April 26, 1861, Staunton, Va.
A Solemn Duty.
The remarkable course of the last Spectator in endeavoring at this time to interweave party with the terrible civil war that is now convulsing the country, and attempting to establish that it proves the correctness of the policy of the “Union” party cannot fail to attract the attention of the public. At a time when the people should be warned to prepare to defend their households from the aggressive steps of a perfidious foe, the majesty and sacredness of the occasion is insulted by covertly directing its efforts to the resurrection of its old party. The brief, yet significant allusion to “taxes” etc., shows that the wiry genius who wrote that remarkable letter on the subject of “taxes,” during the Convention canvass, is still cherishing the hope of rescuing himself from the consuming wrath of a deceived people and being restored to their forfeited confidence.
Indeed, throughout the columns of the last Spectator, there pervades a persistent purpose to give vitality to party irrespective of the momentous events that are startling the hearts of the people. While the leaders and file of the Democracy are daring the canon’s mouth, or giving efficiency to the energies of the State in her grand and glorious efforts to defend her honor, it would seem that some of the Union men have no higher sins than to grovel in the ignoble work of county politics. Instead of casting bullets for the defense of their firesides, they are more intensely engaged in ascertaining for whom the votes of the people may be cast. We will not give expression to our feelings at such conduct. We pray that the people will turn away from such considerations to the solemn and terrible thought that their homes may be invaded by a ruthless enemy, and to prepare for any emergency. Be true to thyself, and then it will follow as the night the day, thou canst not be untrue to another.
Virginia One of the Confederate States
Very Latest by Telegraph.
A telegram was received last (Thursday) night, bringing us the glorious tidings that Virginia had formed an alliance with the Southern Confederacy.
Home Guard.
We attended the drill of the Home Guard, Capt. W.P. Tate, on Tuesday night last. We were impressed with the character of the men of which it is composed. Numbering two hundred, who constitute the substantial manhood of the community, some of them the oldest, we could not but think that if such men were ready to shoulder the musket in the cause of the State, that we, as a people, were truly invincible. Could Old Abe, in his mind’s eye, have taken a glance into Armory Hall last Tuesday night, he might have learned a lesson, and that if somebody was not yet hurt, somebody might be in a very short time.
The officers of the Guard are
Wm. P. Tate, Captain,
John N. Hendren, 1st Lt.
David S. Young, 2d.
Nicho. K. Trout, 3d.
Benj. F. Points, 4th.
E.M. Cushing, Orderly Sergeant.
Augusta Riflemen.
Capt. Asher W. Harman has now nearly equipped his fine company of Mounted Riflemen, numbering about 100 men. This will be one of the finest in the State, and if opportunity presents, laurels will be won, for the dashing, intrepid, fearless character of the captain will always lead to where the conflict is fiercest.
Since the above was written, Capt. Harman’s company has appeared in full dress parade, presenting an attractive and truly soldierly appearance. The soldiers themselves are not only Augusta men, but the cloth from which their uniforms were made was manufactured at the Wollen Factory of Messrs. Crawford & Co. at this place. The County Court made an appropriation of $3,000 to equip the company, but the actual cost will not amount to more than from $300 to $500. Such an example of economy is worthy of imitation. Augusta can well trust such with her credit and her honor.