The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1863-04-29

GENTLEMEN In taking leave of you
at the close of the session, [ think it
proper, under existing circumstances, to
90 beyond the usual formalities
The partiality of my fellow citizens
placed me in the Office which now hold,
at period of great public distraction,
which socn culminated in the breaking
out of the Rebellion, which is still raging
The country has SO long slumbered IL
unbroken tranquility, that we had in this
State almost forgotten the possibility OF
any violation of our domestic peace
Even our militia laws lad been suffered
to fall into disuse, and were reduced to a
merely permissive 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 them
selves of no intention to iDjure the nights
or Interests of others, or ia any way to
violate the Constitution under which VI.
had tLriren, they were unable to realize
the designs of wicked and abandoned
men, even after they had been publicly
and boastingly proclaimed
Although for many months war had
been actually levied against the United
States, in South Carolina and elsewhere,
it is fact that the people of this Com
monwealth were first startled into sense
of the common danger by the lombard
ment of Fort Sumter TIE Legislature
was then in session, and Immediately made
such provision as was at the moment
deemed necessary. But, shortly after
its adjournment, events having rapidly
advanced, and the Capitol of the country
being in apparent danger, | deemed it nee
essary to convene it again early in May,
1861, to adopt measures for placing the
State on footing adequate to the emer-
gency. This was promptly and cheerfully
done. Five hundred thousand dollars
had been appropriated at the regular ses
sion for military purposes, and to that
tean was then added authority TO borrow
three millions of dollars. This loan, not
withstanding the depressed condition of
the finances of the country, and the alarm
aud distrust then prevailing, was prompt
y taken by our own citizens, at par aud,
at the suggestion of the Executive, laws
were passed for organizing our military
forces, and especially for Immediately
raising and supporting at the expense of
the State body of fifteen thousand men,
called the Reserve Corps, to be ready for
immediate service when required. The
Government of the United States had
called out seventy five thousand militia to
serve for three months, of which the quo
ia of Pennsylvania was Immediately fur
nished The Reserve Corps was raised,
equipped and disciplined by the State,
aud, Contributed largely under Providence
in saving Washington after the first dis
aster at Bull Run, and from that time,
We continued to add regiment after reg
iment as the service of the country re-
qulred.
From the first movement until the
present hour, the loyalty and indomitable
spirit of the freemen of Pennsylvania have
been exhibited in every way on everyyoc-
casion; they have focked to the stand
ard of their country in her hour of peril,
aud have borne it victoriously on battle
fields from Maryland, Virginia and Ken
tucky to the far South and Southwest
they have never fatered for a momeut
1t has been my pride to occupy position
which enabled me to become familiar with
all their patriotism aud self devotion, and
20 guide their efforts Posterity will do
them full justice. Every reouisition of
the General Government has been prompt
ly fulfilled all Legislation in support of
the cause has been enacted without delay;
aud Pennsylvania is entitled to be ranked
first amongst the States that have been
throughout unainching in their determi-
nation to subdue the sacriligious wretches
who are endeavoring to destroy the last
Temple of Liberty.
The State has not been insensibe to
the sacrifices which her sons have made
No effort has been spared by her author
ities to sec1re their comfort and welfare
Under legislative 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 slain, when
possible. have been returned for burial il
the soil of the State The contributions
of her citizens, in supplies of Injuries and
comforts, for all her volunteers, have been
almost boundless, and nothing has been
omitted that could encourage and stimu-
late them in the performance of their holy
duty. They have felt upon every march
and in every camp, however desolate their
immediate surroundings, that the eyes
and hearts of the loved ones at home were
upon and with them.
The result is, that Pennsylvania is act.
nallv In a nnsitinn ON which Ii Is INV dntv