davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Whv Gen,l Patterson did not detain Gen'r
Johnson at Winchester.

On the 2Oth ult., at Philadelphia, Gen. Pat
terson made speech explanatory OF his opera
lions In Virginia, and giving the reasons why he
did not prevent Gen. johnson from re lnforclng
Gen. Beauregard at the battle OF Manassas on
the 21st Of July. This account shows that It
was because the battle did not take place on the
10th, as had been expected, that Gen. Patterson
failed TO detan Gen. johnson ut Winchester. 1t
shows also, that Gen. Scott was very cobhdent
of success at Manassas. The following is an ex
tract OF the report of Gen. Patterron's speech ::
son the 9th of July council was held, at
which all the commanders OF divisions and oIlg
ades. and chiefs of staff, We're present. Coionei
Stone. the Junior line officer, spoke twice, anc
decidedly against an advance, advocating di
rect movement to ShepherGstOwn and Charles
town. All who spoke opposed an advance, and
all voted against one. On the same day ne IN
formed the GeBerai-in- Chief Of the condition OF
affairs in the valley snd proposed that he should
go 10 Cbarlestown and occupy Harper's Ferry,
and asked to be informed when he would attack
Manassas. On the 18th be was directed to GO
where be had proposed, and was informed thai
Manassas would be attacked on luesday, the
10TH On the 18Th, he was telegraphed: III Eot
strong enough to beat the enemy early next week
make demonstrations SO as to detain hun IN the
valley OF Winchester" He made the deinonstra-
ton, and on the 16th the day Gen. Scott SAID he
would attack Manassas, he drove the enemy y
pickets into his entertainments at Winchester,
and on the 17th marched TO Charles!owD.
On the 18th he telegraphed to the General-in-
Chief tat Johnston was 10 position to have
nis strength doubled Just as he coCld reach him,
and that he would rasher lose the chance OF &C.
onplishing something brilliant than, BY az
ardiDg his column, to destroy the fruits OF
the campaign by defeat, closing his telegraph
thus: ''If wrong, let me be instructed But 10
instructions came. THIS was eight days before
the battle of Manassas. On the 17th Gen. Scott
Uelegrapted: "McDowell's first days work has
driven the enemy beyond Fairfax Court House.
Tomorrow the Junction will probably be car
ried." th this information he was happy.
johnson had been detained the appointed time,
and he work of General Pattersons column had
been done.
On the 18th, at half past one in the morning,
be teiegraphed Gen. Scott the condition OF the
enem,'s force and his own referring to the let
ter OF the l6ta for full information, Ind closed
the dispatch by askIg .'Shsll | attack 2" This
was plain Engl sll, and could not be msuIder-
stood, but he received 40 reply he expected 10
oe attacked where be was, and if Manassas was
not to be attacked on that day, as stated ID Gen.
Scott's dispatches of the day previous, he ought
| 20 have been ordered down forthwith TO JOIN III
the battle, and the attack delayed until he came.
| He could have been there on the day that the
battle was fought, and his a. sstance might have
produced different result"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Jeff. Thompson Still at Work..Capture Of
the ssPiatte VaIley.,'

The movements of the invincibe and intrepid
patriot, JEFF. Thompson, we know at all times to
be fraught with interest to our readers. If we
should lose sight of him for few days, it is safe
to content ourselves with the conviction that he
is off planning and making new conquests for the
honor and glory of our cause. The following
facts regards his latest exploits, we take from
the Memphis .Aualanche, of the 22d inst:
ssWe learn from gentleman who reached the
city last night from Columbus, that report had
Just reached the camp that Jeff. Thompson sue
ceeded in capturing, on Thursday last, the steam
boat Platte Valley, with number of prisoners
The capture was made at Prices landing, on the
Mississippi, above Cairo. All the prisoners ex-
cept two took the OATH
Those who refused to take the oath were Fed
eral officers who, with a spy, were sent to Co.
lumbus. The spy had been to Columbus recent
ly, and had complete plan OF the Notifications
at Columbus. tits supposed that the spy would
be hung. They reached Columbus ON Wednes-
day, just before the cars left for Memphis"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
From Winchester Virginian.]

