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 Articles Indexed by TopicAugusta County : Agriculture/Trade/CommerceNote: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading. |
The Spectator, July 16, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"A Few Words to Our Subscribers."
Apologizes to readers because publication of the
Spectator will be discontinued for an unspecified amount of time.
The Spectator, October 1, 1861, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Resources of the South."
Article asserts that the South has a tremendous wealth of
natural resources, which will allow her to "maintain her independence against the assaults of an
enemy twice as powerful as the North."
The Spectator, November 12, 1861, p. 1, c. 3:
"Provide the Staff of Life."
Urges Southern farmers to grow food rather than cash
crops.
The Spectator, November 26, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"'Some of the Southern Papers...'"
The Spectator recommends that Southern farmers switch
to foodstuffs until the blockade ends so as not to produce an abundance
of cotton, which cannot be sold, while suffering from a food shortage.
The Spectator, December 3, 1861, p. 1, c. 7:
"Bread and Whiskey."
Denounces the conversion of bread to whiskey when the
maintenance of a food supply is so critical.
The Spectator, December 17, 1861, p. 1, c. 1:
"Newspapers 'Hard Up.'"
Item reports that many Virginia newspapers have been forced to
either decrease or cease publication altogether during the war, among them the Staunton
Vindicator.
The Spectator, January 7, 1862, p. 1, c. 4:
"CARRIER'S ADDRESS, to the Patrons of the STAUNTON SPECTATOR, January 1st,
1862."
A pro-Confederate poem extolling the virtues of the Southern
war effort and the Staunton Spectator. The carrier, named Wright, also asks all readers to please
pay their bills.
Staunton Spectator, October 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 3:
"To Post Masters."
Requests that issues of the Spectator that are not removed from the post
offices be returned to the Spectator office. Also asks that post masters let the paper know which
subscribers are likely to pay and which are not.
The Vindicator, February 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Valedictory."
Yost reports that he sold the Vindicator to Lynn, expresses warmth towards
and appreciation of the people of Augusta and surrounding counties, and asks for support for the
new editor.
The Vindicator, February 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Salutatory."
The new editor greets his readers, pledges to discharge faithfully "the varied
duties thus voluntarily assumed," promises to promote the causes of the Confederacy and
particularly the "rights of the Sovereign State of Virginia," and offers praise for his predecessor's
performance as editor. Lynn observes that the unity of the new nation should not be disturbed by
reviving old party issues, issues that were settled temporarily by withdrawing from the old Union,
and that "advocacy of past doctrines" would be harmful. In expressing opinions, the editor will be
frank and bold, but not improper or acrimonious and not unmindful of the soldiers, their families,
and their plight.
The Spectator, February 24, 1863, p. 1, c. 2:
"The Farmers, Home Soldiers."
Urges farmers to think of the necessities of war by
planting food crops for Confederate use.
The Spectator, March 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"A Suggestion to our Farmers."
Item encourages farmers to invest in Confederate 8 percent
bonds as a hedge against future falling crop prices.
The Spectator, March 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 6:
"For the Spectator."
Writer urges farmers to follow the Spectators' advice and plant more
vegetables and grains.
The Spectator, October 7, 1862, p. 2, c. 3:
"To Post Masters."
Requests that issues of the Spectator that are not removed from the post
offices be returned to the Spectator office. Also asks that post masters let the paper know which
subscribers are likely to pay and which are not.
The Vindicator, June 19, 1863, p. 1, c. 5:
"The Depression in Trade."
At no time since the war began has the depression in trade been
so deep and so widespread. This situation is not necessarily bad, in that the wheat crop is
abundant, families are practicing economy and reduction of expenses, and people are simply doing
without blockaded goods.
The Vindicator, August 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"A Word to Our Friends."
