davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

III reply to some gentlemen asking
his illegal opinion" in reference to the
expressed determination of Gov. Smith to
refuse to grant his certifcation of ex,
emption to such persons as may be elect
ed Justices Of the Peace between the
ages of is and rs, Jno. FL. Gilmer, Esq,
a lawyer of Richmond city, publishes a
communication In the Richmond Dis
patch, denying the right of the Cover
nor so to refuse. The following is an
extract from the communication con
tanning Mr.. Gilmer's illegal opinion"
sThe exemption bill passed by the last
Legislature expressly exempted, without
qualification, Justices of the peace, at
torneys for the Commonwealth, sherifis,
&c. There was no qualification or con-
dition as to age, or whether their coun-
ties were in the possession of the enc
my. This exemption was positiUe and
mandatory, and enacted in a manner
and under circumstances which preclu-
ded land was designed to preclude) all
discretion or authority on the part of
the Governor. For him, under such
circumstances, to withhold his certif-
ication would, in my opinion, be as harm
less to the officers in question as it would
be gratuitous.o
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
IN THE COUNTY COURT OF AUGUSTA
MARCH, Goth 1854.

TFillians Guy, ESQ, for many years s
member of the Court, having departed this
life since the last term, and the members of the
Court and Bar being DESTROYS that some suita.
bic expression of their high appreciation of bis
character as Magistrate and a gentleman should
be spread upon the records of this court:
It is therefore unanimously ordered By the
Justices ofthe County Court of Augusta, now
assembled at their March term 1864, That the
following resolutions be entered on the record oil
their proceedings:
1st. Resolved, That we have heard with
deep regret of the sudden decease ofour late as
soeiate and friend WILLIAM GUY, Esq. AS q
Magistrate he was thoroughly conversant with
the duties of his office and always prompt, dill
igent and impartial in tie discharge of them
as q man he was yirtuous, benevolent and court
eous to alias citizen he was faithful in the
fulflment of all his obligations to his country
and to his fellow men. These high qualities had
justly endeared him to his associates on the
bench, at the bar and in the walks of private
life and caused all WHO knew him to regard his
sudden death by the hand of Providence as a
public misfortune.
2nd Resolved, That the Clerk of this Court
be requested to have published In the Stanton
papers and communicate a copy of the forego-
ing resolutions and preamble to the family of
the deceased, with an assurance of the sincere
coincidence of the Court and Bar IN the heavy
affection with which they have been visited.
Copy Teste)
VIM. a. BNRNEFT. D. @.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
FOR THE SPECTATOR.
RIoAMoxp, va, March goth, lse

RICHMOND, va, Aarcn oVtn, 1904.
Friend lau=y;
Please permit me, through tho columns OF
your paper, to express my most PROFOUND
THANKS to the people of Churchville and vicin-
ity for the very kind treatment which received
at their hands during my recovery from my
wounds. / feel very grateful to them for their
kindness to me, and shall always cherish the
memory OF the many tokens of respect and
words of kind sympathy and encouragement ten
dered to me by them, which have, to great
degree, caused me to forget my sufferings and
my Punishment by the cruel foefrom my native
county and the loved ones at home, as among the
pleasantest and happiest Of my life. And, es-
pacislly, would [ tender my most profound re-
CARDS to J. FL. Bear and family, of whose hospi-
tally was a recipient. / have never met with
any one yet who treated soldiess with greater
kindness, and who were willing to do more for
their comfort and welfare, than Mr.. Bear and
family. feel under many obligations TO thela
for the many fayors which have received from
them. / hope Gods blessings may rest upon
them--that they may be rewarded fer their kind
ness to our exiled soldiers, that peace, plenty,
prosperity and Happiness may ever be theirs,
that their Last days may be their best, and,
tually, that they may die happy and find home
in heaven.
Very Respectfully, &C.,
j. GORDON RILEY,
Captain and Inspector of Cavalry Equipments,
G. S. Arsenal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
TAXES IN VIRGINIA.

