davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Object of the War.

To prevent any misapprehension on the
part Of our readers relative to an express
sion in cur paper last week, ''that the war
would be carried into Africa, I'VE make this
explanation. Gen Scott has extended the
Military Department Of Washington so as
to include Pennsylvania and Delaware
Should battle occur aid we take Wash
ingtoh, then It viii ii II pfobabil ty be the
policy Of President Davis to drive the enc
my from his position On Southern soil. -
The base line Of the operations 0f General
Scott will have to be broken up This ac-
complished, the South will not dance one
foot further We simply want our own
soil relieved from the oppression of the
North We want ard mean to have our
rights and our libel45, OF else honoura-
bic graves. We are acting on the defen-
sive exclusively. We are repe!;ng aggres-
sion. We are defending Cur Greaides and
homes. 6 Lives there man with soul SO
dead" that he is not willing to spring ca
gerly to the trigger for such purpose?
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

Esas gGggsasz6 Ors5izsasaceS.

It will be seen that the Convention has
passed an Q dinance authorizing the Banks
of the State to issue small notes. This is
an important and very desirable reform.
Also an Ordinance equalizing taxation,
and establishing the ad vaorem principle.
CossaEn sssSoz1eIa Is 1gdSSe sssEzas s'y
Tie Convention has appointed as Com
missionars 10 the Congress of the Confe1e-
rate States, which met Oh Eioaaay last, tie
following gentlemen: R NJ T Hunter, O:
Essex " 2 fsivca, Of AlbenarIe I; ",
r Staples, Montgomery Judge Jno. w.
Bro ckenoroueh, Of Rockbridge: and judge
G D. Camden, Of Harrison.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Important Ordinances
STATE CON ENTION.


Tie State Contention has passed the
following Ordinances, which are of deep
and vital interest to the Stats
Be 1t ordafheed, That the several Banks OF
this Commonwealth be authorized to issue
netes of the denominations Of ones and OF
two dollars, to an amount not exceeding
five per cent. upon their respective capt
tails, which notes may be signed by such
officer or officers Of said Banks. respective~
Ily, as may be designated for that purpose
by the Board Of Directors and any of
lsaid Banks which have preserved the notes
fof Tie denominations ef one aud two dol
lars. heretofore Issued iihder authority of
/ law. be at liberty to circulate the SAME, so
that their issue shall not exceed the amount
authorized by this ordinance. The Banks
whose issues DIRE based upon pledge Of
State stock may dispense with the signatures
Iof the Treasurer, and issue such small
notes in the sane way as the other Banks;
but no such Bank shall be Hereby authori-
zed to issue an amount of circulation lar
ger than is now authorized by law.
That all laws now in force prohibiting
the receiving or passing Of Bank notes I'm
der the denomination of five dollars are
hereby suspended as to notes issued BIZ the
Banks Of Virginia under this ordinance,
during the time this ordinance shall re.nain
IN force.
This Ordinance shall expire at the end
of thirty days from the next meeting of the
General Assembly.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

end defence. If war is to be inaugurated by an
attempt to invade this Commonwealth Or 10 use
coercion against the Southern confederated states
"a contingency dependent on the action Of tho
Governme mt OF the Uated States--it shall be met
and conducted by this Cammonwealth upon prin-
ciples worthy of civilized nations and of this
ghtened age { appeal to Ill our people not to
interfere with peaceabIe, unotten ding citizens,
others, who preserve the peace and conform to
our laws, and do hereby especially di<oaunteF
ance all acts of seizure of private property Hith-
out authority Of law, and req 1ire that ord shall
be restored and that all the laws be administered
and exc aeea BY the tribunals especially assigned
for the purpose -.
(- Given Under my hand, as Governor,
L. S. land under tito Seal Of tho Common
(-~- wealth, at Richnnr;d 2ith Anil, 1891,
and in the S5th year OF the Commonw wealth.
JOHN LETCHER.
By the overnor:
GEoaGE w MuNFoRD.
g. Secretary of the Commonwealth. 49,
The folqwing officers Of the State Navy art as
signed to the duties required by this Proclama
ton
For James River-Capt. Cooke and Command
er Tucker
For Potomac River-Capt. Forrest and Lieut..
Semmes.
For Rappahonnool River-i.ssa9it Lewis.
For York River Commander J. Z. Henderson,
and Lieut.. j. S. Maury.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
BY TIE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
A Proclamation;
JOHN L. EUBANK,
Secretary Of Convention,


