davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
For tie Spectator.
!. TO the Voters of Old Augusta. :.


Let not the war cry ito larlns, o. which daily
and hourly statutes your ears and to which you
have SO patrfoticaHy- responded by tender of
men and money; for the 1efence of your affairs
and fresides, render you oblivious to the duty 10
be perfGrn'ed at the Polls on the 4th Thursday,
the 23rd Of the present month. Besides the de-
cision Of other important issues, you will then be
called on to- elect Senator and three delegates
to- the General Assembly. and Commissioners
or anernberoof the Board of Public Works. 1t
will be IN vain to embody and send eur armies
to the field to fight our battles, unless we who
stay at home employ the arts peace in order
to supply them with the sinews of war Tothis
end we must .keepah eye upen the peace or civil
establishment. as welt as upon the organizing
and 1narshalfing OF armfes:- - - - - - :
1t would really seem as if the people lad for
gotten that Legislature and other Civ officers
were to be elected, so eDgrossing have been the
preparations for war. Mr.. Holiday, the late. in.
oumbent of the Board Of Public Works, has been
re nomited at Richmond without opposition
this-is as it-should be-. There is now no. time to
look out for new men-personal and party pref
erenee sheul be ignored lin the pressure OF the
awful crisis that envirens as. In tho same spirit
that dictated his nomination in Richmond, I
nominate for reelection to the Senate from 4 u-
gdsta, A. H. II. Stuart, and for the House of
bcicSdlcS, DOHfdC OuflStidu, J.stAs MCOuo anu
N. Massie. They are all tried men who have
had an opportunity, from long service, ofacquir-
ing, legislative experience. and against whom no
eeljnaaency can Be. alleged. Even though we
could boast men better qualified, there is now
no timeo for concert of action by the means of
County meetings to call them ont. Let US call
them out by -electng -them--they are willing to
serve if elected, although their -deieaey forbfds
then, IN such a crisis as the present, from OBJ
truding themselves upon the public as candidates..
ram thoroughly convinced that our Old meinbets
from their general acquaintance and synpathies
with members whom they will IN all probability
meet ia new Legislature, and their experience
IN the business OF legislation, would be more eff
ficient and influential, than new members of even
asuperor order of intellect if such could be e.
leoted. For one, Il am for. saying to- aspirants,
"Bde zyonrotiIne,=vwe will consider your pre-
tensions at q More convenient season. For the
present, letus maintain the status quo ia the
Senate and Hease- OF Delegates - --~--e- -
ONE OF MANY VOTERS.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
For the ,GDecfotor

FOR the Spectator:
Mr.. Edator:-The Convention of Virginia
having annulled the election for members to the
Congress of the United States, you will please
withdraw my announcement from the columns
Of your paper. There being no provision, as vet,
for the election of members to the Southern Con.
federacy, deem it premature to announce nv
determination upon that subject. l cannot let
the occasion pass without returning my grateful
to the people Of the District
for the kindness which they have manifested to-
wards me, and for the evidences which have
that my course in the late Congress
met the approval Of SO large majority Of my
constituents.
Respectfully, JOHN T. HARRIS.
District papers copy.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
The Constitution subyerted.