The payments of Confederate taxes,
says the Richmond Sentinel, have been
exceedingly heavy within the last few
days. The total amount of receipts au-
dited at the Office of Thos. G. Green.
Esq, State Collector for Virginia, up
to last Friday evening, was SIC, 241 Gil.
80. Besides this sum, there is known
to have been deposited in Richmond,
ready to be reported, S2,617, 1869
making total of $1S,859, $685. 81, OF
nearly nineteen millions Of dollars
This sum will be considerably increas-
ed when all the reports are in and the
tax more fully collected.
These collections refer only to the tax
for 1863. If Virginia, with half hel
territory overrun by the enemy, OF
tranpled by the contendlng armies,
yields such tax, the aggregate returns
from the Confederacy ought to be ex.
tremely gratifying.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY.

There is a good deal of Government
property, such as guns, bayonets, cayal-
ry saddles, etc., scattered about IN the
hands of citizens which should be Civ
en- up without delay to the proper Off
GERS of the Government. Some people
act as though they thought, like Louis
XIV, they were the Government, "and
that, consequently, they are entitled to
possess all the Government property
which may fall, by any chance, into
their hands. They should remember
that what belongs to the Government
does not belong to them, and to keep
without its consent what belongs to the
Go7ernment,isas wrong as to keep with
out their consent property which be-
longs to individuals. The man who
keeps the property of an individual and
refuses to return it, when he knows to
whom it belongs, is a rogue, and he has
a perverted conception of right and
wrong who thinks he is justified in fail
ing, or neglecting, much less refusing:
10 deliver to the Government the prop
erty which belongs to it. We under
stand that there are many guns belong
ing to the Government i'll the hands Of
citizens. These should be given up
without a days delay 1t is not only
akin to theft to keep them, but, as they
are very mnch needed to repel the en-
envy, it bears close relationship te
treason. Persons having Government
property of any kind in their possession
should deliver it up, before the stern
hand of the penal w shall wrench il
from their embrace The next congress
will have bill presented land that body
will doubtless adopt it or a moro rigor-
orous one, which will require thesearms
to be given up. The bill to which We
refer will embrace, among other pro
visions, the following
LIST All property made by the Gov
eminent or captured by same, shall be
deemed to belong to the Government
End All small arms except the conf
mon rifle and shot gun shall be consid.
cred Government property.
Sd Upon all Government property
found in the hands of citizens after the
18th of May 1864, a tax of 80 1-3 pei
cent. of its present market value shall
be levied, and 10 per cent. per month
so long as it shall so remain.
4th 1t shall be the duty of the asses
sor to examine under oath every one
that he shall assess whether he has, or
there is about his house, any such prop
erty if so, to assess tax against him
therefor.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
STANTON sPEcTAToR And .ADVERTIsER

-
a GOOD SUGGESTION. Should the Gov
eminent require continuance Of the
system Of impressment, the Richmond
Wing suggests that, instead of paying
in the currency of the market for them,
articles necessary to planters be given
in exchange for their provisions. Al
ready the supply of plantation nipple
|ments is becoming very limited
Flows, pillow points, hoes, scythes, axes
and spades, laid in at the commence
ment of the war, are wearing out. Our
machine shops are making few of these
necessary articles, and generally Of the
most worthless character, as well as at
the most exorbitant prices. Let the
Government, with every cargo Of muni-
tons Of war imported, bring also a lot
of these necessary articles. They can
readily be exchanged to the planters for
provisions, and at valuations proper
tomato to the present schedule prices,
which would, however, be a most ac-
ceptable exchange to the planters. Let
Government bring in, also, various gar.
den seeds, to be exchanged in the same
way. The advantage resulting from
| this exchange to the Government, as
well as to our people at large, would be
|incaieulahle,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
TO MANY FRIENDS AND VOTERS.

am constrained by sense of duty to myself
shaving suffered from a diseased state Of the
heart for about three years, and not yet entirely
recovered therefrom-to decline compliance with
your wish that should become candidate for
the Circuit Court Clerkshfp. have been stu
dieusly avoiding all scenes of excitement from
the origin of the attack to the present time, and
now, that am recovering, it would be an act of
almost wilful suicide to throw myself into the
heat necessarily consequent to popular canvass.
I, however, attach to my declinature unfeigned
gratitude to you for the personal kindness you
have ever manifested towards me, and especially
for your solicitude in my well-being manifested
by your CALL. regret the necessity of my de-
cIinature more than you possibly could las my
circumstances are barely unembarrassed by actu.
al need, having family to provide for by my
daily exertions. JOHN B. WATTS.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
MARRIED.

