davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Fight in Logan Comfy.

We noticed the fact several weeks since that
of the militia force, had fight with the enemy
in Logan county, and that he was wounded and
taken prisoner Of this fight, the South Western
Times, published in Tazewel county, has the
following:
From Samuel Smoot, Esq, of Boone county,
who was in the fight, we learn the following &C.
count of the battle near Chapmanville, Logan
county, on the 25th ult: The Yankees numbered
r 700, and commenced the attack uron our troops
the Logan miltia-in a low gap between Guy
andotte river and tig Greek, where they were
engaged in raising temporary breastwork.-
Our troops numbered 220, but there were only
about 80 of them engaged in the fgat. They
were commanded by Col. J. W. Davis of Green
brier, brave and gallant officer, who was Sc
verely, but not dangerously wounded, in the arm
ard breast. AS soon as it became known that
Col. Davis wss wounded the militia commenced
a retreat. The commanding officer of the Lin
coin troops afterwards confessed to Col. Davis,
who was taken prisoner, that at the same mo-
ment portion of the Yankees were running, and
that one more round would have completely dis
persed them.
The loss of the Yankees by their own confess
sion to Col. Davis, was forty killed and num-
Der wounded, among the former were four Union
meu, all of whom are represented by the Yam
KEGS to be most arrant thieves and cowards-
Our loss was two killed and three or tour slight.
ly wounded, besides Ool. Davis, whose valuable
services are at present lost to the Oonfederacy,
being paroled by the enemy
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Tribute of Respect.

At a meeting of the ssAugusta Lee Rifles, :"
Capt. r. D. LILLEY, at their Camp at Greenbrier
River, Oct. 10, 1861, the following pr Gamble and
resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, 1t hath pleased Almighty God to
remove from us, by d sath, fellow-member Of
our Company and brave.aaSprade in arms-Wn-
LIAM WEADE SwINK-and the Company being de-
slrous of paying their humble tribute of respect
TO bis memory, therefore
Resolved, That by the death of private Swnk
this Company has lost one of its most efficient
members-One who took great interest in the
drill, and was prompt and faithful in the dis
charge of every duty devolving upon him as q
soldier, and by his manly bearing and readiness
to be assigned to any post of danger, he had won
the confidence and esteem of his officers and fell
low-members.
Resolved, That we tender to the parents and
friends of our deceasd companion our sincere
in this their great aff1iction, and
would commend them to that Heavenly Friend,
who can, by the saving influences of His holy
spirit, make this sad dispensation of his Provi-
dence a great blessing tous,All, in causing US to
consider the uncertainty of life and to live more
for eternity.
Resolved, That copy of these proceedings
be forwarded to the family of the deceased and
to the Editor Of the ssStaunton SPECTATOR for
publication. j. B. WRIGHT,
Act'g O. S. Augusta Lee Rifles.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Gen. Buckner and Judge Underwood.

We have read, with pleasure, correspondence
between Hon. J. r. Underwood, of Kentucky,
and Gen. S. B. auckner, the gallant leader OF
our forces at Bowling Green. Judge Underwood
is a Unionist of the Kentucky Legislature, and a
citizen OF Bowling Green, and, writing from
Frankfort, inquiries of Gen. Buckner whether or
not he would be permitted to return, unmoles-
ted, to his family and remain in their midst,
peacefully pursuing his ordinary avocation in life,
and, when the time shall arrive, return to Frank
fort in the capacity of legislator. Gen. Buck
ner, in the language of true manliness replies in
the affirmative and states, also. the great prnc-
pie of personal liberty OF the citizen, to protect
which he declares his intention.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Fight near Harper,s Ferry.

