Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-11-28

ginia as to illustrate the part taken in the
grand struggle by Augusta, and not omit what
must be OF interest In connection with the rest
of the State, 10 matter of no Uncomfortable
difficulty, How well Col. Peyton has accom-
plished this. no one who reads the book can
fail to discover. AS In his brief resume of the
events preceding the founding OF the settle
ment now known as Augusta county, where, in
Q few brief. terse and comprehensive sentences.
he has depicted the incidents and portrayed
the characters, 60 in this portion he has pre-
&c ted the prominent part this county play ed
In the Revolutionary war, all the while keep.
ing before the mind the stirring scenes which
were occurring throughout the colonies. It Is
IN these chapters that detailed accounts are
gwen OF the great Indi. n massacres which &C.
CURED In, and around the Valley account,
which even at this late cause q thrill Of
horror to rash through our being. Space does
does not permit Ms to quote from these nara.
Jives, which the reader will IND to be full Of
the deepest interest.
description is given of the establishment
Of Mason and Dixon's line and the difficulties
encountered, together with copies of deeds and
records in reference to this subject Further
on follows an account of the troubles between
the French and English. during which period
the greatest atrocities occurred. and which
forms perhaps the bloodiest page in the history
of our early times.
Speaking Of the issues which led up to the
civil war and the sentiments Of the people of
this section, we ind the following
Though the people Of Augusta were warmly
attached to the Union, they ~ mpathtzed deep
ly with their Southern brethren, standing be-
tween the North and South. they considered
the occasion one presenting to them the oppor:
tunity to reconcile IL possible. all political
differences between the twO,-differences which
they believed subordinate to the public good,
and capable Of adjustment within the Union
convened in mass-meeting as tbefRfOrefathers
had done in May, ITS. under the lead of the
Judgment, of virtue and prudence, and alike
inaccessible to the seductions menaces OF
power. The meeting appointed the committee
and then came forward to the adjourned meet
ing. whose proceedings have been above re-
ported with the resolutions adopted. in which
the truth was declared without diff1dence and
without acrimony. but In earnest and energet-
ic terms. which left 10 mistake as 20 their po-
sition. This was the cool dispassionate action
OF the people Of Augusta at q period of gre t
excitement. and taken In order il at last driven
to extremities they might assume. with more
decency that attitude of hostility to the gov
render necessary in the interest Of their secu-
"while our delegates were striving in Rich
mond and washington to secure peace and
preserve the Union. the Presidents procama
lion. calling rs 600 men. brought the people Of
Augusta to almost entire unanimity. Though
they did not believe in accession, they all
maintained the right OF Revolution, and were
now Of the opinion that the time for exercising
orocIamation, coming al the time it did, con- on
upon them. and they not only accepted the ia.
dew to arms. FIR m this time forward there
were no Union men in Augusta and few in
virginia"
The writer goes on to give an account of the
principal operations connected with Augusta
county and East Of the Alleghanies, and in
which Its people engaged during the civil war !;
among others. there IL a fine description of the
battles Of Mt. Crawford and Piedmont, in the
latter Of which appears a notice of the gallant
conduct of the then Lieutenants Carter Berke-
ley and H. II. Fultz. Here is also contained a
description Of Sheridan's operation sin Angus
ia and the Valley, principally extracted from
northern correspondents.
The latter part of the work comprises chap.
iers upon the material and industrial develop
ments in Augusta county, and notably in
Staunton, together with valuable chapter on
Topography, Meteoro oey, Soils, Geology Min
eralogy. Fauna. Flora &c. &C.
consisting OF biographical notices Of the lead
ing men OF Augusta. among which we notl ce
several sketches on the life Of Eon John Howe
oeyton. from the pens of Mr.. Frazier Hon
John H. McCue. and others. Short accounts
are given of the LIE Uses, of the Campbell g. Col
VIM. Fleming. Rev. James Madison, D. D j..
Maj samuel McCul'och, Col Ebenezer Zone.
rev. James Waddell, Hon. Daniel Shefey,
nd n Po1d Win Cn1 I'm d nol
Hon. Chapman johnson, and Others.
Also genealogical tables carefully and elab
prdtely prepared by members of many of the
leading families of the county, which cannot
fail to be Of interest to their descendants.
We have soulht, in q cursory manner. TO
give some idea nj the subject matter OF these
advance sheets. From them we can favorably
ariticise the forthcoming work. The style of
the book is easy and flowing. Col. Peyfon
writes without effort and never strains after
effects. In concise, vigorous English, he terse
| ~ describes the thrilling incidents connected
| with the settlement of Augusta county. His
Judgment is clar and impartial, and his appre.
citation and portrayal of the characters of the
great and good men who were the pioneers of
civilization in this beautiful Valley is accurate
| ane forcible He displays great ability in the
| use Of bis material, selecting and using with
Judgment such facts only as are true or which,
from circumstances and surroundings, seem
probable.
The work contains a full and comprehensive
account Of Augusta county from its earlier days
| to the present time, and is filled with details
which will captivate both old and young. The
excellent arrangement of the subject treated OF
conduces much to the interest of the work,
while an elaborate index makes reference con l.
venient and easy, and specially recommends
the work as text book in the schools and
cole es Of the State
In every way worthy of the subject the His
tory Of Augusta County. deserves a widespread
popularity in both county and State.