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Valley Spirit: May 25, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Extracts of a Speech Delivered in the US Senate by Senator Powell, of Kentucky
(Column 1)

Summary: Condemns Republicans in power for suppressing free speech in the Senate.

The New State Tax Law
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Summary: Provides abstract of a new tax law that will affect transportation and manufacturing companies.

General McClellan Defended by a Republican
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Summary: Applauds an attempt by a Republican newspaper in Vermont to defend General McClellan against accusations of disloyalty by other Republican papers.

Best Potatoes to Raise for Market
(Column 1)

Summary: Describes the type of potatoes that will command the highest prices in the market.

The Union as it Was
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Summary: Acknowledges that a latent hostility toward the old Union has emerged in the free states. Suggests that the Constitution as it is written is inadequate for the present time for many reasons, including its acceptance of slavery.

No Government
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Summary: Supports General Grant's decision to cut off communication with the government in Washington once he began his march toward Richmond.

Wendell Phillips
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Summary: Notes that Wendell Phillips spoke to abolitionists in Boston recently with a "saddle colored female" next to him on stage.

Army Correspondence
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Summary: A member of Company B, 2nd Pennsylvania Artillery, describes Fort Marcy, where some Franklin County men are stationed, and describes the officers who are leading their company.
(Names in announcement: Col. A. A. Gibson, Captain Barney, Lieut. Guisinger, First Sergeant Gayette, Corporal Beidel)

Full Text of Article:

Fort Marcy, Va., May 13, 1864.

Editors of the Valley Spirit:

Gentlemen:--A few weeks ago I became a member of Battery (Company) B, of the 2d Penna. Artillery. Soon after I was ushered among the boys I ascertained that the Battery was partly composed of Franklin county men, with whom I had no difficulty in associating, from the fact that they are, generally, as well as a majority of the rest of the Battery respectable, sociable and unassuming men.

In connection with the many newspapers that are received here I see the Valley Spirit is a regular visitor to some of the boys. Its contents are read and its doctrine approved by a number of the members of Battery B. At the option of the Editors I will endeavor to give the readers of the Spirit a few items of information which may be of interest to them.

Fort Marcy, which we at present garrison, is situated on the Virginia side, about one-fourth mile from the banks of the Potomac river, in close proximity with the large fort Ethan Allen and about five miles from the National Capital. It is beautifully located on the summit of a hill, a little more elevated than the many surrounding knolls; affording therefore a splendid view of the surrounded devastated and war blighted country. From the parapet of the fort can be seen the waters of the famous river Potomac as they noiselessly approach in the distance, when they rapidly pass by tossing, foaming and furiously splashing as they roll over uneven rocks, and until they again, some miles below, assume the calmness so peculiar to this element when undisturbed.

The fort mounts twenty-two guns ranging in different directions which from their elevated position can be turned upon an object at a great distance. These guns are manned by the members of Batteries B. C. and M., the rest of the regiment being at fort Ethan Allen. From the condition of the fort and guns and being manned by troops well versed in artillery, as well as infantry tactics, as the men of these respective Batteries are, I have not the least hesitancy in saying that an approaching enemy would be severely dealt with.

Our officers deserve much credit for the careful attention they pay to properly drilling and providing for their men. Col. A. A. Gibson, commanding the regiment, is highly deserving of the popularity which he has gained for himself and is well qualified for the high position he holds. He is reasonably indulgent and kind to his men, but necessarily stern and resolute in the enforcement of that discipline so indispensable to the efficiency of military organizations.

Capt. Barney, late commander of Battery B, having been favored with the colonelcy of the new regiment formed out of the excess of men enlisted for the 2d artillery, the Battery is now under command of Lieut. Guisinger. He is a man of noble qualities--unassuming and in every way gentlemanly. An old adage and frequently expressed, says, "We all have our enemies," but I must say this for Lieut. Guisinger, that I do not believe he has one enemy among the men under his command. All seem to entertain the greatest respect and kindest regard for him, of which his conduct makes him highly deserving.

Our orderly or first Sergeant, Mr Gayette, is by birth a Frenchman. Men are few in number who are so well calculated to fill the important position of Orderly Sergeant in a military company. His military qualification and his energy in the discharge of his duties qualify him for a higher position.

I am under obligations to Corporal Beldel from Chambersburg for the patience, and interest he has manifested in teaching me military tactics and "how to shoot." The Franklin county men are generally well and in good spirits over the late war news, all hoping that in a year hence the war will be over and they can again enjoy the blessing of peace in their homes in old Franklin.

RAW RECRUIT.

Trailer: Raw Recruit

Important to Those Liable to Draft
(Column 5)

Summary: Urges readers to help submit names of all the men who will be eligible for the next draft.

The Draft
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Summary: The Provost Marshal of this district, Captain George Eyster, announces that the draft will take place on April 30.
(Names in announcement: Captain George Eyster)

Court Proceedings
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Summary: Notes that a special term of the Court of Common Pleas commenced last Monday with Judges Nill and Graham presiding.
(Names in announcement: Judge Nill, Judge Graham)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On May 12, Rev. J. Buckley married George Briggs and Mary A. Hetser at the residence of H. McConnell, Sr.
(Names in announcement: Rev. J. Buckley, H. McConnellSr., George Briggs, Mary A. Hetser)

Married
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Summary: On May 25, Rev. Mr. Apple married J. Clinton Gordon and Mary Henerberger.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Mr. Apple, J. Clinton Gordon, Mary Henerberger)

Married
(Column 4)

Summary: On May 10, Rev. E. Breidenbaugh married William Shoemaker and Mary Wallace at the Franklin Hotel.
(Names in announcement: Rev. E. Breidenbaugh, William Shoemaker, Mary Wallace)

Married
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Summary: Rev. E. Breidenbaugh married George W. Collier, U.S.M.C., of Washington City, and Ann E. Michael on May 18.
(Names in announcement: Rev. E. Breidenbaugh, George W. CollierU.S.M.C., Ann E. Michael)

Married
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Summary: Rev. E. Breidenbaugh married Samuel E. Williamson, of Virginia, and Sarah C. Lute on May 19 at the Lutheran Parsonage in Greencastle.
(Names in announcement: Rev. E. Breidenbaugh, Samuel E. Williamson, Sarah C. Lute)

Died
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Summary: Joseph Negly died on May 13 at age 82.
(Names in announcement: Joseph Negly)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: William Augustus Harbaugh, son of Frederick and Catharine Harbaugh, died on May 12 at age 1 year, 4 months.
(Names in announcement: William Augustus Harbaugh, Frederick Harbaugh, Catharine Harbaugh)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On April 26 in Mont Alto, Maria Fitzhugh died of spotted fever.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Maria Fitzhugh)

Died
(Column 4)

Summary: On May 17, Hannah Fitzgerald died at age 75.
(Names in announcement: Hannah Fitzgerald)

Latest Telegraphic News!
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Summary: Series of dispatches from Washington and Virginia indicate that the Army of the Potomac is making progress in its movement toward Richmond.