Valley Spirit

Cites a statement from an anonymous letter that supposedly represents the views of an abolitionist. The article observes, on the basis of the letter, that abolitionists would prefer to stay separate rather than recreating the Union on any terms which accept the institution of slavery. It argues that abolitionists believe that Northern Democrats are trying to engineer such a reunion. The article emphasizes that Northern Democrats are in fact more loyal to the Union than abolitionists are, despite accusations to the contrary.

Argues that, with the war nearly a year old, there does not appear to be a speedy solution in sight. However, it warns, the war will be much longer and deadlier if it is prosecuted on the terms of abolitionists, which require emancipation and, in the eyes of this author, a complete surrender of the rights of the state. A more conservative goal would be allowing the South to admit the futility of its cause and working toward a quick reunion.

Reprint of selected resolutions passed by the Indiana State Democratic Convention, most of which blame the Republican Party for bringing on the war and for disregarding civil liberties in the prosecution of the war.

Praises Lincoln for the stand he has taken against abolition, arguing that he is essentially adopting Democratic doctrines. If Lincoln continues on this path, the Valley Spirit argues, he might save the country from the horrors of a radical Republican party in power. The editorial puts the blame for the war on abolitionists, not on slavery, and argues that there is absolutely no constitutional ground for abolition. If abolition were to become a war aim, the editorial concludes, it would invalidate the Congressional declaration of war and would betray the slave-holding Unionist border states. It would also erase any trace of unionist sentiment in the South.

Pokes fun at the Dispatch for its attempt to defend abolition while simultaneously claiming that the Dispatch's editor is not an abolitionist.

Several articles published by southern newspapers, one accusing northern papers of fabricating stories about the war in order to manipulate the stock market; another exhorting all Southerners to volunteer unless they desire to live under Northern tyranny.

Summary of decisions from the county court term that began on Monday. Judge Nill presiding, Judges Orr and Carson on the bench. Quarter Session: Commonwealth v. Wash. Winters--Assault and battery on oath of Mrs. McGlaughlin; verdict, guilty; sentence, three months in county jail. Commonwealth vs. Dr. Shiffert--False Pretenses, on oath of Cyrus Gurion; verdict, not guilty. Commonwealth vs. James S. McElwaine--Assault and Battery on person of son of A.N. Rankin Esq; defendant is a teacher in Chambersburg public school, accused of chastising son of prosecutor with undue severity; verdict, not guilty. Commonwealth vs. William Banks--Assault and Battery, on oath of Levi Miller; verdict, guilty; sentence deferred. Commonwealth v. John Addison (black)--Surety of the Peace, on oath of Henry Sellers (black); case dismissed. Commonwealth vs. Peter McFerren--Larceny, stealing a watch from Mr. Mentzler; case abandoned by Commonwealth. Commonwealth vs. Isaac Deems--Keeping disorderly house; verdict, guilty; sentence, due to extenuating circumstances, since some of disorderly conduct was out of defendant's control, was light, defendant to pay costs of prosecution and serve thirty days in the county jail. Commonwealth vs. Jacob Perry--Adultery, no evidence submitted by Commonwealth, jury directed to render verdict of not guilty. Commonwealth vs. Harris Renfrew--Fornication and Bastardy, on oath of J.E. Myers, entered into security for his appearance next term. Commonwealth vs. Jacob McFerran--Manslaughter; Defendant is charged with stabbing John Welsh in the heart with a dirk knife during a dispute in Tomstown on November 16; defendant claimed that Welsh, a strong, athletic man had seized him by the throat and that he killed Welsh in self-defense; verdict, not guilty. Commonwealth v. Ambrose Welsh--Assault, on oath of Jacob McFerran; Commonwealth v. Ambrose Welsh--Assault, on oath of Samuel McFerran; both this and previous cases submitted to same jury; verdict, not guilty. Commonwealth vs. Israel Deems, Eliz. Deems, Mary C. Deems--Assault and battery, not a true bill, "prosecutrix" Margaret Myers to pay costs; Commonwealth vs. Margaret Myers--Assault and battery, not a true bill, Eliz. Deems to pay costs. Commonwealth vs. James Beatly--Perjury; not a true bill. Commonwealth vs. Chas. Kelso--Fornication and Bastardy, on oath of Eliz. Kyner; case settled. Commonwealth vs. Benjamin Hoffman--Fornication and bastardy on oath of Sarah Stoner; defendant arrested. Common Pleas: Commonwealth ex relation Solomon Shanabrook vs. A. Jackson Brand--Writ of Habeas Corpus, commanding Shanabrook to produce in court son of plaintiff, who is a minor and enlisted in company of defendant without father's knowledge or consent; verdict, Charles Shanabrook ordered to be returned to Captain Brand's company. John Ditzler vs. John Lindsay--recover of $10; verdict for plaintiff. Obed Gzell vs. Edmund Little--action to recover a mare; verdict for plaintiff; John Rutrauff and James Patten, executors of Washington Crooks vs. A.N. Rankin and Hezekiah Easton--action on promissory note for $1841.35, plaintiffs took a non-suit. Imbrie and Grove vs. George Wertz and wife--order to recover necessaries supplied to wife; verdict, $54.61 for plaintiff. Margaret McNulty, Margaret Culbertson, and Eliza Rodgers vs. Jacob Garver, Samuel Garver and James Ery--Action to recover possession of a tract of land in Greene township; verdict for defendants. James Gilbert vs. Dr. J.M. Heister--Action on debt on award of arbitrators; plaintiff suing to recover damages awarded in arbitrated dispute; jury unable to agree and was dismissed. Sheriff McGrath presented deeds for property sold by him: John G. Brigham bought a house and lot in Fayetteville sold as property of Michael Neff; Adam Vandrew for four acres and improvements, sold as property of James S. Hyder; Christian Long for 88 acres in Lurgan, sold as property of Jacob Strine.

