Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-10-23
The Military,

The usual quiet Of our town was sudden
ly disturbed on Saturday last. by the beat
ing Of drums, blowing of tin horns, trum-
pets, flies, &c. The young people turned
out for general holiday and jubilee. the
middle-aged and the young men joined the
ranks Of their belligerent neighbors, and
all seemed bent on doing something desper-
ate, but the old women looked on in silent
fear, shook their heads and predicted war,
blood and thunder from all of these omin-
GUS tokens. At eleven o'clock, Capt. John
D. Imboden assembled his men in front of
Union Hall, and attempted to form a
straight line, using the curb-stone as an
instrument whereby to accomplish his pur-
pose. But the fates were averse to this, for
unfortunately our enterprising grocer, Mr..
P. N. Powell, had a number of barrels of
-four on said curb-stone, awaiting the au-
ger Of the inspector, and this, together with
the good things inside Of the groceri, SO at
racted their olfactories, that they were un-
able to hear or comprehend the command
of their gallant captain, who, sword in hand,
swore martial law against all who prefer
red the scent of Powelrs good things to
powder and military things generally go
Finding the impossibility of forming them
here, he marched them down to the walk
in front of the jail, where inundated by
the Jail in front and the Court House in
the rear, they speedily fell into that beauti-
full form SO aptly described by Mrs. Par
tington as ''turpentine line" Here, after
sundry military evolutions, known and APP
preciated only by those skilled in military
affairs, Company A. and Company B., with
their respective commanders, took up their
line of march, Every crooked one though)
to the field; they were escorted there by the
West Augusta Guard, commanded by Capt
Baylor. Arriving on the field, they took
up their position, with brick kiln on the
north, and the town of Staunton on the
south, or, to use military phrase, with the
right flank resting on brick kiln, and the
left guarded by the town. Here, after va
rious and sundry turnings and twistings,
all of which seemed tending to the one great
object of getting them to face the brick
kiln, the Captain ordered his first Lieuten-
ant to draw his men up in line, as there
was important business to transact The
Lieut.. accordingly attempted to straighten
them by his sword, which much resembled
the new moon when first it makes, its ap-
pearance in the western horizon. Despair
ing of success in this, the company pro-
ceeded to the consideration of the business.
It was announced that Capt Christian hav-
ing been promoted by his Excellency, Gov.
Wise, had rendered his resignation as Cap
tain of Company B., whereupon it was
moved and seconded that it be received. II
now devolved upon them to choose another
man to lead them forth to fight in their
country's cause. Two young gentlemen
now stepped forth and modestly offered
themselves for this arduous and responsible
task, expressing their willingness to shed
their blood in their couutry's cause. But
mark the sagacity Of the sturdy yeomanry
now! they have no idea of committing SC
great trust to hauds unused to this. They
vociferously demand "a man of experience,
and one who has seen service. Mr.. Oscar Fox
then presented himself, and as it was known
to most of the company that he was pretty
good at certain nameless characteristics
which have marked most great generals, he
was duly elected. Meantime the two youth
full aspirants above mentioned, retired in dis
gust, cursing the stupidity Of the yeomanry
and swearing never so far to forget their
lofty dignity or sacrifice their independence
by asking for Office at the hands of men inca
pable of approaching their many virtues.
After marching back to their place Of as
sembly, the companies were dismissed. but
events of this day will not be soon for
gotten, but will be treasured up in the an
nails Of Staunton.