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 Articles Indexed by TopicFranklin County : Abolition, Emancipation, and ReconstructionNote: 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. |
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 2:
"Let Us Finish It."
Argues that disunion and slavery have infected the United States long
enough. Asserts that war is the only way to "eradicate" this "disease" from the nation, and that it
must be done.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Slavery Question."
Editor comments that the North should simply concentrate at this
point on preserving their own liberties by fighting to sustain the Union. The slavery question
should be secondary.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 17, 1861, p. 2, c. 2:
"One Thing at a Time."
Reprints an editorial from the New York Tribune stating that there is
disagreement
over whether the war is to be a war to end slavery. The editor believes that declaring the war for
Union a war to end slavery would alienate many Union supporters at the North. On the other
hand, it is impossible to guarantee that the war will not affect slavery, since no one can foresee
how the slaveholders themselves will act.
Valley Spirit, August 3, 1861, p. 2, c. 5: "'A
Republican Member . . .'"
Reports that some Republicans are advocating the
abolition of slavery in areas of Virginia held by Federal troops. The Spirit disagrees with this
course of action.
Valley Spirit, August 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 3: "Slavery Abolished
by Congress."
Reports a bill that deprives any slaveholder of his slaves if he gives aid to the
rebels. The Bedford Gazette expresses its outrage at this act, which makes the abolition of
slavery such a central war aim.
Valley Spirit, August 21, 1861, p. 1, c. 5: "Untimely
Legislation."
The Washington Star criticizes Congress for supporting the confiscation
bill,
which will free Southern slaves. The Star believes that such an act will unite the South behind the
war effort.
Valley Spirit, September 11, 1861, p. 3, c. 1:
"Emancipation."
The New York World expresses its disagreement with the
Independent, which advocates the adoption of a policy of abolitionism. The World
believes that "a proclamation of emancipation would have no other effect than to weaken and
brake down the Administration."
Valley Spirit, September 18, 1861, p. 4, c. 6: "Confiscating
Slaves."
Criticizes Lincoln's plan to confiscate slaves from those in rebellion.
Valley Spirit, October 30, 1861, p. 4, c. 5: "Emancipation as
a Means of Subduing Rebellion."
Criticizes the abolitionists' attempts to make emancipation
a war aim and secure abolition in areas taken by the Union.
Valley Spirit, November 27, 1861, p. 1, c. 6:
"'The emancipationists . . .'"
Argues that the emancipationists have gotten themselves
entangled in their inconsistencies. They have generally argued that slaves were persons, not
property. Now, however, they have adopted a policy of liberating the slaves on
the grounds that slaves are rebel property. If the slaves are indeed such
valuable property, the writer asks, how can the government set them free and thus lose so many
millions of dollars?
Valley Spirit, December 4, 1861, p. 5, c. 2:
"How to Turn the World Topsy Turvey."
Virulently racist article opposing abolition, which
the author sees as leading inevitably to miscegenation.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, December 6, 1861, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Great Question."
Points out that a resolution to emancipate the slaves in states that
have rebelled against the government has been introduced into Congress. Also puts forth the
opinion of the Dispatch that slavery should be struck down at this juncture.
Valley Spirit, December 11, 1861, p. 4, c. 1:
"What Are We Fighting For?"
Asserts that abolitionists and contract seekers wish
to prolong the war.
Valley Spirit, December 18, 1861, p. 4, c. 3:
"President Lincoln and the War."
Criticizes abolitionism and supports the right of
Southerners to hold slaves.
Valley Spirit, January 1, 1862, p. 4, c. 2: "Abolitionists
Rampant."
Argues that abolitionist congressmen are trying to push Lincoln into
illegally freeing the slaves. The author believes that the country would be better off jailing the
abolitionists.
Valley Spirit, January 8, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The Imbeciles."
Accuses the Lincoln administration of consistently bungling the prosecution of the
war. Because of its incompetence and its preoccupation with abolition, the administration has
alienated potential allies in foreign countries and sympathizers in the border states and the South.