WHEREAS, in the emergency which was suppo.
sed to exist during the past Wees arising from in
formation that an invasion of the rivers of the
State was about to be made and the movements
OF the vessels of the United States with troops in
to tt waters Of this Commonwealth, and the unu.
sual destruction of public property by the anents
of that Government, both at Harper's Ferry and
at the GospoTt Navy Yard, gave ample reason for
such belief; and whereas, under such circunstan-
ces, snndry vessels in the waters OF tn Jamej
River, the Happahannock. York and Potomac
Rivers, and their tributaries, have en- select
and detained by the authorities of the State OF
officers acting under patriotic motives without au
thoriy, and it is proper that such vessels and pro-
perty should be promptly restored to the masters
N command, or to the owners thereof. There
fore,
J., JoHN fletcher, Governor of the Common
wealth, do hereby proclaim that all private YES
sels and property 50 seized or detained, with the
exception OF the steamers jamestown and York
town, shall be releaEed and delivered I'D to lie
said masters or owners. Proper officers of tbe
State Navy have been assigned to each of the Wv
ers herein mentioned, with orders to release suob.
vessels and property, and give certificates for
damages incurred by the seizare and detention.
feit 1t my du:y, Furthermore, to advise the
people OF the Commonwealth (not in the military
service or the State,) to return to their usual ayo
cations, in connection with the trade and com
msree OF the country. assuring them protection
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Nc PRESSING.

The impression has become almost gene
raj with our country friends that their
horses, cattle. sfeep, cows, &c, would be
. pressed into the service, and for the use
Ct tie army CT tie State. We are glad to
have 1t ia our power to relieve them. The
Governor has issued an order expressly for
bidding any and every thing Of the kind. -
We hope therefore that our farmers and
others who may have been apprehens..ve on
this point, will be contented with the assn
rance that there will be no = pressing :"
Our most excellent, wise and able Govern
or has taken every precaution to protect
the people from unnecessary and unjust an
noyance
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
GEORGE " MUNFoRD,
Secretary Of The Commonwealth.
Al tlKbINANCE

70 amend the Constitution Of his Comnon,re olth 50
as to Strike Ogt the 22d and 23d Seot.ons of the
4th Article attic Present Conatitution a.d in
sert the Jo1owiag az lieu thereof:
Taxation shall be equal and Uniform
throughout the Commou wealth, and all
property Shall be taxed ia proportion to its
value, which shall be ascertained in such
manner as may be prescribed BY law; bat
any property may be exempted from taxa
ton BY the vote Of a majority of the whole
rrmber of members elected TO each House
of the General Assembly.
This Ordinance shall take effect on the
first day of July ne2t. when ratified ov a
majority OF She votes Of the people of tbs
Commonwealth, cast at a poll to be taken
thereon on the fourth Thursday in MAY
next, in pursuance of Schedule hereafter
to be enacted.
Done in Convention, in the city of Rich
mond, on the twenty sixth da3 Of April
in the year Of our Lord, one thousand eight
ha1dred end sixty one, and in the eighty
Fifth year of the ConiI.lUn wealth OF Vir-
glEia. A true COPY.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
En- QpnI~kNCT

ESTABLISHING the Nary IF Virginia.
Be It ordoined. That the Navy of Vir
ginia shall consist of 2 600 seamen and
marines. in such proportions as the Gov
arpor shall deem expedicnt, and of such
officers as haze avaied theaisclv or may
hereafter avail themselves, Of the invita-
ton Of this Commonwealth to worthy and
Ieff'cidJt gEirgnians ard residents of Viz
gifia in the Navy Of the United States, t.
retire. lerefrom and enter the service of
this State. The rank of such officers shall
net be reversed, and they shall have rank
equal to that held in the United States
Navy.
2 The organization Of the Navy shall
be prescribed Fy the Governor, aud the
pay. rations and allowances silall be the
same with those Of the United States Ma
Wy at the present time.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
A PROCLA NATION.