This issue of the Vindicator ends the first six months of
publication under the new
owner and editor. The editor expresses appreciation to the readers and subscribers and declares
the venture "a decided success." He reports that most old subscribers continued their
subscriptions and that nearly two hundred new people have subscribed. The editor pledges to
continue to "pursue the even tenor of our way."
The Spectator, August 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"Supply of Wheat."
Shows that, despite increased demand pressures, those that anticipated
an increase in wheat prices and, therefore, hoarded their crop, will fail to see the increased profits
they anticipated.
The Spectator, August 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"The Tax in Kind."
Appeals to planters to shoulder their burden in the support of the war
effort. The article argues that "our armies are now needing the provisions which these tithes will
furnish, and ought not to be deprived of them a moment longer than is sufficient to get them to
some depot where they can be shipped to the order of the government."
The Spectator, September 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"Public Speaking."
Details the various resolutions agreed to at a recent meeting of the people
of Augusta County. These resolutions include pledges to send a tenth of their produce to the
government, as required by law; to sell their surplus goods at the prices established by the
government; to discontinue the sale of goods to speculators and grain to distillers; to discourage
deserters and help authorities to apprehend any deserters; to invest in Confederate bonds; and to
avoid disillusionment in the war effort.
The Spectator, October 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"The Duties of Our People."
While acknowledging the worthwhile example of many Augusta
County farmers in placing patriotism above self-interest, the author also notes that others have
withheld needed foodstuffs in the desire to secure a higher price for their produce.
The Spectator, October 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Can It Be True!"
A sarcastic response to the report that some farmers who had pledged to
respect the price levels established by the Government were, in fact, seeking to skirt these
regulations by resorting to imprecise measurements of the weight of produce sold.
The Spectator, October 20, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"Nice Patriots."
In castigating farmers who are reluctant to fatten up their available hogs for
fear that the Government will seize them, the author notes that "if the hogs themselves had any
say in the matter, they would scorn such littleness of soul and contemptible selfishness, if they did
not cut their own throats in utter shame of their meanness and want of patriotism."
The Spectator, November 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"Saving Stock."
The government is urged to restrain itself in the impressment of livestock for
fear of depleting the breeding stock. In addition, prudent measures are urged upon the populace in
the belief that "[we] are in for a long and wasting war."
The Spectator, November 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Wanted."
In a sarcastic article, the paper asks for the public to submit the names of all the
farmers who have "strictly and honestly" complied with the patriotic resolutions adopted at the
September court.
The Spectator, November 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Withholding Corn."
Citing biblical scripture, the author reminds merchants to sell their
grains at a fair price and they will reap the "luxury of doing good."
The Spectator, December 1, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"For the Spectator."
Despite the actions of the legislature to protect sheep from dogs and
slaughter for food, a "Shivering Soldier" alleges that several hundred sheep in Staunton have been
killed for food or by dogs.
The Spectator, December 8, 1863, p. 1, c. 7:
"The Greed for Gold."
Rev. Bishop Andrews attacks the greediness of those "rich planters"
who, in hopes of greater pecuniary rewards, refuse to sell their crops to those who have had to
flee the Northern invaders. The Reverend warns these unpatriotic and unchristian souls that God
may "set his eyes upon us for evil, and cut off our hopes and prospects in coming times."
The Spectator, December 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"For the Spectator."
"Enquirer" writes of his concern about the government's practice of
impressing farmers' produce. He offers the alternative of selling surplus stocks of whiskey and
brandy and using the income generated to pay for the upkeep of destitute soldiers and their
families.
The Spectator, February 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"The Duty Of Each."
Suggests that anyone not serving in the army should do all he or she
can to feed, clothe, and encourage the Confederate soldiers.
The Spectator, February 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"For The Spectator."
Explains that rising prices have made it difficult to purchase corn for
soldiers' families. The letter writer supports keeping slaves at home to continue planting and
harvesting corn.
The Spectator, February 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"For The Spectator."
Urges farmers to stop refusing Confederate money as payment for
corn.
