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 Articles Indexed by TopicAugusta County : Soldiers' LivesCamp Life | Conscription, Substitution, and Exemption | Desertion and Leave | Enlistment | Medical Treatment of Soldiers | Prisoners and Prison Camps | Religion and Revival in the Army Note: 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, February 25, 1862, p. 1, c. 6:
"For the Spectator."
Letter from Camp Allegheny informing the citizens of Augusta
not to send any liquor to soldiers at the camp.
The Spectator, October 28, 1862, p. 1, c. 6:
"Conditions of the Army."
Reports that the Army of Northern Virginia is sadly lacking in
shoes and clothing, although their "health, zeal and discipline . . . are all that the most sanguine
friend of our holy cause could desire." The Spectator urges local citizens to furnish soldiers with
the necessary gear.
The Spectator, February 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Exchanges on the Rappahannock."
Alleges that Yankee and Rebel soldiers exchange
coffee, tobacco, and clothing along the front and occasionally have amicable
conversation.
The Spectator, November 24, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"For the Spectator."
A letter from Camp Stonewall Brigade alerts the readers to the actions
of two gentlemen from Staunton (names not disclosed) who recently arrived at camp with
packages for various soldiers. Despite the fact that these gentlemen had solicited packages and
announced that they would deliver them without charge, upon arrival at the camp they charged
the soldiers exorbitant prices for carrying the goods to the camp.
The Spectator, April 15, 1862, p. 1, c. 2
"Exemptions in Augusta County."
Lists the number of men in Augusta County who have
been exempted from serving in the military and the reason they have been exempted.
The Spectator, July 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Another Call for Conscripts."
The President declares that all men between the age of
eighteen and forty-five should enlist in the Confederate army.
The Spectator, July 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Conscription."
Explains the President's latest proclamation on conscripts to the readers.
The Spectator, August 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"Camp in the Field, July 30, 1863."
This letter from a soldier requests that all able-bodied
Commissaries, Quartermasters, Clerks and public agents be called to active service. Their places
should be filled by maimed soldiers and men over the age of forty five.
The Vindicator, November 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"A Substitute Wanted."
Reuben D. Hill, from near Jennings Gap, wishes to employ a
substitute for the war. Hill is married, has several children, is a member of the 8th Virginia
Regiment, stationed near Richmond. He will pay a generous price for a substitute. Applicants
should see Dr. Downey of Staunton.
The Spectator, December 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Recommendations of the Secretary of War."
In a synopsis of the Secretary of War's recent
report, the paper notes his commitment to the end of substitution and a reduction of exemptions
to bolster the armed forces. It is also reported that he acknowledges that the recent campaign in
Mississippi was a disaster, and will be calling a Court of Enquiry to determine the cause of these
setbacks. The Secretary's remarks concluded with a powerful appeal for the populace to continue
the struggle in the certainty that their determined endurance will convince the North of the futility
of their efforts.
The Spectator, December 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Substitutes."
Contrary to some reports that state that Augusta County has enlisted "twelve
or fifteen hundred substitutes in the army as the representatives of citizens of this county," the
enrolling officer reports that the true number is less than four hundred.
The Spectator, December 15, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"The President's Message."
A synopsis of President Davis's message touches upon his
concerns with the financial situation facing the Confederacy. He expresses his willingness to sign
any law the legislature presents to him as long as it distributes the burden "uniformly and
impartially on the whole property of the people." His other major concern is protecting the
integrity of the army, which he believes requires the repeal of substitution and a tightening up of
the policy of exemptions.
The Vindicator, January 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"Substitutes from Augusta."
The editor has heard that Augusta County had twelve hundred
substitutes and has never had reason to question the source of that information. The editor has
learned, however, that the real number is 367.
The Spectator, January 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"Substitute Exempts."
Calls attention to a recent order requiring all men who employed
substitutes to enroll in the service themselves.
The Spectator, January 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"Wholesale Conscription."
Explains opposition to any Confederate law that would conscript
most all men.
The Spectator, January 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"The Leve En Masse."
Voices opposition to the conscription of boys between the ages of 16
and 18.
The Spectator, March 1, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"The Substitute Question."