The Convention of the Common wealth
jof Virginia having adopted. on the goth
Iday Of April, 1861, au ordinance g to
amend the Constitution of this Common
wealth, so as to strike out the 22d and
2233d sections Of tie eth article Of tie pres
ent Constitution. and sasort sectioti ID
lieu thereof and having adopted a SEIZED
ule to accompany the same. aid By The
schedule thereto atueSed REQUIRED polls TO
be opened for tie ratiHcaiiohl Or rejection
of the ss't!e by tie peop!a Of this State, on
the fourth Thursday in May next
Now, therefore, I, JOHN LEToiEa, Gov
iefnor OF the Commonwealth Of Virginia.
do hereby proclaim that Ike ANNEXED is an
Authentic copy Of the said Ordinance and
Schedule, and that all officers designated
therein are required to conform to its pro-
visions in every respect.
{ ~~~~s~ Given under my hand as
( L. S. ; Governor. and under the Seal
I~~') of Commonwealth, at Rich
1hond, this Oath day of April. 1861, and
in the S5th 5ear Of the. Commonwealth.
JOHN LETCHER.
BY the Governor
GEORGE " MUNFoRD,
Secretary Of The Commonwealth.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
i ORDIN NOE

To repeal the Ratification of the Constitution of
the United States of America, By he State Of
Virginia, and to resume al the rights and posy-
e,.s granted unde,. said CONSTITUTIONS
The people OF Virginia, in their ratification of
the Constitution of the United States of Anelic
adopted by them in Conv enton, the twentv-
filth day of June in the year of our Lord one
thousand seven hundred and eghty-e eight, having
declared thai the powers granted under the said
Constitution were derive d from the people of the
United States. and might be resumed whensoever
the same should be perverted to their injury and
oppression, and the Federal Government having
perverted said powers, not only to the injury of
the people of Virginia, blu to In. oppression OF
the Sou'hera slavehedng States ::
Now, therefore. we, the people Of Virginia, do
declare and orCain that the Ordinance adopted by
the people of this State, in Con7enion on the
twenty fifth day Of June, in the year of Lord
enc thousand hundred and eighty eight,
whereby the Constitution OF the United States of
America ratiiied-and all acts of the General
AS emily OF this State ratifying or adopting
amendmeilts to said Constitution are hereby re-
pealed and abrogated thet the Union between
the State OF Virginia and tie ether States Under
the Constitution aforesaid is hereby dissolved, end
that the State OF Virginia is in the full possession
and exercise Of all the lights Of sovereignty which
belong and appertain i:ee and Independent
State. And they do further declare that the said
Constitution OF the United States of America is
no longer binding On any of the citizens OF this
State. T.
Tails o. dinance shall take effect, aud be an act
Of this day when ratified by majority of the
votes OF the people OF this State, at poll to
be taken thereon on the fourth Thursday in May
next, in pursuance OF schedule hereafter to be
enacted.
Done in Convention, in the city of Richmond, on
the seventeenth day of April, in the year OF our
Lord one thousand eighteen hundred and sixty
one, an in the eighty fifth year OF the Common
wealth OF Virginia.
true copy :. ts0. /. res.sr,
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
By THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
A Proclamation.


b. WHEREAS, Volunteers are simlutaneously ten
dering their services in person, from all parts
the STATE without Ti;itihe for orders, as they
were requ'red to do by former PROG! amsti ion.
and are repairing to Richmond, withcut previous
notice, at great expense to tne g 'nlmCpwealth.
and before suitable provision has becr made for
their accommodation, ana eefore their services
required these are. therefove, TO .eGuire ali
companies not now in Richmond and not ordered
here or elsewhere to remain at their bones hnl;i
ing themselves simply in readiness for serviee.uu-
engaged in raaking artillery harness or other
equipments, or ON any other special duty for ths
State, are exemp ted from military service, with
out express orders to the contrary. md no conf
pany will be- Mustered into service unless the
pie ment of men prescribed by law shall have been
obtained
Given under my hand, &c.
"a JOHN EETrHER.
By order Of the Governor a. =,
GFo&aE ". MGSfoRp.
Secretary of tie Cor.iionwealsh.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
BY TIE GOVERNOR or VIRGINIA,
a reclamation

Whereas. the Convention. of this Comm onwealth
has, on this, the 25th of April. 1861, adopted an
ordinance e foF the adoption Of the Constitution
Of the PROVISIONAL Government of the C,n'edera-
ted States Of America - and has agreed to IS
g Convention between the Commonwealth Of Viz
MI, >
which it is proper should be made known to the
people of this Commonwealth and to the world
Therefore, |. JOAN Larcusa Noyernor of ths
Commonwealth Of Virginia. do hereby publish
and proclaim that the following gre ausfcHtIc COP
les CT the Ordinance and Convention aforesaid
(@l Given under nv hand as Governor.
l.. S. and under the Seal OF the Common
ts-~- wealth, at Richmond, this 25ih Gav nf
April, 1851, arc in the S5th year of the Common,
wealth. JOHN LETCuEE.
By tae Governor:
GGoaaG w. MuNfoRD.
Secretary OF the Conan nwealth
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
abnnlersssanaea.