We believe the Rail- Splitter, in the brief space
of two months, has trampled uuder foot every
important provision of the Constitution. A brief
summary will put the reader in possession of
the facts. ~.
The power to declare war is, by the Constitu-
ton, expressly confined to Congress; and it
must be war against q foreign nation-Eot one
of the States OF the Confederacy. Inc right to
make war on State was emphatically refused
to Congress bv the Convention which framed
the Constitution.
j, Lincoln has usurped this dictatorial war pow
er, and is now waging war against eight OF the
sovereign States by his own authority.
To raise and support armies is the special pre-
rogative of Congress. Lincoln is assembling an
army of u, 900 men, not only without the au-
thority of Congress- but after Congress had de-
liberately refused to give him such authority.
Congress has the power to call forth the mil
itia to suppress Instructions and repel invasions
Lincoln has usurped this power in his own
hands.
"No preference shall be given by any regula-
| ton of commerce or revenue to the ports OF one
State over those of another" says the Constitu-
ton. Lincoln abrogates this provision and de-
clares the ports of nine States to be blockaded
r. Congress alone can suspend the writ of ba6eds
corpus martial law reigns in the Capitol of
| the Republic. .7' " '.''''s -. =
v mo soldiers shall, in time Of peace, be quar-
/ tered in any house without the consent of the
owner nor in time of war, but en- a manner to
be prescribed By Saa0, is the clause in the Con.
stitution. By what law has Lincoln taken mil
itary possession of Washington 81. ,..,,,......
"The right of the people to be secure in their
persons, houses, papers and effects against un-
reasonable searches and seizures shall not be VII
4 olated," are the words of the Constitution. The
military despotism at Washington is the practi-
I cal commentary OH this provision - o>s'o''"''
II The President is charged with the protection
and preservation of the public property. Lin
coin has fulfilled this obligation by destroying
and Burning thepublic property,st Harper's Fer
j ry and Gosport Navy Yard.
A. Lincoln effects to regard all acts of Secession
,tby any of the States as Buil and void. lie
theless treats the Seeded States as foreign pow
ers,; by subjecting' them to blockade, according
ITO the law OF Dations - - t.,.- 49, -,>...3
r North Carolina which has not yet formally
Presumed its delegated powers, is also put under
1.-THE ban and declared in State Of blockade. o.
i The President Is required to conform bis &C !;
ton to treaties-now, by treaties with England,
France and other nations, these Powers have the
i right ofentry to all our ports. Lincoln repudi-
these treaties and denies the exercise Of the
rights stipalated.under them. .Thisis to provoke
war, a-pewer resting exclusively with Congress
4 We'humbiy conceive that the assumption and
exercise. OF these vast powersoby one man. ami
hlfare the Constitution; prostrate the public lib
critics, and establish an odious despotism: Rich
Wing. CO ~. - :. go 60 - --.-'-, =
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

THE THREAr.-The National Republican, /"
in its issue on Thursday, in Washington thus an.
nounces the policy and the purpose 7of the LIN
coin Government There is to be- no peace
except upon the basis of the unqualified subinfs-
sion of those in revolt There is to- be no recog-
milton of any pretended Southern Oonfederacy.
There rs to be. no peaceable assent to separa-
ton of these States. The Government s~to be
maintained, in that plain straight forward way
il. which all governments are maintained, oy
coereion. The leaders of this conspiracy are to
be driven out Of the4eountry or to be hanged. ~.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
Te1egraphfc Dispatches.

CHICAGO, April 25.-Acting under orders from
the President Of the United States, an expedi-
ton Of Illinois Volunteers crossed over to st
Louis last night, advanced upon the Federal
Arsenal at ST. Louis, and brought immense
stores Of artillery, ammunition and small arms,
which had been stored at that post by the Gov
eminent. The amount Of Federal property thus
secured of Missouri is of great value. Among
the articles recovered were Fl 900 stand of small
arms and park of artillery There was no
fighting. --->-'
Bosros, April 26.-The Boston Commercial
Bulletin list of business changes gives sixteen
failures and suspensions in New York, twelve
IN Bostons and nineteen in other places, being a
total OF AZ for the week. -. ..oT NC -.
Boston, April 27.-Hon. Edward Everett in
an eloquent. speech, says-=ssWe.- are but one
heart and mind, and that the Government must
be- snstained.o w forget that we ever were par
t1zans--We remember only that we are .Amerl-
canS.'' * - -, ..S.,.--.--.,
@BOsToS, April -2z.--Hon. Caleb Gushing has
tendared his services to the. Governor. in any
capacity. ~ s~e.o-o--o 1919 =
Montgomery, alabama, April 28th.-4The Third
Regiment of Alabama Volunteers, Gol.- Jones
NJ. W ithers commanding, viii leave tonight for
hynehburg,Y Virginia. - y -.--o- o~---.-- -.
Ten full companies, consisting of one hundred
armed and equipped. A finer looking body of
men never pulled trigger, and should the ssirre-
presslble'' come off, they will Stay the Yankee
mercenaries by Wholesale - 's~--- -o-:u~ 49,
Col. Withersis4 a graduate ofWest Point,
an accomplished gentleman as well -as soldier,
and is the present Mayor of Mobile. .~oL-
Philadelphia, April 2Sth:=-C. r. -fngersoft has
invited Ext Presidents Buchanan, Pierce; ri III
more, Tyler, Van Buren,, and Hon. Mr. Brown,
to act as arbtrarofS between the North and the
South: T here IS but little expectation here of
Of any good resulting from the project -
Harrisburg, Pa, April 26.-By an understand
ing between the Governors of New 7 ork, Penn
sylyania, Ohio and Indiana, those States win act
in conjunction to throw troops into Washington,
or elsewhere in the South, upon an order from
the War Department. II -. - 80
Gov. Curtin. in his message, earnestly recon-
mends an appropriation of SIS, 900, 900, and rails
ing $4,000 Tor domestic defence as well as Fed
eraf service. - - -. - !,
Alexandria, April 29.- The steamship Coatza-
eoleas passed mp to day with troops. .-.- -
The Goyernment of the u. s.. will call for
70 700 itlonaL troops, which, with the 900
already called, and the regular army and Navy,
viii make atotal of l83 900 at the disposal .of
bDeSo4ua - ~--1 80 .-~.---- 49, ---- s--O4~
Baltimore, Nd, April e29-Mueh activity is
observable to-day between Forts MeHenry and
Carroll. 1t is reported that guns--are taken to
the latter, which is being placedi in the bestpos-
slb4e condition fol-. Defence" -. -~- = e.--os
The city is quiet, and volunteers are offered
In large numbers ---o - s-U-~o- .1--,-,- = =.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