The article also cites a piece in the Philadelphia Daily News, a Republican paper, that
questions the military competence of the administration.
Valley Spirit, January 15, 1862, p. 4, c. 2: "The Abolitionists
at Work."
Argues that, of the two forces seeking to keep the Union apart,
abolitionists are far more pernicious than secessionists--the latter are fighting for property, while
the former are fighting for a misguided ideal. Abolitionists have become obsessed only with
freeing the slaves, regardless of the consequences. The editorial was prompted by a petition
circulating in Franklin County, apparently through the churches, that supported the emancipation
of slaves in the Confederacy.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, January 21, 1862, p. 3, c. 2:
"'Slavery is now costing . . .'"
Denounces slavery as the source of treason and the reason
why the government must spend one to two million dollars per day at present.
Valley Spirit, January 22, 1862, p. 1, c. 1: "The Mission of the
Democratic Party."
Emphasizes the patriotic sentiments of Northern Democrats who do not
wish to join "Union" parties with Republicans. Northern Democrats, the writer argues, have a
sounder, "conservative" understanding of the Constitution and Republican attempts to
"abolitionize" the war fly in the face of the Constitution.
Valley Spirit, January 22, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "Tender Toes."
Follows up on an editorial of the previous week that condemned abolitionists in Franklin County.
The article notes that the people they had accused of abolitionist tendencies are now trying to take
refuge under the "simon-pure" Republican label. The editorial observes that Lincoln, as the head
of the conservative wing of the Republicans, has been backing away from abolition sentiment,
much to the disappointment of more radical Republicans.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, January 24, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"What Is an Abolitionist?"
Protests the Valley Spirit's characterization of abolitionists as
"fiends." The editor of the Dispatch argues that the paper is not abolitionist in sentiment, but
asserts that any person who upholds the institution of slavery to the detriment of the Union, as the
Spirit seems to do, is at best misguided.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, January 28, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Spirit and Abolitionism!
Encourages the editor of the Valley Spirit to quit his job at the
newspaper and instead travel through the county preaching against abolitionism. Expresses
bewilderment at the Spirit's most recent proclamation whereby he declares that "the Abolition
party is an enemy to the present Administration" when in the past he has repeatedly denounced
that administration.
Valley Spirit, January 29, 1862, p. 1, c. 3: "Victory or
Defeat."
Argues that, with the war nearly a year old, there does not appear to be a speedy
solution in sight. However, the paper warns, the war will be much longer and deadlier if it is
prosecuted on the terms of abolitionists, which require emancipation and, in the eyes of this
author, a complete surrender of the rights of the state. A more conservative goal would be
allowing the South to admit the futility of its cause and working toward a quick reunion.
Valley Spirit, January 29, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The Democracy
and the President."
Praises Lincoln for the stand he has taken against abolition, arguing that
he is essentially adopting Democratic doctrines. If Lincoln continues on this path, the Valley
Spirit
states, he might save the country from the horrors of a radical Republican party in power. The
editorial puts the blame for the war on abolitionists, not on slavery, and argues that there is
absolutely no constitutional ground for abolition. If abolition were to become a war aim, the
editorial concludes, it would invalidate the Congressional declaration of war and would betray the
slave-holding Unionist border states. It would also erase any trace of unionist sentiment in the
South.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, February 14, 1862, p. 2, c 1
"The Spirit Squirms."
Remarks that the Valley Spirit appears disturbed by both the "horrid
night-mare of Abolitionism" and the prospect that the United States may become, "in truth and
fact," the land of the free before the rebellion is suppressed.
Valley Spirit, March 5, 1862, p. 1, c. 3: "A Hero
Wanted."
Attacks Republican military and political leaders for their meager achievements,
their corruption, and their love for blacks.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 11, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"A Richmond Editor's Ravings about "The Yankees.'"
Reprints a portion of an article
published in the Richmond Whig the previous summer that characterizes the North as the rightful
slave of the South. The Dispatch points out the dignity of free labor and denounces what it
perceives as the misdirected belief of "Southern aristocratic lords" that all who work are
slaves.
