Staunton Spectator: May 22, 1860 — Newspapers

Judge Thompson and the Receivership

(column 4-5)

Summary:

Another lengthy correspondence from "Junius" regarding the Circuit Court Judge election. "Junius" continues to allege improprieties in the handling of bonds by Judge Thompson.

Trailer:

"Junius"

Names in Announcement:

Judge Thompson; Nicholas Kinney

For the Spectator

(column 6-7)

Summary:

"Z" launches yet another salvo against David Fultz's supporters in the election for Circuit Court Judge. Criticizes "Junius" and "A Countryman," in particular. Asserts that Fultz's supporters have utterly failed to make a case against Judge Thompson and pushes for Thompson's reelection.

Trailer:

"Z"

Names in Announcement:

David Fultz; Judge Thompson

Sunday Trains

(column 7)

Summary:

Unsigned letter in support of the stopping of Sunday trains west of Charlottesville. Author attempts to refute some of the claims of "Justice," who argued against the stopping of the trains in previous issues.

For the Spectator

(column 7)

Summary:

"A Countryman" bids farewell, presuming this to be his last letter, and launches a few final criticisms of "Z," for his personal attacks on David Fultz and his supporters.

Trailer:

"A Countryman"

Page 2

Page Description:

Lead editorial in column 1 summarizes a speech by Stephen Douglas defending himself and the doctrine of popular sovereignty against attacks by Southern secessionists. Bottom left of page is only partially legible. Bottom of column 2 has notice of a military appointment to Gen. Harman's staff, but the last name is illegible. Report of the proceedings of the Republican convention, column 4. Scattered about the page are short pieces regarding the candidacy of Bell and Everett. Proceedings of Congress, column 5.

Volunteer Regiments

(column 2)

Summary:

Spectator calls for the formation of additional military regiments.

Military Display

(column 2)

Summary:

Summary of the display of military training by the three local regiments. The West Augusta Guards were led by Capt. Baylor, the Staunton Artillery by Capt. Imboden. All were reviewed by Brig. Gen. William H. Harman. The local battalion was commanded by Col. James W. Massie of Rockbridge, who is the Brigade Inspector. Turner's Band entertained with music.

Names in Announcement:

Captain Baylor; Captain Imboden; Brig.Gen. William Harman; Col. James Massie; Lieut. Bumgardner

Waynesboro' Cadets

(column 2)

Summary:

Spectator approvingly reports correspondence from "F," who writes of the formation of a youth military regiment calling themselves the "Waynesboro' Cadets." Officers of the troop are B. Harrison Waddell, Captain; Charles M. Gallaher, Lieutenant; J. Holcombe Alexander, Pioneer; and Thomas H. Huff, Orderly Sergeant.

Names in Announcement:

B. Harrison Waddell; Charles Gallaher; J. Holcombe Alexander; Thomas Huff

(column 2)

Summary:

Spectator reports that Robert L. Doyle, Esq. was several months ago selected Captain of the Mountain Guard, which meets at Spring Hill.

Names in Announcement:

Esq. Robert Doyle

The Republican Nominees

(column 4)

Summary:

Spectator argues that the nomination of Lincoln as a step backward for the Republican party because Lincoln is a lightweight politician.

Excerpt:

"Mr. Lincoln has no elements of popularity, and certainly no special qualifications for the office. . . . His private record is that of a third rate district politician, not, at one time at least in his life, very particular in his associations or correct in his moral habits. . . . We cannot see how any amount of party management can overcome the general feeling of disgust which its announcement must create with the masses."

