Valley Spirit

A letter from one Congressman to another. A.S. Diven, the author of the letter, delineates the differences between them regarding the ultimate aims of the war. The author seeks to restore the Union and to maintain all the rights of the Southern states prior to secession, namely, slavery. He views secession as a plot by a few leaders that misled thousands of Southerners. In the author's eyes his correspondent, an abolitionist, would unjustly deprive the South of its legitimate property and would make the region dependent on the other states.

Notes that President Lincoln has put a Democrat, Edwin Stanton, in the place of a Republican as Secretary of War. With McClellan, a Democrat, at the head of the Army, the article claims that Democrats have been vindicated from the accusation of being traitors. Democrats have in fact proved themselves more loyal to the Union than anti-slavery Republicans.

A reporter sits in with Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and details the line of people asking for consideration, each of whom, from the telling of the story, received a fair and sincere hearing from Stanton.

The White House gave a ball last Thursday, which the Valley Spirit views as the pinnacle of bad taste. Since Lincoln had campaigned against Buchanan on the grounds of waste, corruption, and extravagance, the editors accuse Lincoln of engaging in the same practices he condemned. The Spirit also criticizes the Lincoln administration's handling of the Trent affair and argues that if it had exhibited the same willingness to compromise with the South that it showed with Britain, the war might never have happened.

Pokes fun at the editor of the Dispatch, whom they continue to accuse of flip-flopping on his position on abolitionism.

Accuses the abolitionists and Britain of being in collusion, but claims that ironically, Britain is planning an invasion from Canada into New England, manned by contraband slaves brought north by the Underground Railroad.

A transcript of the Senate debate over the expulsion of Senator Bright of Indiana on the grounds of disloyalty. The majority of the transcript is Bright's statement defending himself. He argues that he has always voted for peace over sectional interests. Now that he is faced with expulsion, however, he realizes he can no longer serve with the likes of Senator Sumner of Massachusetts or Senator Clark of New Hampshire.

Argues that the county lacks the organization to take care of the destitute people who have lost jobs because of the war but are unable to enlist for military service.

Plans for the celebration of Washington's birthday include a military parade, the erection of a new flagpole, a concert by the brass band, a performance of patriotic songs by the women's choir, and a patriotic address by W.S. Everett, Esq.

F.S. Stumbaugh writes from the 77th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers in Kentucky, reporting that the 77th has sent a total of $17,853 back to family and friends in Pennsylvania.

Lieutenant Joseph Thomas, Sergeant Snider, and A.K. Moor, of the 77th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, have been detailed to Chambersburg to open a recruiting station. They will take enlistments for any regiment, but are specially charged with filling the 77th. The Valley Spirit encourages local young men to join this fine regiment.

The Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ convened in Cumberland County on January 16 and met through the 20th. J.M. Bishop leads the Chambersburg District. In position in stations are: Chambersburg--J. Dickson; Orrstown--J. Baltzell; Big Spring--Z.A. Colestock; Rocky Spring--J.W. Bard. In charge of circuits are: Greencastle--A. Tripner; Alto Dale--N. Altman; Mercersburg--S. Young; Path Valley--L. Mickey; Shippensburg--Wm. Humberger; Bethany Mission--J. Walt.

The Democrats of Guilford Township will meet at their respective schoolhouses on February 22 to choose delegates to meet at the New Franklin Schoolhouse on March 1 to form a ticket for town elections in the spring.

Encapsulation of the Union victory on the Tennessee River, where they captured the Confederate Fort Henry.

Hiram E. Wertz, of Quincy, married Lizzie Middower, daughter of Jacob Middower, Esq, of the vicinity of Waynesboro, on February 4 at the Franklin Hotel.

George W. Coldsmith and Margaret Laverty, both from the vicinity of Waynesboro, were married at Brown's Hotel, Chambersburg, on February 4.

John Albert and Mary Ann Dice, both of Franklin County, were married on February 6.

Jacob Nortsker and Margaret Barnet, both of Franklin County, were married on January 24.

Joseph Bower of Roxbury married Margaret Patterson of Strasburg on January 23 at the Parsonage of Middlespring.