Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1864-03-25

constitutes unK-tne middle iInk-Of q
chain which reaches back to A. D. 1888,
4T6 years sgo This middle link I wish to
present clearly before the mind Of any one,
old or young, who may be pleased to con-
template with me these charred Rains.
The original settler, proprietor and gran
tee-named Robert Worthington--was him
self an old man then. having previously
brought settlers from England for Penn's
Colony, in the founding Of Philadelphia.
He WAS still residing. it is believed, in
l74S, on that tract, with his only child
bearing his own name--a period Of time,
when Lord Fairfar's youthful surveyor,
George Washington, only sixteen years old,
WAS running the lines ia that neighbor-
hood He &c. w. bearded with the Wild
ow (Stephensun. Pronounced Stinson) r.
previously the widow Crawford "a revefed
matron, whole vlrtuous, industrious. hardy
sons were chosen companions of the boy
Warrington, a. shown By Weems, CO.
temporary writer. A dilapidased chim
ney, near al orchard, close to the three mile
post on the turnpike leading from Charlss-
town to Berrysille. is the spot where The
Old "Cyaufsrdia Homssteaa' stood. One
Of the sons Of that widow, Valentine Craw
ford. was great-grandfather OF the late "
G. W above named, as am Informed J;
and the Martyr Of Ssndusky, Col Nm
Crawford, the great grand uncle Of the
young man furnished the name he bore.
notwithstanding the innumerablc similar
facts, concerning the aiatrons OF Virginia,
during TIE Colonial Era facts Astounding
in the history ofour Southern settlements -
men have been found, or at least one vas
found, On the floor Of Congress, only fev
months before this national disruption oc-
curred-a man from Illinois, and he a
preacher Of the Gospel Was 80 will
fully ignorant Of the truth Of history, as 10
calumniate Southern Female character, in
debate. With Virginians, there is srs-
ditional reverence for their erandmoshers
To this weakness / confess, lift be weak
ness
This historical uttersnce. though man
fest calumny, is nevertheless, one Of the
most bitter Of the many bitter expressions
Of malice, envy and hatred, which Confed-
crates have had to endure during this var,
and for many years previously; nor is the
sting any the less severe, but rather more
keen to a sensitive and delicate mind, be-
oslse of its pointless and unfoundsd un-
truthfulness.
. This sentiment-thc sentiment Of grief
over the outraged remains and memories Of
our maternal anoestors-is nerving the arms
Of Southern Soldiers, when they strike for
our home affairs and for our fresides.
] have been led to jot down these remin-
uiscences and reflections. by considering the
fset-ss fact well known to both armies and
to both peoples fact, known TO the
Northern mercenaries, with their support
ers. at their Homes and to the Southern
martyrs, who are laying down their lives Cor
their Homes, and for eli that renders
Home sAcred-the fact, that the above
named ruins Of the second "CRAwsoRDrA,
destroyed without doubt by Federal incen-
diaries in the early eve Of Friday, Nov 6,
A. D. 1S63-cover the site, where two
descendants OF the above mentioned honored
ancestors 70 recently breashed cut their
lives.
AS to the remote historical incident Of
A. D. 1888. above referred to. il is men,
tenioned in the Chevy Chase Ballad as fol-
lows:
1h.n stepped gallant squire forth,
Witherington was his name.
Who said would not have IL told
To Henry, king, for shame,
That e'er my captain fought on foot,
And stood looking on.
You to be earls, said Witheflngtor,
stAnd squire alone:
III do the best that do may,
While ] have poRr to stand:
While have powr to WELD my svoaG,
I'll fght with heart and hand"
For Witherington my heart is no
That ever he slain should be.
For when his legs were hewn in two,
lie fnet and fought on his knee.
Concerning the last four lines OF ibis bal /
lad, Chambers, ID his Miscellany, Vol T.,
says:
This ssanza is from The old ballad, as
being preferable in sll respects to the cor
responding one in the news"
For Witheri ngton needs must wall
As one in doleful dumps,
For when his legs were snitssn Of,
He fought upon his sfunps.
In future letters, some events Of she
present w.r may be nafrased-running
: ro,,eh +Lo vvhala married. S.om 1854 N fQ