Staunton Spectator: December 1, 1863 — Newspapers

Page Description:

In addition to various legal announcements and commercial advertisements, this page also contains a poignant poem entitled "Father's Growing Old." This page is partly illegible.

Victory Or Annihilation

(column 6)

Summary:

A strong appeal from the pulpit for a steadfast commitment to a continuation of the war. Using scripture and emotional rhetoric, the Bishop from Georgia paints a dismal picture of the consequences of defeat for the South.

Editorial Comment:

"Dr. Elliott, the patriotic Bishop of Georgia, in a late sermon preached in Savannah, exhibits the alternative before us in a few sentences pregnant with all the fire of a prophet and a patriot. These are, indeed, words that burn:"

Excerpt:

"We might have gone backward a year ago, when our armies were victoriously thundering at the gates of Washington, and were keeping at bay the Hessians of the West had we been content to bear humiliation for ourselves and degradation for our children. But even that is no longer left us. It is now victory or unconditional submission; submission not to the conservative and Christian people of the North, but to a party of infidel fanatics, with an army of needy and greedy soldiers at their backs. Who shall be able to restrain them in their hour of victory?"

Full Text of Article

"Forward, my hearers, with our shields locked and our trust is God, is our only movement now. It is too late even to go backward. We might have gone backward a year ago, when our armies were victoriously thundering at the gates of Washington, and were keeping at bay the Hessians of the West had we been content to bear humilation [sic] for ourselves and degradation for our children. But even that is no longer left us. It is now victory or unconditional submission; submission not to the conservative and Christian people of the North, but to a party of infidel fanatcs, [sic] with an army of needy and greedy soldiers at their backs. Who shall be able to restrain them in their hour of victory? When that moment approaches, when the danger shall seem to be over and the spoils are ready to be divided, every outlaw will rush to fill their ranks, every adventurer will rush to swell their legions, and they will sweep down upon the South as the hosts of Attila did upon the fertile fields of Italy. And shall you find in defeat that mercy, which you did not find in victory? You may slumber now, but you will awake to a fearful reality. You may lie upon your beds of ease, and dream that when it is all over you will be welcomed back to all the privileges and immunities of citizens, but how terrible will be your disappoinment [sic]! You will have an ignoble home, overrun by hordes of insolent slaves and rapacious soldiers. You will wear the badge of a conquered race. Pariahs among your fellow creatures, yourselves degraded, your delicate wives and gentle children trust down to menial service, insulted, perhaps dishonored. Think you that these victorious hordes, made up in the large part of the sweepings of Europe, will leave you any thing? As well might the lamb expect mercy from the wolf. Power which is checked and fettered by a doubtful contest is very different from power victorious, triumphant and irresponsible. The friends whom you have known and loved at the North; who have sympathized with you in your trials, and to whom you might have looked to for comfort and protection, will have enough to do then to take care of themselves. The surges that sweep over us will carry them away in its refluent tide. Oh! for the tongue of a prophet, to paint for you what is before you, unless you repent and turn to the Lord, and realize that "His hand is upon all them for good that seek Him." The language of Scripture is alone adequate to describe it: "The earth mourneth and languisheth: Lebanon is ashamed and hewn down: Sharon is like a wilderness. They that did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: they that were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghilia. They ravished the women of Zion and the maids in the cities of Judah. They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood. The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning. The crown has fallen from our heart; wo [sic] unto us that have sinned."

The Alabama

(column 6)

Summary:

Intelligence from Liverpool indicates that the Alabama is currently cruising the Bay of Bengal and keeping Northern ships confined to their harbors. It is also reported that the Northern ship, the Vanderbilt, has found "discretion the better part of valor" when it comes to engaging the Alabama.

Mr. Stuart's Scheme

(column 7)

Summary:

A summary of a letter from Mr. Stuart to the Richmond Whig explains more fully his economic plans and seeks to address the concerns of adversaries of the plan. Stuart calls for the government to cease currency production and to apply an export duty on cotton, tobacco, and naval stores. While some object to the burden these duties will place on producers of these goods, Mr. Stuart argues that when a good is scarce and desirable, the increased cost will be passed on to the consumer (i.e. foreign markets) rather than borne by the producer.

