Staunton Spectator: November 20, 1860 — Newspapers

Page Description:

Article entitled "Duelling--a Glimpse at the Past," by Horatio King, columns 5-6. Page has a number of poems, short stories, cooking tips, etc. Bottom right is illegible.

Rearing Children

(column 6)

Summary:

Twelve suggested tips for parents to insure the health of their children.

Origin of Article:

Hall's Journal of Health

Dew's Alphabetical Advice

(column 7)

Summary:

Twenty-six pieces of advice, one for each letter of the alphabet, for leading a moral and healthy life.

Page 2

Page Description:

Bottom left is illegible. Page has a number of pieces from other papers indicating their "disunion" sentiments. Account of proceedings of Augusta County Union Meeting, column 4. Column 5 entitled "From the South," with brief accounts of Union and/or secession activities in other Southern states. More information on activities in other states, column 4. Ads, columns 5-7.

The Secret of the Revolutionary Spirit

(column 1)

Summary:

Argues that the secessionist impulses in Southern states has nothing to do with fear of Lincoln. Lincoln has no power to carry through any policies without the consent of Congress, which is controlled by Southerners. Rather, secessionist sentiment is based simply on a long-standing opposition to the Union and a desire to reopen the slave trade.

John C. Breckinridge should Speak for the Union

(column 2)

Summary:

Spectator argues that although Breckinridge was supported by disunionists, it believes him to be a Union man. Now that the election is over, Breckinridge should speak in favor of the Union. This would allow repentance for him personally and would strike a strong blow against secessionists.

Vote of Virginia

(column 2)

Summary:

Spectator expresses pleasure that the majority of Virginia's vote went to Bell rather than Breckinridge, but also disappointment that the majority was not larger.

Union Meeting

(column 2)

Summary:

Summary of the proceedings of a Union Meeting held at the Staunton Court House, at which a committee was formed to prepare resolutions for the consideration of the people.

Significant Facts

(column 2)

Summary:

Spectator notes that Lincoln did not receive a majority of the popular vote, and that more Northerners voted against him than Southerners. By this logic, the Spectator argues that secession would serve to cut the South off from their "friends" in the North who voted against Lincoln.

Views of the President Elect

(column 3)

Summary:

List of eight tenets that are designed to accurately assess Lincoln's positions on slavery.

Editorial Comment:

Spectator prints Lincoln's "views" on the issue of slavery in an attempt to provide an accurate, rather than a hyperbolic, account.

Origin of Article:

New York Observer

Barn Burnt

(column 4)

Summary:

The barn of John Churchman was destroyed by fire, which was set by an arsonist.

Origin of Article:

Staunton Vindicator

Names in Announcement:

John Churchman

Page 3

Page Description:

Page is mostly ads, land sales, etc.

For the Spectator

(column 1)

Summary:

Author wants the Spectator to know that the Congressman of Shenandoah County is not in favor of disunion, as was implied by the correspondent's previous letter about Alexander Stuart's speech to that county.

Trailer:

"R"

Names in Announcement:

Alex Stuart

Died

(column 1)

Summary:

William Crockett died near Wytheville at his father's house at age 21.

Names in Announcement:

William Crockett; Gustavus Crockett; Elizabeth Crockett

Page 4

Page Description:

Advertisements; bottom left is difficult to read.