Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1863-05-07

EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Harrisburg. April l5, l863.l
To the Senate and House Of Representatives of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
GENTLEMEN:-In taking leave of you at the
close of the session, think it proper under
existing circumstances, 10 60 beyond the usual
formalites
The partiality of my fellow citizens placed
me in the Office which | now hold, at a period
of great public distraction, which soon culmi-
mated in the breaking out of the rebellion,
which is still raging The country had so long
slumbered in unbrokcn tranquility that we had
in this State almost forgotten the possibility
OF any violation of our domestic peace. Even
ou; militia laws had been suffered to fall into
disnse, aud were reduced to merely permis.
siye organization of few uniformed volunteer
companies in various parts of the State The
whole mind of our people was directed to
peaceful and industrious pursuits. Conscious
themselves of no intention to injure the rights
or interests of others, or in any wa y to violate
the Constitution under which We had thriven,
they were unabIe to realize the designs of
wicked and abandoned men, even after they
had been publicly and boastingly proclaimed
Although for many mouths war had been &C.
tually levied against the United States in
South Carolina and elsewhere, it is G fact that
the people of this Commonwealth were first
startled into a seuse of the common danger by
the bOmbardment Of Fort Sumter The Leg
islature was then 10 session aud Immediately
made such provision as was at that moment
deemed necessary; but, shortly after its ad,
jourument, events having rapidly advanced,
a0d the Capita! of the country being in appa-
rent danger, deemed it nect sSary to convene
it again early in May, 1861, to adopt meas
ures for placing the State on footing ade-
quate TO the emergency. This was promptly
and cheerfully done. Five huudred thousand
$500, ,000) dollars had been appropriated al
the regular session for military purposes. and
to that sum was then added authority to bor-
row three millions Of dollars ($3 900, 900.
This loan, notwithstanding the depressed f.
nances of the country, and the alarm and dis.
trust then prevailing, was promptly taken by
our own citizens at par; aud, and at the sug-
gestion of the Executive, laws were passed for
organizing our military forces, an1 especially
for Immediately raising and supporting, at the
expense Of the State, body of fifteen thous-
and men, called the Reserve Corps, 20 be
ready for Immediate service when required.
The Government Of the United States lad
called out seventy-fre thousand militia to
serve for three months, of which the quota of
Pennsylvania was Immediately furnished.
The Reserve Corps was raised, equipped and
disciplined by the State, and contributed
largely, under Providence, in saving Washing
ton after that first disaster at Bull Run, and
from that time we continued TO add regiment
after regiment as the services Of the country
required.
From the first movement to the present
hour, the loyalty and indomitable spirit Of the
freemen of Pennsylvania have been exhibited
in every way and on every occasion they
have focked to the standard of their country
in her hour Of peril, aud have borne it yicto.
rously on battle fields from Maryland, Fr-
ginia and Kentucky to the far South and
Southwest ; they have never filtered for a
moment. 1t has been my pride to occupy
position which enabled me to become familiar
with all their patriotism and self lfdevGtion, and
to guide their effotts. PoSterity will do them
full justice. Every requistior of the General
Government has been promptly fulfilled all
legislation in support of the cauae has been
enacted without delay, and Pennsy ylyauia is en-
titled to be ranked first among he States that
termination to subdue the sacrIigious wretch
es who are endeavoring to destroy the last
Temple of Liberty.
The State has not been insensble to the
sacrifices which her sons have made No ef-
fort has been spared by her authorities to Sc
cure their comfort and welfare Uuder legis.
Iative provisions to that effect, her sick and
wounded have been followed and cared for,
and, when practicable brought home to be
nursed by their friends and the bodies of the
slaiu, when possible, have been returned for
burial in the soil of the State. The contribu
tions of her citizens, in supplies Of luxuries and
comforts, for all of her volunteers, have been
almost bonndleSs, and nothing has been omit
ted that could encourage and stimulate them
ia the performance Of their holy duty. They
have felt upon every march and in every camp,
however desoate their immediate surround
ings that the eyes and hearts of the loved
ones at home were upon aud with them.
The result is that Pennsylvania is actually
in a position on which it is my duty to con-
gre tulate you. as her representative. Not
withstanding the immense drain of her popu'
lation, her industry is thriving at home, and
so far as it may not be hurt by causes over
which she has no control must continue to
prosper. Her finances were never in a more
healthy condition-her people were never in
better heart.
That the labors, anxieties and responsible
ties of her Executive have been great and bar
RAISING, need not say. | have given to them
my nights and days, with. trust, single eye
to the public welfare. claim no special mer-
it in this. | would have been unworthy to be
called a man had done otherwise. If am
proud of the result, it is that | am proud of
the people who have effected it. TO be called
freeman of Pennsylvania is henceforth TO
have a title of honor wherever loyalty, patr-
otism and the martial virtues are cherished.
1t is to be observed, moreover. that the labors