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Valley Virginian, January 10, 1866 Go To Page :

The Confederate Dead
(Column 04)

Summary: The paper presents a poem by "Latiene" honoring the Confederate dead.

Full Text of Article:

From the broad and calm Potomac,
To the Rio Grande's waves,
Have the brave and noble fallen--
And the earth is strewn with graves.
In the vale and on the hill-side,
Thro' the woods and by the stream,
Has the martial pageant faded,
Like the vision of a dream.

Where the reveille resounded,
And the stirring call "to arms,"
Nod the downy heads of clover
To the winds mesmeric charms;
Where the heels of trampling squadrons
Beat to dust the mountain pass,
Hang the dew drops fragile crystals
From the slender stems of grass.

Where the shock of meeting armies
Roused the air in raging waves,
And with sad and hollow groanings
Echoed earth's deep hidden caves;
Where the cries of crushed and dying
Pierced the elemental strife,
Where lay death in sick'ning horror
Neath the maddened rush of life--

Quiet now reigns, sweet and pensive,
All is hushed in dreamless rest,
And the pitying arms of Nature,
Hold our heroes on her breast.
Shield them well, oh tender mother,
While the morn and evening breath
Whispers us, the sad survivors,
Of their victory in death.

What, though no stately column
Their cherished names may raise,
To dim the eyes and move the lips
With gratitude and grace--
The blue sky, hung with bannered clouds,
Their solemn dome shall be,
All heaven's choiring winds, shall chant
The anthem of the free.

The Spring with vine leafed arms shall clasp
Their hillocked resting places,
And summer roses droop above
With flushed and dewy faces;
Fair daisies, rayed and crowned, shall spring
Like stars from out the dust,
And look to kindred stars on high,
With eyes of patient trust.

And vainly shall the wilting's lip
Assail with envious dirt
The fame of our heroic dead,
Whose strong hold is the heart--
The Nation's heart, not wholly crushed,
Tho' each throb be in pain;
For life and hope will still survive,
Where love and faith remain.

Eufaula, Alabama, June, 1865.

Origin of Article: The Macon Journal

Letter from General Early
(Column 05)

Summary: The Virginian reprints a letter by Confederate General Jubal Early recounting the history of the military campaigns of 1864 and 1865. He discusses in particular the battle of the Wilderness and his own Valley campaigns, and stresses the numerical superiority of Union armies. "These statements will serve to give some idea of the disparities existing in other lines," asserts Early. "I now ask which has retired from the contest with more true glory, the heroic band of Confederates who so long withstood the tremendous armies and resources of the United States, or that 'Grand Army of the Union,' which, while being recruited from all the world, was enabled, by 'continuous hammering,' to so exhaust its opponent 'by mere attrition' as to compel a surrender? The world has never witnessed so great a political crime as that committed in the destruction of the Confederate Government by armed force." Early hopes that "on behalf of my down-trodden country" his efforts will prevent "the further injustice of receiving the history of this struggle from the mouths and pens of our enemies," and asks that all "who were in a condition to know the character of the contest, put in a tangible form to be preserved for the use of the future historian, such facts and materials for that history as are in their knowledge or possession."

Origin of Article: New York News

Our Honored Dead
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper publishes a list of Confederate soldiers buried in Staunton's Thornrose Cemetery. Regiment information is also included.
(Names in announcement: H. C.Gibson, A.Goody, R.Smith, H. G.Dargen, T.Petway, A.Williams, J. E.McBride, B. F.Shader, W. G.Woodruff, SergeantD.Matridge, W.Stone, M. S.Hagan, SergeantJ.Mumb, J.Shreeves, J.Paget, C. A.Ramsey, RubenCrutchfield, RubenWagoner, A. C.Wilson, C. A.Craig, J. J.Parsons, S.Bradley, A.Reddick, T.Alexander, J.Ellis, W.Gray, S.Reyman, J. S.Burnett, W.Grey, J. M.Keet, A. G.Heat, I.Edwards, A.Dees, J.McBride, E.Crocket, J. S.Claman, W. A.Chance, SamuelCooke, J. H.Foster, J. J.Thompson, G. H.Liman, A. P.Flagler, J.Hudson, H. D.Orwalt, J. C.Collins, S. P.Hinney, J. R.Luster, M.Stokes, B. F.Green, W.Walker, W.Wood, W. G.Williams, WilliamHarrold, H.Hobbs, J. S.Houghton, J. H.Banksten, D. H.Roberts, P.Kelley, J. W.Brown, J. R.Worther, D. F.Roper, T.Hinton, D. H.Bailey, T. L.Howard, TimothyRyan, J.Sloan, M. B.Spradlon, Corp'lLewisHicks, E.Stickley, J. J.Turner, W.Coogler, A. A.Every, F. M.Richardson, H.Scarboro, A.Page, R. W.Roland, W.Seagrass, H. S.Roland, D.Douglas, A. M.Patman, A.Jackson, W. H.Higginbottom, J. M.Harlan, J. A.Shrapebire, E.Ward)

Full Text of Article:

Below we continue the list of Confederate Soldiers buried in Thornrose Cemetary, at this place.

