davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

SIGNS IN THE SKY.-A Troy paper says:-
sThere was a porteDtous sign in the heavens
yesterday morning at 5 o'clock. In the South
western part of the sky, appeared three upright
stripes, alternately red, white and blue-as clear
and we'll defined as if the combined glories Of
all the flags in Troy had been reflected from the
clouds as in mirror Tho reuei1e was lust
beating at Camp Willard; and the soldiers saw
the unusual and splendid spectacle. They cheer
ed till the air rang with shouts at this omen Of
victory. Said one of the soldiers, Boys, we are
fighting under Heavens own banner!'"
'sThe Pharisees also with the Sadducees came
and tempting, desired Him that He would show
them sign from heaven. He answered and said
uto them: %! We hypocfites, ye can discern the
face OF the sky; but can ye not discern the signs
of the times. A wicked and adulterous genera
ton seeketh after sign; and there shall be no
sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet
Jonas.'n
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

GEN. HUGER The Charleston Mercury says
of Gen. Benjamin Hugar, who has recently been
placed in command off the Virginia forces at Nor
folk
Gen. Huger has had the advantages of a first
rate military education. Having entered the
West Point Academy as a cadet in 1921, he
graduated in June, 1925, and was detailed for
service as Brevet Second Lieutenant, Sd Artille-
~, lst July of the same year, was made Captain
of Ordinance Both May, 1882. At the opening
of hostiities with Mexico he was attached to
Gen. Scott's Staff, as Chief of Ordinance of the
Army in Mexico. For ssgailant and meritorious
conduct at the siege of Vera Cruz, 18th March,
l847, he was breveted Major. AT the battle of
Ell Molina del Rey, he was brevetted Lieutenant
Colonel, for ssgallant and meritorious conduct
9Th September 1847. Again, on the bloody field
of Chnrubusco, 18th September, l847, he was
breveted Colonel, for his services. 1t is thought
as soon as the Maryland Brigade is complete, he
will assume the command at their request.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
What Shall We Wear

Economy is a commendable virtue at any time,
but it now becomes patriotic duty. The peo-
pie should now economic as much as possible,
that they may have more means to contribute
to the defence of the State, and to the comfort
and necessities Of our soldiers. The RevOu-
ton in which we are now engaged will demand
heavy sacrifices, and we should prepare our
selves as we'll as possible to bear them. No
meney should now be expended for luxuries or
mere display. We should now confine our pur-
chases to the necessaries of life, and to such ar
ticles as are of positive utility. Business Of
almost all kinds has been paralyzed, and the ma
jority Of persons will suffer heavy losses. We
hope that the merely ornamental will be sacr-
feed to the useful. The gentlemen should give
up fine broad-cloth suits and be rcontent with
cheaper ones that would wear equally as long
and be quite as comfortable. The ladies should
be willing to forego the pleasure Of appearing in
costly silks, and high priced bonnets. The fash
ion should now be to wear cheap and durable
apparel. The time for ssFlora McFlimseys" is
when the country teens with wealth and smiles
with prosperity. In such times as we have at
present, they should be banished from the coun-
try. We hope that those whose means would
enable them to dress extravagantly will set the
example of appearing in dress which will CON-
bine neatness, cheapness and durability. The
wealthy can afford to do this without any suspi-
cion that it is the consequence of pecuniary ne
cessity, and will secure the praise of doing sc
through laudable motives. But as long as cost
ly apparel is considered badge of responsibility
and passport to good society, the majority
connot AFFORD to consult economy. unless the
recognized leaders of the styles should make i
fashionable to do so. The chief beauty of any
dress consists in the fit, and it should be made
to fit the times as we'll as the person. We hope
to see unpretending calico dresses, which hav,
been banished from the towns, again introduced
Who will set the example ? What lady will
lead in this laudable enterprise? The ladies o
Staunton have as good right to ssset the fash
ions'' as the less worthy ladies of Paris have
Patriotism now demands it.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS,
BY THE GOVERNOR.
A PROCLAMATION

