Staunton Vindicator

M. G. Harman writes to decline the opportunity to run for representative from the 11th Congressional District, stating that he has no political aspirations and seeks only to help his country "safely through her great struggle for Independence."

Yankee troops raided in the Valley as far as Woodstock. They initially overpowered troops led by Major Myers, only to have Myers attack the next day more successfully. Rumors say that three columns of the enemy have crossed the Rappahannock, with one column having 10,000 troops. However, the editor cannot confirm or deny the rumors.

The editor notes that General J. D. Imboden has consented to become a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. He believes that Imboden is in his element in whatever he does, thus making the editor certain Imboden would do well in that position.

The editor has learned that two editors from Cecil and St. Mary's counties in Maryland are in Staunton, having been driven away because of their comments "on the usurpations of the Northern Dictator." The editor notes the irony of the situation--the men were driven from the land where life, liberty, and freedom of speech were guaranteed its citizens. The editors from Maryland initially believed that the North was conducting its war in "the style generally adopted by Christian Nations" but have since seen enough to know that it was acting barbarically. The editor reports several incidents in the Valley that prove the Yankees are savage and uncivilized.

The Vindicator's editor criticizes the Spectator's editor for denouncing anyone who opposes Baldwin. The Spectator endorsed Col. Baldwin for representative and claimed that any who are against him have axes to grind. The editor of the Vindicator argues that these people have the freedom of choice and do not necessarily have anything against Baldwin. The editor of the Vindicator hopes the campaign will be between two worthy candidates rather than two political parties.

Voters of the Stonewall Brigade from the 11th Congressional District met to select a candidate to represent them in the next Confederate Congress. Major James W. Newton of the 5th Virginia Infantry served as chairman of the meeting, and Colonel H. J. Williams stated the purpose of the meeting. The men nominated Colonels William H. Harman and John B. Baldwin. Walter Monteiro, Esq., of the 5th Virginia Infantry spoke on Harman's behalf. The men selected Harman as their candidate and appointed a committee of Captains Curtis, Gibson, and Trevy to inform Colonel Harman of his nomination and call upon him to be a candidate for Congress from the district.

E. L. Curtis, J. W. Trevy, and James W. Gibson wrote General William H. Harman on April 20, 1863 to ask him to be a candidate for Congress from the 11th District. They informed Harman that members of their brigade met on April 18 and selected him as their candidate. The soldiers chose him because of his "worth as a statesman and soldier."

W. H. Harman wrote on April 28, 1863 that he has already agreed to be a candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates from Augusta County and thus must decline the opportunity to run for the Confederate Congress from the 11th District. He expressed much gratitude for the endorsement from the men who encouraged him to run.

Colonel John B. Baldwin responded to criticism of him that is intended to diminish his chances for election. He has commanded the 52nd Virginia Regiment for eight months and is confident the members of that brigade will speak on his behalf. He assures readers that he voted to abolish flogging of soldiers and to increase soldiers' pay.

Absalom Koiner writes that he agrees to be a candidate for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, after having been solicited by numerous citizens.

Henry O. Cease and Annie M. Jamieson, both of Staunton, were married April 29 by Rev. D. M. Gilbert.

The Fireman's Ball has been postponed until further notice because of the unavailability of gas.

William H. Patterson, 26, died March 26, at the residence of his father near Waynesboro.

The list of candidates in the upcoming election includes General William Smith of Fauquier for Governor; Governor John Letcher for congressman from the 11th District; Honorable John B. Baldwin for reelection as congressman from the 11th District; James H. Carson for reelection to the state Senate from the district composed of Frederick, Clarke, and Warren counties; Major William McLaughlin to represent the state Senate district composed of Rockbridge, Bath, and Highland counties; Hugh W. Sheffey, Esq., for reelection to the House of Delegates; James Walker for reelection to House of Delegates; Howe Y. Peyton, Esq., to represent Augusta County in House of Delegates; Colonel William H. Harman for House of Delegates; Major Absalom Koiner for House of Delegates; and H. K. Gregg for House of Delegates from refugees from Clarke County.