Staunton Vindicator

A Northern army correspondent from Chicago compares the patriotism of Southern women with that of Northern women and finds that Southern women are just as patriotic, however misguided their cause, as Northern women. In fact, he continues, Southern women are so committed as to be feared. He cites examples from their sacrifice and service to Confederate soldiers in Nashville.

Northern prisoners have received the same rations that Confederate soldiers receive, along with any extra packages Northerners sent to them. The Northern government, however, wants to send them provisions, a practice to which the Confederate government objected. The Confederate government contended that as long as Northern prisoners received the same poor fare that Confederate soldiers received, then the Northern government would be more interested in establishing an exchange of prisoners. Knowing Northern men were cared for in Southern prisons with food sent from the North made the issue of prisoner exchanges less pressing. Thus, Southern prisoners in the North suffer longer because the North is not as interested in exchanging prisoners. The editor calls for the return of provisions from the North so that Northerners will be forced to exchange prisoners.

An exhibition by the Baptist Sunday school on Wednesday night raised $305 for clothing poor children. The turnout was so great that many people did not get to see the exhibit, so it will be repeated tonight.

The editor summarizes President Davis's speech submitted to Congress on December 8. Davis reviewed military operations, condemned Great Britain's policy towards the Confederacy, discussed the necessity of raising additional revenue and troops, and called on the North to accept a proposal for peace that would allow the two nations to go their own way.

James H. Hamilton of Augusta County married Emma V. Watkins of Richmond at the Monumental Church in Richmond, November 25, with Rev. George Woodbridge officiating.

The General Orders, dated December 5, 1863, calling for the service of and giving instructions for the Augusta Raid Guard are printed here, along with a list of the following appointments: James C. Marquis, Adjutant; Dr. J. Alex Waddell, Surgeon; Dr. B. B. Donaghe, Assistant Surgeon; C. R. Mason, Quartermaster; Rev. F. H. Bowman, Chaplain; and William Gamble, Sergeant Major.