davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
the rights and benefits the Union confers-

the rights and benefits the Union confers-
anc protect us forever from assaults upon
our institutions. our property and our rights
by unfriendiy States, as far as constitution
/ al guarantees can give protection. / would
demand of the North equality in the Union
no more, no less--now and forever. On
this basis would endeavor to unite the
whole South, and then if accepted the Union
would be ''born again." and we might hope
would live forever But if these terms are
rejected by the North, would then say we
can no longer live together-we must sepa-
rate-you mast recognize our equality or
our independence. Let us by agreement
part ia peace-divide our common terrific
ries, the Army, Navy and public property,
and assume each a just share of the national
debt. If this proposition too is rejected, |
would declare the independence of the South
and call upon her brave sons to initiate their
Revolutionary sires and pledging to each
other ''their lives, their fortunes and their
sacred honor" maintain that independence
as long as there was an arm to WELD a
sword or raise musket on our soil-or a
dollar to buy soldiers ration
The day for a time-serying, temporizing
policy has passed. This sectional contro-
versy must be settled, and now is the time.
IF it is not settled. or it's settlement placed
beyond doubt before the 18th of March, in
my humble judgment no settlement will
then ever be possible. Lincoln will attempt
the subjugation of the seeding States and
then terrific struggle will commence =
For however much we may condemn their
hasty action, presume there is not man
ia all the South who would not in such
contest, involving such consequences of ul-
innate and irretrievable ruin to US all, seize
his arms and rush to the conflict. Virginia
has already proclaimed her purpose to re-
sist in such a contingency And whatever
she shall now by her sovereign voice de-
cree, will stand to and abide by. To her
my first allegiance is due, and while shall
endeavor to counsel with my fellow Citizens,
that she shall always maintain the right,
yet when she has determined her solemn
Judgment through the voice of Ler manly
sons at the polls, will maintain and defend
that judgment at her command, right or
wrong, against all the world besides.
have thus indicated my views IF am
elect, d | shall consider them endorsed by
the County, and will carry them out as far
as am able. If they do not accord with
yours, you ought not to vote for me- Be
your decision what it may | shall bow
with Difference to it.
JOHN D. IMBODEN.
Jan 10. 1861.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

: Look at the messages OF the Governors
Of the Free States. They breathe spiri,
of unmitigated Federalism. Andrews, of
| Massachusetts. Randall, Of Wisconsin, and
others, scout the idea of repeal of their
Personal Liberty Bills. All concur, that
the forms of the Constitution having been
complied with in the election Of Lincoln, the
slaveholding States shall be scAipped into
Submission
Clearly, then, there is no hope from the
conservatism of Black Republicanism -
Nor had we right to expect it, inasmuch
as their party was instituted upon single
fanatical idea, and is but conglomeration
Of all the offensive isnas which have cursed
New England for more than quarter of a
century.
What, then, in this gloomy state of af-
| fairs, is to be done? Our answer is, APP
peal from the politicians to the people. Let
the Southern States present an unbroken
'front.' Let them lay down their ultimatum,
and stand by it. Let us have no more pa
per resolutions more resolutions to ere
sist at all hazards and to the last extrem-
ity )" but in the calm spirit of men "who
know their rights, and knowing, dare main
tain them" let us say to the present. and
the incoming Executives, I'VE will not per-
NIT eren an effort to coerce State into
submission to the General Government"
Let US demand repeal of all unconstitu-
tional and notification State laws-a strict
enforcement Of the Fugitive Slave Lave
quality in the common property of the Gen
eral Governmental word, the obscrv-
ance Of the Federal compact, and the re-
cognition and enforcement of all our rights
under it.
Having thus taken our stand, let the
Northern people decide the question be-
tween peace, prosperity and Union on the
one side and discord, division and civil
war on the other If they choose the lat
ter, then we must strike for "God and our
native land "
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
God BLESS the ladies !