The sentence of the Court Martial was to day
at a few minutes before l O'Clock carried into
efect on the person of James A. Miller for shoot
ing in September last the Captain of his company,
John Henderson, of the Jefferson county cavalry.
Seated on the small end Of his coffin with a
white cloth tied over his eyes, in the centre Of a
two-acre lot at the Southern end Of Winchester,
he was shot by members OF his own company, at
the distance OF eight or ten PAGES, five of the ten
guns (Sharp's rfies) aimed at him having blank
cartridges. At the report of the deadly weapons,
tle Instantly fell, aud in the short space of two
life was extinct. lie walked from the
Jail accompanied by two Reverend gentlemen,
the Provost Marshal, the military guards, and
thousands of spectators, who witnessed the affec-
ting scene. He was a tall and well made young
man of f1orid complexion, Roman nose, firm and
intelligent features, and wore his cavalry uniform
OF grey jacket and pantaloons trimmed with
black, and a small-crown black souct. hat with
yellow cord and tassel. He was from Rocking
iiaiG county. where his mother and other rela-
tives reside. He also leaves young wife, (whom
lie married at Harper's Ferry, where he had Tor
SOME time res!ded,) aud three small children. -
immediately preceding the ex cu,ion OF the SEN
tence, Col. Bolts, Provost Marshal, read the pro-
cesdings of the Coust in his case, to which he
listened at.entiyely. The command to "Ad-
vance Make Ready Take Aim! Firel was
quickly gwen by Col. Botts, and as promptly
obeyed by the men. The fire of the ten rifles
was SO Deariy simultaneous that the report was
like that OF a single gun. His arms were not
pinioned, and there was no movement of any
portion of the body or peeceptiole evidence OF
suffering after the fatal shots. There was much
sympathy for hiIn-but all familiar with the
facts, must acknowledge the jnstness of his sem
tence. Without prosecution he shot ball thro'
his Captain, and only by miracle, rs it were,
has CAPT. Ii. survived. Drunkenness = as the
only plea. in extenuaton; bus he was only one
or two degrees in liquor at the time be commits
ted the OH epce--e excited, but not drunk, ia the
general acceptation OF the terra
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

10 The Northern papers say that another
important naval expedition, under General But
Ter, des ined for some Southern port, is under
way at Boston. The monster transport Consti-
tution has been chartered for the expedition,
and it is said that force ofthree thousand men.
comprising regiments from Massachusetts, Con-
nectcut and Maine, are to be embarked on board
of her. The precise destination of this exped-
ton is of course, not announced, but that it is
designed against the Southern coast cannot be
doubted
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
A Singular Incident.

The Lynchburg Republican, of the 18th ult.,
publishes the following incident, remarkable
alike for it's sngularity as well as for its melan-
choy fulfl1 ent to the brother of one of the par
ties concerned:
Just before the war broke out, and before Lin
coins proclamation was issued, young Virgin
ian, was visiting the city Of New Y York, where
he made the acquaintance of two Misses Holmes,
from Waterbury, Vermont He became some
what intimate with the young ladies, and the in
tercourse seemed to be mutually agreeable. The
proclamation was issued, and the whole North
thrown into blaze of excitement. Upon visit
ing the ladies one evening, and at the hour of
parting, they remarked to Summerfield that their
present meeting would probably be the last
they must hurry home to aid in making up the
overcoa,s and clothing for the volunteers from
their town. Summerield expressed his regret
that they must leave, but at the same time re-
quested them to see that the overcoats were well
made, as it was his intention, if he ever met the
Vermont regiment in battle, to kill one of them
and take his coat. Now for the sequel. Vir-
ginia seeded. The I'd Vermont regiment, a Dor
tion of which was from the town of Waterbury,
was sent to Virginia. The battle of Manassas was
fought, in which they We're engaged, and so was
Summerfeld. During the battle S. marked his
man, not knowing to what State he belonged /;
the fatal ball was sped on it's errand of death :;
the victim fell at the flash of the gun, and rush
ing up to secure the dead mans arms, Summer
field observed that he had fine new overcoat
strapped to his back, which he determined to ap-
propriate to his own use. The fight was over,
aud Summsrfeld had time to examine his prize,
when, remarkable as it may appear, the coat was
marked in the lining with the name of Thomas
Holmes, and in the pockets were found letters
signed with the name of the sister, whom Sum-
merfield had known in New York, and to whom
ne had made the remark we have quoted, in
hot,<l A. IooI, n ccndo hrof
The evidence was conclusive, he had killed the
brother of his friend, and the remark which he
had made in jest had melancholy fulfilment.
We are assured this Larratve is literally true.--
Summerfeld now wears the coat, and our infor-
mant states is not little impressed with the sin
ouiaritv of the coincidence.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Amendments.