Editorial Comment:

"Three weeks ago we published the scheme of Financial relief recommended by Mr. Stuart in his letter to Mr. Armstrong of the Virginia Senate. The Richmond Whig of Wednesday week contains a long and able communication from Mr. Stuart explaining his scheme more fully, and advancing arguments in support of it. The communication being too long for publication, in extenso, in our columns, we are constrained to content ourselves with the publication of a synopsis furnished by the Dispatch.'"

Origin of Article:

The Richmond Whig

Excerpt:

"The first thing to be done is to stop the issue of more treasury notes. Unless this be done, all further action upon the subject is evidently vain; for it is the redundancy of the currency that has raised prices to their present fabulous height, and that having occasioned the depreciation in the first instance, renders its downhill march inevitable as the volume."

(column 7)

Summary:

A short piece mentions that Joshua Giddings, described as "one of the most rabid Abolitionists in the whole North," has been arrested by the Canadian government for "kidnaping" British subjects and sending them into the Union states.

(column 7)

Summary:

Another filler reports that there are believed to be about twenty-five thousand black men carrying rifles and muskets in the Union army at the present time.

Origin of Article:

The Cincinnati Commercial

Page 2

Page Description:

Miscellaneous advertisements and announcements

War News

(column 1)

Summary:

Reports from the Georgia theater indicate that the enemy continues to take substantial losses but is pursuing its military goals relentlessly.

Excerpt:

"The news from the late battle at Lookout Mountain is not as favorable as was desired, but is not so bad as the first despatches, seemed to indicate."

The Fight At Campbell's Station

(column 1)

Summary:

Based on "a private letter from a member of Longstreet's corps," it is reported that the Union forces were "badly beaten" in a recent engagement in Tennessee. The scope of the defeat forced a quick retreat to Knoxville.

Origin of Article:

The Lynchburg Republican

The Banker's Project

(column 2)

Summary:

The Richmond Whig wrote in support of a project of finance formulated by a convention of bankers in South Carolina. It also claimed that the plan was "generally approved by the press." The paper dismissed the Staunton Spectator's concerns about the plan, but was forced to concede that "there are insuperable objections to that scheme" in response to a series of letters submitted by "A Farmer" to that paper.

Excerpt:

"The volley from the 'Spectator' did not disturb the equanimity or shake the confidence of the 'Whig,' but the broadside of heavy guns brought to bear by 'A Farmer,' has caused the Whig to surrender."

Genl. Wise's Letter

(column 2)

Summary:

Another series of proposals on how to correct the economic woes of the South, this time offered by General Wise. This plan contains fourteen steps ranging from an increase in the pay of soldiers to the repeal of the taxes in kind.

Origin of Article:

The Enquirer

Excerpt:

"The Enquirer of the 26th ult., contains a long letter addressed by Gen'l. Wise to Hon. J. E. Holcomb of S. C. Gen'l Wise sums up the remedies he would propose as follows:"

A Word To The Wise

(column 2)

Summary:

Advises the male population to enlist in Home Guard units immediately, as it is predicted that the legislature will soon pass a bill enlisting all males between 15 and 55 years of age. As it currently stands, membership in a Home Guard unit will defer their conscription into the army.

(column 2)

Summary:

In mentioning the advertisement of "Rollins, the Comedian," the author notes that, while he has yet to see the performance, those who have expressed themselves pleased say that he makes them "Laugh and grow fat."

Shot

(column 2)

Summary:

A member of the 12th Va. Regiment, Mahone's brigade, was executed for "skulking on the battlefield." Two others were sentenced to the same punishment, but their execution was postponed until further notice.

Prayer For Peace

(column 3)

Summary:

Pope Pius IX called for a universal devotion of twenty days for peace in America. While commending the Pope for this spiritual plea for peace, the author cites an English ritual that asks that God may "abate the pride, assuage the malice, and confound the devices of our enemies...."

