Valley Spirit

We publish, in another column, the result of the Spring elections in the different townships of the county, and we ask thinking men to look upon that result and ponder the lesson it contains. In the face of the bitterest denunciation and most unscrupulous misrepresentation, the Democracy, with scarcely an effort, have carried nearly every district in the county, and in those they have not carried, have reduced the Republican majorities to a merely nominal figure. A careful count of the different votes for Judge of Elections--the fairest test we can imagine--gives us a majority of at least five hundred in the county. This seals the fate of Abolitionism in our midst. Franklin county is now largely Democratic beyond the peradventure of a doubt. It is an old saying, that the first thunder of the season awakes the snakes, and it must have been the late storm that stirred out the "copperheads" on Friday last. For out they came, though the day was scarcely warm enough for them, and like the Serpent that Aaron cast down before Pharaoh, they very quietly went to work and devoured all the little poisonous snakes that were hissing out their venom around them. Stand firm, Democrats, be moderate, patient, long-suffering, stick together, and the story of Aaron's big snake won't be a circumstance to the way the "blacksnakes" and "blowers" will disappear before next fall.

The Transcript urges the formation of a "union or loyal league." The people are beginning to ask, "what are these union leagues?" Let us try to answer the question. Are they intended to advance the interests of the people, promote the success of our armies or save the Union? If so, how? By contributing money to the support of the Government? They can do that individually, by purchasing government bonds, more readily and effectually than they can by clubs and secret organizations. By contributing men to the army? Not one of these "union leaguers" has ever volunteered in defence of the country, or they would not be here now to villify [sic] and traduce their fellow-citizens--Not one of them has the remotest idea of ever doing so, or there would be no necessity of resorting to a universal conscription bill. "The primary object" of these leagues, says the Transcript, "is to bind together all men, of all trades and professions, in a common union, to maintain the power, glory and integrity of the Union." Let us see how much money or how many men this proposed league will contribute to redeem this pledge. Actions speak louder than words. By their fruits ye shall know them.

Since these "Union Leagues" bear the mark of hypocrisy on their very faces, and are not what they pretend to be, let us ask the question, what is the real object and aim of the organization? We have had two theories in reference to them. They are either intended as a trap to catch unwary Democrats, and induce them to abandon their own time-tried organization--and thus bolster up the waning fortunes of the party in power; or they are intended as a secret military organization--to extend throughout the whole loyal North--and ultimately to establish a military despotism. If the first surmise be true, but little evil will result from it, for no true Democrat will be enticed from his allegiance to the party under whose guidance the Republic has heretofore prospered, and which is yet destined to restore the Union and preserve the Constitution. But if the latter be true, God help the nation! We are rapidly approaching the bloody days of the French revolution. We recently heard a conversation between two officers of the army, one of whom had just returned from Indiana; the latter said that, all over that State, union leagues were formed, and were secretly supplied by the Governor with arms. "They'll keep the d--d copperheads in their places," the valiant knight remarked. So this is the object of the organization, is it? They alone are to decide who are "copperheads," and "copperheads" are to be "kept in their places"--that is, in other words, to be prevented from expressing their opinions by voice or through the ballot box. Well, let the issue come; the sooner it is met the better. That it will be met, boldly and fearlessly, at the very threshold, we tell these men plainly. And we say, in the language of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

"Woe unto these foolish wretches if they inaugurate such a system. Woe unto them and their children after them if they rashly, and under any pretence whatever, build up armed clubs throughout this land--let them heed the revolutionary history of France. Let bankers, merchants, the "solid men," the owners of stone fronted mansions, tremble when the time comes that they hold their wealth at the mercy of furious clubs, when, as in the old cities of Italy, every house becomes an armed castle, and the laws are powerless. We feel an unutterable contempt, horror and scorn for the reckless anarchists who would deliberately propose or sanction a project so fraught with death to American liberty."

Such is the movement now being inaugurated in Pennsylvania. It is such an organization the Transcript urges "all loyal men" to unite in forming, here in our midst. Let the people look to their rights! In these revolutionary times we should be prepared for any emergency. The terms "union" and "loyal" are adopted to deceive the unwary and conceal the diabolical purposes that lie hidden in the inmost recesses of this secret society. Democrats, stand firm, be moderate and conservative, treat your opponents courteously, but maintain your liberties at every hazard. Not only the security of your lives, persons and property, but the very existence of the Government depends upon united, firm, moderate action.

Correspondence of the Spirit and Times.

Death of T.J.C. McGrath--"Leaves of Absence"--The Medical Director on Low Huts--The Brigade Bakery--Gen. Hooker Beseiged [sic] and Compelled to Capitulate--Visit of the Rev. Mr. West--Health of the 126th.

Camp of "Tyler's Brigade," 5th Corps,
Near Fredericksburg, Va
March 15th, 1863.

The death of T.J.C. McGrath, which occurred last week, produced deep sorrow throughout our Regiment. His proverbial good nature, winning manners and kindly bearing, rendered him popular wherever known. As a soldier he was faithful to duty and highly esteemed by his comrades. Poor Tip, I trust he has passed from this vale of tears, troubles and tribulation, to realize the joys of another and better world.

The rule respecting "leaves of absence" and "furloughs," works admirably. Two line officers out of each Regiment and two enlisted men out of every hundred are permitted to be absent at a time. The period of absence is limited to ten days. The Commanding General in adopting this rule, intended it as a reward for meritorious conduct, and he expects Colonels of Regiments to use proper discretion in forwarding recommendations of applicants.

A long list of officers absent from the army without leave, and dismissed from the service with the approval of the President, is published. Two or three from our Brigade appear among the number, none however, I am pleased to say, from our Regiment.