The Convention have adopted amendments to
attorneys for the Commonwealth, for the Cir
cult Courts, shall be appointed by the Circuit
Courts or the Judges thereof respectively, and
clerks and attorneys tor the Commonwealth for
the County Courts shall be appointed by such
Courts respectively, for the term of six years: !:
that the Attorney General shall be appointed by
the. General Assembly, that Sherifs shall be non-
mated by the County Courts and appointed by
the Governor, and hold their offices for two years;
and that Coroners, Constasles, Surveyors, Com
mssoners of the Revenue, and Overseers of the
Poor,shall be appointed by the County Courts.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
From Cumberland Gap.

We have just conversed with an Intelligent
gentleman from Cumberland Gap, who has had
every opportunity of gathering correct informa-
tion in regard to affairs in that quarter and are
pleased to learn that the fortlfcations at that
place are so far completed as to insure IL against
any attack from the enemy Heretofore it has
been fortified only with regard to an attack from
the Kentucky side, but now both sides are alike
secured. Wells have been dug, and ample ar
rangements made for the storing of provisions in
the Gap, so ttat if necessary it could sustain
seige of many days.-Erchange.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

W The Convention was occupied On Wednes-
day last, with the amendments proposed to the
County Court system. The only change of i'm
portance agreed to was the extension OF the term
of office of Justices from four to twelve years
Justices of each county to be chosen every fourth
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Gen. FIoyd,s Command.

Gen. Rosencrantz having been reinforced, and
greatly outnumbering Gen. Floyd, and being
about to cut him off by getting in his rear, Gen.
Floyd foled his purpose by retreeting in the
night beyond the road in his rear by which the
enemy ex peoted to come upon him. By this
move he made his escape, and retreated 10 Pc
terstown, in Monroe county, where he is BOW
encamped aEd will probably remain during the
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
------------------------
ShOas NTH xU,esd den SDleS.

We were shoyn few days since, by citizen
of this place, a pair of shoes with wooden soles
which were made in Buckingham county. We
were surprised to find that sich good shoes could
be made in that way. They are very warm, as
they keep the feet perfectly a7y though not quite
so pleasant to the feet as ls-,ther shoes as the
soles are SITTER They maxi a frst-rate shoe for
servants, and can be furr shed much cheaper
than leather ehGes.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
The Proner cnurse.

The Editors of the Rockingaam Register ex-
press, in their last issue purpose to ''raze their
lists and to strike from thoic books" the names
of all subscribers who have rot paid promptly,
assigning therefor the following good reason:
"Paper is now to high, too scarce, and too diff
fcult to procure, to allow u to get it for those
who do not pay us either for paper or printing.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

L 70
The arrival is daily expected here OF the Com
mssiOpers to the Confederate Government on
the part of Kentucky, appointed, as we learn, a
few days ago by the Convention in session at
RussellVile, called for the purpose of organizing
q provisional government for Kentucky. They
are Messrs. William Preston, William E. SENS
aud H. @. Burnett, gentlemen thoroughly known
throughout Kentucky, and men ofenlafged views
and sterling patriotism. George w. sJ Johnson,
has bees chosen as Provisional Governor by the
same Convention, and q Legislative Council,
consisting of ten members, has veen organized.
The seat of the provisional government thus
organized will be at Bowling Green, and its ju-
risdiction will embrace Southern Kentucky and
the most populous and fertile section OF the
Green River country. For the present it cannot
extend beyond Green river, as il must be ccm-
passed within the limits of our military lines.-
Examiner
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

H Charles Francis Train writes from Eng
land that the steamer Gladiator is about to sail
for Nassau, with heavy cargo of arms fer the
Rebels. He also says the Rebels are negotiating
for two large steamers-the Punjaab and Assage.
He is particularly sharp upon the Rebels gener-
ally, and thinks the aristocracy and capitalists
of Great Britain are with the South in feeling.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
The Women OF Leesbnrg.

