Valley Spirit

Transcript of Breckenridge's speech to the U.S. Senate critical of Republican policy, including the tightening of control on civil liberty. Transcript includes post-speech comments from Senators.

Briefly reports that the first major engagement in eastern Virginia occurred at Bull Run on July 18th. The article gives few details and assures readers that the Confederate battery will "undoubtedly be taken tomorrow."

The Spirit sharply criticizes the federal government for releasing incorrect information about the battle at Manassas (Bull Run). The report, which is printed in column four, portrays the battle as a rout of the Confederates. However, the Spirit received a report on Monday night which stated that Gen. McDowell had "met with more resistance than anticipated . . . and had fallen back on Washington with the loss of his cannon and horrid slaughter of his troops."

Vows that the defeat at Manassas has not conquered the North and promises that "the masses are ready by thousands and tens of thousands to rally and fill up the broken and diminished ranks of the army." Encourages Pennsylvania to rally to the Union cause.

Reminds readers that General Tyler, who led the Division of the Union army in the battle at Bull Run, is the same man who managed the reconstruction of the Cumberland Valley Railroad a few years ago.

Reports that the jewelry store of J. R. Hutton was robbed.

Says that the Democrats with a clear conscience participate in the fight to save the Union, but it is only for the Union's sake that they should fight, having no interest in abolition and no other common interest with the Republicans.

The Spirit takes exception to a malicious article printed in the Chambersburg Dispatch regarding the loyalties of the Spirit and the Democratic party.

Responds to a Shippensburg report of an eagle sighting near McCray's Mill. The Spirit alleges that the eagles sighted were Mr. Christian Eagle and his son and that the person who reported the sighting was playing a pun on the editor.

Incorrectly reports that the Union army routed the Confederates at Bull Run (Manassas).

A despatch from July 22 states that earlier reports of a Union victory at Bull Run were incorrect. In fact, the Union army suffered a crushing defeat and was forced to retreat to Washington.

Ellen Perry died on July 19 at age 4.

Died near Waynesboro on July 13 at age 69.

Died near Guilford township on July 20 at age 67.