Origin of Article:

Richmond Dispatch

Excerpt:

"In announcing this period of devotion to his congregations on Sunday week we understand that the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Richmond Diocese, the very learned and exemplary Dr. McGill, explained to his people that the peace for which he expected them to pray was such a peace as honorable and patriotic men could accept, and which did not involve any sacrifice of their rights and liberties."

Impressment In Alabama

(column 3)

Summary:

A recently introduced bill in the Alabama legislature would establish penalties for "any person to falsely represent himself to be either a State or Confederate agent for the purpose of impressing property."

Georgia Legislature and Gamblers

(column 3)

Summary:

The Georgia Senate has rejected a bill to suppress gambling by a vote of 13 to 21. A subsequent measure to reconsider the bill at a later date was passed.

(column 3)

Summary:

A filler piece announces that all contrabands in Washington, dependent on the government, are to be quartered south of the Potomac.

(column 3)

Summary:

Despite the actions of the legislature to protect sheep from dogs and slaughter for food, a "Shivering Soldier" alleges that several hundred sheep in Staunton have been killed for food or by dogs.

Trailer:

A Shivering Soldier

Full Text of Article

Mr. Editor:--Since the adjournment of the Legislature, three weeks ago, when an attempt was made to protect sheep from the butcher as well as THE DOGS, several hundred of the finest sheep have been killed in Staunton for food and ONE HUNDRED BY DOGS, viz.: Gerard B. Stuart's, Berry Hinton's, Wm. Crawford's, John C. McCue's and others. When will this evil be cured? When will the public open their eyes to the necessity of AT ONCE checking the evil?

A SHIVERING SOLDIER.

(column 3)

Summary:

In the oratory of Edward Everett's commemorative speech of 1825, the South is reminded of the universal truth that "the people always conquer," and if driven from the battlefield they will continue their struggle in an unorthodox manner.

Editorial Comment:

"The Savannah News exhumes the following from an oration delivered by Edward Everet, at Concord, (Mass.) in 1825. It was on the occasion of a fete given in commemoration of the battles of Lexington and Concord. It contains truths which the orator has forgotten, but which some of our own people may use with effect when they choose to appeal to the valor and patriotism of the South:"

Origin of Article:

The Savannah News

Excerpt:

"But the people never invade: and when they rise against the invader are never subdued. If they are driven from the plains they fly to the mountains. Steep rocks and everlasting hills are their castles; the tangled, pathless thickets their palisades; and nature--God--is their ally...."

Financial Relief--The Plan Of The South Carolina Bankers Reviewed

(column 4, 5)

Summary:

A long and detailed letter, originally mailed to the Richmond Whig by "A Farmer," that discusses the South Carolina Fiscal Plan and raises a number of serious objections to its course of action. In particular it argues that the proposed tax will fall most heavily on artisans and other laborers while benefiting bankers.

Excerpt:

"I cannot question for a moment, the integrity or patriotism of the South Carolina bankers, but it is marvelous how men's minds may be warped by the habit of looking for a series of years to one particular interest, to the exclusion of others."

Married

(column 5)

Summary:

Capt. John E. Mason of Staunton married Mrs. Annie Cribbens of Mt. Sidney on November 26th. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. R. Smith.

Names in Announcement:

Rev. Smith; Capt. John E. Mason; Mrs. Annie Cribbins

Died

(column 5)

Summary:

William Kinney, Esq., of Staunton died on November 25th, at the age of 69 years old.

Names in Announcement:

Esq. William Kinney

Obituary

(column 5)

Summary:

Announces the death of Capt. Charles Lewis Francisco at the age of twenty-eight years. The young man died near Gettysburg, Pa., where he was serving with the 17th Regt. Va. Cavalry.

Names in Announcement:

C. C. Francisco; M. C. Francisco; Capt. Charles Lewis Francisco

Obituary

(column 5)

Summary:

Announces the death of Mrs. Margaret W. Stuart, widow of James Stuart. Mrs. Stuart died on Oct. 1st at her home on the Cowpasture River, Highland County, Virginia.

Names in Announcement:

Mrs. Margaret W. Stuart; James Stuart