Valley Spirit

A speech given in Boston on the Fourth of July by George T. Curtis, which lays out his defense of the Constitution and states' rights. Without either of these, he argues, the republican form of government would be threatened--one by losing the bounds within which the government operates, and the other by weakening the local governments, which counter the tyranny of large governments.

This editorial endorses the resolutions adopted at the State Democratic Convention, published the previous week, as well as the candidates nominated for statewide offices.

Endorses Isaac Slenker for the position of auditor general. Though a wealthy man, he lives modestly and gives generously to less fortunate people. He is known as a man who will not tolerate the corruption so rampant in "these days of National degeneracy."

Endorses James P. Barr, editor of the Pittsburgh Post, a Democratic newspaper, for the position of surveyor general. Though he lost in his bid for the nomination for auditor general, his nomination for the surveyor post was a testament of the gratitude of the party for his long years of service.

This editorial calls attention to the speech printed on the first page. The editorial echoes the sentiments of the speech: the Constitution must be revered and the war must be fought solely to restore the Union. All those who argue that the war should be a fight for abolition may be labeled a traitor.

An article published last week incorrectly announced the fall of Vicksburg--it turned out the dispatch on which the story was based was bogus.

A letter from Company I, 9th Regiment of Pennsylvania Cavalry, stationed in Mumfordsville, Kentucky. Several Franklin County men are soldiers in the company, and the author writes to describe their exploits. In late May, on an expedition to capture enemy raiders, several pickets, including C. J. Eckenrode and F. A. Culberson of Franklin County encountered and engaged the enemy. The company eventually defeated a Confederate force of twice its size, though the skirmish resulted in the death of the company commander and the wounding of a Franklin County soldier, James Woods. He was shot between the soldiers with the ball coming out the other side. Franklin County men include a number of men from the "upper school district in Amberson's Valley," (Conrad Eckenrode, J. S. Eckenrode, Johnathan Shearer, Johnathan Piper, Martin Piper--who died in the hospital at Gallatin, Kentucky, of typhoid on April 21--Smith V. Syock--who died in the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky of typhoid on March 22--Joseph McVitry, and James C. Shields), as well as men from Path Valley (James Wood and David Clippinger), and men from Roxbury (Fred Culberson, Joseph Timmons, James Laughlin).

Daniel Dechert Sr., the father of one of the proprietors of the Valley Spirit, died after a protracted and severe illness last Friday, at the age of 82. Mr. Dechert was one of the oldest residents of the community.

The Columbus Lodge of Odd Fellows have adopted a plan to raise funds for sick and wounded soldiers, by having each of its members donate a certain amount at the next meeting. Since the lodge has over 100 members, it is expected that they will raise a considerable sum. A committee consisting of I. H. McCauly, John Jeffries, D. M. Eiker, W. H. Boyle and A. C. McGrath will handle contributions.

The editors publish an order issued by General Buell in Alabama, noting that 14,000 officers and soldiers are absent. All absentees must return to their regiment, furnish a doctor's order of sickness or wounds, or be listed as a deserter.

Calls attention to the letter written by the member of the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry, but notes that after the letter was written, the 9th was involved in a major battle with Confederate guerrillas and that several companies were "badly cut up." The editors ask to be notified with news of any Franklin County men wounded or killed.

A squad of cavalry came through town looking for deserters last week. They captured several actual deserters and arrested a number of people dressed in uniforms left over from their three months' service. The editors recommend that the government prohibit the wearing of a uniform after a term of service.

The 77th Reg't Penn. Volunteers is now encamped at Indian Creek, near Huntsville, Alabama, and may be returning either to Tennessee or Kentucky. Col. Housum's health is improving and he will be able to rejoin to take command of the 77th very soon.

More details from the Democratic State Convention of July 4, including the balloting for the offices of auditor general and surveyor general. Calvin M. Duncan of Chambersburg was one of twenty-eight men appointed to the State Central Committee.

Catharine Snider, wife of George Snider, died suddenly in Chambersburg on July 7, at the age of 73 years, 7 months and 1 day.

John A. Little, formerly of Gettysburg, died in Chambersburg on July 13, at the age of 43.

Announces the dates for the examination of public school teachers, and the minimum scores needed in various areas to be recertified. School directors and the public are invited to attend the examinations.