Valley Spirit, March 12, 1862, p. 1, c. 1: "Message from the
President."
In a letter sent to Congress on March 6, President Lincoln asked Congress to
provide monetary aid for the gradual emancipation of the border states' slaves. He justifies his
action by arguing that separating the border states from the rest of the South will weaken the
Confederacy and shorten the war. Lincoln makes clear that he is not arguing for a federal right to
interfere with slavery. Instead, he sees such gradual emancipation as a device that he hopes will
bring peace more quickly.
Valley Spirit, March 12, 1862, p.4 , c. 1: "President's
Message."
Cautiously supports Lincoln's plan of buying slaves in the
border states while criticizing it for not addressing the matter of what will happen to blacks once
they are freed. The solution could not be equality, say the editors, as the "law of nature" mandates
that antagonistic races cannot exist side-by-side without one holding the other in subjection.
Valley Spirit, March 19, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The Union
Splitters."
Attacks Lincoln's proposal to emancipate the slaves in border states. The
Spirit believes that Lincoln virtually admitted that the Confederacy is a legitimate
institution. The paper fears that the administration has thus essentially given up on the cause of
reuniting the Union. It goes on to accuse the Republican Party of being satisfied with disunion and
quotes a number of statements from Horace Greeley's New York Tribune that support the
departure of the Southern
states. Greeley's opinion can be taken to represent Republican opinion, argues the editorial, and
thus voters should look to Democrats as the true party of the Union.
Valley Spirit, March 19, 1862, p. 6, c. 1: "Negro
Equality."
Reports on a speech by Frederick Douglass denouncing colonization, which, the
article points out, means that the abolitionists would welcome the former slaves to come to the
North. Douglass argues that slaves have the will and ability to become equal. The article notes
that Douglass's position is not "gaining many proselytes just now."
Valley Spirit, March 26, 1862, p. 4, c. 5: "For the Valley
Spirit."
Argues that Lincoln is gradually showing his true colors and softening toward
abolitionism. He has deceived moderate Republicans by portraying himself as a conservative man,
but he has let party radicals abuse the border states and it is only a matter of time before they
revolt.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 28, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Catholic on the Slavery Question."
The Catholic argues that slavery is wrong, but that
it is an issue that each state must decide for itself. Approves of the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia, where Congress has jurisdiction.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 28, 1862, p. 2, c. 5:
"Wendell Phillips Mobbed at Cincinnati."
Relates that Wendell Phillips, after declaring
himself an abolitionist and a disunionist was pelted with eggs and stones by a crowd at Pike's
Opera House, which also hissed and yelled at him. After the lecture, a fight ensued.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 28, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"Words Fitly Spoken."
Relates part of a debate in the Senate concerning the abolition of
slavery in the District of Columbia. Prints the words of Senator Wilson of Massachusetts, who
replied to Kentucky Senator Mr. Davis's assertion that emancipation of any kind would infringe
on Southern rights and that Southern states would resist such measures. Senator Wilson said that
"the day for threats and menaces from the champions of slavery had passed by in the Senate."
Valley Spirit, April 9, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "Unfit for the
Task."
The Spirit berates Congress, specifically Northern abolitionist congressmen,
for occupying all its time discussing the issue of emancipation. The article goes on to accuse
abolitionists of being as disloyal to the Constitution as secessionists, and hints that the country
would be better off with them dead.
Valley Spirit, April 30, 1862, p. 5, c. 5:
"The First Step Towards Amalgamation."
The letter writer claims that black and white boys
playing together is the first step toward social amalgamation of the races.
Valley Spirit, May 14, 1862, p. 4, c. 4:
"Abolition Logic."
States that one can see abolitionists arguing on both sides of the question
as to whether or not black labor is superior to white. If black
labor is inferior and slavery is crowding out white labor in the South, then abolition will release a
flood of marginal labor into the market. On the other hand, if black labor is superior, it will crowd
out white labor, which will be unpopular with the white working class. Either way, say the
authors, emancipation will have deleterious consequences.