No enterprise of charity or patriotism is
ever suggested unless tie ladies Instantly
come forward to lend helping hand -
Hence, we always, in our heart. feel like
asking blessing upon them, for they are
always blessing others. "A Lady" in to
days paper, presents few patriotic senti-
ments III calling attention to the purpose Of
our fair dang trs to have a Fair on the
22d of Febfuarv, 10 s'sise means to purchase
for Capt. Baylor company, the ''NVest Au-
gusta Guard" Knapsacks and Tents. We
trust the enterprise will be literally patron :
lied, not only for the benefit of the gallant
Company, bat also for the qualification Of
those who have So generously and with glad
hearts taken the matter In charge.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
Public Speaking,

Gnx. HAnMAN-Dear Sir: propose to address
the people of Augusta at the following times and
places and invite you and any other candidates for
the Canyention, to unite with me in this arrange
ment:
At Waynesboro', Saturday, 10th, at q P. N.
q Fishersville, Sc 4" at j"
" Mt Sidney. Monday, 2lst, at p. NJ.
Mt. Scion, Tuesday, 22d. at 2P: NJ.
Spring Hill, g Sc att
stanton. Wednesday night, 23rd
Churchville, Thursday, oath, at P. NJ.
sc West View, 9 I"
=. Middlebrook. Friday, 25th,
Greenvle, Saturday, 26th, at 2 P. NJ.
{. Mint Snring.
And on Monday, the 2sth, at Staunton. when
other appointments will be made. There being but
Is DAYS till the election, have deemed it proper
tc make these appointments promptly.
j. d. IMBODEN.
CAPT. IABonEs ii will meet you at the times
named, snd such other gentlemen may become
candidates for the Convention.
Staunton, JAM Is, '6l. W. III. HARMAN.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
From Mexico.

News of the complete triamph Of the Lib
erals has reached New Orleans by the Brit
ism steamer Gladiator. NEiramon was de
feated on the ed of December, and on the
25th the Liberal army occupied the Capital.
Puebla has capitulated. and President Jua-
req had left Vera Cruz for the city of Mex
leo. Everything there was tranquil, and
the war was supposed to be ended.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

the Union is really in danger, there is a.
mong them enough Of intelligent self-iuter.
est, if not of conservatism, to induce its &C.
ceptance.
Should the Northern States, however, re.
ject our just demands would say to them,
let us separate in peace The subjugation
of fifteen States, Inhabited by freemen, is
an impossbility, but if attained, the con-
quest would be valueless. If we must sep.
arate, in the name of humanity. let it be
done peaceably-let there be an equitable
division among the States of the common
property, and an equitable assumption by
each State of its quota Of the public debt
And this, if we fail to reconstruct and pre-.
serve the Union, can be done by negotia-
ton, or, failing in that, by arbitration.
But should the non-slave holding States
reject our just demands attempt to coerce
Withdrawing States-refuse peaceable sepa-
ration, determine at all hazards to Cypress
and insult US in the Union, there can be no
other course to preserve the honor of Vir-
ginia and the liberty of her people but an
appeal TO the God of Battles.
God forbid that such shall be the issue
But if those whom we have been accustom-
ed to esteem and treat as Brethren so elect
it will be found the race of Virginia has
deteriorated neither in valor or proves.
Should it be your pleasure, my fellow
Citizens, to delegate me to represent in part
the Sovereignty of Virginia, it shall be my
most earnest and jealous purpose not only
to guard her honor and her Interests, but
faithfully to carry out your wishes
On the other hand, should you find others
who you think will represent you more ac-
ceptably in the Convention, shall submit
cheerfully to your decision; and ever bold
myself in readiness as one of the people, to
meet any demand which may be made upon
me by our glorious ola State.
In conclusion, viii add. that it is my
purpose to avail myself of every opportuni-
ty which presents itself, before the Election,
to elaborate nv views before the people.
Respectfully,
VIM. III. HARTMAN.
Jan IS, 1861.
R Spectator Copy.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
A COUNTY Meeting.