Full Text of Article

The nomination of Abraham Lincoln for the Presidency, by the Chicago Convention, is generally regarded as a breaking down of the Black Republican party. Mr. Lincoln has no elements of popularity, and certainly no special qualifications for the office. A year ago, says the Baltimore American, he was unknown out of his own State, and all his recent reputation rests upon his popularity as a stump orator in canvassing Illinois as the Republican opponent to Mr. Douglas' return to the Senate, when he succeeded in carrying the State by the popular vote, though Mr. Douglas secured a majority in the Legislature. His record as a public man is brief and obscure. He was born in Kentucky in 1809, received a limited education, adopted the profession of law, was a Captain in the Black Hawk war, at one time Postmaster of a small village, four times elected to the Illinois Legislature, and a representative in Congress from Illinois for one term. from 1847 to 1849. His private record is that of a third rate district politician, not, at one time at least in his life very particular in his associations or correct in his moral habits. The selection of such a man over the great exponents of the Republican party, to the exclusion of Seward, Wade, Banks, Fessenden, and others, whose nomination would at least have been entitled to respect, is an insult as gratuitous as its accomplishment appears inexplicable. We cannot see how any amount of party management can overcome the general feeling of disgust which its announcement must create with the masses.

The nomination of Mr. Hamlin for the Vice Presidency, is much more respectable. He is a native of Maine, born in 1809, a lawyer by profession, and entered public life as a member of the Maine Legislature in 1836. He was a member of the House of Representatives in the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth Congresses, and entered the United States Senate in 1848. He was re-elected for six years in 1851. In 1857 his party in Maine, to avail themselves of his personal popularity, ran him for Governor. He was elected, but soon afterwards resigned the Governorship and was re-elected to the Senate for the term ending 1863. He has not been particularly distinguished in the Senate, but ranks among the most decided Republican members of that body.

For the Spectator

(column 4)

Summary:

A meeting of voters in District 9, chaired by Henry Sterrett with Robert S. Hamilton as Secretary, nominated William Montgomery and Kennerly Craig for Magistrates. James Wilson, William W. Taylor, John M. Huff and Captain T.A. Dryden were also selected.

Trailer:

Henry Sterrett, Chairman, R.S. Hamilton, Sec.

Names in Announcement:

Captain Henry Sterrett; Robert Hamilton; William Montgomery; Kennerly Craig; James Wilson; William Taylor; John Huff; Captain T.A. Dryden

Wm. Guy, Esq.

(column 4)

Summary:

Author writes that four candidates were selected for Magistrate of the Churchville precinct, but none will meet the satisfaction of the voters. The author believes these men were selected to purposefully deprive Deerfield of a magistrate altogether, and he thus proposes that William Guy run and be elected by voters at Churchville.

Trailer:

"Deerfield"

Names in Announcement:

Esq. William Guy

For the Spectator

(column 5)

Summary:

Author states that William H. Gamble will be chosen Magistrate for the Mt. Sidney District (7th District).

Trailer:

"Many Voters"

Names in Announcement:

William Gamble

In Council for the Town of Staunton

(column 6-7)

Summary:

Text of two ordinances passed by the Staunton Town Council. The first lists the taxes that must be paid by town residents. The second regulates the town market.

Page 3

Page Description:

Article in column 1 from the Southern Monitor about the divisions in the Democratic party. Advertisements, political notices, Staunton and Richmond markets.

For the Spectator

(column 1)

Summary:

Author supports William Mowry for Magistracy of 2nd District over Mr. Stover.

Trailer:

"Many Voters"

Names in Announcement:

Mr. Stover; William Mowry

Married

(column 2)

Summary:

Samuel Spitler married Elizabeth A. Strauburg, both of Augusta County on May 20.

Names in Announcement:

Rev. Brashier; Samuel Spitler; Elizabeth Strauburg

Married

(column 2)

Summary:

John J. Straughan married Sarah M. Oates, both of Staunton. The marriage was performed in Washington, D.C. on May 14.

Names in Announcement:

Rev. Byron Sunderland; John Straughan; Sarah Oates

Died

(column 2)

Summary:

Nancy Britton of Staunton died on May 12, age 77.

Names in Announcement:

Nancy Britton

Died

(column 2)

Summary:

Mary Ellen Spur, infant child of James A. Spur and Mary A. Spur, died near Pudding Spring in Augusta County on Aprl 10.

Names in Announcement:

Mary Ellen Spur; James Spur; Mary Spur

Page 4

Page Description:

Excerpt:

"100 Negroes Wanted--I will pay in cash the highest market prices for able bodied young Negroes for the Southern market. Persons having such for sale will find it to their interest to call on me before selling, by letter or otherwise, at Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia."