Page 1
Page Description:
This page also contains a reprint of Jefferson Davis's proclamation of a day of fasting, excerpts from an address General D. H. Hill made in assuming command of the North Carolina forces, a list of farms in eastern Virginia taken by Union General Dix, a letter of resignation from General Toombs, a report from the legislature, a suggested cure for diphtheria, and assorted war news.
Plant Large Crops
(column 1)
Summary:
Encourages farmers to plant large crops of foodstuffs, both for profit and for patriotism. In peace or war, these products are profitable. In case of peace, the Confederacy will want to have enough of its own products in order not to need federal goods.
New Hampshire Awakening
(column 2)
Summary:
Col. J. H. George, Democratic candidate for governor of New Hampshire, in a speech in Manchester on February 19, spoke out strongly against the conscription of African Americans into the Northern army. His speech is quoted at length, but without editorial comment.
Our Position
(column 2)
Summary:
Argues that, if the South succeeds in upcoming battles, then the North will not be able to replenish its troops or refill its coffers. The South should not be distracted by offers of mediation from France or by the trouble in the northwest and should instead remain focused on fulfilling its destiny.
Excerpt:
"This idea should be impressed upon our brave soldiers everywhere, so that they may see through the cloud of battle the dawning of the day-star which is to herald our freedom and our complete emancipation from the accursed race who have sought to subjugate us."
Judicial Levity
(column 2)
Summary:
Quotes a Georgia Supreme Court judge's advice for men not to marry women with certain names more fitting for novels than for real life.
Trailer:
". . . I warn all plain men against marrying women by the euphoneous [sic] names of Dulcinea, Felixann, &c. These melting, mellifluent names will do for novels but not for every day life."
Investing in Confederate Bonds
(column 4)
Summary:
States that an increased interest in Confederate bonds is a good sign and is in contrast to the situation in the North where people want to get rid of their undervalued money.
The Progress of Our Country
(column 6)
Summary:
Compares the South of 1863 with that two years earlier, notes the improvements in the military, praises the patriotism of the people, and thanks God for protection and benevolence.
Excerpt:
"Let the South open her ears, attend, and be wise and the turrets of her greatness will swell into the Heavens, rising above every tempest; and the pillar of divine glory descending from God will rest forever on her summit."
For the Vindicator
(column 6)
Summary:
Chaplain McGill thanks the S.A.S. of Waynesboro for the contribution of clothing items for the troops.
Names in Announcement:
Miss E. V. Hanger; Capt. R. C. Davis; John McGill, Chaplain
Page 2
Page Description:
This page also contains assorted war news, advertisements, advice on preventing cut worms in gardens, a report from the Confederate Congress, a calendar, and a reprint of the list of deserters from the 52nd Regiment of Virginia Volunteers.
Professor Ide's Concert
(column 1)
Summary:
The concert led by Professor Ide at the Virginia Female Institute received rave reviews and raised nearly $300 for "the Fredericksburg sufferers."
Names in Announcement:
Prof. E. Louis Ide; Mr. Snibbs; Mrs. Snibbs
A Warning to Sportsmen
(column 1)
Summary:
Silas Mason, son of C. R. Mason of Staunton, shot off part of his finger in a hunting accident.
Names in Announcement:
Silas Mason; C. R. Mason, Esq.
Conciliation
(column 2)
Summary:
Denounces the idea of conciliation with the Northwest, arguing that those states must break away from the North on their own accord. The editorial further asserts that the Northwestern states must not enter the Confederacy, as doing so would hurt the C.S.A. Peace, or conciliation, at the cost of hurting the Confederacy makes soldiers' deaths in vain.
(column 2)
Summary:
Praises Maj. Harman, Chief Quarter Master of Jackson's army, as the "perfect picture of a quartermaster in chief." The Vindicator endorses this view and calls for his safe and swift return home.
Origin of Article:
Southern Literary Messenger
Names in Announcement:
Maj. Harman
Hanger's L.E.G.
(column 3)
Summary:
The editor of the Spectator was not nearly as effusive in his praise for Hanger and the leg he invented for himself. The editor of the Vindicator defers to the judgment of the editor of the Spectator.
Names in Announcement:
Hanger
Fire
(column 3)
Summary:
Several fires occurred this week, with one caught in time to prevent more serious damage. This one was at a store owned by John O'Hare. Extra care in this windy month is recommended.
Names in Announcement:
Mr. John O'Hare
Medical College of Virginia
(column 3)
Summary:
Commencement exercises at the Medical College of Virginia on February 6 included the granting of degrees to forty-six candidates, including John E. Lockridge of Augusta. Lockridge also won a prize of $50 for an essay on diphtheria.
Names in Announcement:
Dr. John E. Lockridge
Married
(column 5)
Summary:
Mrs. Sarah A. Baker of Augusta married George W. Dees of Talapooey, Alabama, on February 5, with Rev. Joseph R. Wheeler officiating.
Names in Announcement:
Mrs. Sarah A. Baker; Rev. Joseph R. Wheeler
$125 Reward
(column 5)
Summary:
Scott and Company, Cowpasture Bridge, Alleghany County, Virginia, announces that five African-American men ran away from the Lucy Salina Furnace in Alleghany County and offers a reward of $125 for their return. They ran away Sunday night, March 1, 1863. The men include Tenant, bought in North Carolina, tall and black; Hubbard, bought from A. Douglass in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, tall and black; Charles, bought in Orange County, North Carolina, low and very black; George, bought in Caldwell County, North Carolina, low and black; and Winston, bought in Virginia, low and heavy set.
"Those who know Maj. Harman will easily discern the life like picture as drawn by the writer . . . Possessed of indomitable energy, an iron will, with great powers to command and totally unacquainted with the word FAIL, is just the man for the army . . ."