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Valley Spirit: July 15, 1863 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Unquestioning Support
(Column 2)

Summary: The writer challenges the Republican argument that attacks on the administration are tantamount to attacks on the government. If the Democrats had applied the same standard when they were in power, particularly under Buchanan's administration, Republicans would have been as freely arrested as Democrats are now.

Origin of Article: Patriot and Union

Proceedings of the Democratic State Convention
(Column 4)

Summary: A summary of the activities of the Democratic State Convention held in Harrisburg on June 17. George W. Woodward was nominated for Governor on the ninth ballot, while Walter H. Lowrie was nominated for Chief Judge by acclimation. A number of resolutions were also passed, pledging the Democrats of Pennsylvania to a war policy of "The Constitution as it is, and the Union as it was" and condemning, among other things, the deportation of Vallandigham from Ohio.

What is Franklin County Doing?
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors call for a reorganization of the 126th Regiment to defend the town from future attacks.

Full Text of Article:

Why are not some measures taken to reorganize the 126th regiment, or to get up some other efficient organization, for State defense? Do the people of Franklin county intend to do absolutely nothing for the protection of their property and the defense of their homes? While New York and New Jersey and other portions of our own State are sending men to our relief, shall Franklin county have the disgrace of not furnishing a single full company for the emergency? Young men of Chambersburg, you who talk so bravely and boast so of your loyalty and patriotism, when no danger is nigh, does it not make your cheeks tingle with very shame, when you see regiment after regiment marching through your streets to protect your homes, while you yourselves have not the patriotism or the courage to shoulder your muskets? Let us hear no more of your braggart "rally round the flag, boys!" if you fail to be equal to the demands of the present crisis. Does your valor and patriotism go no farther than singing patriotic songs through the streets at midnight? If so you had better let your heroic virtues remain unsung. It is true, the enemy came upon us so suddenly, nothing could be done before their arrival. But now nothing stands in the way, and although the worst of the crisis may be past, let the young men of the county at least show their willingness to respond to the call, and save their credit.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors urge that a permanent militia be organized in each state. If there had been such a body to throw against Lee, they claim, he could have been easily defeated. The present system of raising troops is inadequate, and something new must be done to prevent further invasions.

The Democratic Nominees
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors discuss the two candidates nominated by the State Democratic Convention. Hon. George W. Woodward was not originally a nominee for the position, but his name was put in as the "unusual interest and anxiety" over the nomination produced a series of deadlocked ballots. Woodward was a framer of the current State Constitution, and was the first Democratic nominee for Supreme Court when the office was made elective. His decisions, along with Chief Justice Lowrie, who was renominated for election, are among the most cited from the bench. It is fitting, say the editors, that he be nominated as a man of law to help safeguard civil liberties before they are "irrevocably swept away."

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: The writer argues that attempting to defeat the Confederates who are fighting to save slavery by abolishing slavery makes no sense.

Origin of Article: Louisville Democrat

A Card
(Column 4)

Summary: District Attorney W. S. Stenger writes to deny reports in the Lancaster Express that he had tried to shake hands with the Confederate commander Jenkins during the raid, only to be rebuffed by Jenkins. He also goes on to defend Franklin County Democrats of charges of welcoming the Confederates.
(Names in announcement: W. S. Stenger)

Full Text of Article:

Chambersburg, July 11th, 1863.

Editors of Spirit and Times:

Soon after the first occupation of this place by the Rebel Cavalry under General Jenkins, the following appeared in the Lancaster Express:

"A gentleman from Shippensburg informs the editor of the Harrisburg Telegraph that he was present at an interview between General Jenkins and some prominent Republicans at Chambersburg. After discussing matters connected with the war for some time, a prominent office-holder of Franklin county stepped up and introduced himself to the Rebel General Jenkins said that he ought to refuse shaking him by the hand. The office-holder desired to know the reason of such treatment. General Jenkins asked the question, "are you the District Attorney from this county?" "Yes!" was the reply. "Then you are a regular Copperhead." "That is what they call me," replied the office-holder. To which the Rebel General replied, "Lincoln ought to have hung you and the rest of the Copperheads long ago. We would not tolerate such men in the Southern Confederacy. We respect those who are against us in the North much more than the Copperheads'."

I am the District Attorney of Franklin county. I have never taken part in any such conversation. I have never spoken a word to General Jenkins, nor has he to me. During the time he held possession of the town, I did not even see him. And further, I have made diligent inquiry to discover whether or not such remarks were made to any one in this place, by General Jenkins, and am fully satisfied that the report is utterly without foundation in fact.

