20 Oct 1864
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 24 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Athens Messenger
Location
Athens, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Oct 20, 1864
Page
1
A softly spoken tribute describes lifting a fallen hero with care. The scene notes the wound that caused his death and places his cap over his brow. The account preserves the grave stillness as mourners cover his eyes and shield the light.
A Civil War letter from Harrisonburg Virginia dated September 29 1864 recounts Gen Crooks and Sheridan forces winning at Winchester and Strasburg. It notes capturing 16 artillery pieces and numerous prisoners, rapid pursuit of the rebels, and reports on rations and movements toward Port Republic with rumors of Gen Early being superseded.
A correspondence from Captain Combs’ and Casson’s companies and Co. E of the 174th Ohio Infantry describes consolidation with the 180th, marching from Camp Chase on Sept 23, arrival in Louisville and Nashville, and encampment near Fortress Rosecrans. The writer notes health, heavy guard duty, Forest’s proximity, experienced field officers, and anticipation of Athens county mail and votes for the Union cause. Abe and Andy are mentioned as doing well.
Extract from Alexander H. Stephens 1861 Secession Convention speech arguing against secession. He warns of war’s desolation, questions Northern wrongs, and defends the South’s political gains and dominance in government branches while urging reconsideration of the act to break the Union.
A Civil War letter from A. H. Wiypsor laments irregular mail from home despite ongoing campaigns. He notes trains bring forage and rations, but letters are scarce, urging better postal delivery while remaining confident in final victory in the valley.
A Victorian reflection argues leisure harms the soul. It warns that excess leisure breeds restlessness and unhappiness while urging purposeful toil as a shield against dullcare. The essay contrasts the savor of leisure with its enervating effect on character.
A Reconstruction era church sermon delivered in verse mocks wartime politics. The text targets Union generals Sherman Hood and Lee, Abolitionists, and politicians, with fighting imagery and social grievance voiced by Pastor Perroteem V. Nasey.
A humorous anecdote follows Shoemaker Jim Jones living with his second wife noted as difficult and unlikeable. He laments losing his past wife when she died while friend Billy Benton quips about losing his last wife if the second wife dies.
The report states Gen. George B. McClellan has not yet submitted his resignation as Major-General, leaving his status unsettled and awaiting formal action.
Harper's Magazine explains the 7 3/10 percent national loan urging every citizen to invest from fifty dollars up. It argues Treasury notes are secure, highly liquid, and convertible into six percent gold bonds, with tax exemptions, offering higher real returns than private savings banks. It frames the loan as patriotic and beneficial for all savers including small investors.
Two elderly Stranraer women discuss the long war with France. One notes British victories and prayers before battles, the other questions French prayers. The exchange ends with a humorous quip about understanding French prayers.
The speaker muses that Romeo would be cut into stars and bemoans the harm such talk would cause young women, suggesting they fear losing lovers in violent terms. The remark implies a harsh view of romance and danger in love.
Senator John Sherman of Ohio delivered a magnetic Sandusky speech praising Abraham Lincoln as patriotic, patient, and capable. He contrasted Lincoln with McClellan, lauding Lincoln’s leadership, diligence, and commitment to public welfare.
Campbell and McLean quarrel over ancient precedence with Campbell mockingly asking if the McLeans predate the flood and McLean retorting his clan had a boat of its own in Noah's ark as biblical jest heats the debate.
Major-General Sheridan ordered a regimental chaplain to hold services at headquarters. The hymn “Banty my God” began with fervor but as the verse neared completion orders to advance arrived. Reports say the enemy, hearing the hymn, finished the line about conquering grace.
A dialogue contrasts a physiologist who explains that hanging kills by stopping respiration and blood flow, with His Grace arguing a shorter rope prevents feet touching the ground. The exchange reflects contemporary debates on execution methods and their perceived mechanics.
An Hibernian is reproved by an officer for whistling in ranks as enemy fire starts. Pat quietly notes the whistling ball over the ravine and remarks about the whistle as the ball whizzes by.
A minister in the West asked a visiting lady her view on total depravity. She answered that it is a sound doctrine if people would truly live by it, implying ethical commitment governs theological belief.
Steunss pressed a debtor about settling a small bill. The debtor replied that the issue was not timing but money, underscoring the financial tension in a terse exchange.
A youth offered to kiss a Quakeress who refused to permit it for says she. He insists and she consents to a single kiss but warns him not to make it a habit. The exchange reflects Quaker modesty and strict conduct.
A witty exchange between a wealthy barrister and Curran questions the role of wealth in legal qualification. The barrister quips no one should join the bar without independent landed property, and Curran replies with a playful dig about how many acres constitute a wise acre.
Cautionary note on public conflict as leaders pursue war while factions fail to peer into their own motives and moral lines. The text contrasts outward action with inward scrutiny, implying hollow resolve. It suggests introspection is needed before engaging in broader hostilities.
The note praises General Suempdy for effectively sealing the back door to a contested area, signaling a secured entrance and reduced risk of intrusion. No additional context on dates or officials is provided.
General Hardee assumed command in Charleston South Carolina amid a swift, instantaneous transfer of authority. The move marks a rapid shift in control tied to ongoing military developments.
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