Virginia

H. C. Gibson, 5; A. Goody, 55; R. Smith, 61; H. G. Dargen, 61; T. Petway, 53; A. Williams, 53; J. E. McBride, 57; B. F. Shader, 25; W. G. Woodruff, 5; Sergeant D. Matridge, 61; W. Stone, 16.

North Carolina

M. S. Hagan, 23; Sergeant J. Mumb, 27; J. Shreeves, 13; J. Paget, 18; C. A. Ramsey, 1st N. C. Art; Ruben Crutchfield, 22; Ruben Wagoner, 1; A. C. Wilson, 18; C. A. Craig, 37; J. J. Parsons, 48; S. Bradley, 37; A. Reddick, 46; T. Alexander, 49; J. Ellis, 2; W. Gray, 30; S. Reyman, 2; J. S. Burnett, 7; W. Grey, 59; J. M. Keet, 23; A. G. Heat, 2; I. Edwards, 35; A. Dees, 48; J. McBride, 2; E. Crocket, 1; J. S. Claman, 20; W. A. Chance, 13.

South Carolina

Sam'l Cooke, 7; J. H. Foster, Cobbs Legion; J. J. Thompson, 7; G. H. Liman, 7; A. P. Flagler, 15; J. Hudson, Palmetto; H. D. Orwalt, 3; J. C. Collins, 8; S. P. Hinney, 3; J. R. Luster, 7; M. Stokes, 6; B. F. Green, 15; J. W. Brown, 3; J. R. Worther, 1; D. F. Roper, 7; T. Hinton, 3; D. H. Bailey, 18.

Alabama

T. L. Howard, 13; Timothy Ryan, 8; J. Sloan, 5; M. B. Spradlon, 13; Corp'l Lewis Hicks, [unclear]; E. Stickley, 26; J. J. Turner, 47; W. Coogler, 4.

Florida

W. Walker, --; W. Wood, 5; W. G. Williams, 5.

Georgia

William Harrold, 22; H. Hobbs, 11; J. S. Houghton, 3; J. H. Banksten, 53; D. H. Roberts, 51; P. Kelley, 12; A. A. Every, 38; F. M. Richardson, 5; H. Scarboro, --; A. Page, 35; R. W. Roland, 3; W. Seagrass, 51; H. S. Roland, 50; D. Douglas, 26; A. M. Patman, 23; A. Jackson, 53; W. H. Higginbottom, 15; J. M. Harlan, 61; J. A. Shrapebire, 10; E. Ward, 13.

Valley Railroad
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper comes out in favor of completion of the Valley Railroad. Since the State does not have the resources to finish it, the project should be opened to private investment, the editors argue. They also urge the people of Staunton to hold a public demonstration in support of the plan.

Full Text of Article:

There are crises in the history of States as in the lives of individuals; periods when the character of the future perhaps for a century is to be determined by the action of the present. These crises come unbidden, and the responsibilities they bring are not to be put aside. They demand action, and the failure to act is oftentimes as decisive as the contrary course. In these cases opportunities lost are opportunities destroyed. Upon such a time have we fallen in Virginia. Amid the ruins of our former civilization we are to lay the foundations of a new structure. Our people and Legislature are now shaping the destiny of the State, most probably for generations. History will hold them to account for the manner in which they perform their duties.