Valley Spirit, June 18, 1862, p.3 , c. 1:
"The 'Poor White Trash' In Virginia."
An article purporting to interview (while
poking fun at) a poor white woman in Virginia.
Valley Spirit, June 18, 1862, p. 4, c. 3:
"'What are We Coming to.'"
Relates the story of an unnamed farmer who released his white
laborers and hired
former slaves at twelve-and-a-half cents per day. No further evidence is needed, say the editors, of
the damage that abolition will have on white northern working men.
Franklin Repository, December 9, 1863, p. 4, c. 4:
"'A clerical correspondent . . .'"
Argues that "amalgamation" is common in the South and
"very rare" in the North. A Southern correspondent concerned with the number of mixed
marriages occurring wanted "amalgamation" outlawed. The Repository claims that the grooms
are Southerners or foreigners because "amalgamation" is no stranger to a social system that
includes slavery. In the free North, on the other hand, mixed marriages are "very rare."
Valley Spirit, February 10, 1864, p. 4, c. 5:
"The Descendants of Ham."
This letter writer takes issue with the Spirit's claim that blacks
are the descendants of
Ham and that because they are under the curse of Canaan, their present circumstances can be
explained.
Valley Spirit, February 24, 1864, p. 4, c. 1:
"Are the Negroes Descendants of Ham?"
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.
Valley Spirit, April 27, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
'"Miscegenation.'"
Condemns several prominent abolitionist writers for reportedly
supporting miscegenation.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 14, 1861, p. 1, c. 5:
"Fugitive Negroes Passing Through the City."
Estimates that, in a "stampede of slaves" from
the South, two hundred African
Americans have passed through Philadelphia since the capture of Fort Sumter.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 4:
"Reported Negro Insurrection."
Reports that three to four hundred African Americans are
rumored to have formed a
company in Owen County, Kentucky, and to be committing "depredations." According to
reports, several whites attempting to disarm them had been killed.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, June 4, 1861, p. 2, c. 2:
"Fugitive Slaves."
Reprints the instructions of the Secretary of War to General Butler
directing him to "refrain from surrendering to alleged masters any persons who come within your
lines." The Dispatch points out that thus far, the policy of General Butler has been to announce
that slaves who take refuge in Union fortresses will be promptly returned to their owners if those
owners have taken an oath of allegiance to the United States government.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, June 28, 1861, p. 2, c. 4:
"Contrabands to Go to Hayti."
Speculates that Congress will give the President the means to
send to Haiti African Americans of the North who wish to go.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, July 12, 1861, p. 3, c. 2:
"The Contrabands in Fortress Monroe."
Excerpt from a letter written from Fortress Monroe
giving an account of the presence of slaves who have run away to the fort, referred to as
"contrabands."
Valley Spirit, November 20, 1861, p. 1, c. 5:
"Extract from a Private Letter."
A letter from a Union officer engaged in the actions on the
South Carolina coast details the reaction of slaves to the Union victory.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, December 3, 1861, p. 2, c. 4:
"'We take the following extract . . .'"
Reprint of a letter that indicates the fear of slave
insurrection now present among whites in Charleston.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, December 31, 1861, p. 1, c. 5:
"The Contraband Question."
Relates a proposal being considered in Congress for solving the
question of what to do with slaves in the custody of the federal government.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, December 31, 1861, p. 3, c. 1:
"Colored Emigrants to Hayti."
Reports that "several large companies" of African Americans
have left American ports in the past two years bound for Haiti. Reprints an invitation presented
by President Geffrard to "colored people of the world" to come to Haiti.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, February 14, 1862, p. 1, c. 5:
"Delaware for Freedom."
Outlines the provisions made by a bill being considered in the
Delaware legislature to abolish slavery in a gradual manner through the payment of compensation
to slaveholders. Notes that Delaware presently contains 1,805 slaves.