This report would be unworthy of denial were it not that the Republican papers are circulating it as widely as possible for the purpose of casting odium upon the Democratic party. Personally, I care nothing for these falsehoods. I would rather have malignant fanatics pour out their vilest contumely on my head, than damn me with their faint praise.

But allow me a few words in behalf of the Democrats of Franklin county. Some of them have been subjected to the most violent and unjust abuse. Charges of "welcoming the Rebels to our soil"--of "giving them all the information in their power"--of "entertaining them at their homes," of hoping and expressing the hope to them "that the Federal army would be destroyed" have been made, but there is no proof. Only last night, one of the members of General Couch's staff (I believe) stood upon the veranda[h] of the Franklin Hotel, on the occasion of a serenade to his chief, and in an eloquent speech, slandered a portion of the citizens of this community by a repetition of such charges as the above. This gentleman was doubtless misinformed as to the facts by some returned "skedaddler." I defy them all to point to a single Democrat in this place, who gave to the Rebels a word of welcome, of important information, or of sympathy. Bring on the proof, and I will do all in my power to have such men punished. Such reports originate with the life-long defamers of the Democratic party--men who, Pharisee like, now attempt to monopolize all the patriotism of the country, and thank their God that they are not as other men are--not even as these poor "Copperheads." Let them remember that "he that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

True to the principles of our forefathers as embodied in the Declaration of Independence--true to the Constitution of the United States whose every line evinces the wisdom and patriotism of its framers, and true to the Union whose foundation-stone is that same Constitution, the Democracy can laugh to scorn the opprobrious epithets and foul calumnies of its foes.

Yours, Truly,
W.S. Stenger.

Trailer: W. S. Stenger

Incidents of the Great Battle
(Column 4)

Summary: A description of the battlefield and aftermath of Gettysburg.

The Situation
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors report on the movement of troops, both Confederate and Union, through Franklin County in the aftermath of Gettysburg. Several cavalry engagements took place in the vicinity of Funkstown and Boonsboro. Union commanders are now stationed in Chambersburg.

Full Text of Article:

As we stated last week, the rebel army commenced its retreat from Gettysburg, on Friday night, the 3rd, inst. by way of Millerstown, Monterey, Waynesboro, Lictersburg and Funkstown Maryland. Their line, during the greater portion of last week, extended from Leitersburg, through Hagerstown to the Potomac beyond Williamsport. Several severe cavalry engagements occurred, in the vicinity of Funkstown and Boonsboro, between Buford and Kilipatrick, on our side, and Stewart's Jenkin's rebel forces, on Wednesday and Thursday, in which the rebel forces were driven back with heavy loss. On Saturday last, Sedgewick attacked Longstreet near Hagerstown, and drove him several miles. On Sunday the greater portion of the rebel army was massed near Williamsport, no doubt with the intention of crossing the river at that point. Accounts disagree as to whether there is a pontoon bridge at Williamsport, but the general impression seems to be that one was constructed there last week, previous to which the rebels had been sending over their wounded on one or two old scows.

The army of the Potomac has been lying from Boonsboro towards Harper's Ferry. A considerable force is now lying near Waynesboro while on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a large force of Pennsylvania and New York militia passed through the town for the seat of war.

Gen. Couch and staff arrived on Friday, and Gen. Dana on Sunday, Gen. Couch has command of all the forces in this vicinity. The Gen, was seranaded [sic] at the Franklin Hotel on Friday evening, and in response made a very brief and appropriate speech.

Riot
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors note that some of the militia from New York who came to defend Franklin County have been behaving badly. Their actions included an assault on Captain Doebler on the grounds that he was a coward, which extended into a general melee.
(Names in announcement: Captain Doebler)

Full Text of Article:

We are pained to record the fact that some of the militia, who so nobly came to the rescue of Southern Pennsylvania, have been behaving very badly. On Thursday evening last, a disgraceful riot occur[r]ed in the diamond, which for a while threatened to be of a serious character. Some members of one of the New York regiments, getting into a discussion with Captain Doebler, who is still suffering from the wound received at Fredericksburg, called the Captain "a d--d coward." The Captain replied by striking the fellow over the head with his cain. The "muss" then became general, and several citizens who interfered to protect the Captain in his disabled condition, were roughly handled. Some of them were chased through the streets by the infuriated crowd, armed with pistols, sabres, guns and bayonets, with cries of "shoot them!" "hang them!" "kill them!" The disgraceful scene was brought to a close by the interference of several officers; and although some blood was spliled [sic], we are happy to record the fact that no one was seriously injured. As we have such an institution as a provost marshal here now, we hope measure will be taken to prevent any such outbreaks in the future.