Co.. Ash5y's Successful Encounter soith the Eaae-
my- Gallant Charge of the Mabitia-1he
Federals Repulsed at the point OF the 6ayonet
Official advices have been received at the War
department of an attack, by Col. Turner Ashby,
commanding a small force, with a superior body
of the enemy, on Wednesday, the 10th instant
at a place called Bolivar, contiguous to Harper's
Ferry The Federals, numbering, with subse-
auent reinforcements, from 500 to 1000 men,
were sent over to protect the transportation Of
grain from Hurr's Mill on Shenandoah Island,
and Col. Ashby, with $50 mep, 800 of whom
were militia met and drove them back with
considerable slaughter. The action commenced
at eight O'Clock in the morning, and terminated
about eleven. 1t is to be particularly noted as
the first in which the Virginia militia have been
engaged 10 hand-to hand encounter with the
enemy, and the result reflects the highest cred
it upon that branc! of the service. At charge
bayonets, they drove the Hessians before them,
down the hill into the village of llarper's Fer
ry, at which point in the pursuit they were
checked by detachment of artillery, supposed
to have been Doubleday's battery, stationed on
the Maryland Heights. Col. Ashby now with
drew bis troops to point behind the hill, for
the purpose of protecting them from the shot
and shell, which fell thick and fast around them,
but fortunately with little effect. The loss OF
the enemy IN the engagement, as reported by q
woman who afterwards came out from Harper's
Ferry and saw the dead carried away in wagons
was at least fifty or sixty, in addition to which
our men captured twelve or fourteen prisoners
Among the latter are some Union" men, who
had been particularly busy in aiding the Fed
erals by means of signals. Our loss was ore
! killed Camper, of the Shenandoah milita) and
ten wounded-two supposed mortaly.
| A painful incident attended this brilliant affair
Three members of the Bolts Greys of Jefferson
county, who were at home on furlough, partic
pated in the fight as volunteers, and two of the
Dumber were wounded-one (named Belly des
perately, and his life despaired of.
| Col. Ashby's success would have been muct
greater but for a lack of cannon, and very few
of the enemy would have escaped from the fielt
of battle He hat. but one efficient gun, and an
other improvised for tie occason-a "a pounde
mounted on wagon wheels, which, any artiller
ist will readily concede, was difficult to manage
Justice to this brave and gallant officer demand
that he should be amply supplied with every ia
clity for successful warfare, to increase his inhu
ence on that border as a terror to the invaders
By curious coincidence, this fight took plac'
on the second ann versary of the John Brown
raid, and in the very locality of that Dotabl
event.
i Rev. James B. Averick, chaplain of Col. Ash
by's regiment, who reached the city yesterda,
afternoon, is bearer Of dispatches to the Wa
Depar. .ment Rich DISPATCH of Oct 19th
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22

GEN. BUoKNER.-The following is the army re-
cord of Gen. Buckner, in command of the State
Rights Kentucky troops, from the Cadet register
of 1850. His subsequent army record we have
not the meaDs of ascertaining
Simon B. Buckner, Of Kentucky, graduate
of 1874, with the 1lth place. Brevet Second
Lieutenant Second Infantry, July 1st, 1871
Acting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at
West Point, from August, 1845, to May, 1876,
and Assistant Instructor of Infantry Tactics from
August, 1848. Second Lieutenant, MAY 9, 1846.
Wounded at Cherubusco, August Goth, l847-
Brevet First Lieutenant 'sfor gallant and merito-
rous conduct at Cherubusco,'' which appoint
ment was declined. Regimental Quartermaster,
lS47
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
To the Friends of the West Augusta Guard
CAMP OENTREvILLE, 9th Reg. Va. Vol,
October 18th 1861

The Winter season is fast approaching. AL
ready the chilling October nights remind Us that
cold weather, frosts and snow are not far distant
and the West Augusta Guard are but poorly pro.
viGed with blankets and suitable clJthiDg ]
have made every effort to obtain leave of absence
in order that | might personally provide blankets
and other clothing for my men, but this has beeu
refused me. | am, therefore, compelled TO ap-
peal through this medium to the friends of the
Company, and call upon them to aid, as far as
possible, in preparing Us for the rigors of the
coming season. There are 10 the Company nine
tyseven (97) men, exclusive of officers We
LETT home on the 17th day of April last with but
one blanket apiece. During the battles of Hams
vile and Manassas, aud the frequent long and
hasty marches winch we have been compelled to
make, many of these have been lost, consequently
soms of the men have no protection against the
weather when outside of their tents, which is
frequently the case when performing picket and
other duty. Almost any family can spare one
blanket without serious inconvenience, and to
the soldier they are Indispensable We want a
blanket for each man in the Company, and our
only hope is in our friends in Staunton and Au-
gusa county. Let each one of our friends. then
determine TO spare from their stock one blanket
II not blanket, a comfort or q rug-anythinp
that the men can cover themselves with and find
protection against the cold and the pelting of the
pltlless storm. Those that can give US nothing
in the way of blanket, comfort, or rug, may be
able to st'are an extra pair of socks or two. We
are badly III need of them Either of these ar
tlcles, which any one of our friends can spare,
If handed to Messrs- D. Q. Mc,7 uffin, Wm A.
Burke, Thos. A. Bledsoe, or if left ct. the store
OF Messrs. Taylor & Hoge, or A. E. Bledsoe &
Co., with the name of the person intended for
marked thereon, will be promptly forwarded to
me. know that your patriotism and lberality
have already been taxed from other sources al
ready, and nothing, save the sternest necessity,
could induce lna to make this further demand
upon your charity. But these are articles which
the men must have or suffer terribly in their
need. We were among the first volunteers who
lett the county. No notice of our leaving was
given US, and no time for preparation had. We
have seen much hard service, and through it all
our highest, most coveted aim has been to per-
form our duty faithfully and we trust that we
have succeeded. We hope to deserve well at
) our hands. M.,st respectfully,
Your fellow citizen,
JAMES Ii. WATERS,
Capt. West Augusta Guard.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Ski'mishing in the West-Daring Act of
Confederate TrOODs.