Valley Spirit, March 5, 1862, p. 5, c. 5: "Proclamation of Gen.
Halleck."
Reprints the orders given by Major General Halleck, commander of the
Department of Missouri, to his troops regarding their behavior in the area. Halleck specifically
instructs the troops that "It does not belong to the military to decide upon relations between
master and
slave," and orders his troops not to allow contraband slaves into camp.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 11, 1862, p. 1, c. 3:
"Missionaries for Port Royal."
Reports that about sixty persons departed on the steamer
Atlantic from New York, bound for Port Royal, where three-fourths of the men will manage the
abandoned plantations. The twelve or fifteen women will serve as teachers at an industrial school
in Port Royal.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 8, 1862, p. 3, c. 3:
"The President's Emancipation Scheme."
Expresses approval of the recent decision by
Congress to endorse President Lincoln's proposal to offer compensation to the states that
emancipate their slaves.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 11, 1862, p. 1, c. 5:
"Emancipation in Western Virginia."
Reports that in the districts of West Virginia where
residents decided to vote on gradual emancipation as part of the new constitution, an
overwhelming majority voted for abolition.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 15, 1862, p. 2, c. 2:
"The Freedom of the Capital!"
Applauds Congress for passing the bill that frees the slaves in
the District of Columbia.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 18, 1862, p. 2, c. 2:
"Emancipation."
Endorses the President's plan for voluntary emancipation in each state that
so desires it. Points out that in the war, the slaves at the South have received an opportunity to
achieve their freedom but declined to take advantage of that opportunity. Thus, they proved
wrong the Northerners who have advocated an end to slavery in order to quell the rebellion.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 18, 1862, p. 2, c. 5:
"Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia."
Prints President Lincoln's message
concerning the abolition of slavery by order of Congress in the District of Columbia.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 25, 1862, p. 1, c. 3:
"Freedom in the District."
Echoes the answer given by the Washington National Republican
and the Press to those who have denounced the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.
Reprints several paragraphs from a petition submitted to Congress in 1828 by residents of the
District asking that a scheme for gradual emancipation be implemented.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 25, 1862, p. 1, c. 5:
"Memorial from the Colored People."
Reports that the African-American people of
Washington have presented a memorial to Congress in which they express their gratitude for the
recent action by which they were able to secure their freedom. In the memorial, however, they
also requested a place to which they might emigrate and suggested Central America for the
purpose.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 25, 1862, p. 3, c. 1:
"Contrabands."
Reports that several escaped slaves arrived in Chambersburg the previous
Tuesday morning and have been "loitering" around town since. The Dispatch remarks that the
fugitives should maintain "eternal vigilance" while there are still Breckinridge Democrats in
town.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 29, 1862, p. 2, c. 5:
"Affairs at Yorktown."
Reports on troop movements near Yorktown and discusses the
activities of escaped slaves and slaves being used to build fortifications for the Confederacy.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, April 29, 1862, p. 4, c. 1:
"What Shall Be Done With the Enfranchised Negroes?"
Asks why the United States has not
yet put to work the former slaves on the government's fortifications.
Valley Spirit, April 30, 1862, p. 5, c. 4:
"The Niggers are coming - Fine Prospects Ahead."
Notes the arrival in Philadelphia of over
one hundred former slaves, who were met by
a crowd of taunting whites and eventually by a welcoming committee of local blacks. It is
rumored that some abolitionists will try to get them employment at the local navy yard. The
author protests this action, saying it puts blacks in competition with white mechanics. He argues
that the freed blacks should stay in the South to work on plantations.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 6, 1862, p. 2, c. 2:
"Arming the Contrabands."
Reports that the Secretary of War has determined to arm former
slaves--"Contrabands"--and position them at the forts captured on the Southern coast.
Valley Spirit, October 1, 1862, p. 4, c. 1:
"The President's Proclamation."