Serenade to General Couch
(Column 1)

Summary: General Couch, headquartered in the Franklin Hotel, was serenaded in his quarters on Friday by the Chambersburg Brass Band. The General responded with a short speech promising to drive the enemy from the border. He was followed by Col. McReynolds of New York and Major McVey, of Chester County, Pennsylvania. The editors criticize McVey's speech as partisan, and he apparently imputed the bravery of the community.

Captured
(Column 1)

Summary: A number of citizens left Chambersburg last week for Hagerstown, thinking that there would be a battle here. The Confederates captured a number of them and sent them to Richmond on the grounds that they were spies. Among the captured were Dr. James Hamilton, L. W. Tritle and George Kauffman (several other names are listed but are obscured by a tear in the paper).
(Names in announcement: L. W. Tritle, Dr. James Hamilton, George Kauffman)

Appointment
(Column 1)

Summary: A doctor in Chambersburg (whose name is obscured by a rip in the paper) has been appointed Assistant Surgeon and assigned to the 20th Regiment State Militia.

Brave Cavalry Dash
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors relate the capture of a party of Confederate cavalry in Greencastle by a squad of Federal cavalry.

"The Franklin Repository"
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors note the publication of the Franklin Repository, the product of the purchase by Col. A. K. McClure and Henry S. Stoner of the Repository and Transcript, and the Dispatch.
(Names in announcement: Col. A. K. McClure, Henry S. Stoner)

Dirt and Filth
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors report that the streets of the town need a good cleaning after their occupation by the Confederates.

Full Text of Article:

The rebels left us a large inheritance of dirt and filth, on their departure from this place. They had taken possession of the Court House and Franklin Hall, and left dirt to the depth of one or two inches on their floors. They had quartered some of their horses and troops in the streets and on our pavements, and the stench they left behind was almost unbearable. Lime was liberally sprinkled around, and the heavy rains of the last few days have partially restored our wonted state of cleanliness. It would not be a bad idea to have the streets scraped as soon as practicable.

Copperhead Heroism
(Column 2)

Summary: The editors report an anecdote that when a Confederate requested of a female resident an axe with which to cut down the liberty pole in the Diamond, she refused, even when the soldier threatened her with his pistol. That woman, note the editors, "is one of the most 'malignant copperheads' in town."

An Act of Vandalism
(Column 2)

Summary: During the Confederate occupation, several Confederate soldiers broke into the Columbus Lodge of Odd Fellows, cut to pieces the regalia, and "mutilated everything they could lay their hands upon."

Card of Thanks
(Column 2)

Summary: The members of Company C of the "First Coal" or 4th Regiment Pennsylvania Militia write to thank Mrs. Maria Eyster of Chambersburg for the breakfast she furnished them, free of charge.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Maria Eyster)

Soldier Killed
(Column 2)

Summary: During an altercation Thursday evening between two members of the 1st NY Cavalry, one of the combatants was stabbed and died almost immediately. Dr. Richards was called in but found the man dying when he arrived. The other party was arrested by military authorities.
(Names in announcement: Dr. Richards)

Presentation
(Column 2)

Summary: The 56th Reg't NY Guards were presented with a "magnificent stand of colors" by several gentlemen connected with the Brooklyn Navy Yard, who came to Chambersburg for expressly that purpose.

The Telegraph
(Column 2)

Summary: The telegraph between Chambersburg and Loudon has been reconstructed, under the supervision of W. Blair Gilmore. Communication with Pittsburgh was established last Saturday. Work is also being done on the line between Chambersburg and Carlisle, "so that during the present week we will again be in telegraphic communication with the civilized world."
(Names in announcement: W. Blair Gilmore)

Provost Marshal
(Column 2)

Summary: General Couch appointed Lieutenant Palmer Provost Marshal for the area. The editors have confidence that "he will do his utmost to preserve peace and order in the community."
(Names in announcement: Lieut. Palmer)

The Latest News
(Column 3)

Summary: A report on the cavalry engagement near Funkstown and Boonsboro.

Origin of Article: Baltimore American

Republican Convention
(Column 3)

Summary: The Republican State Convention has been postponed until August 5. The writer suggests that, if they are sincere about their condemnations of partisanship, they should show a unified vote for Woodward for Governor.

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: Wilhelm Appel, son of Barbara and Johannes Appel, died on July 11 near Grindstone Hill, aged 1 year, 7 months and 8 days.
(Names in announcement: Barbara Appel, Wilhelm Appel, Johannes Appel)

General Orders
(Column 4)

Summary: By order from the Dept. of the Susquehanna, all U.S. Government property captured from the Confederates now in the hands of private citizens is to be turned in to the Provost Marshal.
(Names in announcement: Capt. J. N. Potter)