Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1863-09-29
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
THE VALLEY AND ITS LADIES.
CHuRcHvILLE,

-
CHURCHvILLE,
AUGUSTA CO., VA,
September 18th, 1868
IF there is one section of country more desery
ing than any other of the grateful respect of
the Southern soldier, or more endeared to him by
the remembrance of the kindness and hospitali.
ty which he has received at the hands OF its peo-
pie, that section is the VALLEY OF VIRGINIA.
Though it has frequently b en- overrun by a
merciless foe, its pleasant villages sacked and
robbed Of all their wealth and grandeur, its fields
laid waste. its beautiful residences demolished, ,
and its families driven away from their homes
exiled by the hand Of tyranny and oppression
vet it has MEYER failed in its kindness to the
poor, SICK wounded or hungry soldier. Though
its plains have been drenched in fraternal blood,
and it's wales made to re-echo the
sound of the laundering cannon--though its
brave, noble and patriotic sons have bed ana
died in the defence of their liberties, their
homes, their wives and children, their friends
and sweet-hearts, yet it has faltered, never
sHRuNk from the duty and obligations it owed to
the Commonwealth and to the Confederacy.
I would not cast the slightest shade OF disre-
spect or dishonor upon any portion Ct this glo-
rious old State, the Mother of States and States
men. Neither would l detraet from the honor
Of the LADIES of any portion of this State. Their
generosity and kindness towards our soldiers
have never been surpassed by any people. Their
conduct has rendered them worthy of being cali
ed the daughters of the &C OLD DOMINION aud
should command for them the respect Of every
enlightened nation.
But yet, with all due Difference to the feelings
of the ssfair sex'' in other sections of Virginia,
/ must confess that in no part ct the State have
ever seen soldiers treated with the same kind
ness and sttention that they have been in the
Valley. am proud to say Though am not
from the Valley myself, being an exile from the
Northwest) that have never seen a soldier turn
ed from the door of any residence without his
wants having been supplied and his sufferings ad
ministered to. And, in regard to myself, l have
never been treated with the slightest degree of
disrespect in all of my trayelings through this
beautiful and fertile section of country--:his
EDEN of Virginia. But, on the contrary, have
frequently been invited to their homes, to 6. re-
member that would always be welcome to share
their hospitality, and should ever be weary,
sick or wounded, they would take care of me,
&c" Cold must be the heart OF him who could
speak of such people with levity; and false to
his country and to the cause OF humanity must
he be VINO could remain at home and see them
overrun by set OF Yankee yanlals and cut
throats Such man is unworthy the name of
VIRGINIAN, or the attention OF her ladies'. He
should not be allowed to associate with them un-
less he is willing to shoulder his gan and aid in
dealing our enemies blow that would hurl them
back to the granite hills OF New England, con-
tent to live in peace with people whom they
CANNOT CONQUER, and secure for Thorn a lasting
and glorious Independence, as reward for their
a.,::s.dness. hospitality and patT.otisi.,.
How many SICK soldier have the ladies Of the
Valley taken to their homes, and { red for them
and nursed them as kindly as If they had been a
brother. After the hard frnght bai ties of Win
chester, Port Republic, Snarpsbalg, and, more
recently of Gettysburg, how many wounded man
has had his wounds dressed by the tender hand
of some fair lady-pei haps the one who is TO be-
come his future companion through lite. Her
kind attentions, gentle caresses, and words Of
sympathy soothed his pain, and caused him for
while to forget his isuferngs.
Ladies - There are certain class of men in
Virginia, remaining at home. who look upon the
progress of this war with careless indifference
they have folded their arms ard said, s Let the
Confederacy Slide Can you not reclaim the m
Let me ask you to weld your influence, which
is powerful, over them, and, by your winning
smiles, earnest solicitations, and patriotism, and
send them forth to assist in gaining our liberties
the sweetest BOON of life. Your patriotism, so
far, has no parallel in history and We feel con-
fdent that you Will not be found wanting in this
instance.
As am leaving the Department ofthe Valley,
l bid you an adeu, hoping that the tread of the
invading foe may never again disturb your mid
night dreaming, that your freedom may soon be
achieved, and that the sun of INDEPENDENCE may
never again cease TO shine upon your happy
homes. Very respectfully, &c.,
j. e.. R.. Capt. p. A. G.. S.