Staunton Spectator: January 1, 1861 — Newspapers

South Carolina Convention

(column 1)

Summary:

Article disapproves of South Carolina's secession convention.

Excerpt:

"The proceedings of the South Carolina 'Sovereign Convention' on Monday, the 24th, so far as made public, were not interesting or important."

Four Negroes Drowned

(column 2)

Summary:

Four free blacks drowned in the Shenandoah River in Rockingham County the day after Christmas. Liquor, cards and counterfeit money were found in their pockets.

"Free-Slaves"

(column 2)

Summary:

Mayor requests that the Spectator call attention to provisions in the slave code regarding criminal prosecution of slaves and slaveholders.

Excerpt:

"Any person permitting a slave under his control to go at large, trade as a freeman, or hire himself out, for the benefit of any person what ever, shall forfeit not less than ten nor more than thirty dollars."

Virginia Legislature

(column 2)

Summary:

Argues that Virginia should not secede. Praises Whigs in legislature for keeping Virginia on her own path.

(column 2)

Summary:

Richmond Enquirer suggests that Maryland and Virginia seize the Distict of Columbia to prevent Lincoln's inauguration.

Origin of Article:

Richmond Enquirer

Full Text of Article

The Richmond "Enquirer" advises Maryland and Virginia promptly to interpose to prevent Mr. Lincoln's inauguration at Washington, by taking possession of the Capitol without delay. It says such a step will be unavoidable, sooner or later. In another article in the same issue, it says:

If the Governor of Maryland, influenced by timidity or actuated by treachery, shall longer delay to permit the people of that State to protect themselves, can there not be found men bold and brave enough to unite with Virginians in seizing the Capitol at Washington and the Federal defences within the two States?

Ball Postponed

(column 2)

Summary:

The West Augusta Military and Civic Ball was postponed because the organizers were unable to procure a room.

Snow

(column 2)

Summary:

Sixteen to eighteen inches of snow fell overnight.

Married

(column 4)

Summary:

Married on December 25. Miss Glendy is from Rockbridge.

Names in Announcement:

Rev. W.G. Campbell; Hugh Kelso; Mary Glendy

Married

(column 4)

Summary:

Married on December 25.

Names in Announcement:

Rev. W.G. Campbell; Chas. Bailey; Fannie Bashaw

Died

(column 4)

Summary:

G.H.B. Altafer died of dropsy on December 7 at age 6.

Names in Announcement:

William Hanger; G.H.B. Altafer

Died

(column 4)

Summary:

George Witts died of diphtheria at age 6.

Names in Announcement:

George R. Witts; Philip Witts; Jemima Witts