Valley Spirit

A correspondent to the Spirit and Times writes of an anecdote regarding a Treasury Department official whose responsibility it was to burn old demand notes. In fact, he had been discovered hoarding the notes for his own use. The writer uses this as an illustration of the general corruption of the administration, claiming "that there has never been an administration in Washington under which fraud was carried on as openly and boldly as now." He goes on to add that the exchange of prisoners with the Confederates has broken down because of the dispute over the status of black soldiers. An order was also issued prohibiting the recruitment of black soldiers in Washington by agents from the Northern states.

The editors attempt to refute, point by point, a sermon given by Rev. Samuel J. Niccolls, "the zealous and eloquent pastor" of the Chambersburg Presbyterian Church, which was published in the Repository on December 23. First, they argue, the law has not retained its supremacy in the country, as evidenced by the suspension of habeas corpus. Second, the country is not in a state of prosperity, as Niccolls would like to claim. Third, Niccolls' assertion that slavery is a crime contradicts both the intention of the framers of the Constitution and Biblical law. The editors argue that slavery for blacks is set out in the Bible. If Niccolls chooses to preach against it, he is no longer preaching the Gospel.

The editors condemn the practice of firing off weapons on New Year's Eve.

Archbishop Hughes of the Catholic Church of New York died recently. He was a native of Ireland and a former resident of Chambersburg. His brother Michael still lives in Franklin County. Hughes was appointed Archbishop in 1850.

The house of John B. Guyer in Mount Pleasant caught fire from the chimney on Thursday, December 24, and was entirely consumed. The family was absent at the time, and nothing was rescued from the house.

The old distillery on the farm of Joseph C. Kennedy, southwest of town, burned last Monday from some coal tar being heated on the stove. Word was sent at once to town, but it was difficult to get the fire engines across the Conococheague. The building was almost entirely consumed by the time the engines arrived. It is understood that most of the valuable machinery had been removed prior to the fire.

David Over of Strasburg died suddenly on Tuesday, December 29 of heart disease. He was a "highly respected and useful citizen," and will be missed. He was 58.

Thomas McGrath died suddenly at the home of his brother, the sheriff, on Friday afternoon. He went to his room in his usual health and was found a few minutes later, face down on his bed, dead. "He was an industrious and worthy man," conclude the editors.

The children of the Presbyterian Sunday School were treated to a festival on New Year's Eve. Rev. J. W. Wightman of Greencastle and Rev. Niccolls addressed the scholars. The scholars then sang several pieces of sacred music, and were then each given a present of a package of sweetmeats. The church was beautifully decorated, and the exercises "were of a peculiarly interesting character."

There are rumors that General Early is contemplating a raid up the Valley of Virginia, though the editors do not put much stock in it.

The editors print a report from Greencastle which informs them that that town has filled its quota of volunteers with a subscription drive for bounties. The editors ask, "Is there any valid reason why Chambersburg should not be the second on the list?"

Captain Ward of Company D, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, has been detailed to open a recruiting office in Chambersburg. His office is in the room lately occupied by Snively Strickler, Esq., and any patriotic citizens who "wish to accept the large bounties now offered by the Government and the Borough of Chambersburg" should go see him.

The War Department has decided to credit the states with the men who have re-enlisted, as part of their quota of 300,000. It is expected that 75,000 men will be obtained in that way; 120,000 more are expected to volunteer, leaving about 100,000 to be drafted.

Lawrence Berger of Hamilton Township recently slaughtered a two-year-old hog which yielded over 600 pounds of clean meat.

A report of a skirmish between the 21st Penn. Cavalry and a Confederate party near Winchester. General Early is reportedly in Middletown with 5,000 men.

Thomas Metcalf and Sarah Paxton (daughter of Hon. W. W. Paxton), of Chambersburg, were married on January 5.

Michael Rider of Peters Township, and Jinnie Fritz of Warren Township, were married on December 29.

John B. Davison and Martha A. Young (eldest daughter of Jacob Young, Esq.) of Antrim Township were married on December 29 at the residence of the bride's parents.

David Over died on December 29 at age 59.

Private W. H. Goldsmith of Company L, 21st Penn. Cavalry, died on January 3 in Fayetteville, aged 18 years, 10 months and 3 days.

The writers suggest that the next president should be a man from outside Washington, youthful, with military experience--strong, skillful, and free of the influences of "old political bonds."