10 The following is the official report sent by
Lieut.. Jones, u. 8. Army, to the Governruentin
connection with the destruction Of Harrer's-
Ferry
CARLISLE BARRACKS, Pa, April 20, 1861, J
The Assistant Adjutant General, Head :
quarters Army, Washington, D. c. y
SIR Immediately after finishing my dispatch
of the night Of the 18th inst, received positive
and reliable information that $500 or 5000 troops
would reach Harper's Ferry In two hours from
Winchester, and that troops from Halftown, IN
creased to 800, were advancing, and even at that
time-a few minutes after ten O'Clock thin
twenty minutes march of the Ferry Under the
circumstances decided the time had arrived to
carry out my. determination, as expressed in. the
dispatch. above referred to, and accordingly gave
the order to apply. the torch. = In three minutes
or less both of the arsenal buildings, containing
nearly 10000 stand of arms, together with the
carpenters shop which was at the upper end OF
a long and connected series of workshops otthe
arrnory proper, were in complete blaze.
There IL every reason for believing the de-
struction was complete. After firing the build
ings; ( withdrew my command, marching all
night, and arrived here at haf-past two, pa M,
yesterday, where shall await orders. -Four
men were missing on leaving the -armory, and
two deserted during the night ~.-..u.
l am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient SER
R. JONES, 1st Lieut.. r. M Rifles,
Commanding Dept. Rect.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
More Vandalism.

In case Mr.. Lincoln Is driven out of Washing
ton the destruction of Government properly
commenced at Portsmouth is to be repeated
A dispatch to the N. Y. Tribune" says;
Arrangements are completed by which, in case
Of need, the Capitol and other buildings, and the
White House can be blown up. The details
were completed on Wednesday afternoon.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

1t is stated in the Washington Star that two
small vessels for Washington were fred at from
Alexandria, and brought to- and that sthe gov
ernment will take prompt measures to secure
ample indemnity for the owner of vessels and
cargo" What about the indemnity to the own
ers OF VESSELS bound to Alexandria, fred at and
brought to, at Fort Washington, within the last
eight or ten days allen. Gazette. ga.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

Daniel S. Dickinson. of New York. .deplores
civil war, but supports the government So
does Edward Everett. So do all-at the North
those most trusted most relied on Gushing
Pierce, Butler, Buchanan, Oass, the whole CON:
Germ. "A month ago. they admitted we had
rights, and ought teliave guarantees-Now they
all stand by power, without guarantees and il.
respective of rights.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

According 70 the opinions SO far expressed of
President Davis, Coy. Letcher ,and,~ as we have
heard, of military men high in the confidence of
the Southern people, the purpose Of the South is
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
President Davis. of the Southern Gonfederacy,

President Davis, of the Southern Goniederacy'
in his message to. the Congress at Montgomery,
enunciates what we think should now be. the
true policy of all the States which have dissolved
connection with the General Government, and
resumed their original powers as sovereign and
Independent States. He says that eve de-
sire PEACE, at any sacrifice, save that OF 1honor
and dependence-thatw seek no conquest no
aggrandizement, no concessions even, from the
Northern States; that all we ask is to be let a
lone, and that no attempt shall be made to SUBJ
jugate us by arms.,, Will the Northern people
hearken to this :? They know they cannot sub
jugate the South. Even if such q thing were
possible, the conquest would be sea barren sceP-
tire in their grasp But, they know too, that,
in the attempt, the chances are they would re-
ceive the most injury .-lAlex. Gazette.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
Training.

