Staunton Spectator

The author urges Congress to begin conscripting unnaturalized white residents of the South. It is, according to this article, "intolerable that, while our relatives of every degree are subjected to the dangers and privations of the field, a set of men, who are amongst us for the purpose of feathering their own nest, no matter at what cost to the Confederacy, should shirk service on the plea that they are aliens."

While facing death from wounds received at a battle near White Sulphur, Private Minner left his entire estate of $15,000, upon the death of his Mother, to the Confederacy. This heroic example of patriotism serves as the basis for a comparison of this noble sentiment with those in the population who continue to have their actions dictated by self-interest and greed.

An extract from a recent speech by General Forrest speaks of the necessity of continued effort, while assuring the audience that the Confederate banner "...is waving in triumph in almost every part of the country."

Estimates that Virginia produces roughly five million gallons of whiskey per year. The author questions the need for such levels of production.

The Mississippi Extra believes that the North's recent cessation of the prisoner exchange indicates that the Union has adopted a strategy of attrition. In the face of this strategy, the author urges the Confederate soldiers to "take as small a number of prisoners as possible, and never to surrender, while there is the most infinitesimal particle of hope of being able to escape."

Recent accounts from Tennessee indicate that the Northern forces are in a precarious situation and could face major reversals. With "Burnside driven to the wall, the army of Rosecrans, now commanded by Sherman, will have its hands full, with the two columns united on one side of him, and Bragg on the other, whilst Wheeler, with his fifteen thousand cavalry, will distress them no little by operations on their line of communication with Murfreesboro and Nashville," the Southern forces are set for a major triumph as long as their spirit is up to the task.

In examining the congressional record, it appears that Mr. Quincy of Massachusetts may have been the first secessionist. This belief is based on a speech made by Quincy during the debate over the creation of a state government for the territory of Orleans. During his speech, Quincy declared "...if this bill passes the bonds of this Union are virtually dissolved; that the States which compose it are free from their obligations; and that, as it will be the duty of some, to prepare definitely for a separation--amicably, if they can; violently if they must."

Reporting on the conditions at Fort Sumter, the Northern correspondent expresses grudging admiration for the soldiers resisting the heavy bombardment of their position. He notes that "[t]he defence of Fort Sumter cannot fail to stir in the hearts of our men that feeling of respect, which the true soldier always has for a brave and determined foe."

Commenting on the opposition papers in the North, the author notes that they are deluded in their belief that if only the Democrats had control of the war effort they would be able to secure a peace settlement and preserve the Union.

The New York Tribune interprets the results of the recent elections in Maryland as a vote to declare Maryland a free state.

Provides brief accounts of military affairs from Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Discusses recent actions by federal troops in the Shenandoah Valley. In particular, the article notes a number of abuses committed upon the civilian population near Lewisburg.

The public is notified of the sale of the Virginia Hotel to Mr. Frederick Scheffer of Woodstock.

Two more prisoners have been turned over to the local jail. Mr. Henry Kelly is from Lynchburg and was captured while endeavoring to pass through the Confederate lines to Harper's Ferry to assist federal forces in the construction of a bridge. Mr. Elias Bumbarger is from Shenandoah and is charged with aiding and abetting desertions from the Confederate army.

In a sarcastic article, the paper asks for the public to submit the names of all the farmers who have "strictly and honestly" complied with the patriotic resolutions adopted at the September court.

As part of an appeal for socks, the author reminds the public of the sacrifices and accomplishments of the 25th Va. Infantry. The author also notes that Lieut. Col. R. D. Lilley is from Staunton.

An economic analysis derived from the report of the President of the Virginia Central Railroad shows a net revenue of $768, 283.59 for the year. The article also notes that the Cowpasture bridge is nearing completion, at which time the whole road will be brought into operation as far as Jackson's river.

Citing biblical scripture, the author reminds merchants to sell their grains at a fair price and they will reap the "luxury of doing good."

The dwelling house and kitchen of Mr. Clemens Ervine of Rockingham County was consumed in a fire that began, it is believed, when a spark landed on the kitchen roof. The total loss is estimated at about $10,000.

