Valley Spirit

Four different accounts of the final day of fighting at Fort Donelson in Tennessee, where Union forces overran a strategic Confederate fort. Several articles discuss the Unionist sympathies of many Confederate soldiers. The paper also reprints the exchange of letters between Confederate General S.B. Buckner, left in charge of Fort Donelson, and Union General U.S. Grant, commander of the troops attacking the fort. Buckner proposes discussion of terms of surrender, and Grant replied that "No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately on your works." Buckner surrenders, though noting Grant's "ungenerous and unchivalrous terms."

A short paragraph reprinting a letter from Lincoln's cabinet noting that the President is in mourning over the death of a child.

A Union prisoner reports that Union sentiment is strong in Richmond and that the Confederate capital is weakly defended.

A letter from Amos Kendall to President Lincoln, defending Northern Democrats and attacking abolitionists. He argues that while Northern Democrats were willing to compromise in the interests of peace, once war became inevitable they rallied around President Lincoln's leadership, and will spare no sacrifice to defend the Union. Abolitionists, on the other hand, sought to divert the military strength of the country from a fight to save the Union to a fight to free the slaves.

Congressman Cox of Ohio replied to Congressman Gurley's criticisms of General McClellan, noting that Gurley, a minister "whose thoughts have been more on the dove than the eagle," was presumptuous in criticizing the military strategy of McClellan. Rumors of McClellan's unpopularity with his troops were unfounded, Cox went on to argue.

Reports a rumor that Simon Cameron, former Secretary of War and now envoy to Russia, and Senator David Wilmot, both of Pennsylvania, are discussing switching positions if the Pennsylvania legislature approves. The Valley Spirit on one hand thinks it might be a good idea to rid the country of a troublesome political influence (Wilmot) and to prevent Cameron from tarnishing the country's image through his corruption. But ultimately, even though they think it would embarrass the Republicans, the editors decide that having Cameron in the Senate would be even worse.

The editors refer to a recent exchange in which "would-be Union sliders" took issue with the Valley Spirit's publication of statistics showing the amount of cotton produced in South Carolina--in an effort by the Spirit to argue that the South was of vital economic importance and should be kept in the Union. These opponents disputed the Spirit's statistics, but the editors in this piece produce another report of South Carolina's produce, and use it to argue that the abolitionists are deliberately distorting the truth.

The editors wonder how those who decry any compromise with the South will make up for lost federal tax revenues.

Notes that last week the Senate was unable to achieve a quorum with which to conduct its business. The Journal attacks Congress for abandoning the responsibilities of pressing the prosecution of the war and securing the finances of the country.

A recent manifesto in Georgia attempting to steel the resolve of Georgians demonstrates the fear of its authors more than the strength of the Confederacy. When Georgians realize that the object of the war is to preserve the Union and not to interfere with slavery, then they will realize the folly of secession.

Describes the events celebrating Washington's Birthday in Chambersburg.

The entertainment given in Franklin Hall last Friday raised $300 for "benevolent purposes." The "Old Folks" of Franklin County dressed up in antique clothing for the concert, and played to "immense" audiences. Special recognition was given to George B. Ayers for his management of the occasion.

An article preceding a letter of thanks from a soldier in the 46th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers for mittens brought by Rev. Rebaugh of Greencastle. The editors had not heard of any boxes being sent to the 46th and ask if this letter is correct.

Isaac Kuhns from near Orrstown died on Saturday "under circumstances of the most distressing character." He was quarrying stone near a lime kiln on Thursday when the embankment fell in and covered him. He was not found until the next morning, but was fatally injured and died soon after. He left a wife and two small children.

A Chambersburg girl is accused of depositing her newborn child in a privy.

Firemen in the Washington's Birthday parade dragged a Confederate flag behind them and burned it at the end of the parade.

The Democrats of Greene township will meet in Scotland on Saturday March 8 to nominate a ticket for the spring election. A meeting will also be held that night in Fayetteville to complete the ticket.

Mr. P. Dock Fry and Emma C. Scheilbe (daughter of J. G. Scheible, Esq.), of Chambersburg, were married on February 19th at the Lutheran Parsonage.

John F. Heater and Margarette Ebert, both from the vicinity of Fanettsberg, were married on February 13.

John D. Boggs and Susan E. Baughman, both of Fayetteville, were married on February 6.

Salisbury O'Neal and Maria Barny, both of Greenvillage, were married on December 25 at the residence of the bride's aunt.

Henry Hefelman and Abigail Rosenberger, both of the vicinity of Chambersburg, were married on February 13 at the home of Rev. D. F. Good.

Casper Lindeman and Martha Siders, both from the vicinity of Waynesboro, were married on February 19 at the home of Abraham Frantz, Esq.

Sarah Elizabeth Flood, "consort" of David Flood, died near Newton Hamilton, Mifflin County, on December 20, age 28 years, 3 months and 7 days.

Hannah Plough died in Chambersburg, on January 16th, age 43 years, 2 months and 3 days.

Hon. John P. Hale spoke to the Senate on the subject of the Secretary of the Navy's employment of his brother-in-law for five months at the rate of $70,000. Hale accused Republican senators of hypocrisy, arguing that if it had been a Democratic cabinet member, "the whole vocabulary of Grecian and Roman classical invective would have been exhausted by the Senator from Massachusetts."

This article argues that on the strength of recent Union victories, and with some evidence of counter-revolution in states like Tennessee, a well-timed appeal from the Administration in the spirit of conciliation may be enough to end the war.