Describes the recent court decision by a Richmond judge that
supports the Confederate Government's right to void substitution contracts when the army needs
the service of all men.
The Spectator, April 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"The Reserve Forces."
Reports that the Conscription Bureau will now enroll all men between
the ages of 17 and 18, and 45 and 50.
The Spectator, April 1, 1862, p. 1, c. 4:
"Soldiers on Furlough."
The Spectator reprints the order revoking all furloughs and leaves of
absence and encourages all soldiers to obey this order cheerfully.
Staunton Spectator, December 30, 1862, p. 2, c. 4:
"For the Spectator."
Prints a letter in which a wounded soldier protests the presence of his
name on a list of deserters that was published in the Spectator. Myers claims that he has been in
the hospital since June and includes a letter from a surgeon in Staunton to confirm that fact.
The Vindicator, July 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Skulkers."
Colonel Davidson alerts the people of Staunton that a number of soldiers are
requesting food from town citizens, claiming they could get nothing from authorities. Davidson
warns that these people are skulkers, are away from their commands without permission, and
should be referred to the office of the commandant of the post.
The Spectator, August 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"The President's Address."
Alerts the readers to the fact that President Davis has issued a
strong appeal for all soldiers absent without leave from the armed forces to return within twenty
days or be treated as deserters.
The Spectator, August 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Straggler and Deserters."
Alerts the public to President Davis's call for all soldiers to return
to their regiments and criticizes the disloyalty of soldiers who shirk their military duty. The article
also notifies the public that anyone who claims to be on a furlough (unless a sick furlough) is
probably a deserter or a straggler.
The Spectator, August 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"Soldiers vs. Deserters."
While praising the loyal soldier who continues to shoulder his heavy
burden in defense of the nation, this article castigates those soldiers who are shirking their
responsibilities. The author also argues that "Those who feed them, harbour them, or who,
knowing of them, do not promptly inform the proper authority, partake of their crime, and stab
their country."
The Spectator, August 18, 1863, p. 1, c. 4:
"To the Soldiers of the Confederate States."
An appeal from Jefferson Davis for the populace
to redouble their efforts in the war effort. He details the preparations that the enemy forces are
making for an invasion and reminds the readers that the result of a Northern victory would be
"subjugation, slavery, and the utter ruin of yourselves, your families, and your country." He takes
a fairly soft view on the numerous soldiers absent from their regiments and attributes their
absence to homesickness and the need to take care of their affairs. He believes that fear of
punishment is causing many who would return to hesitate. In order to rectify this situation, "The
President declares a general amnesty and pardon and assures the public that with the return of
these soldiers the Confederacy will be able to secure victory in the impending battle."
The Spectator, August 18, 1863, p. 1, c. 5:
"Let All Aid to Increase Our Army."
Appeals for all soldiers absent from the army to return
to service immediately. In particular, this article urges all people associated with the soldier to use
their influence to convince him to rejoin the military.
The Spectator, August 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Heads Up--Hearts Right!"
Drawing upon an address by President Davis, the author writes
an upbeat article that assures the public that if all the men currently absent from the field would
just return to their positions, the war could be successfully completed.
The Spectator, August 25, 1863, p. 1, c. 4:
"To the Soldiers of the Confederate States."
Reprints an appeal from Jefferson Davis for the
populace to redouble their efforts in fighting the war. This appeal describes the dire consequences
of failing in the war, and at the same time claims that victory is still attainable. President Davis
also calls on the women of the Confederacy to use their considerable influence to see that all men
return to their duty.
The Spectator, August 25, 1863, p. 1, c. 6:
"Order from General Lee."
Reports that a new furlough policy has been developed to "allow
as many of our brave soldiers to visit their families and friends as can be done consistently with
the good of the service, and at the same time give some reward for meritorious conduct."
The Vindicator, September 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Deserters."
The editor attributes all the "ill success" the Confederates have had in battle to
the number of men absent without leave. He asserts that these men would scorn the idea of being
classified as deserters, even though their anxiety about family and friends caused them to act as if
they were deserters. The reluctance for citizens and government to call them deserters has
resulted in an increase in their numbers, to the point that the cause of the Confederacy has been
affected. The Senate has passed a bill that is before the House and that addresses the punishment
of these men. The editor calls for their return to duty before they are labeled deserters under this
bill. The text of the senate bill is reprinted here.