THE military forces at Washing ton having invaded
the territory OF Virginia, and shed the blood of
its people, and committed other acts of outrage and
aggression thereby evincng purpose the part of
that Government, to subugate the people of Virginia
ana l subject them to tvrannical control against
ernOr of the Commonwealth aforesaid by virtue Of
the authority vested in by the Constitution and
laws OF the same do hereby require all the volunteer
companies which may have been formed in the seve-
raj counties and corporations of the Commonwealth
not already mustered into service to repair forthwith
and without awaiting any further ORDERS the place
OF rendezvous designated by my Proclamation OF the
3rd day of Nav, 1861 there to be mustered into the
service of Virginia. fi
| And l do further invoke the good people of Vir-
gina to organize volunteer companies,
and arm themselves with such as may have been
furnished to them, or they may be able to procure
and repair promptly to said place of rendezvous.
And furthermore require the Militia of the line to
and arm themselves with such as may have been
issued to them, they may be able to procure and
the company officers are required to assemble their
companies at least week. at their usual place
Of mustering for inspection and drill that they may
be prepared to repel the invaders of our soil.
And furthermore enion upon all the good people
OF this commonwealth to depOrt themselves with the
camness and composure becoming free people, con-
scous of their rights, and resolved to maintain them
nothing doubling that by the patriotic devotion con-
censrasea energy and determined viii Of the people,
dence, we shall be able to maintain the liberty indie.
pendence and integrity of our ancient Commonwealth
and the safety, honor and welfare of the Confederate
States.
49, Given under my hand, as Governor, and un
! ;, der the seal of the Commonwealth, at Rich
I - mond, this third day of June, 1861, and in
~ the 85th year of the Commonwealth.
JOHN LETCHER.
By the Governor:
GEORGE W. MUNFORD,
Secretary of the Commonwealth
The several newspapers throughout the State will
insert the foregoing Proclamation three times in each
OF their papers, and forward their accounts to the Ex
sutve Department for payment.
luna
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Plan for the Capture of II arper's Ferry


BALTIMORE, May 26.-I have just learned that
plan has been matured which will place Har-
per's Ferry in our possession. There are nu-
merous county roads in Washington and Freder-
ick counties. Maryland, all of which converge
to land unite at or near the Maryland Heights, OPP
posite Harper's Ferry Three of these roads
come from the direction of Hagerstown, two
from Frederick City, and one from Emmets-
burg and Gettysburg, the latter the tern,i-
nus of the railroad from Lancaster and York,
Pa. The country north and back of the Mary
land heights is open, accessible and scarcely de-
fensibe. A strong force marching along these
roads will attack the batteries in the rear, the
only place where they are Vulnerable. 1t is not
yet known what officer WILDE put at the head of
the expedition, but certainly not Reeder.
The reported destruction of bridges on the rail-
road between Alexandria and Leesburg will pre-
vent any movement of Southern troops from
Harper's Ferry towards Washington; and if this
is followed by taking possession Of the Orange
and Alexandria railroad, as far as Culpeper and
Charlottesville, and of the Fredericksburg rail
road, the rebels at Harper's Ferry will be COM
pletely hemmed in and cut off from all commu-
nication. This will probably be done.
Until these railroads are in our possession re-
Inducements can be sent to Harper's Ferry.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
The Burial of Ellsworth.

INTERCHANGEABLE, N. Y, May 27th.-On the
arrival of the train to-day, which conveyed the
remains of Ellsworth to his home, minute guns
were fired, and the entire population of the sur
rounding country assembled to eynce their uni
versal sorrow. The procession was then formed,
embracing number OF military and fire compa-
MES. Along the route many building were
shrouded in black, and all flags were at half.
mast. The roads were crowded with spectators
After the customary funeral services at the
grave, in which several clergymen assisted, the
people passed in procession to obtain partir ?
glance. Tie body was then lowered into tie
grave, the men Of the company formerly drilled
by hinl-the Chicago Zouaves-fring volley
over it. Then grounding their arms, they took
shovels and filled in the grave. Three volleys
were subsequently, fired, and the multitude of
lnourners dispersed.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
MT. Crawford Cavalry.

On yesterday Monday evening, the cent.
Crawford Ca valry," Capt. VIM. N. Jordan, ar
rived in this place, accompanied by band OF
music. This is-a fine company, well equipped,
and reflects honor upon the patriotic spirit OF
Rockingham county.
The company being drawn up in line in front
of the Virginia Hotel, calls being made upon
Col. Jno. L. Peyton and Capt. Jas. II. Skinner,
they both responded in brief and appropriate
addresses.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Singular Facts.