The order for the marching Of the 7ari
GUS organized volunteer companies in this
and tie adjoining counties to IIarper's
Ferry, has been countermandea Adjt
Fl. " Bell received an express TO that eff
feet OF, Wednesday last, and INSTANTLY dis
patched expresses to the different compa
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Assistant Cssa1ateF- master Gesaes


NJ G. Hartman, Esq, of tits place has
been appointed Assistant Quarter Master
for the State of Virginia, with the rank Of
Major. The field Of Mr.. Haruan's ops
rations is Western Virginia. No bette,
choice could have been made. He is one
of tie rac5t energetic men in the State
combirsd With which he possesses fn'
practical business sense.
BE Fi.E'lu, ESQ has been APPOINT
ed to similar position in Eastern Vir
ginia. Mr.. T. Is a young man aho ha
seen much Of frontier and army life, an'
is eminently qualified for the place assign
ed him.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Capital Of the South.

It is now believed that Richmond will be
come tie Capital Of the South The reso-
luton Of Invitation, published elsewhere BY
the Virginia Convention, will 90 far to
bring about result so desirable Every
thing combines to make R;chmond the very
place for the Southern CAPITAL.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
TO our Friends.

We are inuch obliged to those Of our
friends who have responded TO orr call Of
last week. Our subscribers should all re-
member that they owe US, and that in these
times we absolutely heed our money Let
them, therefore, come forward and dis
charge their respective liabilities We know
it is only necessary to remind them of their
indebfedncss to be assured Of their prompt
attention.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
BY TuE-GOFERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
=.
A Proclamation.


The Convection of the Commonwealth of Vir
ginia having adopted, on the lTth day of April,
1861. an ordinance 6 to repeal tie ratification OF
tie Constitution of the United States Of America,
BY the State Of Virginia, and to resume al the
rights and powers granted under said Consttu-
ton =; and BY the schedule thereto. annexed, re-
buried polls to be opened for the ratification or re
lection of the same BY the people Of this State, on
Che 4th Thursday in May next Now, therefore,
/, john LgrchER, Governor q the Commonwealth
Of Virginia, do hereby proclaim that the annexed
is in atithettic copy of said Ordinance and SEIZED
ule, and that all differs designated therein re
quired to conform to its provisions. IN every
pect M
(C->) Given under my hand as GoverroF,,
w. wealth. at Richmond, this Gath day Of
April, 1861, and in the e5th year Of the Common
wealth. JOHN LETCHER.
BY the Governor.
GEoHeE W. MuNFoRp,
Secretary of he Canine nWe aitn.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

Mr.. Phillips desires to correct state
meht in the last issue If Che indicator
calculated to detract from The merits Of tie
many noble citisens in Staunton, who are
daily WORKING to equip our soldiers for field
service. B. Crawford. Esq, at the head
was followed by all the merchants in town,
in selling their goods at cost, besides do
mating part for tents. camp jackets, &c
The ladies, all over town. offered their SER
vices to sew, and prepare bandages, SC
and the difficulty has been to get the WOE k
ready for them. The pupils and teachers
at the Virginia Female, Wesleyan, aud
Aug .sta Institutes have doae nobiy. The
large band of ladies at work in the base
ment of the Lutheran Church, the ladies al
the Italian Villa on Gospel Hill, the tea5a-
srs and pupils at The Deaf and Dumb lnsti-
tuta in short, al The ladies' Of The town
are ready to go on with their efforts te
equip the gallant old State to defend hel
rights. When all have done so nobly, and
are willing to do any thing in their power,
distinctions are improper, and, Of course,
we've inno5ently made. A letter from the
Governor Of tire State promises US plenty
Ct Hofk, and it is hoped the ladies will or
ganize themselves and be ready for action
when the materials are received. There is
work enough for all to do, and every one
can assist in thus achieving our Indepen-
dnnao
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Thanks.