The Spectator suggests county meeting
at January Court to nominate candidates
for the Convention. Why not let the PEG,
pie decide for themselves at the polls? Why
the interyenti of a meeting? Our pub
lie men are all known to the people In
this contest let us merge all partizan in oul
patriotic devotion to our country. Let III
avoid ali c!iques and party. The people
are capable of selecting their servants-le
them do il.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
The Right Spirit.

A communication signed "Mt. Sidney"
in the Spectator of Tuesday, breathes the
right spirit The writer says, "our first
work is to save the Union, if we can save it
without compromising our constitutional
rights as Southern citizens. If this cannot
be done, then let US present an unbroken
front in the South, that wha; we cannot OBJ
tain in the Union, we will seek out of it.
Every man to his post. In Union there is
strength" This is the spirit that should
animate every citizen of Virginia, and es-
pecially the patriotic people Of Augusta
whose courage in defence of right in every
conflict of our countrymen, FROM the days of
the revolution and border warfare, down to
the present, has distinguished them. A
brave and true people can never submit to
persistent wrong. The people of proud and
patriotic old Augusta Will never do it. Let
them rally as one man on the 4th Of Feb
ruary and show the country that they are
worthy sons of noble sires, and demand that
Virginia shall plant herself immovably upon
her constitutional rights We appeal to
such men as the author of "Mt. Sidney
(whom we do not know to inspirit the pee
pie with their sentiments, and kindle the
fires of constitutional devotion in every
breast and hamlet in the county. 1t is the
times which try mems souls that are usher
ing upon u.s. Be vigilant, active and firm,
and all will be right.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Edgar Cowan, Esq of Westmerelapd
county, Pa, was on Tuesday last. elected
United States Senator for six years from.
the 18th of March next, in place Of VIM.
Bigler, whose term vii! then expire Mr.
Cowan has never held any public position
whatever, but is represented to Be gen
tleman Of considerable ability, and belongs
to the WiImot school OF polities.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
ssa. III. S2yYIgal.

The New York Oracle has spoken. A:
we anticipated he proposes nothing definite
or satisfactory. May be, if the people OF
the South will give up their "Erratic" no.
tions-be good boys-submit to the unqual-
fled administration and tyranny Of Black
Republicanism, in two or three years the
crafty Senator may consider proposition
Of compromise.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
state Action.

The three great non-slaveholding States
of New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have
taken action. The two former propose te
give material aid and comfort to the Gen
oral Government in the coercion of South
ern States-the latter Indignantly refuses
to repeal it, personal liberty bills.
The breach seems to be widening-our
difficulties more complicated
/ The Southern Planter for February has been re-
aaixpa - s%'
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The Virginia Free Press of Thursday
states that the Armory Guard, the Floyd
Guard and Floyd Rifles we're ordered on
duty the day previous at Harper's Ferry.
in obedience to dispatch received there
from Washington requiring them to do SO.
They were marched into the armory yard.
awaiting any orders which might be sent
them
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
A State Convention.

The Legislature having passed the Con-
vention bill, the election for Delegates will
be held on the 4th February. This county
is entitled to three Delegates.
Already we have heard mentioned the
names of number of our fellow citizens in
connection with the position, and in this is
sue will be found announcements Of candid
ates. There is little time for canvass and
the candidates should announce themselves
at once, in order that the people may have
an opportunity to discuss their claims and
pretensions.
Trot yourselves out, gentlemen, We will
consider your claims and receive the an
nOuncement Fee
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

AT Nicholasville, Ky on Fast Day
national flag. presented by the ladies to s.
military company, was hoisted on the cours
house. Whilst the community were az
church. a Palmetto flag was Insisted ABOVE
it, which caused greas indignation, when it
was taken down, delivered t. she ladies, and
burned In the public square.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The Missouri Legislation has passed t,
Convention bill by Il ayes to nays. It
is similar to the Virginia bill, The elee-
ton takes place on the 18th of February
and the Convention meets on the 2Sth,
The Legislature Of Tennessee has passed.
a sim liar Dill,
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
Convention Announcements.

