Valley Spirit

A notice of the Democratic State Convention, to be held in Harrisburg on Wednesday, June 17, which will nominate candidates for Governor and Judge of the Supreme Court. A meeting of Democratic newspaper editors will be held the same day at the same place.

The editors quote criticisms of the Buchanan administration in 1859 from the Transcript, and ask the editors of that paper if at that time criticism of the administration was equal to criticism of the government--which is what the Transcript believes attacks on Lincoln are tantamount to.

The editors argue that the traditions of the Democratic party are the only thing that can rescue the country from the "darkness and gloom that now veil our national prosperity."

The editors reprint a resolution adopted by the Union League of Chambersburg, inviting the "ladies of Chambersburg and vicinity" to attend their meetings. The editors encourage "very young and very old ladies" to attend, as they will "no doubt find congenial company among the Leaguers."

The writer argues that the expulsion of Mr. Vallandigham beyond federal lines was "the funeral of civil liberty." He was guilty of no offense save that of speaking his mind and was punished because of his condemnation of those in power who have broken laws.

The writer notes that William Lloyd Garrison's son has been commissioned as a lieutenant in the 54th Massachusetts, "Gov. Andrew's negro regiment." Young Garrison allegedly "had no idea of volunteering until this negro regiment was formed."

Reports that a Union League meeting in Utica, New York, was disrupted by soldiers cheering for General McClellan and denouncing the political intriguers in Washington, D.C.

A profile of Union Major-General U.S. Grant.

A "large and enthusiastic meeting" of the Democratic Club was held in Franklin Hall on last Saturday evening, and was better attended, claim the editors, than any of the "Union League" meetings. Capt. Samuel R. McKesson and John R. Orr, Esq., acted as President and Secretary. B. F. Nead, Esq., reported that Franklin Hall had been secured as a regular meeting place for the club. H. C. Keyser, chairman of the committee on the constitution and by-laws, read a series of articles for organization which were approved. William Kennedy, Esq., introduced Congressman William H. Miller of Harrisburg, who in his speech denounced the restrictions on the freedom of speech, the arrest of Vallandigham, and the attempts by Republicans to equate criticism of the administration with criticism of the government. Miller's speech was interrupted by hissing from "several 'Union Leaguers' and a dozen boys, whom they seemed to have in charge," who were escorted out of the hall. Hon. George W. Brewer then addressed the gathering.

The German Reformed Church of Chambersburg observed the 300th anniversary of the Heidelberg Catechism last Sunday. The church was specially decorated, and the minister gave a discourse on the history of the catechism. The Sunday School also held a special celebration, which the editors attended.

Dr. William C. Lane returned to Upper Strasburg to resume his practice, after serving in the Brigade Division of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Army Corps of the Army of the Potomac. The brigade of nine-months men in which Dr. Lane was serving mustered out of service a week and a half ago, and he has retired to private life.

The editors apologize for omitting the participation of the Hope and Friendship fire brigades in the parade celebrating the return of the 126th Regiment. The editors then go on to praise the organization and regalia of the two companies.

The editors complain about the frequent loud gatherings of black people near "Wallace's corner" in Chambersburg, and ask the police to disperse them.

The following is a list of enrollment officers for Franklin County, appointed by the Provost Marshal under the conscription law. Antrim Township: Jacob Shook. North Ward Chambersburg: Lewis F. Heck. South Ward Chambersburg: R. P. Hazlet. Fannet Township: Harrison Witherow. Greene Township: John Spidle. Guilford Township: George H. Cook. Hamilton Township: Jonas Palmer. Letterkenny Township: William S. Keefer. Lurgan Township: Morrow R. Skinner. Metal Township: John Wolff. Montgomery Township: R. Parker McFarland. Peters Township: Benjamin C. Dawney. Quincy Township: William Fleagle. St. Thomas Township: James Mongomery. Southampton Township: David Spencer. Warren Township: John Zimmermaan. Washington Township: George W. Walker.

George H. Merklein, publisher of the Semi-weekly Dispatch, was among those who disturbed the Democratic meeting at Franklin Hall.

The flag of Company B, 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers (from Fulton County), was emblazoned with the words "Copperheads Beware" by Lieut. James Pott, supposedly unbeknownst to the members of the unit. Many privates came to the Fulton Democrat and told the editors they disagreed with the action. The flag was then taken to the meeting of the Fulton Union League and adopted as their party banner. The paper warns Democrats to be alert for "lawless violence."

George Weidmann and Henriette Conrad were married on May 24.

Christiana Hammell died on May 23 near Scotland, aged 9 years, 11 months and 23 days.

Eve Melfelt died on May 24 in Funkstown, aged 26 years, 5 months and 28 days.

Mrs. Helen Detrich, wife of J. L. P. Detrich, died near Greencastle on May 20, aged 30 years, 4 months and 23 days.

George Butts, a member of the 77th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, died at the residence of his sister in St. Thomas on April 20 of consumption, aged 28 years, 5 months and 27 days.

Josiah Fickes died on April 21 in Guilford Township, aged 14 years, 7 months and 4 days.

Samuel George died on April 20 near Grindstone Hill, aged 69 years, 6 months and 1 day.

Franklin Ashway Rosenberry died on April 26, near St. Thomas, aged 10 years, 6 months and 26 days.

Mrs. Anna Maria Kaesman died on May 29, aged 71 years.

Jacob L. Etter, son of Augustus H. and Mary Catharine Etter, died on May 18 near Chambersburg, aged 2 years, 8 months and 15 days.

Two notices posted by George Eyster, Provost Marshal for Franklin County under the conscription bill. The first notifies any man wishing to enroll in a particular regiment or cavalry to present himself to the Board of Enrollment. If fit for enrollment, they will be transported to the headquarters of the Acting Assistant Provost Marshal General, and paid whatever bounty they are due. The second notifies officers who have been honorably discharged due to injury, and who wish to enroll, that the opportunity to join the Invalid Corps in open to them. They must write to apply to the Acting Assistant Provost Marshal General and state the character of their disability.

J. F. Gamble announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Register and Recorder.

John H. Cormany of Pleasant Hall advertises for information about James P. Poe, "a lunatic," who escaped from the asylum at Harrisburg on June 1. Cormany is the legally assigned committee of Poe.

D. P. Miller announces his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for register and recorder.