Semi-Weekly Dispatch

Echoes the answer given by the Washington National Republican and the Press to those who have denounced the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. Reprints several paragraphs from a petition submitted to Congress in 1828 by residents of the District asking that a scheme for gradual emancipation be implemented.

Summarizes Parson Brownlow's speech, in which he outlined the position and actions of the clergy in the South that he had encountered. The parson stated that most of them were secessionists, and that the few who were not could do little more than denounce secession, or they would be hung, regardless of their age.

Predicts that the next great battle of the war will take place at Yorktown, and that if the Union forces are able to defeat a Southern force that appears to be well prepared and well led, the victory would be of the utmost importance for the North.

Reports that the African-American people of Washington have presented a memorial to Congress in which they express their gratitude for the recent action by which they were able to secure their freedom. In the memorial, however, they also requested a place to which they might emigrate and suggested Central America for the purpose.

Relates that a prisoner who refused to follow an order to remove his head from his window was shot by a guard at the Old Capitol Prison in Hagerstown.

Berates the Valley Spirit for its grammatical and typographical errors and suggests that they employ "more experienced writers."

Reports that the committee investigating the alleged disloyalty of Senator Starke from Oregon has determined that he offered support to the Confederacy and therefore was indeed disloyal to the government of the United States.

Refutes the claim made by the Valley Spirit that it is the existence of abolitionists and not of slavery that is to blame for the war. Argues that the Spirit is not condemning the crime but the attempt to get rid of the crime as the evil.

Points out that the Valley Spirit has attempted to deny the Dispatch's charge that by ridiculing what the Spirit calls "small politicians" it has "sneered" at the workingmen of Chambersburg. The Dispatch again defends the artisans of the town from ill treatment in the press by the Spirit.

Reports that the South still claims the battle at Pittsburg Landing as a victory, allegedly because more Union men were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner than were Confederate men.

Reports that Major George Stetzel, of Harlan's Pennsylvania Cavalry, visited friends in Chambersburg a few days prior.

Reports that a member of Captain Wishart's Company who comes from Fulton County died from wounds received at the battle of Pittsburg Landing. His name was not given.

Reports that John Essom, a young man from Chambersburg whose parents live on East Queen street, died of chronic diarrhea in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, on March 29. He was about 24 years of age and was a member of Company A of the 77th Pennsylvania.

Reports that several escaped slaves arrived in Chambersburg the previous Tuesday morning and have been "loitering" around town since. The Dispatch remarks that the fugitives should maintain "eternal vigilance" while there are still Breckinridge Democrats in town.

Announces that Lieutenant Thomas of Chambersburg, who has been recruiting for Company A of the 77th Pennsylvania, was promoted to Captain of Company H of the same regiment. Like all other recruiters, Captain Thomas has been ordered to rejoin his comrades in the field.

Reminds readers that it is unlawful to kill bluebirds, swallow, robins, or any other birds that eat insects, at any season. Points out that the killing of these birds has brought the destruction of fruit trees by insects.

Relates that a boy of about fourteen, calling himself James Stout, was looking for a place to live and was taken in by Mr. F. Walk of Guilford township. Soon after taking up residence with Mr. Walk, the boy was caught attempting to steal a horse from Mr. Groosman, while the latter was attending church. The boy is now in prison.

Recommends a remedy for the cut worm, which destroys corn crops.

Mr. Peter Nicklas and Miss Margaret Henneberger, both of Chambersburg, were married on April 15.

Mr. Samuel Henneberger and Miss Mary E. Nicklas, both of Chambersburg, were married at the same time and place--April 15 in Chambersburg--as Mr. Peter Nicklas and Miss Margaret Henneberger.

John Henry, aged 5 years and 6 months, died of catarrh in Hamilton township on April 19. He was the son of David and Maria Henry.