The training Of che Officers Of the a2hd, ssrd
and 16Qtb- Regiments commenced here on yes
terday-M Monday. The weather was very disa=
greeable. They VIII continue these exercises for
three DAYS.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
For The SPECTATOR,

!. Mr.. -Eaator:-We beg leave to announce N.
Massie, D. S. Young and Thos. P. Wilson, Esqrs.,
as. suitable gentlemen to represent this County
in the next House of Delegates of Virginia. ii
they will consent to run, We promise them our
cordial support. 800. ~ MANY VOTERS
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

On motion It is ordered tobe enteredon4he records
of this Court the earnest recommendation, and so
far as they hay the power. the order of the Court
that Justices of this county shall assemble at as early
day as may be practicable, IN their respective Mag
steria districts and organize within the same police
guard in which all persons able to serve shall be
enrolled and detailed IN rotation, in sufficient num-
bers to patrol eecrually their several neghborhoods
with view to the preservation of peace good order,
and the security of persons and property ID fur
sons who may be suspected of any improper purpo-
ses whether they be white Or black bond or tree
and bring them before the, nearest Justice OF the
Peace to be dealt with according to law And as it
NAV happen, that in some neighborhoods there may
not be sufficient number of efficient persons to per-
form all the duties of the Home Guard, 1t IS further
he ordered out in accordance with law. a.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

l The grsndfathers OF Presidents Jefferson
Davis and Abe lincoln were both born in Rock
ingham county. The grandfather of Jefferson
Davis was first cousin Of the late Hon.. Daniel
Smith of that county. -.----~~- Z--,--- 49,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
For the SpectGt0r,

Tot 1he Spectator.
Mr.. Edstor :--Wea portion OF the citizens cf
Augusta county, without distinction of party,
call upon Bolivar Christian to announce himself
candidate for the Senate of Va Mr.. Chris
tian's efficiency as member of the Lower House
is so we'll known as to render it unnecessary for
US to adj anythingi in regard to his qualifca-
tons for the position. MANY VOTERS.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

.The.Alex. Gazette warns the public. against
putting any tsith-or credence in the~hundrsds Of
Sensation stories that are started every. day,
no one knows by -whoni-bnt manifestly for the
purpose of creating excitement and -uneasiness..
All good .citizeps-shonld interest themselves ia
the rumors that are. constantly
set afoaf, to disquier the public mind When a
story or .rumorn is heard, frstinaqire, where
it came from-then look-at1h probability of its
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

The reinforcenents thrown into Fort McHenry
are said to be as large as can be conveniently
accommodated. The barracks are not large e.
nough, aud a number of tents have been erected
for the men. 1t has been closed against visitors.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

,5EF The name of the Hon. John j. Crltten-
den stands first on the list Of privates Irthe
Home Guard of Frankfort, KY.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
Ladies, soldier Relief Associations. -


The Ladies' of this place are now busily ma
king caps, shirts jackets, pantaloons, in fact
nearly everything used by soldiers. the ladies
in all portions of the State would emulate the
good EXAMPLE Of the patriotic ladies of this place,
we wonld soon be entirely independent of all
other States for all the apparel needed by soldiers
The caps made by the Ladies' Military Gap
Association" are better than those purchased in
the North, and are furnished at one fourth the
price. Several hundred ladies, including the
pupils at the three Female Summaries, by sew
ing machines and by hand, are -basily- employed
in the manufacture of nearly all the articles
needed by soldiers. We would commend the
example Of the ladies in townto those in the
country, and would recommend them to form
similar Associations in every neighborhood.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