The Spectator, November 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"Important Arrests."
George Yates of Mt. Sidney, Augusta County, and a number of citizens
of Rockingham County were arrested on charges of "aiding, abetting, and piloting deserters from
the Confederate armies to the Yankee lines." It is reported that the evidence of their guilt is "clear
and unmistakable." [Note that the census does not list any George Yates. John Yates, however,
was a Mt. Sidney Unionist during the pre-war period.]
The Spectator, November 10, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Aiding and Abetting Deserters."
Ten men from Rockingham County were arrested on
charges of aiding and abetting deserters. After three days of deliberation, Judge Halyburton of the
Confederate State District Court determined that the offense was not committed in his district,
and he ordered the prisoners discharged. The men were then arrested and transported to
Staunton for trial.
The Spectator, January 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 2:
"Exemptions And Details."
Calls for a sounder and stricter principle upon which exemptions
should be granted.
The Vindicator, January 15, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"'If it be true, as stated, . . .'"
The high rate of absenteeism in the army suggests that the
government should take action to correct the problem in ways other than enrolling additional
people.
The Vindicator, September 9, 1864, p. 1, c. 7: "Absentees
from Gen. Lee's Army."
This reprint of the text of General Lee's General Order Number 54
calling for the return of absentees reveals, in the opinion of the editor, the paternalistic
relationship between the commander and his men.
The Spectator, January 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"For The Spectator."
Asks that the proper authorities turn their attention to the deserters that
are lurking about.
The Spectator, March 29, 1864, p. 1, c. 7:
"For The Spectator. A Sketch From Life."
Suggests that it is the treasonous speculator, not
the hard-working soldier in the field who deserts because he is concerned about his family, who
really deserves death.
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. 2, c. 5:
"For The Spectator."
Calls for the punishment of deserters, who can be seen walking the
streets and pilfering through the neighborhood.
The Vindicator, June 21, 1861, p. 1, c. 2:
"The Militia."
Calls for all men to join volunteer companies and not wait until the militia is
called up before getting involved in the war.
The Spectator, August 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"Soldiers, the Great Desideratum."
Calls for increased enlistment in the war effort. The
author declares it is "idle to talk of peace" until the enemy tires of war. Furthermore, the reporter
interprets the North's refusal to negotiate with Vice President Stephens as confirmation of the
North's unwillingness to enter into serious peace negotiations.
The Spectator, February 9, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Spirit Of The Army."
States that the Confederate army is in good spirits, and that
soldiers are rushing to reenlist. Also notes that citizens must still brace themselves for a long and
protracted war.
The Spectator, May 24, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"The Spirit of the Boys."
Explains that boys in Winchester have become more enthusiastic
recently about enlisting in the Confederate army because the town was occupied by a black
regiment.
The Spectator, February 11, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"Camp Diseases--How to Avoid Them."
Article gives advice to soldiers on staying
healthy.
The Vindicator, August 7, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"To Wounded Soldiers."
Pain from gunshot wounds may be relieved by holding the affected
body part over smoking lard. By holding the body part as close to the smoking lard as possible,
the smoke and fumes work wonders.
The Spectator, April 15, 1862, p. 1, c. 4:
"The Confederate Prisoners."
Describes the condition of Confederate troops who were taken
prisoner in Winchester by federal forces and then transported to Baltimore. The Herald
correspondent points out that the soldiers are well-dressed and well-mannered, and, he remarks,
they also appear to be in good spirits.
The Vindicator, May 22, 1863, p. 1, c. 7:
"Shameful."
Criticizes the magnanimous response Yankee prisoners have received while in
transit to Richmond. In the North, there is a penalty of death for anyone showing sympathy to
Confederate prisoners held there. The Yankee prisoners should not be mistreated, but neither
should they be honored.
The Vindicator, July 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 4:
"'A Number of Yankee Prisoners . . .'"
Yankee prisoners taken at Upperville, Winchester,
and beyond arrived in Staunton yesterday, with 2300 more on their way.
The Spectator, July 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 5:
"'The Delaware 'Republican'. . ."