We are authorized to announce Capt J. D. In
BopEx, a candidate for the State Convention E.
lection, Monday, 4th day of February.
Jan. IL, l86I.-tde
We are authorized to announce Gen. WV. H.
HARMAN, candidate for the State Convention -
Election, Monday, 4th day of February.
Jan. 1S,. l86l.-tde
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

David Paul Brown. Esq has been APP
pointed to deliver the annual grafton before
the Washington aud Jefferson Societies os
the University of Virginia, on the fou tn of
July next. and has accepted the appoints
ment
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The steamer Star of the West, recently
hred on at Charleston for attempting to land
re~inforcements for Fort Sumpter, landed
her troops at Governors Island, New York.
few days since.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

We are necessarily compelled to omit this
week our detailed accounts Of the proceed
ings fthe Legislature and Of Congress. Oh
account of the length (and the late hour re-
eeivel, ofthe communications of Messrs,
Harman and Imboden. There has been no
definite action by either, except what will
be found in our columns.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
GA Crazy Legislature.''

The spectator mas very SHY anu lndel~
icate article under the above caption, in
which it charges the Legislature, '.by near
" unanimous VOTE" with having "pledg-
ed Virginia to fight the battles of South
Carolina" This is all twaddle, and an abor-
tive attempt at raw-head-and- bloody bones
to frighten the people. The call ola Con-
vention is to prevent war and bloodshed;
rather than precipitate them. If any body
of men in the universe could be placed in a
position to save this country from carnage
and civil war, it will be a Convention Of
delegates fresh from the sovereign people Of
Virginia. It is admitted on all sides, that
Virginia's relations to the Union are such
as to be more potential for restoring peace
and harmony than any other State. How
would it be possible to make known her
wishes and position, save through body
authorized by the people to represent their
sentiments Any action Virginia may take
through her Convention will be for the con-
servation of peace, ifthat is possible If
War is inevitable, which we by no means
believe, then what body so proper as the
Convention to define the purposes Of the
Old Dominion? BE the result Of our pres
ent difficulties peace or war, Convention
is the safest and most legitimate body to act
for the State.
The idea of pledging Virginia to fight the
battles of any State is simply ridiculous. If
the madness of Black Republican fanaticism
and treachery should ever attemptt to coerce
any seeding State, the question would be-
come one embracing the constitutional rights
of every Southern State that repudiatcs the
right of coercion, and the conflict would
become one of the South, defending the
Constitution, against the North, violating
it. In that event, Virginia would have as
many battles of her own to fight as she
could desire, without sending her armies to
the cotton and rice fields of the extreme
South.
It is a conflict we desire to prevent. If
We send the proper men to the Convention.
that conflict may be prevented. 1t is the
solemn and sacred duty of the people there
fore, to come to the polls on the 4th day Of
February and cast their votes for such men
as they can trust, irrespective of Courthouse
recommendations or partizan Influences
There will be no infamy too intense or deg
relation too deep, for the man whose era
ven soul would allow party considerations
or associations to decide these .momentous
questions for him. A weightier RESPONSE
bility never rested upon any people than the
voters Of Virginia will be called to assume
on the 4th of February. Let each man meet
it like freeman. who in the sight of God
and his loyalty to his State and country,
feels like proving his patriotism and asser-
ting bis adherence to the Federal Constitu-
ton as framed by our fathers.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Prominent republicans in Pennsylvania
are agitating the question Of sending
commissioners to the border slave States to
prevent their secession from the Union.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The faculty of Lynehburg College, in a
truly commendable spirit, have determined
to educate one INDECENT, meritorious youth
for every church and charitable institution
in that city free of charge.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Baker P. Lee. Jr.. Of Hampton, is
proposed as candidate for the Convention.
shortly to assemble in Virginia.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Gen J. A. Dix, of New York. has been
appointed Secretary of the U. S. Treasury,
instead Of T. p. Thomas, resigned.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Geo W Locke has been arrested at Par
kersburg, Va, for poisoning his wife, who
died suddenly on the 7th inst.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Mr. Trumbull has been re elected ia the
United States Senate by the Illinois Leg
sslatuca.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Col. Thos. J. Randolph, V. w. Southa,,
P. Holcomb, w. d. Hart and Franklin
Minor are candidates for the Convention in
Albemarle.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Senator Toombs Of. Georgia. passed
through Richmond on Suuday,eu route for
his home.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The States now out of the Union are
South Carolina, Florida, Mississippi, and
Alabama; and Georgia will pass the ordi-
nance Of secession Saturday, the 10Th. The
members of Congress AID the Senators from
the four States already out. have resigned
their seats.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The Alexandria Rifemen have adopted
the flag Of Virginia as the ensign of the
corps.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
Court House Nominations.

