Valley Spirit

Two large army camps have been proposed, one at Staten Island for troops going to the Atlantic Coast and one at Harrisburg for troops for the Southwest and Pennsylvania. Also, the long bridge that connects Washington with Virginia is being heavily guarded.

Miscellaneous war news from Boston.

Three Baltimore merchants were arrested for riotous conduct because they obstructed the track of the B&O Railroad and blocked the movement of the troops that were headed for Washington.

"The bank of the Capital suspended this morning. The notes are all secured."

"In Alabama the wheat crop . . . has been struck with the rust, and there is great scarcity now, with a worse prospect ahead."

Discusses spies in Washington, the federal government's approach to Missouri, and the increasing number of place seekers in the new administration.

A man named Wood, from Newark, was arrested as a spy.

General Mansfield ordered the telegraph agent to send no more express matter south of Washington.

Miscellaneous war news. There are reported to be 8,000 troops in Harper's Ferry, many of whom are Unionists who enlisted because of a false report that another John Brown raid was to occur.

The Philadelphia Navy Yard received orders to build one of the seven sloops-of-war.

The legislature suspended specie payments by the Kentucky banks. The House passed a resolution that Kentucky should remain neutral and approved a resolution forbidding the state from furnishing troops to the federal government.

The federal government's "programme of the military campaign" is being developed. The army will not move forward or in an offensive manner until the troops are better trained. The Administration will try the "slow but sure process of exhausting the rebels by the delays and privations which always destroy a weaker power."

A letter from W. P. Smith to C. W. Peweil states that the reports in the papers that the bridges on the B&O Railroad have been destroyed are untrue. Someone did attempt to harm the small culverts near Point of Rocks, but they failed.

Compares the situation in Memphis to the "days and doings of Danton and Roebespierre." Thousands of pro-Northern Memphis citizens have fled from the "reign of terror." The citizens of Memphis are especially worried that a slave insurrection will occur.

Another spy was arrested in Cairo, Illinois. The Army is blockading the Mississippi near Cairo. However, they are very worried because a very strategic point, named Bird Point, Kentucky, is controlled by the secessionists. They could attack Cairo and thus make it difficult for the North to control the river.

Details the arrest of Ross Winans for treason.

Details the honorable discharge of Ross Winans.

A Northern Coast Guard steamer went ashore at the mouth of the Potomac and was attacked by an armed propeller from Richmond. The rebels were repulsed. Four U.S. soldiers were killed.

Major General Butler was ordered to go to Old Point Comfort with nine regiments. The administration has decided to begin aggressive operations.

Brigadier Mansfield will take command of the corps d'armee that will be advanced into Virginia from Washington. General Patterson and his staff are in D.C. to receive instructions concerning the movement of troops from southern Pennsylvania into Virginia.

President Lincoln made a reconnoitering trip around Washington, including a visit to Great Falls. He crossed the Potomac and passed the pickets on the Virginia side. They didn't capture him, however, since they "did not know so valuable a one was within their grasp." A separate report states that the Confederate Congress has decided to move the capital of the Confederacy to Richmond.

The federal government "has determined to appoint collectors for the different Southern ports and is engaged in selecting men of energy. . . adapted to fulfill the important functions confided to them. The duties will be collected in the decks of men-of-war, whatever may be the opinion of legal authorities here or elsewhere on the subject."

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher will be leaving to become chaplain for a company formed of members and ex-members of Plymouth Church. The Spirit believes that "If Beecher does dare to go he will show more pluck than Greeley, Raymond, Giddings, and the rest of them."

The wheat crop should provide an abundant harvest.

"The Rev. Mr. Hunt, chaplain to the 8th Regiment, held divine services at Camp Slifer in the fore and afternoon, on Sunday last."

"A couple of soldiers were quartered at Fort McGrath on Sunday last, for breaking into the Sutler's Shop--an 'institution' at Camp Slifer which seems to be in bad odor with the men."

Several horses were stolen last week near Mercersburg. It is thought that they were taken into Virginia and sold to the Confederate army.

A few Republicans are "very much exercised lest the Democratic Party should reap any eclat in the present war."

The Seventh Regiment, commanded by Colonel Irvin, has decided to accept the three years' enlistment.

The funeral of Dr. William D. Senseny was the largest ever witnessed in Chambersburg.

Nine hundred Confederate troops appear to have moved from Harper's Ferry to Williamsport, Md., presumably to seize flour stored in the homes there. The Spirit doesn't understand why the 7th Regiment isn't moved to protect the property of the Williamsport residents.

The members of the McClure Rifles took a vote on re-enlisting for three years. One half the company seceded. Capt. Reilly, the commander, "is quite sanguine that he will have his ranks filled up with good and true men in the course of a few days."

The previous Sunday had "the appearance of one of our old fashioned Days of Rest." The Spirit hopes that Sundays continue to be calm and holy days. "We cannot chime in with the belief that being a soldier releases a man--a Christian--from his moral obligation to 'remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.'"

Gov. Curtin arrived in Chambersburg last Saturday on the 11 o'clock train. He reviewed the troops and returned to Harrisburg in the evening. Although his reception was polite, it was hardly enthusiastic. The Spirit is not surprised at this, since "it could hardly be expected that our soldiers would have heart enough to cheer, dressed up in the degrading uniforms provided for them by the Head of State."

Judge Mason, a prominent Maryland citizen, was arrested in Chambersburg on suspicion of being a secessionist. He was arrested by General Williams and released by Judge Chambers, who knows Judge Mason. The Spirit believes that spies should be dealt with "as the law provides."

Since there has been some confusion in understanding the manner in which Pennsylvania volunteers were mustered into the Army, the Spirit explains the process that occurred.

Enumerates the reasons that South Carolina ratified the Constitution and argues that "every one of the reasons here enumerated holds good at the present day."

A letter from a soldier stationed at Camp Scott describes the poor clothing provided to the troops.

A meeting of the Physicians of Chambersburg offered tribute to the memory of Dr. Wm. D. Senseny and adopted a resolution stating their sympathies to the family.

Letter from J.S.K. in which he says that the troops at Camp Scott "have been held in readiness to move at a moment's warning for two days past--where, no one knows."

Text of speech given by Gen. Butler. In it, he stated that, while he loved his state, "we love the Union and the country with an equal devotion. We put no State rights, no State pride, no love of the old Commonwealth of Massachusetts before, above and beyond our love to the Union."

A handbook published by J. B. Lippincott & Co. of Philadelphia explains "the formation of a battalion on parade, the position of the officers, &c, &c." The Spirit advises every soldier to have one so that he can understand the organization of which he is part.

Prof. Paul Q. Sinding, who has written a book on the history of Scandinavia and the discovery of America, is visiting Chambersburg.

The Stay Law, which passed at the extra session of the Pennsylvania legislature, "is second only in importance to the Loan Bill." The Spirit includes the text of the law.

Married on May 14th in Greenvillage.

Married on April 18th..

Married on May 6th.

Died on May 6th at 25 years of age.

Died on May 7th at 41 years of age.

Died on April 29th. He had been the minister of the M.E. Church for 25 years.

Died on May 17th at 74 years of age.