Amid the duties of the present there are none more important than those which tend to the development of our resources, the increase of material wealth. Our public improvements, as a main agent in this matter, should be pushed forward with all energy. The completion of the Canal and our great Central railway line would in ten years transform the State. The trade and travel that would pour from the [unclear] of these, the most direct lines, to the sea board, would build up our cities, and infuse new life into our commercial interests. The state is too much crippled now to finish these works herself, but it is possible to negotiate with capital elsewhere to effect it. No better investment could be made than to give the State's interest in many of her unfinished public works to any parties who would undertake to complete them. Some of our public works offer such inducements for the investment of capital that parties are to be found willing to complete them. Some of our public works offer such inducements for the investment of capital that parties are to be found willing to complete them, if the mere permission to do so be given. This is the case with the great scheme in which our section is specially interested; viz: a Valley Railroad. We are glad to see so much interest manifested, from the Potomac to the Tennessee road on the subject of this improvement. A generation has been frittered away in attempts to harmonize contending interests, and in feeble efforts to do that, which, if it had been done thirty years ago, would to-day have made us five-fold more rich and prosperous than we now are. We hope this is to be the case no longer; that the Valley is no longer to be sacrificed to petty interests of some Eastern Virginia Railroad, or to the effete notions of some driveller in regard to concentrating trade in our own cities. We have now the opportunity of having a road made from Winchester to Salem, of having the magnificent agricultural and mineral resources of the finest portion of the State opened up. We can have from five to ten millions of dollars brought into and distributed in the Valley, in the next three years. All that is needed is to give the Baltimore and Ohio Company the right of way. The charter can be so guarded as to prevent discrimination in favor of Baltimore, and when the road is done three-fourths of this productive region will be from fifty to one hundred miles nearer Richmond, by canal and rail, than to Baltimore. Nothing but a prejudice, proof against intelligence, can see in such a work any danger to Richmond, or to any other interests in Eastern Virginia. Its largest benefits would accrue to those very interests it is supposed to endanger; while to the Valley it would bring speedy resuscitation. The very money that would be spent among us in its construction, would go forward, relieving the pressing necessity that may cripple our energies, and the [unclear] would open a new era in our [unclear] city. We see that the neighboring [unclear]. At Lexington a public meeting is to be held on the subject. This example should be followed here. We should have a mass meeting of such character and numbers as would give an unmistakable indication of public feeling. Let the hands of our Senators and Delegates be strengthened by an expression of sentiment from the people. Let us convince our friends beyond the Ridge that we are in earnest. Could we not have such a meeting at the January Court?

Scraps From My Haversack
(Column 03)

Summary: The paper prints a veteran's account of campaigning with the Stonewall Brigade.

Local
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces the appointment of Dr. Fuqua, of Staunton, as Assistant Physician at the Western Lunatic Asylum. Dr. Fuqua, however, quickly resigned.
(Names in announcement: Dr.Fuqua)

Robbery
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that on Saturday, December 30th, Thomas Honahan was robbed of $16 in specie; $20 in currency; 10 gallons of whiskey; some candy and 6 boxes of cigars. The thieves had entered his back window.
(Names in announcement: ThomasHonahan)

Local
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper comments on the "number of unruly boys on the streets of Staunton at night." "'Boys will be boys,' is an old saying, and if some people don't take more care of theirs, this old saying will not be much consolation to parents, when their boys get to be men."

The Lee Endowment
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces that Rev. S. D. Stuart of Staunton has been in Baltimore soliciting subscriptions to the Lee Endowment. He raised $9,000 so far, and the paper urges the Committee appointed at a meeting in Staunton to follow suit.
(Names in announcement: Rev.S. D.Stuart)

Stonewall Jackson's Widow
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports that Stonewall Jackson's widow is in a "destitute condition," and contributions for her aid can be sent to the Rev. Dr. Hoge of Richmond. The editors refuse to "appeal to the Valley people to aid the wife of their lamented hero" as "the mere mention of the fact is enough."
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr.Hoge)

Freedmen's Fair
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper announces that the "Freedmen had several fairs and concerts during the holidays to raise money to build them a church." The fair, combined with contributions of the citizens of Staunton, raised enough money to purchase the old Market House which will be refitted as a church.

Local
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper announces that the Collector and his Deputies will begin collecting State and County taxes for 1865 and 1866 starting January 25th. "The State taxes are not as heavy as they were before the war."

Local
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper announces that the Board of Directors of the Western Lunatic Asylum have named Dr. T. A. Berkely of Staunton Assistant Physician to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Fuqua. "Dr. Berkely is the son of Dr. Edmund Berkely, long and favorably known in this community. His son has inherited much of his father's skill, and many of his noble qualities."
(Names in announcement: Dr.T. A.Berkely, Dr.EdmundBerkely, Dr.Fuqua)

Secretary of the Commonwealth
(Column 02)