On the 18th March, by the Rev. E. d. Junkin, Mr.
E. B. BOSWORTH, of Beverly, Randolph county, a
to Miss MARGARET A. BEARD, of Brownsburg
Rockbridge county,sVa.
At the residence of the brides father, in Waynes
boro', on Thursday. the oath uh., by the Rev. T. L.
Preston, Rev. VIM. HOUSTON, to Miss MARY,
daughter of DR.. Livingston Waddel.
On the goth of March, by Rev. Jacob Wine, Mr..
JAMES Dole and SARAH E. HEPNRR.-all of Shenando-
ali county, VA.
On Thursday, the 25th of March, by Rev J. G. Hen
sell. Mr.. STEPHEN ARMENROU AND Miss. HIT
TY, j. RlDDLE,-all of Rockingham county.
On the 9th of March, 1864. by Rev. C. B. HAM
MACK. Mr.. DAVID FL. REUBDSH, to MISS c. F.
RUBBISH, all of Augusta county
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

Enlistment Of -Deserters.--The military
authorities have directed attention to
the enlistment of deserters as a serious
evil, and require strict observance of
the 22d Article of War; and the arrest
and trial of all who violate its injunc-
stions. That article provides that no nom
commissioned officer or private shall en-
list in any other organization without
a regular discharge from that in which
he lastserved, on penalty Of being re-
ported and punished as deserter.--
Any officer knowingly receiving or en-
tertaining soldier under such circum-
stances is liable to be court martialed
and cashiered.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
, For THE SPECTATOR.
CAMP 31st VA. REGIMENT,
March 2hth. 1864.

CAMP 31st VA. REGIMENT, !
March 25th, 1864. +
20 the Yotsrs gf Highland county:
GENTLEMEN :-Yon are aware that you will
have to select at the approaching Spring cleo.
ton Clerk for the Circuit and County Courts
ofyour county,
The law does not recognize the soldier'svote
in making choice of officers that SO nearly con-
Germs their private interests, but We feel that
our friends at home will look favoraby upon
our choice, at least we shall expect hearty co.
operation when we recommend to your consid-
Grafton such man as Captain Jacob Matheny,
Of Company e, 3lst Va. Regiment. He Is de-
cidedly the Soldiers Candidate. We are OPP
posed to the present occupant of the office, who
has enjoyed its gains since Highland has been a
county and has failed to fill his Wanting dec
laration, othat he would fight when needed
Upon the other hand the gallant Mathe3y at
the first sound of alarm rushed to the standard,
taking place as private in our ranks, and from
which he has nobly fought his way to a Cap
taincy. 1a-5
Through all the various scenes of the war, he
has carried with him a devotion to our cause
and steaGiness of purpose, that has won him a
place in the heart of every member of our time
honored Regiment.
Itmatters little whether In camp, on march,
or amid the uproar of battle, the care of his
company is paramount in his mind and actions.
fighting the vagabond enemy upon the hills of
his own dear Highland.
For many months his giant constitution strug-
gled with CHASTITY wounds. At length gaining
the ascendency he slowly recovered, and few
months since returned, [although cripple for
lifel to resume his duties in the army. Through
exposure, his old wounds have re-opened and
admonish him to enter upon the retired list oil
the army. -
If patriotism and true courage are to be re-
warded, you will make Captain Matheny's elec-
sure. But on the other hand, if fogyism back.
ed by big words and assumed aristocracy, are to
snpersede brave and mutilated soldiers, we may
expect the election of his opponent sure.
That Captain Matheny is qualified to fill this
office, there exists not single doubt.
a board Of rigid army officers examined him
previous to his promotion to Captain, and re-
ported fayorably upon his qualifications in every
capacity. ~ a SOLDIER.
Yindicator please copy.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

