Staunton Vindicator

The editor reports that the commissioners who traveled to the North to discuss peace met with immediate rejection from President Lincoln, who said he would agree to nothing less than the South's unconditional surrender. The editor posits that the idea of a quick peace other than through a Southern victory is now gone forever. As a result, the South will become even more united and determined to succeed.

The editor notes that last week's issue of the Vindicator included resolutions from the Staunton Artillery and that this week's has resolutions from the 52nd and the 31st Virginia Regiments. Any who are discouraged should read these resolutions and be encouraged by the determination of the soldiers to last until victory is achieved.

Colonel A. W. Harman arrived home in Staunton on the Central train Wednesday evening. Harman formerly commanded the 12th Virginia Cavalry, Rosser's Brigade. He was captured in July 1863 and sent to Johnsons Island, where he has been a prisoner of war ever since. His health is "somewhat shattered," but his spirits are high. He returns home with even higher conviction in the ultimate success of the Southern cause.

A. L. Shifflett, Company A, 56th Virginia Regiment, and Frank Sullivan, Company D, 34th Virginia Regiment, were shot near Staunton last Thursday by order of the Military Court of the 2nd Corps. The charges against them were desertion and robbery.

The editor reports that skirmishes have occurred between Northern and Southern pickets near Petersburg but that no engagements have occurred yet. In the Valley, the enemy surprised the Confederate picket at Edinburg, captured a lieutenant and fourteen men, only to be pursued by twenty men from the 12th Virginia Cavalry and overtaken. The Confederates regained their picket and took sixteen prisoners and twenty horses.

The Camp Pegram Brigade of the 52nd Virginia Regiment assembled on February 2, 1865, and adopted resolutions reaffirming their commitment to the Southern cause and their dedication to achieving victory. C. B. Coiner, Captain, is the commanding officer.

The 52nd Virginia Regiment writes to the Ladies of the Churchville Soldiers and Society and of the Vicinity of Churchville on January 31, 1865, thanking them for the second dinner prepared on their behalf.

"McC." writes the editor of the Vindicator to report his conversation with Joseph Beard near Sangersville. Beard is a paroled prisoner from Point Lookout and was able to provide information on some people from Augusta and Rockingham Counties. Charles H. Anderson of Mt. Solon, John Litten from near Spring Hill, and John H. Byerly of Rockingham died of diarrhea some months ago. Litten was not a soldier but was captured by Sheridan near Spring Hill. E. A. Samuels of Sangersville, Addison Hansbarger of Sangersville, George W. Harman of Mt. Solon, Jessee Ralster of near Mt. Solon, Cornelius Nott near Mt. Solon, Jacob Michael of Christian near Mt. Solon, Abner Blair of Dry River, John Wright of Dry River were doing well, except two or three suffering from frost bite of the feet, including young Beard and Sherfey. Robert Coyner, formerly of Buckhannan in Upshure and captured near Waynesboro, and Peter Bright, captured on Long Glade, were in Fort McHenry. John H. Karricoff from near Sangersville left Point Lookout some time ago and reportedly took the oath of allegiance to the United States. The writer heard General Wise's speech on the night of February 4, 1865, at the Capitol and thought it a speech every Confederate ought to have heard.

Jerusia A. Swartszel of Augusta County married Elijah M. Wiseman of Augusta County in Staunton on February 2, 1865, with Rev. Mr. Dice officiating.

Carolina Mary Sophia Prufer, age nine months and youngest child of Caroline and F. Prufer, died of croup on January 30, 1865.

George, about five feet tall, a bright mulatto boy with straight hair, between 14 and 15 years old, ran away from E. G. Marshall near Staunton on January 20, 1865. He was wearing a roundabout and pants of brown janes and a gray cap. Marshall offers a reward of $500 for George's return.

Major Beverly Randolph, Ordnance Officer, calls the attention of readers to the letter from General Lee calling for arms and accouterments. Randolph will be on hand to receive them at his office in Staunton and will compensate according to what the government will allow. He requests that this order be promptly complied with so that forces will have arms in the spring campaign.

General Lee appeals to the public for carbines, revolvers, pistols, saddles, and other equipment needed to arm the troops for upcoming campaigns.