Staunton Vindicator

The people of Highland county have declared in favor of submitting the question of whether or not to hold a State Convention to a popular vote. The Vindicator disagrees with this position because the State needs to take action before the 4th of March.

There are a number of free blacks living in Staunton who are unregistered and have no business in town. The Vindicator urges the authorities to notify the free blacks to leave or suffer the legal consequences.

The Vindicator believes that Staunton needs a wood measurer, and urges the town council to pass an ordinance creating such an office.

Fast day was generally observed in Staunton. A Union prayer meeting was held in the Lutheran Church, and a large audience attended.

The New York Herald called on the President to call out 60,000 troops to protect Washington from an invasion on March 4, the day of Lincoln's inauguration. The Vindicator sees this call as another example that "the North is becoming united on the policy of coercion."

The South Carolina government has laid a tax on slaves in order to raise money. If the wealthy men of the state do not make a $400,000 loan for military purposes, coercion will be used. The Vindicator likens this threat of coercion to the reign of terror of the Jacobin Clubs of France.

Gov. Letcher gave a lengthy message touching on many questions of importance, including Virginia's relations with South Carolina and Southern attempts at convincing Northern states to abolish personal liberty laws. The Governor does not favor calling a State Convention.

The Vindicator believes that the editors of many eastern Virginia newspapers have whipped themselves into a fury over a question that "no sensible man in Western Virginia scarcely ever dreamed of--the division of the State."

The Vindicator disagrees with the Spectator's assertion that the majority of Augusta voters oppose the plan to hold a State Convention.

Argues that the federal government cannot maintain the Union with coercive means.

A slave woman who belonged to Joseph Cline, who lives four miles from Staunton, chopped off three of her fingers to prevent her master from selling her.

Praises Vallandingham, who voted with the South and against the resolution of approbation offered on behalf of Major Anderson's actions at Fort Sumpter.

Advocates the passage of a law that would protect the property of debtors during this period of economic chaos.

Criticizes South Carolina for making a gross blunder and relying on the "promises of the treacherous Buchanan."

Claims that Buchanan turned against the South after his defeat of Douglas and has essentially turned over power to General Scott.

Correspondent claims that popular opinion in Richmond holds that "danger of civil war is imminent, certainly on the 4th of March, if not sooner." The halls of the Legislature are crowded with anxious spectators.

Disagrees with the Spectator's assertion that the call for a Convention is a disunion movement.

Argues that, unless the North backs down, the State Convention should "adopt measures preservative of the honor, integrity, and sovereignty of Virginia."

During the past year, many men have spoken of their devotion to Virginia and to the South. The Vindicator hopes that these men will come forward and fight in the militia, should such action become necessary.

Summarizes the Governor's message given on January 7. He seeks to hold the Union together, and so opposes a State Convention. He argues that slave property must be protected in the District of Columbia and in the territories. He also calls for the abolishment of personal liberty laws.

Married on January 3. Miss Beard is from Columbia, South Carolina.

Married on December 25.

Married on December 25.

Emily Gamble died on January 4 at age 24.

Henry Hobbs, son of Elizabeth and the late James Hobbs, died on December 14 at age 3.

W.H. Loudermilk died on December 26 at age 2. His windpipe was blocked by a grain of corn.

Mary Wonderlick died on December 26 at age 53.