The Spectator of Tuesday last has a sug-
gestion that Court House meeting assem-
Bile on the LIST day Of January Court, the
29th, and nominate candidates for the Con-
vention. This would leave the people just
six days in which to find out who were the
candidates and their positions. We have
no sympathy with any such mode of de-
feating the will Of the people. Let the can
didates instantly announce themselves thro'
the press, and speak to the people at every
available point in the county We want
no Court House clique or packed caucus to
usurp sovereign rights. Let the voters
themselves express their choice at the ballot
box. The crisis is too eninent-the issues
too grave, to be decided by few men at
the Court House. Every man must act his
part now, and vote for the best men. This
is no time to parley and scheme, and by
such agencies send to Richmond persons
who neither represent the wishes Of the peo-
pie nor have souls enough to comprehend
the fearful events which now loom up every
whore. We appeal to every honest man in
the county and the State to weigh well the
Importance of his suffrage in this election,
and submit to the domination Of no party
junto or Court House combination. Party
should be buried ard patriotism rise in her
majesty to vindicate her rights.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

The secession feeling is said to be very
strong in Middlesex county.
r. ". Burke, Esq,, Door Keeper Of tue House
Of Delegates, will accept our thanks for public fa
Ynrs. =.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
later by TELEGRAPH.

SPECIAL pIsPATCH TO THE vINDICAroRl
RICHMOND, j an. II. 81.
EDITOR YINpIcAToB The Lower House of the Va.
Legislature to-day passed the Joint Resolutions OF
the Committee on Federal Relations by a large
majority.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18

Gen. Lane, Of Indiana, has been elected TO the
E. S. Senate from that STATE. -
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
GRNigsOEss !!

Seward in his late speech indirectly ad-
vocates Force bill l. this to be taken
as foreshadowing of the views and purpo-
ses Of the incoming administration
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-01-18
Candidates for the Convention.

Candidates for the Convention.
It will be seen by their cards, that Gen.
W. H. Hartman and Capt. j. D. Imboden,
have announced themselves as candidates
fer the State Convention, which meets on
the 18th Of February, in Richmond. The
names Of two other gentlemen are suggest
ed, viz: Col. J. B. Baldwin and Hugh
W. Shelley, Esq. These gentlemen all
possess high order of talent-either one of
whom has ability to represent the county in
this important emergency. AS it is our
purpose to ignore everything like party in
this contest, and to lend our support to those
men who the most nearly represent what we
believe the true interests and honor of Vir-
GINA, we shall await the announcement of
other gentlemen, and the publication Of their
views, before we declare in favor Of any =
In the meanwhile, we call attention to the
cards of Messrs Hartman and Imboden as
containing sound and conservative views,
well worthy the consideration Of the PEG.
pie.
Ew Since the above was putin type We
have received communications calling upon
two other gentlemen, Coils. Geo. Baylor and
w. P. Tate, either one of whom or both j.,
would make efficient representatives of the
County in the Convention. They are gen.
tlemen of fine character and intelligence.