Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1881-12-30
FORT DEFIANCE, Dec. %.

hOhOI.0 LII LIN L = - A-@ ~
SON, &C.
REPORTED for the Staunton VINDICAToR.]
FORT DEFIANCE, Dec. %.
A most difficult thing to do is to write a
a readable letter when there ia dearth OF
news; therefore the items of this comma
nifty can soon be told.
Toe holidays are being passed quietly,
quito number of Christmas trees laden
with presents for the children from Santa
Claus were prepared and the little ones
made happy and the older ones too, be-
cause the children were happy.
We are about to lose our enterprlslnR
blacksmith, John Swartz, from the Will
low Spout. lie has lately purchased a
small farm of Mr.. VIM. Norman near
the Hermitage and will erect shop on his
own premises. Industrious labor is al
ways rewarded and John will succeed
wherever he goes. The clear ring OF his
anvil is heard every morning at A. NJ.
and continues sometimes to 10 at night
Last night ne was nonored by surprise
party of his friends, including two newly
married couples.
The centenarian colored man, old uncle
Sid, has enjoyed his 108th Christmas, talk
ing about the good old days OF the past
and complaining that he was not taken to
the Yorktown celebration. He still re-
tains all of his faculties and if you were to
see him you would think that there were
giants in those days His Miss Mary, his
best friend as he calls her, Mrs. Moor
mani, am glad to say has recovered from
her recent illness. She was permitted to
enjoy the last communion service at the
Old Stone Church, although she had to be
carried into the church. Rev. Alexander
Spruns.. the pastor is preaching with pow
er and effect to his congregation and his
faithful labors, We trust. will be greatly
rewarded.
The students of the Augusta Mala Acad-
envy are now enjoying their vacation at
their homes, and the teachers quiet rest.
This school is flourishing and it is won
der that it is not more largely patronized.
when its character and surroundings are
considered.
The genial and refreshing rains have
gladdened all nature and the wheat Of this
vicinity looks as if it were Spring time.
The farmers here are much exercised
about the bill requiring railroad compa-
MES to fence in their roads. This would
be good law but how to pass it against
the combined capital OF all the railroad
companies of the State, is the question.
The Readjusters are the happiest people
I'm the community and discuss freely how
they will Distribute the offices, judgeshlps,
&C., &c The say that there are a great
many more Readjusters now than there
were before the election. I think SO too.
Fears are entertained that the terrible
disease Pink Eye has appeared among the
horses in this neighborhood. Two Of Mr..
George Woods horses have strong symp'
toms swelling Of the legs and stupidity,
and the eyes dull.
A bunting party, composed of G. Mop.
Crawford, G. Miller, Will Moorman and
others, had long exciting chase, yester'
day with pack of about Is dogs and Will
Norman took old Reynard in from his
usual walk.
John Willis McCue, the intrepid parti-
IAN scout of Mosby's command, is on
visit to his uncle W. A. McCue, Esq.
at the Willow spout. John is a lively boy
ALPHA.