We are indebted to Mr.. Hawkins, the
accommodating agent Of Adams & Cos
Express for repeated favours in the way of
Baltimore papers. He will please accept
our thanks.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
no Election for. Congress,

The law for the election for Congress or
the 4sh Thursday in May, having been
annullel by the Convention. we this week
by authority. take down the announcement
of Messrs. Harris and IIeffett.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

The Governor has determined 10 astab-
lish a battery Of twenty svs guns at City
Point on James River, for the protection
Of Eichurond and Petersburg.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
.JNo. L EtnAsH,
Secretary Of The Commonwealth

The Schedule provides THAI the coll book
Shall contain two columns, one headed
:" For the Almond ment," and the other
/" Against the Amendment" The other
provisions are tie same as those embraced
in the Ordinance of Secession.
An Ordinance establishing Co,nmissarv
Department, and also providing for Chan
Ialns for Provisional Army was adopted,
Reso7red By this Contention. That Tho
President of the Confederate States and
tie constitutional authorities of the Confed-
eracy, be, and they are hereby cordially
and respectfully invited whenever II their
opinion, the public interest or convenience
may require it, to make the CITY of Rich
mond. or some other place in this State
the seat OF the Government of the Confed :,
eracy.
Resozred That no appointments Of off
GERS OF volunteers above the rank of Lieut..
Colonel. shall be valid unless confirmed h,
the Conventlon, unless made durins the
recess of the Convention aud in such case
the appointment unless subsequently, con.
t1rmed, shall be deemed vacated on the "a
Journnlent or recess Of the Conventions !:
and all such appointments heretofore maze
shall be sent III to the Convention for cann.
hrmatlon or reflections.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

The New York Tribune says, eff Ma
ryland resists our march, we must plow up
her rebellious soil with cannon balls, and
SOW it with gun POWDER
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

Cor Fauntleroy, of the army has resign
ed, and rendered his services to Virginia
He was in command of the Department Of
New Mexico.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
Gagy E.avE.

The Convention. we hear, has passed a
law staying all executions by the officers Of
the law We are not, at this writing (NTed-
neaday evening } acquainted with the pro
visions OF the bill.
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

Secretary OF the Commonw oalth
AN ORDINANCE

For the adoption Of the Consultation Of TIE Proris
visiopd, Government Of the Confederate States Of
Anaertea. 4-
We, the delegates of the people Of Virginia. in
Convention assembled, solemn!y impressed by tho
perils which surround the Commonwealth and
appealing to the Searcher of hearts for the rcct-
tude Of our intentions in ASSURING the grave res
possibility >o this act, DO, by this Ordinance
adopt and ratity the Constitution Of the Pruvls-
ional Government Of the Confederate States Of
America ordained and established at Montgome-
nv. Aabs,na the eighth day Of February
eighteen hundred and sixty one provided th5s
this Ordinance shall cease to have any legal opc-
ration or effect, if the people of this Conn on
wealth. upon the vote directed to be taken on the
Ordinance of Secession passed. BY this Convsu
rion on the 18th of April, eighteen hundred and
sixty ore, shall reject the same.
A true Copy. M
JNo I, ETjntxv Coo,o4
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03

TRANS: The .sVlNDICAT0R" is published
evsry Friday morning, Main Street. two doors
o.low ! Crawford Corner, at Two Dollars and
Fifty Goats, which may be discharged by thepay
msnt Of Two Dollars in advance No subsci iptior
will be discontinued but ct the option ct the Ed
tors until ali arrearages paid
ADVERTISEMENTS of ten liHes for ess. J IN
serted one tinc for one dollar. and twenty-five
cant, for each subsequent contn.atcs. Large'
advertiser ents inserted in the same proportion.
liberal disc pun. made to tEtss who advertise
BY tho year ;.
immediate busncss or the advertisements charged
for at transient rates
Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-05-03
O ke 'Uinditator.
Half Sheet.


We are able only to give our readers a
half sheet this week twill be seen how
ever. that we furnish almost as much read
ing matter as usual, as we have thrown out
all the Yankee advertisements except one
or two that have paid i'll advance. We de-
vote our space almost entirely to the pub
lication of news relating to the present
crisis.
The editor is necessarily absent at the
time of going to press. and will be for sew
eral days. Any business connected with
the Vindicator will be attended to bv Mr.
Alfred, one of the workmcn in the Office,