Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-06-15
A CARD.
GERARDsrowN, BERKELEY Co, !
June 9, 1869.

June 8, 1869.
Eait0r ofthe Spirit Of Jefferson =
Your last weeks issue contains an article
over the signature of "Mountaineer," who
seems (to use his own expression) to enjoy
the excitement in which the staid and moral
neighborhood of Gerardstown was lately
throw We are not aware that there was
any great tumult or excitement created IN re-
gard to the affair. True, it gave rise to some
gossip, as is the-ca in all-repOrts of similar
nature but the people of Gerardstowu and
its community have far too much good sense
and judgment to give much credit to such re-
ports, until the matter is freely Investigated
and conclusively proven. Fortunately for the
"Teacher," matters have taken quite a dit
ferent turn. The matter has been legally In-
yestigated, evidence has been brought for
ward and of such nature as to clearly, sure
ly, unmistakably, fix the charge upon one
nearer the "Mountaineer" than the "School
Teacher" This evidence is reliable and re-
sponsible. and the gentleman ''Mountaineer
cannot object to it. If he does, he will but
object to the evidence of men that stand far
higher in the estimation of the public than
himself We presume, Mr.. Editor, "Moun-
lancer" is we'll known to yourself and the
readers of your Journal, and judging from the
position he occupies, and the estimate which
is placed upon his worth in this community,
his statement in regard to the matter would
not go very far to prove anything. Butruth
is mighty and will prevail. Since the publi-
cation of the article in your last issue the
whole affair has been brought to light 1t is
true that the negro did swear that the "School
Teacher" was the man, that he was the very
man. 1t is true that she did swear that she
was a virtuous woman before (as the Nouns
taineer says) the School Teacher "paid his
addresses to her" But it is equally true that
responsible and reliable evidence have sworn
that she was nothing of the kind. And had
it not been as l justly believe for the per-
suasve efforts of the ''Mountaipeer" and those
in cahute with him, the negro would never
have taken such step. tits we'll known and
believed in this community that the whole
affair has grown out of prejudice on the part
of "NEountaineer" and his associates toward
the "School Teacher" and to shield another
closely related to him by the ties Of cOnsan-
guinity from the uncomfortable disagreeable,
not to say runous situation so far as character
is concerned in which he vainly attempted to
place the "Teacher."
The poor, simple, inexperienced negro has
by the advice and persuasion of her friends,
placed herself in an unenviable situation, for
if there is any glory in a negro being permit
ted to testify in the courts of this county, she
has deprived herself of that glory forever, it
having been proved that she swore falsely, and
a certificate has been issued accordingly by
the Justice before whom she made OATH
"Mountaneer" say that the Teacher has
employed Messrs. Stanton and Faulkner this
l believe is true, and | am glad that he can
avail himself of the services of such men to
ferret out and detect wrongs and bring to us
tice all offenders. But l somehow or other
think that they can do him little good as the
"Mouutuineer" has assumed the position of
guardian for the negro. He has reiinquished
the business of grinding corn and saving logs
and entered upon the honorable calling of
negro agency. He has become her agent to
carry on the suit, so | was told by the Justice
before whom the suit was pending. And l
have no doubt he will exercise all the powers
of his great mind to defend and protect her
interest. How the mighty are fallen. did
not think that one born and reared on the
soil of Virginia, would ever descend from
the lofty position as man, cdit0r, miller, and
it might be other positions he has SO ally fill
ed, to that of friend, protector aud defender
of the character Of well-known negro
strumpet. The gentleman seems pleased to
write under the title Of "Nlountancer; in
my opinion it is inappropriate, for were he
true and genuine mountaineer he would be
far more respected, in every way, than it is
usual for him to be. Those living in or near
the mountain will not consider themselves
highly complimented by such q man stealing
from them their honorable title.
In conclusion, would say that no notice
would have been taken of this report of
"Mountaineer' had it not appeared in public
print. But many seeing the article, and not
knowing the man, may give some credence
to it. ZEPHoN.