look more like devoted patriotism and genuine manliness than home cowardice."

Full Text of Article:

Culpeper, VA
March 20th, 1864.

To the Editor of "The Valley Spirit:"

Messrs. Editors--You may no doubt wonder at this strange, and, perhaps, unbecoming manner of introduction. Yet I am a member of your community, and, at one time, a citizen of the town of Chambersburg. I am now a soldier in the Army of the Potomac. My period of enlistment dates from August, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, (1862.)--I enlisted in company D, of the 149th Pennsylvania volunteers. Our regiment, during the early period of its service, was detained very fortunately, in Washington, D.C., as guard for the city. We remained in the city about six months, when we were ordered to the field for active duty; and we have been here since February of 1863. Our regiment was slightly engaged in the battle of Chancellorsville, and in the battle of Gettysburg we were seriously weakened; for we were hotly engaged the first day, and if the regiment had remained a few moments longer in the fight, or if we had not received orders to fall back, the regiment would have been annihilated.

But you may think from the tone of my letter that I wish to speak in glowing terms of our bravery and conduct as a regiment; not so. We did nothing more than our duty, and nothing more than we will do again.

Two of my brothers are to-day prisoners in Richmond; one is discharged on account of the wounds he received at the Second Battle of Bull Run; and my aged father is now a veteran soldier encamped at Chambersburg. In justice I can boast of the patriotism of the family to which I belong, and which I feel proud to own.

Could a few more boast in the same manner, our country would long ere this have thrown off the dark livery of mourning--the Union preserved, and the soldiers of this army would to-day bask in the sweet bowers of a blessed peace. Yes, if a few of the brave stay-at-home of Chambersburg and vicin[i]ty would send out just one from every third family, it would look more like devoted patriotism and genuine manliness than home cowardice. Where, I ask, where were your emergency men during the awful battle on our own soil; perchance skulking behind some place that would shelter them from rebel bullets; and some, perhaps, running to the mountains and hills, and calling upon them to hid them from the coming rebels. I hope some will take timely warning and enlist; for I assure them "Old Abe" will draft them, and then they will be compelled to run to the hills and mountains to screen them from the presence of the enrolling officer. I fear I am trespassing on your patience, if so, you can indulge a soldier in these few remarks.

Philip Bowers,
Company D, 149th Reg't Pa. Vols.

[If our correspondent would take the trouble to inform himself in relation to the matter, he would find that Chambersburg is as well represented, numerically, in the army as any town of its population in the country. It seems, however, that he desires the company of more of our boys who'll go.]

Trailer: Philip Bowers, Company D, 149th Reg't Pa. Vols.

First of April
(Column 1)

Summary: Notes that the day when numbers of people moved into new residences was unusually rainy and muddy this year.

The Grocery Trade
(Column 1)

Summary: Urges readers in short supply of groceries to visit the large stock at Gelwicks' store.
(Names in announcement: Gelwicks)

Flag Presentation and Ball
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports on the patriotic celebration honoring the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry on its last day of encampment in town.
(Names in announcement: Col.William H.Boyd)

Excerpt: "The Band from Carlisle Barracks was present and discoursed its sweetest strains of music; in short they, had a "gay and festive" time and separated satisfied with the pleasures of the evening."

Full Text of Article:

Thursday last was a great day with the military encamped near this place. In the afternoon a flag was presented to the 21st Regiment Penna. Cavalry commanded by Col. Wm. H. Boyd. The presentation speech was made by our co[n]temporary of the Repository, and of course, it was a good speech, replete with loyal and patriotic sentiments. In the evening a grand Ball was given by the officers of the regiment in the Franklin Hall which was beautifully decorated with evergreens and national flags, for the occasion. The Band from Carlisle Barracks was present and discoursed its sweetest strains of music; in short they, had a "gay and festive" time and separated satisfied with the pleasures of the evening.

Franklin Hotel
(Column 1)

Summary: Expresses confidence in William C. McNulty, who has just taken over the management of the Franklin Hotel.
(Names in announcement: William C.McNulty)

Excerpt: "This well known and popular Hotel has passed into the hands of Mr. Wm. C. McNulty . . . "

Full Text of Article:

This well known and popular Hotel has passed into the hands of Mr. Wm. C. McNulty, who took possession on the 1st instant, having leased it for a term of years. Mr. M. formerly conducted a Hotel in McConnelsburg, and latterly the Holler House in Greencastle, where by his gentlemanly deportment, attention to the comfort of his guests, and bountiful board, he achieved a high reputation as a landlord and satisfied every one that he "knows how to keep a Hotel." We feel satisfied that the Franklin under his management, will maintain the position it has long enjoyed as a first class public House.