The Memphis Aralancae's correspondent,
writes from Camp Belmont, opposite Columbus,
KY, rnder date of Oct I'd, as follows:
| On last Monday morning about day, your hum
bic servant had the honor of being engage in
the boldest and most daring feat venture to
say, that has been performed in tie Valley of
the Mississippi since the commencement OF the
war. Ga Sunday, the 29th at three o'clock P
| NJ, about two hundred of Gen. Thompson's pick
ed swamp hunters left camp under the command
of Col James Walker, of the 1st, and Oo Phe-
Ian OF the I'd regiment, the destiUation none but
the knowing ones were aware of. Half an hour
before daybreak on Monday morning we were
challenged by the picket guard f the enemy. at
large aud important bridge on the Cairo and
Fulton Railroad, in sight of Birds Point. We
Immediately fired and charged upon the enemy.
said by the neighbors and cur guides to be three
hundred In number, drove them in the swamp
towards Birds Point, captured their guns, blank
cts, canteens. haversacks, etc, burned and cut
down the bridge, which was the real object of
the expedition, and Immediately started for
can p. ~ reached camp inside of twenty -four
hours after starting having travelled torty eight
miles without ever eating or sleeping not hav-
ing even stopped olce to rest.
/ When you take into consideration that our
forces were infantry ard that eight miles of the
distance were the very worst swamps to be en-
countered in this State, travelled on dark night,
and compelled to avoid all roads, think it has
not been exceed, if ever equalled and all this
was done without even single man getting
hurt. We cut OFT by this nearly all of the roll
ing stock of the road, as there was large force
of the enemy at Charleston with the cars. The
troops have all returned, and we now have pos
session OF all the cars, locomotives etc.
About the same time our cavalry a.tacke cd on
other large force in sight of Norfolk, who were
guarding bridge across creek. Our men
drove them into Norfolk, killed some fifteen or
sixteen of the enemy, and wounded about thirty.
We lost one killed and one slightly wounded in
RI,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
A Full Vote.

A writer on the French side of the New Or
leans Bee urges that we give full vote through
out the South at the Presidential electiol in No
vember. he says that this is advisable in order
to disproye Lincoln's assertion that more than
half the Southern people are opposed to The
movement for Southei II indept ndence.
We cordially unite, says the Richmond Whg,
in the recommendation that there be full vote.
notwithstanding there is but one ticket IN the
field not, however, to satisfy Lincoln OF The tai
sity of his STATE menr, for he knew it was false
when he made it. But there may be some peo-
pie in other counties who have been deceived
by the declaration of the Northern press, and if
there be not full vote they may conclude that
those who stay away from the po Is are either
indifferent or hostile to the new Government.-
To remove any errors OF this sort from the minds
of European nations is worth attending to. If
the North are deceived about this matter. thew
may remain SO, and it is not worth white to un-
deceive them. But the case is different as to
other governments.
We renew the appeal, too, to voters ia making
their choice OF Representatives in Congress, to
disregard every sentiment and consideration tba,
might bias their Judgment, and look only TO uuai-
tication tor the post to be Fl led. Virginia looks
back now with noble pride TO the great men
who represented her In the councils of the old
revolution. Has she no such sons now to rnain-
tain her reputation and guard her interests! Per-
haps not, but yet many of wht M any State
might be proud, and to whom any people might
entrust their rights. 1t should be the corscien-
tious duty OF every citizen to see tha. his vote is
cast for such man. Our present delegation is
one OF great ability; let there be no filing off.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
The Steamer Bermuda.