Summary: The paper endorses Bolivar Christian, of Augusta, for Secretary of the Commonwealth. "Mr. Christian's long experience in public life; his known talents, his devotion to the true interests of Virginia, and the enlarged and progressive views he entertains of our future, all combine to make 'him the right man in the right place;' if the Legislature is not carried away by sectional prejudices."
(Names in announcement: BolivarChristian)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: Mr. J. W. Points and Miss Adele Points, both of Staunton, were married at Trinity Church on January 9th by the Rev. Mr. Nelson.
(Names in announcement: J. W.Points, AdelePoints, Rev.Nelson)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: Mr. A. M. Bruce, of Staunton, married Miss Mary A. Johnson, of Albemarle County on December 19. The Rev. Mr. Lindsay presided.
(Names in announcement: A. M.Bruce, Mary A.Johnson, Rev.Lindsay)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: R. J. Harris and Mrs. Catharine Armentrout, both of Augusta, were married at New Hope on December 24th by the Rev. R. Smith.
(Names in announcement: R. J.Harris, CatharineArmentrout, Rev.R.Smith)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: John Seawright, Esq., married Miss Fannie J. Cupp at Mount Crawford on December 28th. The Rev. E. R. Veitch presided.
(Names in announcement: JohnSeawright, Fannie J.Cupp, Rev.E. R.Veitch)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: J. C. L. Jones and Miss Sarah E. Frame, both of Augusta, were married near Spring Hill on December 21 by the Rev. R. Smith.
(Names in announcement: J. C. L.Jones, Sarah E.Frame, Rev.R.Smith)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: W. P. Glover, of Monroe County, married Miss Mary J. Shelton, of Augusta County, near Middlebrook on January 4. The Rev. E. H. Jones presided.
(Names in announcement: W. P.Glover, Mary J.Shelton, Rev.E. H.Jones)

Married
(Column 02)

Summary: Col. Charles L. Haynes of the 27th Virginia Infantry, Stonewall Brigade, married Miss Maggie Zeigler, of Alleghany County, on Dec. 27th. The Rev. Stuart Rider presided.
(Names in announcement: Col.Charles L.Haynes, MaggieZeigler, Rev.StuartRider)

The Judgement of Women
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper lauds the "judgement of women." "The man who thinks it beneath his dignity to take counsel with an intelligent wife stands in his own light, and betrays that lack of judgement which he tacitly attributes her," the author asserts.

Full Text of Article:

In a conversation I once held with an eminent minister of the church, he made this fine observation: 'We will say nothing of the way in which that sex usually conduct an argument; but the intuitive judgements of women are often more to be relied upon than the conclusions which we reach by an elaborate process of reasoning. No man that has an intelligent wife, or is accustomed to the society of educated women, will dispute this. Times without number you must have known them to decide questions on the instant, and with unerring accuracy, which you have been poring over for hours, perhaps with no other result than to find yourself getting deeper and deeper into the tangled maze of difficulties. It were hardly generous to allege that they achieve these feats less by reasoning than a sort of sagacity which approximates to the sure instincts of the animal races; and yet there seems to be some ground for the remark of a witty French writer: that when a man has toiled, step by step, up a flight of stairs, he will be sure to find a woman at the top; but she will not be able to tell how she got there. How she got there, however, is of little moment. If the conclusions a woman has reached are sound, that is all that concerns us. And that they are very apt to be sound on the practical matters of domestic and secular life, nothing but prudence or self conceit can prevent us from acknowledging. The inference, therefor, is unavoidable, that the man who thinks it beneath his dignity to take counsel with an intelligent wife stands in his own light, and betrays that lack of judgement which he tacitly attributes her.

Jews
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reprints an excerpt calling attention to the intellectual achievements of people of Jewish faith.

Full Text of Article:

From a long and suggestive article in the Chicago Republican, concerning the Jews, we extract the following:

The Jews rise gradually above the average of mankind whenever their immense mental resources and their formidable intensity of purpose are consecrated to religion, to humanity, to liberty, to letters, or art. Then they become prophets, reformers and composers, and the moral and intellectual and artistic teachers of the world, producing Mendelsohns, Spinizas, Reanders, Bernes, Heines, Rachels and Meyerbeers. Among the German political reformers of the present day there are a great number of young men of Jewish parentage, who are the most ardent champions of liberty. France possesses in Cremieux, the Jew, one of her most unflinching Republicans. And so there are in every country Jews who show that as soon as they devote their great power to some ennobling purpose they exact as much in the higher walks of thought and life as the bulk of their fellow religionaries in the lower.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The paper reports on rumors that the "various military departments and divisions scattered throughout the Northern and Southern States" will be discontinued. The editors report that many Northern policy makers, including General Grant, approve this course "since the Southern people evince a disposition to obey and respect the laws of the nation."