Treatment of Croup
(Column 2)

Summary: Offers suggestions for treating croup by cooling down the windpipe.

Which is the Best?
(Column 2)

Summary: Says that no "well-regulated" household is without a sewing machine and tells readers that the Grover & Baker machine has the best reputation for durability.

Origin of Article: N. Y. Home Journal

Information Wanted
(Column 2)

Summary: Asks that any information on the whereabouts of Robert Eddins and John B. Engleman, refugees from Port Republic and Staunton, Virginia, respectively, be sent to W. H. H. Frenger in Chambersburg.
(Names in announcement: RobertEddins, W. H. H.Frenger, John B.Engleman)

Excerpt: "INFORMATION WANTED, of the whereabouts of John L. Grayson, of Greene county, Virginia."

Full Text of Article:

INFORMATION WANTED, of the whereabouts of John L. Grayson, of Greene county, Virginia. He left his home on the 24th of December, 1862, with the intention of making his way to the loyal States, and when last heard from was said to have been at Sharpsburg, Washington county, Maryland. Should this meet his notice, it will inform him that his wife, Ann E. Grayson, has also made her escape from Virginia, and is now staying in the vicinity of Waynesboro', Franklin county, Pennsylvania, where she can be addressed.

Concert
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces that a vocal music concert will be given by Professors Hockersmith and Snyder at Grindestone Hill Church on April 9.
(Names in announcement: ProfessorHockersmith, ProfessorSnyder)

Circular
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports on steps being taken to carry out the Governor's order to care for and educate any child orphaned by the war.

Trailer: Charles R. Coburn, Superintendent of Common Schools

Sudden Death
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that John Keagy died suddenly last Saturday night at his home, having been in good health up until the moment of his death. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
(Names in announcement: JohnKeagy)

Sudden Death
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that Michael Pfonta of Mt. Hope died of typhoid fever suddenly last Friday after a brief illness.
(Names in announcement: MichaelPfonta)

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports that Rev. F. W. Conrad of the Lutheran Church will preach his introductory discourse next Sunday.
(Names in announcement: ReverendF. W.Conrad)

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Announces the performances of Pente & Co.'s National Minstrel Troupe every night at Franklin House.

Religious
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports that Rev. A. X. Shoemaker will preach in the Baptist Church next Friday evening.
(Names in announcement: Rev.A. X.Shoemaker)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 3, Rev. William McElroy married John Shoemaker and Isabell Carbaugh, of Adams County.
(Names in announcement: Rev.WilliamMcElroy, JohnShoemaker, IsabellCarbaugh)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: Rev. William F. Eyster married Henry Walter and Lydia Newcomer, of Washington County, Maryland, on March 22.
(Names in announcement: Rev.William F.Eyster, HenryWalter, LydiaNewcomer)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: Rev. W. E. Crebs married Franklin Liday and Lizzie Dickel on March 24.
(Names in announcement: W. E.Crebs, FranklinLiday, LizzieDickel)

Married
(Column 5)

Summary: On March 24, Rev. Mr. Whitstone married Leonard McLaughlin and Fannie Hoover.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Mr.Whitstone, LeonardMcLaughlin, FannieHoover)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On March 28, Phillip Faust, Sr., died at age 69.
(Names in announcement: PhillipFaustSr.)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On March 17, Maria Elizabeth Ziegler, daughter of George W. Ziegler, died at age 17.
(Names in announcement: Maria ElizabethZiegler, George W.Ziegler)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On March 18, Cyrus Shank, son of Daniel and Rebecca Shank, died at age 4 months.
(Names in announcement: DanielShank, RebeccaShank, CyrusShank)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: Margaret A. Elder, wife of Samuel C. Elder, died on March 24 at age 21.
(Names in announcement: Margaret A.Elder, Samuel C.Elder)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On April 3, Hatty Miller, daughter of Jeremiah and Isabella Miller, died at age 1 year.
(Names in announcement: HattyMiller, JeremiahMiller, IsabellaMiller)

Died
(Column 5)

Summary: On March 27, May Hafer, daughter of Abraham and Henrietta Hafer, died at age 2 years of congestion of the brain.
(Names in announcement: AbrahamHafer, HenriettaHafer, MayHafer)

Lincoln's Honesty and Capacity
(Column 1)

Summary: Questions whether Abraham Lincoln is an honest man.

Excerpt: "You have told the country that both the rebellion and slavery were dead; you have told the people that the forces of the rebels were reduced by desertions, and that they could not be recruited, fed, nor clothed; and yet you are forced to act upon the defensive, being threatened at all points."

Origin of Article: New York Nation

Congressional
(Column 5)

Summary: Summarizes recent proceedings of the United States Congress, including debate over a new enlistment bill concerning African-American men.