So much has been said about this vessel, which
arrived at Savannah q short time ago, both by
the Northern aud Southern press, that descrp-
ton would rot now be inappropriate:
She has the rig Of full-rigged brig, and COM
ing into port under SAIL with heht head OF
steam. and her smoke stack down, her appear
ance, at short distance, indicated nothing more
than an ordinary brig. She has no sign of port
holes from the outside, and the only indication
on the decks that she is designed for war YES
sci, is the presence of four ring bolts firmly fixed
in the decks. She is designed to carry four guns
on deck and although there are no guD- carriages
to be seen, yet there are four ten inch rifle can
non slung in way that they could be brought
into action, bad there been occasion, on very
short notice. Her bulwarks, instead of being
solid, as usual, were constructed Of fancy wire
netting. She presents beautiful appearance
externally, and when she is fully fitted nr action
she will 10 doubt prove an ugly customer for the
enemy to cope with.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
> Prevention Better than Cure.

We are requested to call attention to the con-
dition of the bridge over Christians Greek, on
the road from Stauntor to Waynesboro'. The
timber is said to be in decayed condition and
the bridge unsafe. Should any accident occur
from this cause, those charged with the duty of
keeping the bridge in repair, will not be held
g1lltless. Therex IL not only be responsible
ty in damages, q prosecution for manslaught
er might ensue.
We believe the Scottsville turnpike has been
SUBSTANTIALLY abandoned by the corporators and
the sooner it is turned over to the counties thro'
which it passes, the better for the public.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
For the Spectator.
A Dreadful Result of Our Victory at Ma
nasSaS.

For the Spectator.
A Dreadful Result of Our Victory at Ma.
nassas.
Mr.. EDITOR :-U nmstakable signs of the times
point to what may prove u fatal result of our
victory at Manassas-0a OUer confident and
boasyuS spirat-and its necessary consequence
inactivity. In the beginning OF the war, whilst
we Knew our cause was just we also felt our COM
parative weakness and hence betook ourselve
by day OF humiliation, fasting and prayer, to
our only sure refDge-the great God of battles,
We adopted our motto: '.God and our rights"
The result was seen in the battles which ensued.
but nowhere more remarkably than at Manassas
In the mysterious panic of the enemy and their
utter overthrow, jast at the moment of their ap-
parent victory. We have since INDUCED in
boastful spirit and said i, was the strength of
our bow and the might OF our arm which got
this victory, and have forgotten the mighty
God who brought about this result We have
dropped into fatal Indifference. and vain, con-
fident spirit that, we fear, may require terrible
defeat TO dispei, Many have ceased TO t0al, and
We fear to pray, for our success. Levity is TAX
ing the place OF the gravity becoming the ca
lanlties we are suffering. Amusements have
supplanted the little ''lint and bantage circles,
and the little "wha-can- we-do-for-our-army cir
cles" which once showed the interest we felt in
our soldiers aid cause.
Is it time to grow lukewarm, to forsake God,
to court amusements and to indulge in levity
We have thousands of sick to be restored we
have three hundred Thousand brave and valuable
men in the field, and to keep them efficient re-
quires not only all that the Department at Rich
mOnd can do, but the earnest, private efforts OF
every true Southern man and woman who longs
for cur independence.
We are upoa the ece Of another great battle.
Let us awake to the nature of its untold results.
Let us show our patriotism not only by what we
can sag but by what we can do Not in finding
fault, but striving to remedy the evils We see;
not in provoking God by lrvity, profanity, and o
wicked neglect of Him and His truth, but by
solemn regard to his precepts and earnest prayer
in public and private. Let dignifed gravity
pervade the public mind. Let our temples be
filed with His worshippers and by taking Him
for their defence and shield, secure His mighty
aid, which will give Us the victory and speedy
and peaceful enjoyment of our rights.
AN OFFICER IN THE CONFEDERATE SERVICE.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
TO the Voters of the Iith Congress. .onaI
District.

