Page 1
Page Description:
Also on this page are the proceedings of the Confederate House regarding a bill to employ free African Americans and slaves to work on fortifications and perform other duties connected to the defense of the Confederacy, an article on an exemption bill passed by the House, advertisements, and a poem.
The Army of Northern Virginia
(column 6)
Summary:
Soldiers in the Army of Northern Virginia are completely devoted to the army, this article argues. Whatever their feelings towards President Davis, they have unending allegiance to the army because they have lost land, homes, slaves, and friends to the Southern cause. They have lost their bonds to civilian life, have no homes to return to, and are devoted to their general, giving them ample motivation to continue the rebellion indefinitely.
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Page Description:
Also on this page are war news; the text of a proclamation by President Davis calling for a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer with thanksgiving to be held March 19, 1865; advertisements; and notices.
Commissioners to Washington
(column 1)
Summary:
President Davis has appointed A. H. Stephens, vice president of the Confederate States, R. M. T. Hunter, senator, and Judge Campbell, formerly assistant secretary of war and formerly a justice on the United States Supreme Court, as commissioners to Washington to confer with similar authorities in the United States on the subject of peace. They are on their way to Washington now. The editor is pleased that the two hostile governments will make this effort to end the war but cautions readers not to get their hopes too high that peace is imminent.
(column 1)
Summary:
The editor is pleased with the selection of General John C. Breckenridge as secretary of war. However, he knows the people of the Valley will regret losing Breckenridge's services in the field, as they have witnessed his abilities as a military commander.
General Hunter
(column 2)
Summary:
When General Hunter resigned his post last fall, he returned to Princeton, New Jersey to live. What he found instead of acceptance was that he was not welcomed even in his hometown because of the crimes he had committed in Virginia. He learned that his house would be burned if he tried to settle there.
For the Vindicator
(column 3)
Summary:
The Staunton Artillery, under the command of Captain A. W. Garber, assembled in Staunton last Saturday to be treated to a dinner held at the American Hotel and then to hear speeches by General Early and Colonel William H. Harman.
Names in Announcement:
Colonel William H. Harman
Meeting of the Staunton Artillery
(column 3)
Summary:
The Staunton Artillery convened at their camp near Fishersville on February 1, 1865. They adopted resolutions affirming that the same spirit that motivated them in 1861 was still strong, that they refused to fail in the cause, that they refused to accept any peace agreement that did not recognize Southern independence, that they thanked the women of Augusta County for the bountiful meal prepared for the Artillery on January 28, and that they pledged their commitment to fight another four years to defend liberty if necessary.
Married
(column 4)
Summary:
Charlotte T. Hanger married Henry A. Ludwick, of Rockbridge County and of the 27th Virginia Infantry, at the home of her father in Augusta County on January 19, 1865, with Reverend William S. McClanahan officiating.
Names in Announcement:
Reverend William S. McClanahan; Miss Charlotte T. Hanger
"The N Y Times does not think the 'rebellion' is ended by a good deal. The Army of Northern Virginia seems to give it particular uneasiness. It says:"