The editors call attention to the property being offered for sale by T.B. Kennedy Esq, which they feel is "worthy of the attention of those seeking to purchase a home."

The band attached to the 77th Regiment was mustered out of service on January 23; Mr. J.T. Shattuck, the leader, will take the position of second lieutenant in Capt. Derby's company in the 77th.

The valuation of property and taxables in Franklin County was announced. Property was valued at $11,661,656.00; a tax of $30,255.83 was assessed. The population of the county was 42,242 people with 9,816 taxable items.

James Kell, Esq, formerly of Chambersburg, has been admitted to practice in York County.

Two Irish "trampers" got into a knife fight on Market Street, with the man stabbing the woman; both were sent to jail as vagrants.

A collection of hospital supplies is being arranged by local women to send to the 77th Pennsylvania Volunteers in Kentucky; contributions may be left at the drug store of J.S. Nixon.

Burglars entered the home of A.N. Rankin Esq, probably before the family had retired, waited until they were asleep, then made off with $600 in bank notes, taken from a pocketbook in the coat of Mr. Rankin on a chair at the head of his bed.

Soldiers arrested at an African-American's home for disorderly conduct turned out to be deserters from Captain Brand's company, and were returned to Camp Curtain.

Points out that the funds supplied by the state to support Franklin County schools ($3,713.67) is about $200 less than what the Bank of Chambersburg pays in state taxes. The editors suggest people should thank the Bank and not the state for the support of the schools.

A list of imports and exports into the county derived from the records of the Cumberland Valley Railroad from the previous year.

Soldiers from Col. Stumbaugh's regiment have sent a great deal of money home from Kentucky to friends and relatives in Franklin County this week, upwards of $4200. Col. Stumbaugh's law partner, J. Stewart, will distribute the money. The editors encourage soldiers to send money home regularly rather than waste it in camp.

A list of money paid to Franklin County individuals and businesses for services rendered the military. Considering the amount of time the soldiers were quartered in Franklin County, the editors claim, the $15,380 paid is a fairly small sum, and does not indicate any sign of wartime profiteering.

George ? and Saloma Sincks, both of Chambersburg, were married on January 29.

Elmar Vandraw Dittman, son of George and Sarah J. Dittman, died on January 21 at the age of 4 months and 5 days.

Margaret Richison, daughter of Isaac and Jane Richison, died on January 7 near Spring Run, age 1 year and 3 months.

Alexander Kirkpatrick, age 22 years, 2 months and 5 days, died on January 12 near Dry Run.

James B. Hamsher, son of B.Y. and Mary A. Hamsher, died last Sunday, age 4 years, 9 months and 7 days.