Page 1
Page Description:
Christmas story, column 3-4. Very lengthy letter from John Bell on the current state of the Union, columns 5-7. Parts of columns 5-7 are illegible.
(column 4)
Summary:
Series of short moral aphorisms on family and happiness.
Excerpt:
"Love and a good dinner are said to be the only two things that change a man's character;" "The best capital to begin life, is a capital wife."
Page 2
Page Description:
Conclusion of Bell's letter from previous page, top of column 1. Short articles scattered about the page related to Union/secession activities in other states and in Washington. Proceedings of Congress, column 3. Ads, columns 6-7.
Christmas Saintation
(column 1)
Summary:
Editorial hoping for a peaceful and happy Christmas despite the general discontent in the nation over the sectional crisis.
Town Hall
(column 1)
Summary:
Expresses the hope that citizens of Staunton will soon take the necessary steps to erect a town hall.
South Carolina Convention
(column 2)
Summary:
Report on the proceedings of the South Carolina State Convention, which indicates that secession is a foregone conclusion in that state. All that remains are the details.
A Singular Case--Horrible Cruelty
(column 4)
Summary:
Story of a "negro girl in the employ of Mr. Samuel Crickenberger" of Augusta County who attempted to kill the four-month-old child of her owner by forcing pins, needles and other sharp objects down the child's throat. The child survived and the girl has been sent to Richmond to be sold.
Names in Announcement:
Samuel Crickenberger
Concert on Thursday Night Last
(column 2)
Summary:
Article praising the performance given the previous week by the Staunton "Musical Association" and expressing the hope that more performances will follow.
Grand Military and Civic Ball
(column 6)
Summary:
Announcement that the West Augusta Guard will be holding a public ball to raise money for equipment. The ball will be held in the Staunton Armory Hall on January 1, 1861.
Names in Announcement:
Capt. W.S.H. Baylor; Lieut. H.K. Cochran; Serg. J.C. Marquis; E.S. Trout; J.P. Bledsoe; Gen. K. Harper; Gen. William Harman; Col. W.D. Anderson; Lt.Col. J.B. Terrell; Col. W.S. Sprout; Col. Samuel McCune; Capt. J.D. Imboden; Capt. R.L. Doyle; Capt. V. Churchman; Capt. A. Koiner; Capt. F.P. Sterrett; Capt. H.H. Peck; Lieut. J.H. Bumgardner; Serg. William Blackburn; Serg. J.B. Engleman; J.H. Skinner; W.J. Hunter; N.K. Trout; W.A. Burke; B. Christian; D.C. McGuffin; E.M. Cushing; B. Crawford; H.L. Opie, Jr.; S.M. Yost; J.B. Baldwin; G.M. Cochran, Jr.; Dr. B.B. Donaghe; S.B. Brown; Dr. W.J. McChesney; J.D. Hanger; J.H. Parkins; C.G. Merriot; R.J. Hope
Page 3
Page Description:
Most of page is advertisements and land sales
For the Spectator
(column 1)
Summary:
Letter to the editor surmising that the current crisis of the nation has been brought about by fanatical politicians from both sections who promote their own interests at the expense of the people as a whole.
Married
(column 2)
Names in Announcement:
Rev. William Baker; Wilson Clements; Betsy Thompson
Married
(column 2)
Names in Announcement:
Rev. William McClanahan; John Almirode; Estaline Taylor
Died
(column 2)
Summary:
Elvira Lyle died at the Rockbridge Alum Springs on December 22. Her funeral will take place on December 25 at the Virginia Hotel, Staunton.
Names in Announcement:
Elvira Lyle
Died
(column 2)
Summary:
Polly Gilkeson died at age 71. She had been a member of the Presbyterian Church for more than half a century.
Names in Announcement:
Polly Gilkeson; David Gilkeson
Died
(column 2)
Summary:
James Stevenson died in Madison, New Jersey on December 21 while he was completing his preparations at the Madison Classical Institute for entrance to Princeton College. He was 17 years old.
Names in Announcement:
James P. Stevenson; Rev. P.E. Stevenson; Cornelia Stevenson
Died
(column 2)
Summary:
Ralph Clayton died on November 8 at age 19.
Names in Announcement:
Ralph Clayton; Thomas Clayton
Died
(column 2)
Summary:
Nancy Clayton died on November 3 at age 61. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Rocky Spring.
Names in Announcement:
Nancy Clayton; Thomas Clayton
Page 4
Page Description:
Advertisements; bottom left is blurry.