The Vindicator, March 4, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"A Word to the Wise."
The editor at the Rockingham Register respects the agreement
between Mennonites and Tunkers and the Confederate government. However, he hopes that no
man exempt from military service for reasons of conscience is shirking his duty to grow as much
as his farm can produce.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 6:
"For The Spectator. The Merchant."
This essay ponders why merchants are not respected
and honored in the way that men who occupy other professional positions are. Author suggests
that the merchants' drive for profit rather than self-sacrifice, will forever brand them as
dishonorable.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"To The Farmers Of Augusta, Rockingham And Shenandoah."
Imboden predicts that the
Valley will be subject to enemy raids during the coming
planting season. Tells farmers that the plundering of farms can be prevented if they provide feed
for the cavalry horses, which could then protect the farms.
The Spectator, March 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"'With the early Spring . . .'"
Urges anyone not serving in the army to plant and harvest food
for the soldiers.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 1, c. 2:
"To The Farmers Of Augusta County."
Announces intention to purchase wheat, flour, corn,
rye, and wood on behalf of the corporation for the relief of the families of volunteers.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"Home Soldiers."
Expresses astonishment at reports that men exempted from service for
religious reasons are not assisting the army in other ways, such as the production of food.
The Spectator, March 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"'Let our people plant early...'"
Chastises those who are not giving their excess harvests to the
army.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 6:
"For the Spectator."
Members of Co. E, 5th Va. Infantry express concern and disappointment
about a recent case in which a widow of a 5th Infantry soldier was charged an exorbitant price for
a coffin by a greedy cabinet maker.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"Details Should Be Liberally Granted."
Suggests that soldiers from the Valley of Virginia be
granted details more readily in order to take advantage of the soil there and provide food for
soldiers.
The Spectator, April 5, 1864, p. 1, c. 3:
"The Way To Grow Rich."
Provides a critical view of what it means to be rich.
The Spectator, May 3, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"Scarcity Of Supplies."
The Richmond Examiner suggests that farmers in Western Virginia
could spare more of their crops for the benefit of the army.
The Vindicator, July 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "The "Staunton
Spectator.'"
The editor and proprietor of the Staunton Spectator, Richard Mauzy, announces
that the publication of the Spectator has been suspended since publication of its issue dated May
31, 1864, because of the destruction of its offices by the enemy on June 7. The enemy destroyed
everything in the building on all three stories, and only the job press is repairable. Mauzy
expresses relief to learn that other editors in line of the enemy's march have not suffered as greatly
as he has.
The Vindicator, July 22, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "Schedule of
Prices."
The recently published schedule of prices as established by the Board of
Commissioners for Virginia for July and August is dissatisfactory to everyone because of the huge
increases, some of which are as great as 500 percent. The editor calls upon the commissioners to
reassemble immediately and redo the price lists.
The Vindicator, July 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 2: "Schedule of
Prices."
The editor hopes that the Board of Commissioners for Virginia will review the prices
established recently and adopt instead a schedule of prices that is fair to all parties.
The Vindicator, July 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "Public
Meeting."
Citizens and farmers of Augusta County met at the courthouse recently to register
their protest against the schedule of prices adopted by the Board of Commissioners of Virginia.
The group called upon the President of the Confederate States of America to reconvene the
Commissioners as soon as possible to set aside "their extravagant schedule." The schedule in its
current form will benefit a few large proprietors but will hurt other people and will depreciate
Confederate money, thereby causing all Southerners to suffer.
The Vindicator, December 2, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "A Word to the
Wise."
The feeding of the troops is of utmost concern to all Southerners, but the recent
destruction in the Valley leaves insufficient produce to feed the local people, much less supply the
troops. The editor joins his voice with others raising the concern that supplies are not being
managed properly. The many areas of the state that have suffered so much less than the Valley
and that, in turn, have more abundant produce should be called upon to provide produce for
impressment and to provide food for people in the Valley.