A report on the deteriorating conditions of rebel prisoners
at the Fort Delaware facility.
The Vindicator, September 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"More Yanks."
Captains McNeill, Imboden, and Hobson brought 147 prisoners with them to
Staunton last Tuesday. The prisoners were captured near Moorefield, Hardy County, and most
were western Virginians from Pierpont's "bogus capital." The full story of their capture appears
in another story.
The Vindicator, September 18, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"For the Vindicator."
This letter details the movements of General Imboden's troops and
their capture of prisoners in western Virginia.
The Vindicator, October 2, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Skirmish and Capture of Prisoners."
Two companies of Imboden's Cavalry attacked the
enemy at Burnt House, about seven miles from Beverly, and captured thirty-eight horses and
thirty-seven Yankees. The prisoners passed through Staunton on their way to Richmond.
The Vindicator, December 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Feeding the Prisoners."
Northern prisoners have received the same rations that Confederate
soldiers receive, along with any extra packages Northerners sent to them. The Northern
government, however, wants to send them provisions, a practice to which the Confederate
government objected. The Confederate government contended that as long as Northern prisoners
received the same poor fare that Confederate soldiers received, then the Northern government
would be more interested in establishing an exchange of prisoners.
The Vindicator, January 29, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"Retaliation."
The editor asserts that no people in the world are more kind and humane than
the people of the Confederacy, and he cites several examples to prove this point. These traits
have prevented Southern troops from retaliating, in most cases, for Northern atrocities. In one
case, however, Colonel Joel R. Griffin selected a private from the 5th Ohio to execute in
retaliation for the hanging of Private Daniel Bright of the 62nd Georgia, who was held by General
Wilde. Griffin promises to hang others if Confederate prisoners continue to be hanged. The
editor of the Vindicator applauds this tactic and claims that Griffin's example will save many
Confederate men being held from being executed. The article closes with a copy of the letter
Griffin sent Wilde explaining his position.
The Vindicator, November 4, 1864, p. 1, c. 3:
"Correspondence between Gen'ls Lee and Grant."
The text of correspondence between
Generals Lee and Grant in October 1864 includes their discussion of African-American prisoners
of war and of alleged retaliatory acts by Union General Butler in his treatment of Confederate
prisoners of war.
The Spectator, November 18, 1862, p. 1, c. 5:
"Reliance Upon God."
Argues that the generals who follow God have been the luckiest and
the most successful. Points to Lee, Jackson, and Beauregard, in particular, as examples of this
phenomenon.
The Vindicator, September 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 1:
"Religious Exercises."
A religious meeting led by Reverend J. C. Hyde, Chaplain, and other
ministers, is ongoing at the General Hospital in Staunton, with several sick and wounded soldiers
professing their faith and others asking for forgiveness for their sins.
The Spectator, November 3, 1863, p. 2, c. 2:
"Religious Revival."
Reports that a religious revival is taking place in Staunton with over
twenty-four professed converts. The revival appears to have begun amongst the soldiers being
treated at the American Hotel under the ministration of Rev. Mr. Hyde and his assistants.
The Spectator, November 17, 1863, p. 1, c. 6:
"Stonewall Jackson and Religion in the Army."
In addition to noting the deeply religious
nature of General Jackson, Rev. Lacy goes on to attribute a revival of religion amongst the
soldiers of the army to the influence of Jackson.
The Spectator, January 12, 1864, p. 2, c. 5:
"For The Spectator: An Appeal From The Army For Books."
Asks that the ministers of
Staunton churches--Rev. Messrs. Baker, Latane, Taylor,
Dice, and Miller--encourage their congregations to donate books to the 52nd Virginia Regiment,
in order to help the soldiers pass the time during the winter.
The Spectator, April 5, 1864, p. 2, c. 4:
"Gen. Imboden's Command."
Reports on the growth of religious activity among members of
General Imboden's Brigade.
The Vindicator, July 8, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "Died."
William J.
Gum, 20, died in the battle at New Market on May 15, 1864. He enlisted in the 62nd Virginia
Regiment in August 1862, was a member of Company H, and was a brave and patriotic soldier.
In February 1864 he received salvation and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
