Valley Spirit

A reprint of the instructions of Judge Lowrie of the Supreme Court to the jury in the case of the editor of the Jeffersonian, who was seized by military authorities, supposedly for treasonous activities. The judge concludes that the authorities were not commanded to do so by the President, and that even in the time of war, if the situation is not immediately pressing, Constitutional liberties must be preserved. All public authorities operate under law, he states, and none are above it, and the actions of the authorities in this case appear to be in contradiction to the law. He leaves it to the jury to decide the damages that should be awarded.

The editors argue that the country is in the throes of two rebellions, one Southern and one Northern. The Southern began in 1860, originating in a "lust for power and kept alive by deception and fraud." The Northern rebellion, they argue, began 38 years before with the organization of abolitionist societies in the North and continued through the violation of fugitive slave laws and John Brown's raid. The Northern rebels, they observe, control the national government and are in the process of establishing an "absolute despotism."

The editors scorn the calls of Republican papers for a united public opinion, arguing that abolitionists have been the people who have caused a divided sentiment to begin with. The Democratic and Republican presses of the country were united before the Emancipation Proclamation, claim the editors, but then the administration proved that they were not fighting a war simply for the restoration of the Union. They then go on to quote an editorial from the Patriot and Union recommending that Lincoln cast aside his radical advisors and replace them with conservatives.

The editors direct the reader's attention to the opinion of Judge Lowrie on page one in the case brought by Mr. Hodgson of the West Chester Jeffersonian against Marshall Millward. The editors describe the opinion as a "noble vindication of that provision which guarantees to every freeman in this Commonwealth the right to be secure in his person and property against illegal arrests, searches, and imprisonments."

The writer, reporting on the week's events in the state legislature, notes the accusations of Republican legislators against Democrats. The Republicans note that various Democratic resolutions critical of the Lincoln administration do not, at the same time, condemn the Confederacy. The writer defends the legislators, saying they have chosen to focus on the "ruinous policy of the abolitionists" rather than wasting time condemning the Confederacy.

Capt. S. Brownson, of Company C, 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, has received a commission as Major in his regiment. Brownson is from Mercersburg.

The editors warn of counterfeit Harrisburg five-dollar notes put into circulation at Philadelphia, where two men were arrested for passing them. The editors describe the notes as "tolerably well-executed."

The editors note the increase in price of muslin to fifty cents per yard.

Lieut. Ford, of the provost guard battalion, died on Friday of wounds sustained while trying to arrest Forney.

Lieut. J. W. Fletcher, who was wounded at Fredericksburg and has been home among his friends, has returned to duty. The editors express their certainty that his future career will be as glorious as his past record.

Among the sick and wounded soldiers arriving at the military hospital in Philadelphia last Saturday were these members of the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers: H. Ruthrauf, Co. B; Henry F. Barnett, Co. E; John H. Work, Co. C; Harris K. Renfrew, Co. A; Jacob B. Cushwa, Co. C; J. C. Morehead, Co. K; Robert McIntire, Co. G.

A ten-cent national tax stamp is required on all applications for tavern licenses if they are approved, in addition to a one dollar stamp for the warrant of attorney.

Capt. John Doebler, Company A 126th Reg't Penn Volunteers, has returned to his home and family in Chambersburg. He was wounded in the hand at Fredericksburg, but his wound is supposed to be healing rapidly. Doebler, according to the editors, is "a whole-souled, clever fellow, and a brave, efficient officer."

The editors report seeing their friend B. B. Henshey, of the firm of Miller and Henshey, who is home on a 10-day furlough from the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers.

A variety of entertainments were given on Thursday and Friday nights at the Wesley (African) Church, a black church in the area.

Emanuel Forney and Thomas Merklein are at home among their friends. Forney, a member of the 126th Reg't Penn. Reserves, was badly wounded at Fredericksburg. He is reportedly doing well at home. Merklein, a member of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, is at home after being paroled from his capture by the Confederates at Suffolk, Virginia, last December.

The editors note that citizens are prohibited from wearing uniforms of United States soldiers. Only discharged soldiers are allowed to wear them as a badge of honor, and the provost guard is authorized to take uniforms or portions of them from anyone else.

A black man named Stoner, recently sent to the penitentiary, escaped from the jail on Monday and could not be found until he turned himself back in on Friday after visiting his relatives.

The editors warn of counterfeit twenty-five cent postage stamps, as well as one-dollar bills of the Mechanics Bank of Philadelphia. The stamps are easily distinguished from the authentic ones, but the dollar bills are hard to distinguish without careful examination.

The editors list the men from Chambersburg who have died during the war from wounds or disease while in the service, a total of fourteen people. If the dead from all of Franklin County were listed, the editors guess, the number would be about twice as high.

A letter from Perry A. Rice, imprisoned in Richmond, states that they are in tolerably good health. They have been moved from Libby Prison to another in Richmond, and it is rumored that they will be moved further south.

The writer protests the fact that many soldiers have not been paid for eight months, while in Washington, D.C. the government is supporting thousands of freed slaves. The writer accuses the "abolition majority" in Congress of holding up the appropriation for paying the troops.

Lieut. J. Little and Rebecca Chariton, both from near Chambersburg, were married on February 10.

John Proud of Branch Gap, Lebanon County, married Catharine Poorman of Chambersburg at the Methodist Episcopal Parsonage on February 15.

Amos Keggeries died on January 31 in Newborn, North Carolina, of typhoid fever, aged 31 years and 5 months. He was a member of Company B, 158th Reg't Penn. "Drafted Militia."

Ellen Mary Palmer, eldest child of George and Mary Palmer, died in Chambersburg on February 12, aged 3 years, 4 months and 19 days.