The editors express their deep disappointment with Lincoln's
Emancipation
Proclamation. They had hoped that he would ignore the advice of radicals, and they had praised
every evidence of his conservative tendencies. Now, however, the editors see that Lincoln has
thrown his lot in with the radicals. The Proclamation will have little practical effect, they note,
except to alienate Unionist Southerners as well as slaveholders in the border states.
Valley Spirit, October 15, 1862, p. 1, c. 1:
"The Emancipation Proclamation."
A reprint of Gen. McClellan's order to the army relating
President Lincoln's
Emancipation Proclamation. McClellan emphasizes that it is not the army's place to criticize public
policy, but notes that "The remedy for political errors, if any are committed, is to be found only in
the action of the people at the polls." The editors applaud McClellan's gallantry and urge voters to
go to the polls and correct the errors of abolitionism.
Valley Spirit, October 15, 1862, p. 1, c. 2:
"Abolitionism Against White Working Men."
Reprints an authorization by Secretary of War
Stanton for black people taking refuge
in military bases to be sent on to Northern cities to be hired as servants. The editors take this as
proof that abolitionists are actively working to favor black labor over white labor.
Valley Spirit, November 26, 1862, p. 4, c. 5:
"From Washington."
The writer reports rumors in Washington that General Lee has written
to General
Halleck regarding the Emancipation Proclamation, which is due to take effect on January 1. Lee is
supposed to have argued first, that the "instigation of a servile war" is not discussed in any book
on military tactics, and must be regarded in the same light as poisoning wells, abusing prisoners or
women and children; and second, that if the proclamation is not withdrawn, any women or
children murdered by "infuriated negroes" will be avenged by the execution of an equal number of
Union prisoners.
Valley Spirit, January 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Emancipation Proclamation."
The editors note the issuance of the Emancipation
Proclamation. While they do not comment on it extensively, the editors observe that Lincoln's
proclamation will have little effect but to prolong the war and exacerbate the conflict.
Valley Spirit, April 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Negro Immigration."
The editors argue that Pennsylvania should prohibit the immigration of
free blacks, claiming that the government would do blacks an injustice by allowing them to come
to the state and sink into squalor. Instead, the editors assert, the freed slaves should stay in the
South.
Valley Spirit, January 27, 1864, p. 4, c. 1:
"The Negro and the War."
The editors argue that the gradual emancipation of the slaves by
advancing Union armies has hurt the freed slaves more than it has helped them.
Valley Spirit, June 29, 1864, p. 4, c. 5:
"Abraham's Pets."
Opposes the good conditions in which blacks live at a Freedman's Colony
in New York.
Valley Spirit, October 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"White Men Read!"
Says that the placement of blacks alongside voters in a Republican
procession in Pittsburgh foreshadows what will happen to Northern society if the slaves are
freed.
Franklin Repository, November 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"How Shall Slavery Die?"
Criticizes the suggestion to reinstate slavery after peace and allow
it to die on its own. The Repository believes the suggestion absurd because slavery constituted a
primary cause of the war.
Franklin Repository, February 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 1:
"Freedmen."
Discusses the future of the emancipated African Americans. The author
believes that if left alone and uneducated blacks will sink into poverty, but given education and
support they can succeed as citizens. As evidence, the author points to their capable service as
soldiers.
Franklin Repository, February 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"The Extinction of Slavery."
Recounts the history of several movements to end or curb
slavery. The author emphasizes the obstacles to abolition and emancipation before the war,
including the "helpless" of enslaved blacks caused by "Long years of oppression and neglect
[which] had fitted them more for servitude than freedom." The war finally effected the death of
slavery.
Valley Spirit, March 15, 1865, p. 1, c. 6:
"Effects of Emancipation by War."
Argues that emancipation could have occurred without
the enormous human and material costs of war.
Valley Spirit, March 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 7
"Garrison and Phillips in AntagonismmdashThe Whole Idea of "Freedmen" a Hideous Joke."
