The Spectator, March 17, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
In these times, when that desolating moral simoom, a spirit of exhorbitant speculation, has converted society into a vast Sahara, by withering the flowers of benevolence and drying up the fountains of charity, it affords us much pleasure to be enabled to state that there are yet remaining a few oases to redeem the scene from total desolation, and to inspire the hope that there are yet enough good men living to save our country from the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. We have the pleasure to announce that there is at least one man in this county, and we hope there are many more, who furnishes supplies to the families of the soldiers at the following rates:
Bacon at 12 1-2 cents per lb; butter at 25 cents per lb; corn at 75 cents per bushel, and other things, upon the same principle, and in similar proportions. The market price in his neighborhood for these articles is as follows; Bacon, $1.00 per lb.; butter, $1.00 per lb, and corn, $3.00 per bushel. This citizen will be surprised and possibly shocked by seeing his name in this connection given to the public, but as we give it that others may be induced, by his example, to "go and do likewise," we hope he will pardon us for giving publicity to his name. We allude to Mr. Solomon Miller, who resides near Hermitage in this county. He belongs to the army of "Home soldiers," and, both as a patriot and christian, is "fighting the good fight," and will reap the patriot's and christian's reward. Let others follow this noble example, whilst speculators and extortioners, if they have any sensibility, will, with crimson blushes, hang their heads in shame. They should remember that their ill-gotten gains will never profit them nor their children. We commend to the consideration of this despicable class the 11th verse of the 17th chapter of the prophet Jeremiah, which reads as follows:
"As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not, so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool."
Summary: Reprint of letter from Honorable John B. Baldwin to Honorable James A. Seddon, Secretary of War and of reply from J. A. Campbell, on behalf of Seddon, on the issue of impressment. Baldwin complains about the "repeated seizures of private property" in his district and argues that the acts have no legal basis. Further, he calls for just compensation. Campbell's reply states that the War Department does not deem a discussion of the legality of impressments or of just compensations important, in light of "the extraordinary and anamolous [sic] conditions that now exist." He hopes Congress will address the situation.
Staunton Spectator – April 7, 1863
Summary: Writer address complaints of civil liberties violations such as impressment of goods as a necessary wartime measure to counteract the avarice of exploiters and speculators who would starve the army with their greed.
The Spectator, August 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 2
To whom much is given, of them will much be expected of those who possess an abundance of this world's goods. Those who have the means should relieve the wants of the poor. The very high prices of the necessaries of life make it impossible for many to procure them honestly unless aided by the contributions of those who are more fortunate. Those who have the means, and particularly those who have made money since the war commenced, should contribute liberally and generously to the support of the needy. This is the first duty of the property-holder. The second is, to be willing to take the lead in meeting the invaders of our country. If the enemy waged war against our liberties only, then all would be equally interested in defeating them, for liberty is as valuable to the poor man as to the wealthy, and is as highly prized by him; but as the enemy are also making war against property as well as liberty, the property-holder is more interested in the result of the struggle than the man who has no property to lose, and should be willing, therefore, to take the lead in any enterprise which has for its object the protection of our liberties and property.--There are some property-holders so intent upon greater accumulations that they cease to have a single patriotic sentiment, and there are some poor men who have suffered their prejudices against such characters to blind them to their duties as patriots, and have resolved not to strike a blow till they see such Shylocks in the army. Both have duties to their country to perform, and the remissness of the one is not a justifiable excuse for the other. The property-holder should take the lead, and say: "Come on, boys."
The Spectator, August 25, 1863, p. 2, c. 5
The Tax in Kind.--It is well known to all that our Congress, at its last session, levied a tax in kind on the products of the earth. It is the duty of our planters to pay this tithe, upon such crops as has been gathered in, at the very earliest opportunity. Our armies are now needing the provisions which these tithes will furnish, and ought not to be deprived of them a moment longer than is sufficient to get them to some depot where they can be shipped to the order of the Government. Besides, a prompt compliance with the provisions of the law will save the Government much expense and trouble. We say to all who have a "tax in kind" to pay, do your duty patriotically--at once, with the least possible delay. Do not wait to be called upon and forced to do it.
Summary: Describes the suffering of the South's poor and criticizes those who "grind the faces of the poor" in pursuit of profits. The article recommends the enactment of a tax on the wealthy that will provide for the maintenance of the poor in their midst. There is an additional post script that announces that the Town Council has enacted the desired measure.