PARAGRAPH MATRIMoNIAL.--Ch
ing wife is a perilous piece of bust.
ness. Do you suppose there is nothing
of it but evening visits, bouquets, and
popping the question: My dear SIM
Pile young man, you ought not to be
trusted out by yourself alone Take care
that you don't get the China article,
that looks exceedingly pretty on the
mantlepiece, until the gilt and orna-
ment are all rubbed off, and then is fit
only for the dust-pile! A wife should
be selected on the same principle as
a calico gown. Bright colors and gay
patterns are not always the best econ
omy. Get something that will wash
and wear. Nothing like the suns and
showers of matrimony to bleach out
these deceptive externals.
Don't choose the treasure by gas
light, or in parlor sitting. Broad day
light is the best time---a kitchen the
most sensible place. Bear in mind,
sir, that the article once bargained for,
you can't exchangeit if it don't suit
If you buy a watch and it don't run as
you expected, you can send it to a
jeweler, to be repaired; in the case of
a wife, once paired, You can't repair
She may run in the wrong direction
very well, sir, all that is left for you
is to run after her, and an interesting
chase you will probably find it.! II
you get a good wife, you will be the
happiest fellow alive If you get a
bad one, you may, as well sell your
self for two and sixpence, at once!-
Just as well consider all these things
beforehand, young man!
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

TIE MILITIA ORGANIZATION. The
Confederate authorities will allow the
present militia organization of the State
to remain as at present constituted un-
til further orders. All men between
eighteen and forty five, capable of ac-
tive duty in the field, will be at once
ordered into the regular service !; but
as it is supposed those intended by the
law for reserve force will, by their
present association, with others not lia-
bic under the Confederate law, yield a
larger local force than might otherwise
be collected, their present organizations
are allowed to remain, so long asst may
be deemed expedient, without, howev-
er, any surrender or qualification of the
right to organize them at any time I'M
der the Confederate law.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
A private letter from Oxford. Missig

A private letter from Oxford, Missig-
|sippi, says: It is impossible to give
an adequate description OF the damage
inflicted by Forrest upon the command
of Smith and Grierson. For sixty miles
the line of their retreat was marked by
dead Yankees and horses. They rode
their horses so hard that nearly all died
after reaching Memphis. Smith return
ed at once to Memphis, and when asked
where his men were, replied that sone
half had struggled apd the other half
had gone to hi which was nearly
the truth
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
LATEST NEWS.

Lincoln will call out the entire militia
force of the North. The regular army
viii consist of75o, 900 men, and, besides,
the militia will be called ont.
Three hundred men in Illinois have
taken up arms against the Lincoln ty.
rannv. We will soon have stirring
times. Important events will soon oc-
cur.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

The RICHMOND ENQUIRER SAYS Peace
and separation can come only by victory.
The defeat of Lincoln's armies IS the
sole agency of permanent peace and
certain separation. All the babbling
folly about negotiation can have no
other effect than to induce our enemy
to believe that we are about to yield
Let US abandon all talk of peace, make
up our minds forfour years more of war,
aud then we may, perhaps, hear some
thing of the beginning of the end. In
Pennsylvania and Ohio are to be found
the battle-felds upon which must be
fought the fights that Immediately pre-
cede negotiations. No where else will
victory awaken the desire for peace SO
effectially as in the heart of the great
Central States of the Union. Lincoln
ard BIS sensation countrymen are rely
| ing on Gen. Grant. Him once defeated,
| the way is open that leadeth straight to
peace. Let all, therefore, think and act
only for war, and leave peace with our
enemies.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
FOR TIE SPECTATOR.

wish to call the attention
of the proper authorities to the subject of
desertion, as some wLo have left their posts,
since last summer, are now skulking about home
and friends,and are engaged inpilfering through
the neighborhood. As the compaign will open
in a few weeks, think it is the duty of all of
flcers and men to be at their posts without any
further delay, and it is the duty of those, who
have it in charge, to arrest every deserter, and
lnete out to him such punishment as the militia
ry code provides. A CITIZEN. g
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
March 2e-tf vindicator copy.

n100 REWARD.-Stolen,fr from the stable Of
DlUU the subscriber, near Fshersville, on the
night of the oath inst, a sorrel with blaze
in the face, white hind feet extending above the
pasterns some white hairs mixed with the mane
and saddle ma rk on the left side of her back. She
is about Is hands high, very sprghtly and active,
tail long and heavy, or years old, is thorou gh
riding animal at any gate desired, and was much
priced as ladys haekny.
will pay the above reward for her return or IN
formation so that set her. -
March 29--2ts ADDISON DOLD.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
From TILE S1oarwAII. RRIaAnE.-TL