Accuses William Lloyd Garrison of selling out to the Lincoln administration when he
disbanded his anti-slavery society after it refused to stop criticizing the President. Opponents of
the President had pointed to the freedmen of the South Carolina Sea Islands, currently living in
conditions reportedly worse than on their former plantations, as evidence that the President's
Emancipation Proclamation was a "sham."
Valley Spirit, March 29, 1865, p. 1, c. 6:
"Negro Equality--The Whole Thing Out."
Reports on a debate among members of the US
Congress about the meaning of racial equality.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 7, 1862, p. 4, c. 1:
"The Two Projects."
Reports on two different plans in Congress for dealing with the states
that have seceded.
Valley Spirit, April 9, 1862, p. 1, c. 3: "'Reconstruction.'"
The Baltimore American argues that, with the end of the war seemingly imminent, a policy
for readmittance to the Union for seceding states needs to be designed. That policy should not be
determined by "ultra" abolitionists, the article argues, but should allow the states to re-enter with
the status of slavery intact.
Franklin Repository, December 9, 1863, p. 1, c. 1:
"Slavery in the Cotton States."
Calls for the end of slavery in the cotton states, based on the
argument that peace with slavery undisturbed "is no longer practicable."
Franklin Repository, December 16, 1863, p. 4, c. 2:
"Lincoln's Proclamation."
Approves Lincoln's Proclamation of Amnesty to the rebels, arguing
that "many of the South are sincerely loyal and long for the blessings they once enjoyed under the
United States Government."
Valley Spirit, January 20, 1864, p. 4, c. 5:
"The Democratic Platform."
The Democratic State Central Committee passed a number of
resolutions concerning the recent elections, Lincoln's recent proclamations on abolition, and the
procedure for seceded states to return to the Union.
Valley Spirit, February 10, 1864, p. 4, c. 1:
"Shall Freedom Survive."
The editors predict that 1864 will see a "great civil contest" in the
loyal states between the forces supporting the Constitution and those supporting "usurped
power." The Lincoln administration is determined to hold on to power, and the editors believe its
rule is part of a larger plot to rob the American people of their civil liberties and impose a new,
despotic regime on the country. As evidence, the editors point to Lincoln's proposed
reconstruction plan, which would allow the loyal ten percent of the Southern population to rule
over the rest of the disenfranchised former rebels. With oppressive conditions such as those
existing in one part of the country, say the editors, it will not be long before civil liberties fade in
the other parts.
Valley Spirit, December 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"What Shall Be Done with the Negro?"
Points out that although the war may solve the
"slavery question," there is still the
larger "negro question" to be addressed. This question mainly consists of what rights will be
extended to the ex-slaves.
Franklin Repository, December 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Abandonment of Slavery."
The Repository details the Confederacy's consideration of
black enlistment and emancipation. The Repository emphasizes the irony of ending slavery to
provide soldiers to fight in a war to preserve the institution of slavery.
Valley Spirit, January 4, 1865, p. 2, c. 5:
"The Ballot for the Negro - The Republican Programme."
Predicts that black suffrage is only
the first of a series of Republican proposals for
the future. Speculates that the other measures include the banishment of Jews and Catholics
from the country.
Franklin Repository, February 8, 1865, p. 2, c. 1:
"A Nation Disenthralled."
Announce the passage of the resolution to amend the Constitution
to abolish slavery in the states and the territories. The author congratulates the Democrats who
disregarded their party's demands.
Valley Spirit, February 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 1:
"Why Shoddy Wants to Abolish Slavery."
Accuses Republican supporters of abolition of
caring "nothing for the negro."
Valley Spirit, March 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 3:
"The Black Millen[n]ium."
Reports on a meeting of freedmen in Savannah, Georgia, during
which former slaves
were promised land and other forms of aid from US General Saxton.
Valley Spirit, April 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 2:
"Hon. Thaddeus Stevens."
Criticizes remarks made by Thaddeus Stevens that suggest that
"justice" will not come
without the total subjugation of the South. In those remarks, Stevens talked of treating the
Southern states like "conquered provinces" under the control of the US Congress.
