Staunton Spectator

Spectator recalls the brave and patriotic actions and spirit of citizens of Augusta County during the Revolutionary War, and notes the danger in which the country currently is placed by the divisive political situation. Calls upon the divided Democrats who will soon be meeting in Staunton and Charlottesville to unite in support of the Constitution and the Union.

During a storm, the house of William Donaghe was struck by lightning and destroyed. Several of Col. Opie's slaves were awakened by lightning as well and were stunned but not injured.

Report of a massive storm that swept through Staunton causing destruction of a great deal of property, mostly via flooding. Pavement was completely washed away on some streets and many businesses and buildings were damaged or destroyed. Large individual losses cited include those to Dr. H.S. Eichelberger, Druggist; Benjamin Crawford, Dry Goods merchant and Grocer; Mrs. L.J. Snyder; Mrs. Kelley, milliner; J.B. Antons, confectioner; J.P. Hulst, grocer; J.B. Evans, tobacconist; P.H. Trout & Co., druggists; William Miller, shoemaker; Charles T. Cochran, Tobacconist; Dr. Young, druggist; J.B. Scherer, confectioner; J. Beck, confectioner; T.J. Michie, lawyer; James Hannan, Bar-Room; John O'Hare, Bagatelle Saloon; Messrs. Bledsoes and Davis, Dry Goods merchants and Grocers; O.C. Morris, Grocer and Dry Goods Merchant; A.M. Bruce, Grocer; G.F. Elick, Saddler; Lyman R. Blake, Shoe Store; P.N. Powell, Commission Merchant. The gable end of the home being built for G.W. Imboden collapsed.

Report of the two local military companies travelling to Fishersville to witness the presentation of a flag to the Augusta Rifles. Detailed account of the proceedings, with military units led by Capt. Koiner of the Augusta Rifles, Capt. Peck of the Cavalry, and Capt. Imboden. Lieut. James Bumgardner presented the banner. Turner's Band provided entertainment. The storm that passed through the county produced an early end to the proceedings. Capt. Peck, Dr. King and Mr. Reed were struck by lightning, which marred the occasion, but it was otherwise an entire success.

Report of a number of people who nearly drowned during the storm, including "Old Uncle Sam," a "servant" of Benjamin Crawford, who was saved by James S. Crawford.

Street Commissioners are busy repairing the damage done by the storm, making streets concave instead of convex so that water flows to the center of the street rather than out to the pavement and onto building foundations. Spectator hopes the street will be repaired in time for the Douglas Democrat convention on August 16.

During the storm, Capt. Henry H. Peck, Dr. King and Mr. Reed were all struck by lightning on the porch of a house at Brown's Spring near Fishersville. All were stunned but none was seriously injured.

Author addresses his letter to N.K. Trout, Gen. Harman and Capt. Baylor, arguing that citizens are always ready to rise up and oppose anyone suspected of abolition sentiments, but that there are other types of people who harm the institution of slavery even more than abolitionists but are never criticized. He refers specifically both to those who nominally own blacks but who allow them to act as freemen and hire themselves out and to those who allow their slaves to live in separate houses and work for themselves. The author calls on public officials to ferret out these cases and prosecute them for evading slave laws.