Though no one was killed during the bonn
bardment fort Sumter, when Maj. Anderson,
after his surrender, was about to salute the
''Stars and Stripes" four of his men were killed.
When Col. Ellsworth took down the flag of the
Confederate States which was waving over the
Marshall House in Alexandria, the Proprietor,
the heroic Capt. jas. W. Jackson, killed him be-
fore he reached the street. When tne of Lin
coins men attempted to put up the "Stars and
Stripes" in Alexandria he fell and broke his neck
Fortune seem to favor the Confederate flag
We have no doubt that victory will ultimately
perch upon it.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Good Living at Harperss Ferry.

-
A correspondent Of the Richmond Dispatch
thus describes the good living of the soldiers at
Harper's Ferry;
81 was at Harper's Ferry on Friday, and found
everything in order. The men seem TO want
nothing tut fight. They are certainly enjoy
ing the bright side of military life SO far. Their
commissariat is not surpassed, imagine, at any
post in the country. The bill of fare comprises
mutton and beef, and jaicy and fat as you eyer
saw; red Virginia bacon-not pork good loaf
bread, ard May butter from the neighborhood,
as yellow as gold. The last article is abundant
at ninepence pound, and we can but pity yoa
of the lowlands who quote an inferior. article at
fonr or five times that price, Delicacies in addi-
tion are sent by the citizens of the neighboring
counties in profasion daily"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Circuif C0urt

The June term Of the Circuit Court for Augusta
County, Judge Thompson Presiding, commenced
its session on Saturday last. Michael B. Meal
ear charged with larceny was sentenced to the
penitentiary for twelve months. Ed. g. Ran
dolph under arrest of the military as prisoner
and spy obtained a writ of ha5eas corpus re-
turnabe on Monday, on which day the Judge
decided that evidence establishing "probable
cause" for his arrest should be furnished, aud
appointed Saturday as the day for introducing
such evidence.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
What Was ltf

On Saturday last, persons in different parts
of this county, heard, for several hours, reports
like those from cannon. They were heard at
Goshen, Greenyille, Middlebrook, and other
places. As the distance from any place where
seems impossible that these reports should have
been made by cannon. The account published in
this issue of the firing at Aqua Greek, shows that
cannon were being fred at the time these reports
were heard. 1t has given rise to the inquiry
"How far can the reports of heavy cannon be
heard 2"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

GEN. BEAUREGARD.-The arrival of the hero
OF Charleston niour city has sent thrill of de-
light through the community. His name is a
tower OF strength to his friends and of terror to
his enemies The Northern press have been en-
deavoring to persuade themselves that he is dead.
But he is alive and in full vigor. We have now
in Virginia, Davis, Lee, Beanregard, Johnston.
Hnger, Magruder, aud others, the most brilliant
soldiers On the American coptinent.-Rich. Dis
patch -
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
PARALYSIS or NoRrHKRN TpAnr-Rnr obu;

PARALYSIS OF NORTHERN TRADE.-For obyi-
Gus reasons, the Boston Commercial Bulletin
has ceased publishing the list of failures. A
writer, commenting on this, says:
u am afraid that the views of the Abolition
list, Wendell Phillips, as put forth in his speech
at New bedford, about the time Of the bonn
bardnent OF Fort Sumter, are about to be real
ized. What will be tie resul of this war;" said
he. New York commerce will be pale with
bankruptcy. The affrighted seaboard will see
grass growing in its streets.'u
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Sketch of the Proceedings of the Council of
the Town of StauntOn, June 1, 1861.

Sketch of the Proceedings of the Council OF
the Town of StauntOn, June 1 1861.
A Report from the Overseers of the Poor OF
Staunton to alst March last, was presented and
received, and the Clerk was directed to transmit
a copy thereof to the Auditor.
The Committee heretofore appointed for that
purpose, reported an Ordinance, as Tax Bill
for the present year, which was passed.
The Council laid the levy, and made allow
ances for the present year.
For reasons satisfactory to the Council, the
Chamberlain was excused for failing to make his
monthly statement of the financial condition of
the town.
The Mayor reported that the Officers of the
Town have discharged their duty.
% motion, the Council adjourned.
Teste.
JAMES F. PATTERSON, Ok.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Removal of the Government.

MONTGOMERY. ALA, May 27.-The businesst
of the several departments OF the GoYernmen
here is pretty much suspended. The officials
and clerks are all busily engaged in packing
up paper, documents, furniture, &C., and di-
recting them to Richmond. In day or two
everything belonging to the Government will be
en- route for Richmond, Va, the new Capital of
the Southern OoDfederacy.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
.'-----..-. For We Spectator.
A Noble Minded MairOn.

As the Augusta, Rockbridge and Rockingham
troops marched down the Valley to Harper's
Ferry, Mrs. Heter, widow lady residing near
the village of Middletown, in Frederick county,
but at considerable distance from the road, gave
evidence of her kindness of heart and sympathy
for our weary men. She had table carried to
the roadside, and with her own hands, assisted
by her servants, carried out quantity of milk,
bread, pies and other comforts, and for two days
fed from one to two hundred. At parting with
them she said, ssMy only son, seventeen years of
age, has gone in company from our neighbor-
hood. If, in the defence of your country, any of
you should scken or be wounded, and can get
to my house, will do all i can to minister to
your comfort.''
Mr.. Editor, as the stage driver gave me this
narrative, and pointed to the spot where the Ia
BILE had been so generously spread, his eyes were
sufused with tears. May Heaven bless our wo-
men, old and young, for most nobly do they sus-
tain the arms of the brave men who have yolun-
teered to defend them. With Gods blessing
they cannot be conquered. NJ.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

Capt. E. S. Yancey's troop of Cavalry, the
River Rangers, moved from Harrisonburg, on
Wednesday last, under orders. They were or
dered to Harper's Ferry. 1t is fine looking
company of gallant young men, with strong arms
and brave hearts, who will do honor to old
Rockingham wherever they may be placed
They were addressed, just before leaving Har-
risonburg, in appropriate and eloquent terms,
by Geo. E. Deneale, Esq.
This is the third Volunteer company in the
field from Rockingham commanded by sons of
the late Col. VIM. b. Yancey, dec'd.-[Rock.
Register.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Attention. Delinquents.

Those who know themselves to be indebted to
the Spectator Office" for advertising OR job
work are most respectfully and earnestly request
TO pay up as soon as possible. Bills for job work
are due as soon as the work is completed, anc
for advertising as seen as the time for which adj
yertisements were ordered to be published ez-
pires. Any time given on such billsis an indul-
gence to the person owing them.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

TIE HERo's WIDow.-A correspondent of the
iLynehburg Republican, writing from Manassas
Junction, says: f ee
Mrs. jackson, the wife of the heroic martyr
of the Marshall House in Alexandria. is here and
receives that homage and respect from all which
is eminently her due. have had the pleasure
OF seeing her, and robler specimen Of the lady
cannot be found in all the land. Her name and
that OF her murdered husband, will be transmit
ted to the latest time, enshrined in the heart OF
every true lover of his country, a far more endu-
ring memento than any monument of marble or
BRASS -
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

We take great pleasure in stating that the Of
fioers of the Rockingham Regiment OF. Volun,
teers at Harper's Ferry, who had been dispiaced
Col, S. B. Gibbons, and E. l. Ii. warren
have been restored to their positions. Lieut.. ..
T. Walker, Of the Valley Guards, has seen pfo-
noted to the rank of Major. This restoration
of these officers. to their places Will oe very a.
greeahle to their old command-Rock. Reg.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
MORE Troops CoMING.-Sey,

MORE TROOPS CoM1Na.-Seyeral Regiments
are now forming in Mississippi, and will soon
start for Virginia. Among the companies of
which those new Regiments will be composed we
notice the Pamela indicator, Rankin Rough and
Readies, Brown Rebels, Chickashay Despera-
does, Mississippi Scouts, Swamp Rangers, Red
Rovers, Biackhawk Rifles, Yankee Terrors, and
Morton Pine Knots.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

EGYPT CONNIE TO THE REsoUE.--A dispatch
from Paducah, KY, to COL Coleman, of the tel
egraph office at Memphis, states that company
of forty men from southern Illinois, passed thro'
that place on the 25th ult., on their way to join
the Confederate army. It adds that more were
expected on last night. Hurrah for Egypt
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

A Coop HIT.-The New York Tribune boast
that Northern soldiers will eight like DEVILS "a
The Charleston Courier replies that it has no
doubt it, for ssthese fallen spirits according
to the Bible, are towards; for ST. JAMES says,
sResist the Devil, and he will fee from you.'
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

~ General Lee being vociferously called on
for sprech at Orange Court House, appeared
and said be had much more Important matters
on his mind than speech making; advised all
who were in service to be drilling, and those
their private affairs and avoid the excitement
and rumors of crowds. &c.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
Home Guard.

The Home Guard, which has now two hun
dred or more members, has been divided into
sour squads. Squad A will meet at Armory
Hail at o'clock onTuesday night, squad on
Wednesday night, squad G on Thursday night,
and squad on Friday night. ALI the squads
will meet at the same place at O'Clock on Sat
urday evening. :
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
The WAR SPIRIT SoUTH.-A letter from lat

The WAR SPIRIT SoUrH.-A letter from late
Union man of Texas to New York Journal says
have seen it stated in Northern papers that
men were forced unwillihgly to join the ranks of
the Confederate army. deny it in toto. Let
not our Northern invaders fatter themselves
that they are about to meet an unwilling foe.-
They will find men who have grasped the sword
and the musket in defence o. their homes, their
firesides, and their property. The spirit Of ZIG
is abroad throughout the South, and l would
proclaim in thunder tones, ssMen of the North
you cannot subdue US. You may perhaps ex-
terminate US, but will guarantee that when the
discrimination shall be complete there will be
but few left to exult in the ruin they have caus-
ed.' In the company which have joined, out
of lO4 men there are 81 Northern born and rails
ed, and nearly the same proportion exists in the
other companies. These have all joined volun-
tarily, and will fight to the death to repel the
orthern invader. If time and space permitted
could fill volume on this subject, but want
the fighting masses of the North to understand
that they will have no child's play. We will
contest every inch of ground, and their advance
can only be made over our dead bodies and
through rivers of our blood. &.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

1y John La Mountain, the eronauf, has oflsr-
ed his services to the Federal government, In
the capacity ola scout. He proposes to initiate
his balloon, and accompanied by an engineer, to
ascend to any desirable elevation, taking notes
of the country, the situation and strength of the
enemy, &c.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04
! Save Rass.

contributor to the RockingharAp Register
very opporiunely calls attention to the ilnpor-
tance of saving rags He says:
Viewed in itself, the saving of rags seems to
be a small and very unsentlmental business. But
the uses of rags are SO important, and SO espe-
cially important at this time, tina. all ought to
regard it a patriotic duty to save them. The
preservation and sale of rags may be made an
item of family economy not to be despised But
just now higher motives appeal to us all to give
attention to this subject.
Lint and bandages may be wanted in large
quantities. Rag carpets will be more popular
after while than they have been of late. But
the largest demand will be for making paper
Fortunately We have paper mills in the South,
and during the war We must rely on them for
the most of the paper used. Newspapers will
require vast quantities, and probably many of
them will have to curtail their dimensions and
some be discontinued altogether for the want OF
paper. Newspapers do great deal of harm
sometimes, but just now we cannot do without
them very comfortably. So that in saving rag
we are helping ourselves, as we'll as the printer
and paper maker"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

The STUFF TENNESSEE MOTHERS ARE MADE
oF.-A few days since, as the train stopped at
one Of the stations on the East Tennessee and
Georgia Railroad, an aged mother was seen. ap-
preaching with perhaps an only SOD, who had
enlisted for the war il the cause OF the South
At the signal, ''all aboard,n she took her son by
the hand, gave him a fond and affectionate en-
brace, and said "God bless you, my son-6ght
like tiger, and if die you must-die game"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-06-04

~ Henry M. Smith, 'Star Artillery" Capt.
p;.e Of Shenandoah, and Isl iah May, augusta
Iss Rifles Capt. Rcbt. D. Liey, are now in
!, - soldisr., Lospital-thoueh not seriously i'll.