Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-05-23
THE BRADFORD VOLUNTEERS.

We notice that portion of the press of the
State is indulging in disparaging remarks con.
cerning the action of Bradford county, in fur
nishing Volunteers for the defence of our Coun-
try'S flag We notice particularly that those
papers which seemingly take the greatest pleas.
ure in this unwarranted defamation, are those
who needed the exhibition of public feeling to
develop their patriotism. Newspapers which
have provoked public Indignation, and been
threatened with the public wrath, for their
reasonable publications, are the most ready,
of course, TO find fault with others, for being
backward in answering the call for troops.
We shall not attempt to vindicate the pa
triotism aad courage of our people. 1t would
be sufficient answer to the ilI.natured and un
calledfor remarks INDUCED in by some of the
democratic papers, to point to the fact that
there are now in Camp Curtin fire Compcnacs
from Bradford ,imporing in vain to be accepted
for the war-that ether companies have been
organized here, and ready to march, which
have been disbaIded, because it was officially
announced that they would not be accepted
This County was not the first to tender aid
to the Government, we are free to admit, be-
cause It is strictly an agricultural county, and
we have no men idle or ont Of employment
When treason ripened into open war, we had
not single Military Company in the County
and very few men with military experience.
1t took some days for the news of the Rebellion
to penetrate the county thoroughly, and to ar
ouse the people to realize the supposed danger
to the Capital. A public meeting was called
foG the 23d Of April, which was one of the
largest and most enthusiastic gatherings ever
held in this county. Ga that day, three Com.
panies were enlisted, and organized, and the
next morning started for Harrisburg. At
Troy they were met with orders not to come
on, and staid there week, before they could
get permission to move towards Harrisburg
When started, they were met at Sunbury, with
orders to stop-but finally after another days
delay, succeeded in reaching Camp Curtin
The delays and vexations to which they were
subjected, would have discouraged and dispirit.
ed men less anxious to serve their country
Since then two other companies have gone on,
without waiting for orders, and the fire compa-
MES are now laying in Camp Curtin
The three companies organized 1t this place,
volunteered with the understanding that the
term of their service was to be three months.
After arriving at Camp Curtin, they ascertain
ed that they would not be accepted under the
three months requisition. A portion declin-
ed to volunteer for the three years time, and
returned home. We do not see that any par
ticular blame attaches 10 them, because when
they went away, they only made arrangements
for a three months absence Officers came
back, issued call for volunteers to Gil up the
Companies, and ia thirty six hours started back
with the desired number Of zen
We understand that we have already more
men at Harrisburg than the Military Author
tiles think Bradford should furnish, and more
than they have apportioned to her We in
sist that not a man shall be sent back. I'm
der the circumstances we have a right TO de.
mand that the five companies shall be accept
ed. For the bascst political purposes the cour-
age and patriotism Of this County have been
falsely assaied. While so many men here are
asking to be allowed TO serve their country, the
authorities have no right to allow our fair fame
to be tarnishsd. The prompt acceptance of
those already waiting to be mustered into SER
vice, is simple act of justice
We trust that those papers which desire to
do US justice will place us right before their
readers. We cannot expect anything from
those whose fmsy veil OF patriotism fails to
cloak the rancor Of partisan prejudices.
hT~ The Virrinia SacecSioniSts annareptlv