From THE SToNEwALL BRIGADE. The
Richmond Enquirer says that OH Thurs
day last, about 2 o'clock in the morn
ing, three men from the Stonewa,l bri-
gade entered the great bend of the Rap
+idan, between Tobacco-stick Ford and
Moreton's Ford, for the purpose of fir
ing upon the Yankee cavalry as they
came down in the morning TO water
their horses. BY daylight, however,
the party were so thoroughly chilled
that they could not wait longer, SO they
fred away at the Yankee pickets, who
were in and aroand house on the OPP
.posite side Of the stream, about hun
bred and fifty yards distant. Three
fell at the first fire; the greatest conster-
nation prevailed among the enemy !;
they turned out en- mosse, threw out
skirmishers, and prepared for general
attack. Our boys fired again, and re-
treated across the bottom land, return
ing the Yankee fire as they went. All
three returned safely to their regi-
ment.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

LIKENESS OF THE YANKEE. The Rich
mond Wing says: slmagine an animal
compounded of kettle drum, a bassoon,
a jackass, q screech owl, a hyena, jack
daW, a circular saw in motion, and q
monkey dying of the cello,
and you have Yankee in. iull blast on
ceremonial OCCASIONS"
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
AN IMPORTANT ORDER:

1t will be seen by reference to anoth-
er column that the Adjutant General
has issued an order for board Of off,
GERS to assemble IN Richmond at an
early day to examine and report upon
the justice and amount Of claims Of par
ties who have lost negroes impressed
fer labor on the public defences-to in
clude those who have died from injuries
received, or diseases contracted while
lathe service.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05


-Aore DeSerters to be S2aOt.-The fol-
lowing soldiers, members of companies
belonging to Gen. Imboden's com.
mand, have been found guilty Of deser-
ton, by Court Martial, and sentenced
to be shot. Wellington Meats, of Pen
dleton county, attached to gid Regi-
ment; A. j. Halteman, Brooks Gap.
near the line between Rockingham and
Hardy, attached to 18th Regiment; and
VIM. Cook, of Hardy county, a mem.
Der of the 18th Regiment.
The first named of these parties is a
young man, and, we learn, attributes
his act of desertion, and consequent
ruin, to his fathers influence. Let mis-.
guided parents be warned by this mel.
;ancholy example, against offering any
inducement to their sons to abandon the
service of their country.
Haltelnan is a middle aged man, mar.
ried, and has wife and I children. a
petition signed by his company and It's
officers, has been sent to the President,
asking for pardon for this unfortunate
man. Time will be given him to see
what will be the result of this applica-
ton for Executive interposition.
Cook is married man, about 80 years
of age.
1t is sincerely hoped these terrible ex-
amples will deter others from doserting.
Let no one hope to escape who is base
enough to abandon his countrp.-ROck.
Register.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

Deserters are coming IN from the
enemy almost daily in Florida. They
report Is 900 men at Jacksonville and
1000 at Palatka. They seem to make
a diversion in their favor in that direc-
ton. Our army is in the best of spirits
and confident of victory, whenever they
meet the vandal foe.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

BIG GAME OF Bass BALL.-On yes.
terday week grand game of baseball
was played in the army, the contest
being between the members of Gen.
Staford's louisiana Brigade, of Maj
Gen. Edward Jo!.nson's Division, and
Gen. Early's Division. The game was
won, after contest of two hours and
a half, by Gen. Hays Brigade.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05

- 1t will be remembered that
April 9Th, Friday next, has been 4ap-
pointed, by proclamation of President
Davis, day of Fasting, humiliation
and Prayer.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
MISCELLANEOUS.

HORSE STOLEN
Ii $50 REWARD.
A BAY HORSE, no white about him remembered
has dark legs and and is about five years old,
sh0d must be fresh bears marks Of rubbing and
work. Size-medium or rather small. Order-get-
ting thin; does not pace, good looking horse, well
made and medium height, was stolen from the sub
scriber last night, oath inst.
The above reward will be giVOn ifrecovered in this
county and $1o0 If recovered out Of the county.
ABSALOM KOINER.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1864-04-05
FRoM NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Monde,

From FREDER1oKsBURa.-On Monday
week three Confederate soldiers were
captured by scouting party of the en-
envy, at Falmouth, opposite Fredericks-
burg. Our men, at the time, were fish.
ing in the Rappahannock river. This
looks as if the enemy were feeling their
way towards Fredericksburg again.