Staunton Vindicator

This long story relates the experience of an African-American barber from Richmond who supposedly cut the hair of prominent Confederate leaders, escaped to New York, related his insights to an audience there, and sold locks of hair to them.

This excerpt comes from General Lee's report on General Imboden's latest military feat. Imboden surrounded Charlestown and captured nearly the whole Yankee force there. Imboden captured 2436 prisoners, including 41 commissioned officers.

Dr. Stribling, superintendent of the Virginia Central Lunatic Asylum, recently had successful surgery. His friends wish him a speedy return to health and to his job.

The following promotions have been made in the 52nd Virginia Regiment: Lt. Col. James H. Skinner to Colonel; Major John D. H. Ross to Lt. Col.; and Capt. T. H. Watkins to Major.

A revival at the Methodist Episcopal Church is continuing, with thirty to forty people having joined that church.

The editor relates that the Yankee experiment to grow cotton along the Ohio River has failed and that the famed Yankee ingenuity and hard work will not be successful in supplying Europe with cotton.

The editor notes that the North intended to defeat the South quickly and easily but now is calling for three hundred thousand more volunteers. The editor believes that Lincoln will have to resort to the draft in order to raise the additional troops.

The editor alerts teachers and parents to the availability of Confederate school books, some of which have already reached their third edition.

With tombstones scarce, people are leaving other tokens of affection on the graves of their loved ones. These tokens, the editor has learned, are disappearing. He calls this action the "worst species of Vandalism" and says it should be "confined where it properly belongs--among the Yankees."

Colonel James H. Skinner of the 52nd Virginia Regiment writes to friends of the regiment that Sergeants J. S. Maupin and J. F. Messerly will be in Staunton at the Quartermaster's Office on November 11-13 to receive articles of clothing that friends wish to send to the men in the regiment and to receive contributions from the aid societies of the county. The approaching winter increases the need for additional clothing.

A. H. H. Stuart of Augusta County wrote a letter that was published in the Richmond Whig that detailed his plan for raising additional revenue.

P. B. Hoge of Staunton married Mary E. Jordan, daughter of William Jordan, Esquire, on October 27 at the Rockbridge Baths in Rockbridge County, Virginia, with Rev. W. W. Trimble officiating.

Sarah Craun married John H. Alexander, both of Augusta County, on October 22, with Rev. J. C. Hensel officiating.

Reuben D. Hill, from near Jennings Gap, wishes to employ a substitute for the war. Hill is married, has several children, is a member of the 8th Virginia Regiment, stationed near Richmond. He will pay a generous price for a substitute. Applicants should see Dr. Downey of Staunton.