Staunton Vindicator

Thirty-five thousand slaves have escaped and made their way to the Mississippi River and now look to Northern philanthropists and abolitionists for assistance, only to find that those people who wanted them to gain their freedom are ill equipped to help them.

Relates the story of a slave who escaped from the Union Army, made his way to his former plantation in Mississippi, and then went to Georgia, where his old master had relocated as a refugee. The slave had many stories about his mistreatment by the federal troops. The Constitutionalist believes that he serves as an example for other slaves who might be "deluded by false notions of freedom and of the friendship of the Yankees."

This collection of sayings itemizes how being a woman is so much more advantageous than being a man. One excerpt that reflects the tone of all the other sayings is "She can take a snoose after dinner, while her husband has to work."

Quotes the praise in the Richmond Whig for the patriotic spirit exhibited in Lynchburg and the surrounding area when enemy troops threatened there. The editor remarks that when he returned home from viewing the response in Lynchburg, the citizens of Augusta County had already assembled in their units and were awaiting orders from General Imboden. The citizens of Rockingham, the cadets of Virginia Military Institute, and the citizens of Augusta were ready not only to defend their home territory but also to lend their assistance to their neighboring counties.

The editor reminds readers of his call several weeks ago to begin making socks and other items that will be needed by the soldiers in the approaching winter. He is concerned that there has been so little response but is confident that the people will come through on this important task.

William Withrow, Jr., Esq., of Waynesboro, wrote Assistant Quarter Master in charge of the Army Clothing department at Staunton, asking if the socks he and the aid societies were sending were being used by the soldiers or by the quartermasters. Phillips assures Withrow that the socks are reaching the soldiers and that the need for socks in the approaching winter far exceeds the supply donated to that point. The editor endorses Phillips's statements and cautions readers not to believe rumors that quartermasters were misusing donations.

The smokehouse of Captain William Peyton, one and a half miles from Staunton, was broken into last Monday night. Peyton had just slaughtered hogs; fourteen pieces of pork and a quantity of sausages were taken.

The ten disloyal citizens from Rockingham County and the lower part of Augusta County were sent to Lexington for trial.

The editor reminds those who have not paid their Confederate taxes to do so by December 1 or risk doubling their tax.

Brig. Gen. J. D. Imboden writes his chief of staff regarding his advance on Charlestown and subsequent events there.

Major H. M. Bell, Quartermaster, issues a notice stating that a car will leave Staunton, Fishersville, and Waynesboro each Friday morning carrying supplies to soldiers. Anyone wishing to send packages is instructed to deliver them on Thursdays.