In response to many calls, both private and
public, l announce myself candidate for the
Confederate Congress. In the present distracted
state Of our country, 1, in common with the 9TH
er gentlemen who are candidates for the same
position, think that party politics should be ig-
nOred. In the absence of one of the candidates
do not think it right to canvass the district and
shall refrain from doing so, unless one or both
of the gentlemen, who are nv competitors, in
augurate the policy. Being comparatively un-
known in some of the counties of the district,
think it matter due to myself to state that
have ever been States Rights man. As men,
Der of the Virginia Convention, I used every
exertion in my power to forward the interests
and success of the South. Should / be so for
tunate as to be elected to the Confederate Con-
gress, shall use my best efforts to represent you
with intelligence and fidelity.
Your Obedient servant,
S. A. COFFMAN.
October Is, 1S61.-t
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22

81 Drafting has been ordered discontinued
in the North (says the Memphis Appeaz) for the
reason that if the volunteers can't stand before
Us, it was useless to have the mere dead aoood of
raw conscripts. AS the New York Times saws ::
"The man who fights simply because he is
compelled to co so, will be very likely to forget
his devotion to his country when bullets are
whistling around him, and prove his devotion to
himself by running away" The truth is the
North has little stomach for the fight, especially
fanatic NV England-and while halt million
of volunteers cannot be had, it is ioe, and indeed
dangerous, to draft soldiers in democratic, free
suffrage country. The conscripts will not make
soldiers, but may make mutineers.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Rock6ridge Alum Springs, Oct. 16, '61.
For the Spectntor
HIGHTowN, HIGHLAND Co., Va, }
October Nth. 1861. {

OOeOUOt ICOI. J
Wr. Edator: Il desire through the M; diu,n of
your paper to express my thanks and the thanks
OF the soldiers under my care, for the timely
supply OF articles sent to US by the kind Ladies
of Augusta. These articles embracing almost
everything that sick soldier might need were
duly received through the kindness of Ag't Hoo
yer. desire to assure the Ladies of Augusta
who have so kindly provided for our wants. that
we have no language sufficient to express cur
gratitude. How grateful to the feelings of sol.
dier separated from his home by mountains and
rivers confined to his tent by piniDg sickness, to
know that there are kind hands providing for
his relief. Noble and patriotic women! May
God bless them. they are the defenders of the
country after all and tie connec ing link between
heaven aud ca tn. ISAAC WHITE
Asst. Surg. 31st Regt. Va. VOL
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
5Sth. Va. Regiment.

The 58th Regiment, Col. Goode, of Bedford,
is now complete, being composed of seven COM
panies from Bedford, two from Franklin. and
one ffom Amherst, and will soon march to the
mountains West of here, where we have other
forces confronting the enemy. We understand
that Bedford county has furnished 23 companies
for service. Seven companies of this Regiment
have been stationed here for some time awaiting
the arrival of the other three to complete it.
The Officers are Edmund Goode, of Bedford.
Colonel Samuel Letcher, ofRockbridge, Lieut..
Colonel, and Stapleton Crutchfeld, of Spottsyl-
vania, Major.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
Election Tickets.

AS the voters have to choose electors
for President and Vice President, be-
sides voting for candidates for Congress,
on the LIST Wednesday in November,
they must needs have tickets. Persons
desiring tickets should send in their or
ders as soon as possible, that they may
be sure to be supplied in time. We
will furnish them at Fifty Gents pei
hundred.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-22
NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.
VIRGINIA CENTRAL RAU,ROAl

THE Mail and Passenger Train leaves Staunton
at p NJ. The Freight train leaves Staunton for the
East on Tuesdays, Thurdays and SATURDAYS at l. so
a. M, and for the West Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays at 1920 P. M.
The attention of the Farmers is called to the fact
that the Freight train does not lay at Greenwood
under this arrangement but goes through, arriving
Sundays that stock be taken from either of the
Depots without the discomfort of long detention ON
the road. Persons desiring transportation should
give ample notice to the undersigned, or to Stephen
Hunter. General Freight Agent. at Richmond as the
means of transportation are somem chat limited owing
to the heavy demands upon it by the Government at
at this time. H D. WHITCOMR
Oct. 22, 1861. General Superintendent.