"Personne, in one of his letters to the Charles
ton Courier, records the following incident:
During the late strategic movements, when
our troops fell back six or eight miles, the ladies',
supposng them to be on final retreat, stood in
their doorways and in the street,, and wept
and when on their return they ad vanced to bat
tie, these brave women were by the way side
with buckets Of hot coffee, milk aad other food
to refresh them on their toisome march.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Snow.

Ii commenced showing here on yesterday
about 2 O'Clock p NJ. aud fell to the depth of
2 inches Had the ground been frozen so as
10 have prevented it from melting, it would
have been about inches in depth
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
rr The -Chaarleston Courier saw

UE The -Chaarleston Courier SAYS the com
maHding officers at all of the exposed points on
our coast have received positive instructions to
burn or destroy all property which cannot be con-
venently taken away, and is likely to be seized
by the enemy.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Terrible Disaster in France,

The foreign papers give accounts Of terrible
casualty in the Department of Gard-France. In
consequences of powerful storm-the bursting
OF water spout, according to some statements
the Lalle mine was flooded and the sides fell in,
bnrylng ali the workmen. An explosion of gas
TOOK place at the same time, by which portion
of the mine was blown up. The number of men
missing and considered killed by the accident. is
nearly three hundred. There is no probability
that but very few can be got ont alive
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Affairs in East Tennessee.

1t is thought p robable that the Legislature of
Tennessee will provide for the organization of a
State force. The enemy are pressing down with
all their force upon the entire frontier of the
State. Columbus is Immediately threatened. In
front of Gen. Johnston, at Bowling Green, there
is cne of the largest armies that they have in any
quarter. Gen. Zollicoffer is keeping the forces
of Lincoln at bay; but, if all accounts are Coz:
rect, his strength consists in the bravery of his
troops and the natural impregnability of his for
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

rW The Convent. n decided on the 26h
inst, after much debass, TO transfer the election
of Judges of the Slrrsue Court of Appeals ard
of the Circuit Court, lsom The people to the
Ganeral Assembly.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
THE MARKETS.
STAUNTON MARKETS.
w nor FlAJU DDINnd
RICHMOND MARKETS,
WHOLESALE PRICES.
Reported 6g p. ". PoweU & Go.
Dec. 8. 1861.

RICHMOND MAKkETS.
Reported fostbs Spectator by " D. Ioan0kins d Bro
RICHMOND. Nov. 80, 1851.
FLOUR-Sales of Superfne at S61a to $6A, Extra
$714 to S71S, Family IS.
WHEAT.-Red 81 20 to 81 80 and ST. 80.
RYE-75
CORN-7O
MEAL-8O to 85.
OATS-75.
BUTTER.-45to to so and in great demand.
LARD.-23 to 25.
BACON-Hog round 25 to s6.
SALT-s20 to S22 per sack.
COFFEE-70 cents per pound.
Z POTATOES-$1 90 per bushel.
APPLES-S5 to $s1s per barrel
BUCKWHEAT FLOUR cents per pound.
DRIED PEACRES-S4 to S. per bushel.
APPLES-s5 to Sc and S. so per barrel.
HAY-$l.S5 to ST. 80 and $500.
SEED-Flax $l.25. to $3.50 timothy $3.50 to 700.
LIME $500 to $50 per barrel.
WOOL-Uuwashed As to rs.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

10 1t is stated on what is deemed good au-
thority that the Federals have been driven from
the neighborhood of Pound Gap, and beyond
Prestonburg, KY.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Proclamation of the President of the Con-
federate States of America.

Whereas, 40 Act OF the Congress of the Con-
federate States of America, approved this, the
2Sth day of November, 1861, provides that s'the
State of Missouri be and is hereby, admitted as
a member of the Confederate States of America,
upon an equal footing with the other States OF
the Confeaesscy, under the Constitution TOR tie
Provisional Government of the same: ie-
Now, therefore, ], JEFFERSON DAVIS, Pres
ident of the Confederate States of America, do
issue this, my Proclamation, making known to
all whom it may concern, that the admission OF
the said State Of Missouri into the Confederacy
is complete, and t. at the laws of the Confeleracy
re extended over said ate as fully and com
pletely IS over the other States now composing
the same.
~ Ia testimony whereof, I have
hereunto signed my name, and caas-
S390 ed the seal Of the Confederate States
to be affixed at Richmond, the 2Sth
day of November, A. D., 1861.
By the President:
lAa as@ e JEFFERSON DAVIS.
r. M. T. Hunter, Sec etary Of State.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

w The European intervention in Mexico is
coming to a head, and it is certain that the
French ships Of war are to rendezvous at Havana,
between the 18th and 2Oth December.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Another lire