Last week, a Baltimore and Ohio Railroad carrying Union troops was destroyed by torpedoes.

The M. E. Church of Staunton has been experiencing a major revival of late, with 170 persons making a profession of faith and over 70 actually joining the church.

Northern papers describe a series of labor actions by stage-drivers, tailors, tin- workers, and copper and sheet-iron workers.

In thanking the men of the Rockbridge Home Guard, Gen. Imboden notes that while the guard wasn't actually in combat, "you have been nearer a battle than many soldiers who had served 12 months." He also congratulates the men of the company in their choice of a commander, who served with Gen. Imboden at the commencement of the war.

Argues that there can be no compromise on the issues for which this war is being fought. The alternatives are independence and total subjugation.

Recent measures adopted in Fairfield, South Carolina and Clark County, Mississippi seek to supply the families of soldiers with corn and necessary supplies. In South Carolina, the citizens are asked to supply one bushel of corn for every slave they own. In Mississippi, planters are being asked to subscribe one-fiftieth part of their corn crop to the cause, and the names of those who agree and those who refuse are to be published.

According to New York papers, the R. E. Lee has been captured along with a valuable supply of quartermaster stores.

The Georgia House of Representatives has passed a bill that will provide ten thousand dollars a year for three years to pay the rent of the families of indigent soldiers in Savannah.

Henrico County has appropriated the sum of $27,000 for the relief of poor families of that county.

Responding to a lack of respect for the Southern troops on the part of Gen. Averill, the author of this letter looks forward to the opportunity to engage the general in battle and acquaint him with the valor of his company.

A letter from Camp Stonewall Brigade alerts the readers to the actions of two gentlemen from Staunton (names not disclosed) who recently arrived at camp with packages for various soldiers. Despite the fact that these gentlemen had solicited packages and announced that they would deliver them without charge, upon arrival at the camp they charged the soldiers exorbitant prices for carrying the goods to the camp.

In response to a possible threat by Gen. Averill, the Augusta Raid Guards turned out in fine fashion to repel the enemy. While they weren't actually called on to engage the enemy their turnout indicates that in an emergency they will acquit themselves admirably.

At a recent united meeting of the Richmond Presbyterian Churches, over $4,000 was raised for the purchase of shoes and socks for the barefooted soldiers of Gen. Lee's army. The money raised was placed in the care of Mr. W. P. Munford, Chairman of the Army Committee of the Young Men's Christian Association.

Recent orders from Gen. Butler have mandated capital punishment for all Confederate military personnel caught within Union lines bearing their weapons.

The Mississippi legislature is currently considering two bills of note. The first would tax all persons who refuse to receive Confederate money in payment of debts, one hundred per cent or more upon the value of such debt; another bill would revoke the current exemption from military service of the legislature.

Brig. Gen. Posey, commander of Featherstone's brigade of the 48th Mississippi regiment, died in Charlottesville of wounds he received at the recent fight at Bristoe Station. He was interred in Charlottesville with full military honors.

Dr. Peters, who murdered Gen. Van Dorn, was recently captured on his plantation upon the Mississippi river, where he was reportedly engaged in selling wood to the Northern troops. Upon his capture, Dr. Peters claimed that he had long desired to return to the Confederacy to stand trial on the charges that he had murdered Gen. Van Dorn.

A number of citizens of Alachua County, Florida have pledged themselves to furnish "to soldiers' families, and those who are not engaged in speculation, whatever supplies we have to spare, for confederate money, and at the prices that may be assessed from time to time by the Government Commissioners of the State. We further agree to furnish FREE OF CHARGE, to such soldiers' families as are unable to pay--feeling that this is no act of charity, but a debt due from us to our brave soldiers."

The recent majorities secured by Republican candidates in the state of Ohio are attributed to widespread voter fraud rather than popular sentiment.

The Northern Congress is believed to be about equally divided between Administration (92), and Democrats and border states (90) seats.

Mr. Bernard S. Brown, of Rockingham, and Miss Bettie A. Armstrong, daughter of Col. Edward J. Armstrong, were married on November 5th.