Richmond Dispatch,
April 25, 1861
Town more quiet — Making tents — New Company — Drilling every night — Suspension of papers — Messenger from Harper’s Ferry — Arrest of a suspicious character, &c.
Staunton, April 21.
Our mountain town is more quiet since the leaving of the various volunteer companies of which I wrote you. But the enthusiasm among the people is on the increase. Another volunteer company, making the fourth volunteer company of the place, is now being raised by Col. John L. Peyton, who will drill them a la Zouave. Our armory is used every night now for drilling purposes, and our militia seem determined to have whatever benefit there may be in good training. These drills are really pleasant re-unions, and an amount of good fellowship prevails that is unusual any where in times of ‘”piping peace.”’ Set that down as one of the benefits of war,
One of our town papers (the Vindicator) is suspended, the hands being ‘”off to the war.”’ I learn that the Spectator is likely to suspend from a similar cause.
One of our town papers (the Vindicator) is suspended, the hands being ‘”off to the war.”’ I learn that the Spectator is likely to suspend from a similar cause.
I wrote you of the young ladies making bandages and lint. The ladies at large are now about engaging in the manufacture of tents and clothing for the new companies.—Our two regular volunteer companies were well provided by the ladies with tents some months ago. How to make a tent was the question. After some inquiries, a Prussian was found who had been in the European wars all his life, and was perfectly as fait.—The model made by him will be erected on the Court green to-morrow, that being County Court day, and an effort will be made to get a handsome appropriation from the Court. Citizens have already subscribed liberally.—R. H. Phillips, Esq., is a leading man in all these matters.
It is reported that one or more of our ministers will go as Chaplains, or otherwise. But to-day our churches were open as usual, and crowds improved the beautiful day to attend. Where I worshiped, the people seemed unusually solemn and tender in view of the state of things, and especially of the places made vacant by those off at Harper’s Ferry, or perhaps engaged in deadly conflict at Washington or Baltimore. During the hour of service, Mr. Points, of this town, a special messenger from Harper’s Ferry, arrived in town with sealed orders, and bringing letters from our soldiers. It looked like war times indeed, to see these letters delivered during sermon. Answers had to be ready by 2 o’clock, when the messenger would start back. He left Winchester at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon, drove all night, pressed three horses en route, also a buggy, his own breaking down. By-the-way, pressing a horse has now become common in this region. Mr. Points says they have two thousand of the best arms, and that some twenty thousand were burnt by the Federal troops. He says the country between this and Winchester is alive with soldiers.
As I came from church this morning, I witnessed the arrest of a suspicious character, who had been tampering with negroes, and said he was going to Lincoln. He is in jail. All such persons, their guilt being established, should be unceremoniously swung up as examples.
Notice was given in all the churches to-day, requesting each family to observe from 6 to 7 A. M., as a season of special prayer. This was adopted as preferable to a daily union prayer meeting, which was first proposed. Our people at large will be ready to fight. O, let them not forget to pray. How precious and appropriate are some of the Psalms now!
I met yesterday a prominent citizen of Richmond who had brought his family to this town as to a place of safety. He said many ladies were coming here soon from lower Virginia. This may be a peculiarly safe place. I believe it is as safe as any. But Gen. Kenton Harper, of this county, months ago expressed the opinion that from Winchester to Staunton would be one of the battle-grounds. However this may be, when I go, I shall leave my family here.
It has been suggested to move the works at Harper’s Ferry and the Virginia workmen there, to some safe place beyond this — say Clifton Forge — and go right on manufacturing arms. I commend this to his Excellency, who knows all about it. Arms will now be a great want. By-the-way, we are all proud of our Governor now.
Subscriber.
P. S.—Since the above was written, another messenger has arrived from Harper’s Ferry. The troops are expecting an attack from Ohio men. These men tried to take the cars at Wheeling, but were not allowed to do so. They then went to Pittsburgh. Our men at Harper’s Ferry are ready for them.