Valley Spirit

A report from the London Times of October 2, relating the details of the battle at Sharpsburg. The correspondent describes the Federal victory as a surprise and credits it to McClellan's willingness to engage the enemy. Until now, the Confederates had outfought superior Union armies, but the fight now seems to be about equal.

The editors relate the penalties for evading the draft, which are a fine of not more than one years pay and not less than one month's pay, and, on refusing to pay, an imprisonment at the rate of one month for every five dollars owed. The penalty was set out in an act of Congress in 1795.

The editors claim that the Democratic party has been more "traduced and vilified" than any other. Now that the Democrats have triumphed in the recent elections, the editors urge them not to retaliate against those who have persecuted them.

The editors claim that all employees of the Philadelphia Arsenal who did not vote Republican in the election were fired, and they argue that abolitionist leaders are willing to discard white workers.

The editors interpret recent Democratic victories as an indication that Northern voters have endorsed the Democratic policy of "the Constitution as it is and the Union as it was." Such a policy should be encouraging to the average citizen of the South, the editors believe, as it promises a return to the Union with all their rights intact. However, the editors conclude, Confederate leaders are still determined to fight, and a strong show of force will be necessary to discredit these leaders.

The writer takes issue with the Philadelphia Inquirer's interpretation of the election as an endorsement of President Lincoln. In the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, Democrats gained nine seats, with fifteen Democratic congressmen and nine Republicans. Democratic control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives gives Democrats a majority on the joint ballot, which will give them enough power to name David Wilmot's replacement in the Senate. A number of prominent Pennsylvania abolitionists were defeated at the polls. Ohio and Indiana show similar results. Voters have "peaceably notified" Lincoln that they are tired of emancipation, tired of "Abolition treason," tired of criticism of McClellan, and tired of the suspension of habeas corpus. The editors wonder if Lincoln will hear the voters' message.

Gives the county-by-county breakdown of votes for auditor general and surveyor general, the breakdown of votes within the Adams-Franklin-Fulton-Bedford-Somerset congressional district, the breakdown of votes within the Adams-Franklin-Fulton state senatorial district, and the breakdown of votes within the Franklin-Fulton legislative district. It also includes a roll of the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives.

The editors praise the quality of the recently drafted soldiers from Franklin County and claim that they are of even higher quality than the volunteers from the area. They editors believe the draftees will most likely be stationed within Pennsylvania, and they ask for a detail to be placed in Chambersburg.

Academy Hospital: Sgt. George D. Robertson, Co. A, 1st NY Cavalry, d. Oct. 12; Corp. John Kellam, Co. C, 88th PA, d. Oct. 15; 2nd Lieut. Charles W. Bean, Co. H, 5th NH, d. Oct. 19. School Hall Hospital: Private Patrick Mulligan, Co. K, 1st CA, d. Oct. 4; Private J. Danforth, Co. C, 19th MA, d. Oct. 5; Private Stephen H. Ellis, Co. H, 137th PA, d. Oct. 8; Lieut. J. Finch, Co. A, 124th PA, d. Oct. 20. Franklin Hall: Private Charles A. Trask, Co. K, 13th MA, d. Oct. 1; Private C. H. Wellington, Co. K, 13th MA, d. Oct. 1; Capt. Zechariah Dakins, Co. K, 95th NY, d. Oct. 7; Corp. A. G. Edwards, Co. A, 125th PA, d. Oct. 9; Private Isaiah S. Hartman, Co. C, 132nd PA, d. Oct. 20; Private Edward H. Kunkles, Co. I, 4th MD, d. Oct. 22.

The editors visited the burned-out railroad depot and warehouse of Wunderlich and Nead. They complimented both the Cumberland Valley Railroad and Wunderlich and Nead for their efforts to rebuild.

Cyrus Knepper of Quincy Township was badly hurt when he was thrown from the top level of an omnibus as he rode it from Greencastle to Waynesboro. Knepper fell when the omnibus crossed a railroad track, and the wheels passed over his head.

The editors complain that the gas streetlights are often unlit on the darkest and rainiest nights, while on the brightest nights they are lit when they are not needed.

Capt. George L. Miles reports on the activities of Company K of the 126th Reg't Penn Volunteers, which he commands. He reports that every man who mustered into the company is still present, save for several sick in the hospital. He also praises the company for its courage and eagerness to fight, even though they reached the battlefield of Antietam a day after the battle had finished.

Reprint of a proclamation issued by Gov. Andrew Curtain, recommending that the people of the Commonwealth set aside Thursday, November 27, as a day of "Solemn Prayer and Thanksgiving to the Almighty." He adds a prayer for God to aid the leaders to have "right judgement" in things, and to grant military leaders "zeal and vigor in action, that the fire of rebellion may be quenched."

Hasting Gehr of Washington City married Mary F. Smith, daughter of the late Frederick Smith, Esq., of Chambersburg, on October 23.

William Witman of Harrisburg married Kate Deck of Franklin County at the house of the bride's father on October 2.

Martin Grove and Margaret E. Karper, both of Franklin County, were married at the house of the bride's father on October 9.

Sarah Lizzie McFadden, daughter of D. S. and Elizabeth McFadden, died of diphtheria in Chambersburg on October 18 at age 3 years, 11 months and 17 days.

Mrs. Susan Blankney died in Greenvillage on October 23 at age 81.

Maggie E. Dixon, only daughter of Capt. William D. Dixon and Martha Dixon, died in St. Thomas on October 18 at the age of 3 years, 11 months and 2 days.

Anna Cook died in Chambersburg on October 23 at the age of 71 years and 12 days.

Mrs. Isabella Marshall died in Upper Strasburg on October 21 at the age of 71 years and 12 days.

Jacob Gebhardt, son of George J. and Anna Gebhardt, died on October 24 at the age of 10 months and 24 days.

Michael H. H. Falkenstein, son of George M. and Elizabeth Falkenstein, died on October 27 at the age of 10 months and 12 days.