GEN. GwENN.-Gen. Walter -Gwynn,- having
accepted an important command in Virginia, has
resigned the position of Chief of Engineers, which
he held in South Carolina. His letter of resig.
nation breathes a grateful and tender apprecia--
ton OF the confidence bestowed by biz, adopted
State, in whose service he has been honorably
distinguished
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

TIE New YORK SEVENTH REaIMENT.-The
fonoWingi is from the Baltimore Sun, OF Monday:
1One of the members of the New oFk Sew
enth Regiment reached this city on Saturday af
ternoon, en- route for his home. -He-stated~ that
when they offered their services to theOGevern-
rnent. it was Ter the defence of the Capital, land
not to- engage in a warfare against "a State or
States Fifty of the members refused tetake the
oath after reaching Washington, and the remain.
derieek it. oonditienally that they were not to
be called on to 60 out of the District OF Column
bia. The gentlemsa who came to this city says
that the feelings Of the regiment towards the
people of Baltimore are of the kinlliest charac-
ter; and that they could not be induced tninvade
the soil of Maryland or OF the South, for hos
tile purpose Several Of the members of the re7-
giasent-are natives of Baltimore, and The respect
of the whole body for Baltimore is very strong.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

Gen. Robt. E. Lee, of Virginia, has no warm.
er personal friend than Gen. Scott. The veteran
chief of the Army of the Q. S: has always done
justice to the talents, and ability of our general.
He received his resignation with tears, not with
reproaohes. He knew and appreciatedth the worth
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

10 1t is reported here that all the citizens
of Alexandria who contt get away, left that city
on yesterday, as the Federal troops were ex-
pected to take possession Of it on that day, orin
short time. We do not know what degree of
credit should be attached to this report.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
Cen. Harney,s Arrest.

In our notice last week of the arrest OF Gen
eral Harvey at ,Harpe,'s Ferry, we omitted, for
want of information, any mention, OF the. part
taken by the Augusta soldery in the affair."
Gen. Harper had been telegraphed from Rich
mond to look out for troops from Ohio and In
diana on that nights train, and before night he
laid all his plans accordingly, inclading arrange
ments for getting Information from distant wes-
tern points on the Baltimore Railroad. He thus
ascertained that Gen. Harvey was on that train.
Under his General orders, Gen. -Harman detailed
Col. W. s. 81. Baylor, with other Augusta OIL
GERS, to examine the train on its approach they
did so, and reported. that Gen, Harvey was on
board. The train. vas then, ordered. to move
slowly to the Ferry, and General Carson, as the
senior Brigadier, was instructed by Gen: Har-
per to have the. formal arrest made, which was
done by bis aids despatched to the cars for that
purpose. "
The approach to the Ferry for that train was
through the posts of the Augusta companies;
and we learn that in the critical hour OF doubt
as to whether the train did or did not contain
hostile troops, that every officer and man was
at his post of duty, which was we'll known then
to be the post of danger, and through att the
time displayed most strikingly a GOODNESS and
readiness for the battle which showed them te
be worthy guardians Of the homer OF Old An
SuSbd. ----.....-g -. ,....tl
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
The Place of Rendezvous,

Volunteer Companies from the counties Of Au:
gusta, Pendleton, Pocahohtas, MeRFees Highland,
Bath, -Rockbridge,- GreehbrieF and Allegheny
will assemble at Staunton as their place of rem
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

PRESENT TO GEN. GwYNN-The patriotic and
generous citizens Of Petersburg, the "Uockade.
city," have presented to Gen. Gwynn q splendid
char0ar e..
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

R The Baltimore San which LAS heretofore
been JEALOUS advocate the policy of secession,
now strenuously opposes the secession of Mary
land, saying if that State should secede, it
'would instantly become the blazing theatre Of
war and carnage
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07
-Executfye Council of Virginia..

as S. Raymond have been added by the Oonven-
ton to the Executive COUNCIL Of the State, The
Council now consists of-JudgesJ4 j., Allen, Capt.
M. F. Maury; Prof. F. H-smith, General Thomas
S. Raymond and r. L. Montague -----~>-, =
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-05-07

~ As the Southern States have heretofore
received great portion of the butter used by
them from the Northern States, and as this
source is now cut of, there will be an increased
demand for this article inthe South Our farm
ers should make as much as possible and put 1t
up carefully, as it will bring good price before
q great while. :. = = -