At two O'Clock, on Sunday morning last, two
carriage making shops belonging to Mr.. Jno. NJ.
Hardy, of this place, were destroyed by fire.
The loss is supposed to be about $780, 1t is
Mt known low the fire originated.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

1 We have been requested to state that
Hugh W. Sheffey, Esq, one Of the county Com
mssioners, will be in Staunto1 the day after
Christmas and at the January Court, when he
will pay off the properly certified certificates for
the support of the families of absent volunteers
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
NOTICEi
VA. CENTRAL RAILROAD,
CHANGE OF SCHEDULE.
- - E;s7 !; ]:

ON and after Sunday, December 1st, the Nail and
" Passenger train will be run between Richmond
and Staunton daily, leaving Richmond at 7.3O A. M.
and arrive at Staunton 4~P NJ. Returning, leave
Staunton at A. M, and arrive at Richmond 430
z.
Between Ssaunton and Jacksons River the train
will be tri-weeky, leaving Staunton Tuesdays,
Thursdays and Saturdays at 4.25 P. M. Leave Jack.
sons River Mondays, Wednesday andAFridays at $50
P NJ The Freight train, with passenger car attach
ed, leaves Staunton Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri
days at 2 20 z. Nd. Return alternate days
H. d. WHITC0MB,
Dec. 4, 1861. General Superintendent.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

H- The Provisional Congress, State Conven,
ton, and Legislature are all now in session in
Richmond. 1t is no wonder that oysters have
advanced in price.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

W- Col. E. Fontaine has been unanimously
reelected President of the Virginia Central
Railroad Company.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

~ Gen, Henry a. jackson, who has had CON-
mand at Grecnbrier hiyer, has been appointed a
Major General by tns Governor of Georgia, to
command in nat S.aue. He has accepted this
onnointmeut.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
TFrom the London Times I

is one vast camp. A democratic republic, with
a standing army OF less than $4,000 men, has
been transformed in the space of a few short
months into something very like despotism,
acquiring more and more of b military character
day after day. France under the first empire,
was not more completely merged 10 lis army
than the Northern half of the Union is at the
present moment
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
Death of Capt. VIM. Mccoy. Jr.

We regret TO hear of the death of Capt. Wm.
Mccoy, Jr., who died at his fathers residence
IN Franklin, PendletoD county, on Monday morn
ing last. He died Of measles and diptheria con
tacfed IN Camp. He was IL the 23d or Oath
year Of his age. He WAS q gentleman of tiue tai
euts and brave man.-Rocs Req5ster.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03

I'VE have been reguesse to state that Mrs.
Sallie Anderson has ,nade aad given to the SOL
diers eleven pair OF SOCKS.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
NOTICE! NOTICEll

TAVING disposed of stock of GOODS, and
i intending to retire from the Mercantile business
IN the future, desire and earnestly request all per-
sous indebted US, to forward without DELAY,
and settle up either by cash. give their bonds for
the amount of their accounts All persons having
claims against the concern requested to present
them when they will be promptly settled.
Doc 3, 6i-6t. CRAWFORD COCHRAN.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-12-03
To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN!
rTNHERE was left at our Livery Stables the 25th

Il Of May last, a
DARK BAY HORSE.
about 151s hands high well formed, about yearsold
last Spring, and supposed to be the property OF
Der OF the Bath Cavalry-Capt Richards-and the bill
for the feed OF which Horse amounts S75 90. II
the bill is not paid and tine horse taken away by the
fourth Monday IN this mouth, (Court day,) we will
have him put to public saie in trout of the Court
House, to the highest bidder, for cash, and shall de-
duct from the price our bill and cost of sale and
count for the balance, if anv, 10 the owner.
Dec. 3, Is61-3t. TAOS. j. BURKE & CO.