Staunton Vindicator

There will be a meeting on October 17 in Salem to discuss plans for extending a railroad across the valley.

The Madison Courier disagrees with the Vindicator that Douglas and Smith should be convicted for "constructive treason" in the Harper's Ferry incident. The Vindicator argues that it said no such thing but feels the two accessories should be tried under the full extent of the law for aiding the insurrection.

Calls attention to the proposed railroad between Salem and Harrisonburg that would serve the Valley and urges Augusta people to discuss this vital question.

The Circuit Court is still in session for the case of Farrar's alleged killing of Vance.

Article praises Thompson as a fine legal mind.

Letters from his mother and sister were found on the body of one of the dead insurgents from Harper's Ferry. In this correspondence, the insurgent's family talked of their desperate need for money for food and medicine. The article criticizes this example of "northern philanthropy": a strong bodied man ignored the needs of his family to participate in a "marauding expedition."

The Vindicator questions some "Observations of the South" that were originally published in the New York Tribune and then republished by the Madison (Ind.) Courier that are highly critical of slavery. The editor of the Vindicator asks the editor of the Courier if he believes "one word of the story told by this philanthropic lady, who so ostentatiously parades her lying 'Observations' before the world, through the columns of the Tribune?"

Article mocks Maria Child's pleas for John Brown's clemency and instead supports Gov. Wise's chivalrous response. Argues that Child is ignorant of the powers of the Virginia governor and of the relationship between master and slave.

Gilbert, from Philadelphia, has agreed to become the pastor of Staunton's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Letter dated Oct. 26, 1859, from Mrs. Child to Gov. Wise requesting that the governor pass on a letter from her to Brown. She expresses sympathy for Brown without actually condoning his actions.

Letter dated October 26, 1859, from Child to Brown expressing her love for him and for his anti-slavery principles. She writes that she hopes to come tend to his wounds.

Letter from Gov. Wise to Maria Child dated October 29, 1859, that agrees to send Brown Child's letter and agrees to Child's request to visit the prisoner.

Copeland, a free black man who aided John Brown, has been sent to the gallows. Gov. Wise hopes that Stephens will come to Virginia to stand trial. Gerrit Smith has conveniently gone mad and has been placed in an asylum.

There was a fire at the stables of the National Hotel on Thursday morning that would've killed many valuable horses had it not been for the quick thinking of Dr. Wm. McChesney, who saved them. The fire may have been caused by a cigar.

The writer (unnamed) hopes that the North and South can overcome their antagonisms before a sectional, Union-breaking conflict occurs.

Stevens, Brown's accomplice at Harper's Ferry, apparently was sentenced to be shot while serving in the army in Mexico for leading a mutiny. However, he was pardoned by President Polk.

Letter from Hardy expressing thanks to several fire companies for protecting his property from fire, for while he is "poor in purse", he is "rich in gratitude."

Letter from the Staunton bar to Thompson dated Nov. 7, 1859, vowing their support to Lucas's campaign for re-election.

Letter from Thompson to the Staunton bar dated Nov. 9, 1859, thanking the men for their support.

Married on November 3, 1859.

Married on October 26, 1859.

Married on November 2, 1859.

Married on November 2, 1859.

Married on Nov. 3, 1859.