The Medical Director of the Army has just called the attention of the Commanding General to the fact that many of the troops occupy huts built over excavated ground, or holes. He denounces them as abominable habitations, productive of low forms of fever and calculated to insidiously undermine health. He recommends that the men live in huts or cabins or tents above ground, and that in every case they be kept properly ventilated. Inspections will be shortly made, and the order will be enforced. This is a matter of no little importance. I believe that most of the cases of fever we have had in our camps this winter have originated from the occupancy of these ground holes. Those who have them may think them very comfortable; but their atmosphere is poisonous and filled with disease and death.

Our Brigade Bakery is an institution entitled to notice. It consists of three immense ovens with all the "fixins" for carrying on the business extensively. Ten bakers and assistants do the work, and the whole affair is under the superintendence of Captain Clarke, our Brigade Commissary of Subsistence, a man in every way qualified for the position and whose urbanity and kindness has won for him the esteem and respect of the large number of troops who receive their rations through his Department. Two thousand loaves are daily turned out of the bakery and furnished to the command. The quality of the bread is not equaled by our regular home bakeries; but is more like the unapproachable, clear white, substantial loaves our wives and mothers set us down to at our home tables. It has been demonstrated that these bakeries save the Government a large sum of money. The "hard tack" formerly used did very well at times; but at least one box of every ten became sour, mouldy, or wormy, and immense quantities were wasted. The bread, of course, is more conducive to health and more agreeable for use. The boys live well now; having plenty of bread, coffee, tea, sugar, onions, potatoes, beans, rice, &c. Fresh beef is issued four times a week. The excellence of the Commissariat has done much to establish General Hooker in the confidence and esteem of his army. They feel that he cares for them and is doing all he can to promote their comfort.

Thursday night there was a splendid display of sky-rockets visible from our camp. Our boys were sure that there was "something out"--a move, perhaps an attack. Next morning the trouble was solved thus: Capt. De Hart, of a Jersey Regiment, General Berry's Brigade, thought that if war did exist it had no business to interfere with matrimonial arrangements. Accordingly a large party assembled at the Headquarters of General Berry to witness the Captain renounce single blessedness and take upon himself the cares of married life. The lady accompanied by ten bridesmaids and ten gentlemen to aid the Captain, had arrived in the morning from Washington. It was altogether a gay and interesting affair, away down here on the Rappahannock, where two hostile armies are staring each other in the face, "making mouths," shaking fists, and waiting to see which will knock off the chip first. The ceremony was performed, "a union of hearts, a union of hands, none can sever," and festivity and rejoicing ruled the hour. General Hooker was there, having laid aside the fighting propensities which he is accused of possessing, and displayed unusual amiability and deep interest in the scene. Now, the commander of this great army is a "bach," and a rosy cheeked, handsome one at that. You should see him mounted on his splendid gray charger in the full uniform of a Major General and you would have no trouble in deciding the impressibility of his presence on fair woman's heart. On this occasion he was attacked in force. The Rebs themselves could not have beseiged [sic] him more closely. He made a tremendous dash, however, and forced himself through, but not until his fair assailants had cut every button from his coat. This explains how "Fighting Joe" lost his buttons, and here is an incident which will be told over and over again, and be associated with his name in the history of his remarkable life. The buttons will pass from hand to hand prized mementoes of the occasion and of the wonderful man whose coat they once adorned. But the General was brought to the wedding for use as well as ornament. The ceremony was scarcely over until the bride, with one of her most winning smiles, solicited his autograph. The General hesitated but the appeal was irresistable [sic]. It was given, and the bride held in her hand a "twenty day's leave" for her husband, signed by Major General Hooker, commanding the Army of the Potomac. Thus the rockets were not meaningless--there was "something out."

Rev. Mr. West, the highly respected pastor of the Presbyterian congregation at Spring Run, paid us a visit some ten days ago and preached to the boys last Sunday. He takes a deep interest in the army, and while here made many new friends by his kindly words of advice and pious teachings. I can well understand why this excellent man has secured the warm affections and unbounded esteem of his people.

The report of our Medical Directors show that the health of our Brigade is greatly improved. There are at present no cases of fever in our hospital and no severe or malignant forms of other diseases. I state this to correct erroneous information which I understand prevails at home.

As I close a tremendous storm of snow, sleet and rain prevails, accompanied by heavy peals of thunder and terrific lightning.

A negro recruiting officer visited this place last week and of course was quite a "lion" among the "free Americans of African descent;" but, as far as we know, he did not obtain a single recruit. It is rumored that one of the "sable brethren" retorted to the urgent appeals of the recruiting officer in favor of his cause: "Nigger has nuffin to do with dis war. Two dogs fight over a bone--did you ever see de bone fight?"

A telegraphic despatch from Fortress Monroe, on Friday last, announced the death of Perry A. Rice, Esq., in the Libby Prison, at Richmond. Mr. Rice, it will be remembered, was captured at Mercersburg by Stewart's Cavalry, in their raid through this country, and taken with them across the Potomac, since which time he has been confined in the Libby Prison. His friends made every effort to have him released or exchanged, but their efforts were unavailing. He was kept in close confinement, even after it was evident his health was giving away; and he finally was compelled to lay down his life, far away from home and friends, surrounded by diabolical and inhumane enemies. This case strikes us as a peculiarly hard one. We never could see the end to be gained by Mr. Rice's arrest and confinement at Richmond. He was a private citizen, a non-combatant, and held no official position under the Federal or State Governments, and we cannot see why he might not have been released or exchanged, as was the case with several others from this county. Poor fellow, it was his sad fate to yield up his life in this war, without any of the glory that attaches to military service. Mr. Rice was a member of the Bar, and practiced law in Mercersburg. He leaves a wife and young family to mourn his loss. His courteous demeanor made him many trends, in and out of the profession, who will long continue to cherish his memory.