American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1864-01-13

OF tne operations Wnlcn enSued, would De
impracticabe within the limits of a mes
sage. 1t is unnecessary to do SO, as | have
recommended the adoption oflneasures for
preserving the history of our several regi-
mehts and other organizations, and in that
history to which have referred will be
recorded. 1t is due, however, to the men
who came forward, that | should say now
that they made long and laborious march
es in parts of this and other States which
had been plundered by the rebels, suffer
ed great privations, and were frequently IN
conflict, with the enemy, and on all occa-
sions acted in obedience to military disci-
pline and orders, and withcouragdNhd en-
durance.
Some of the militia called in 1862, and
in 1868, were killed and others disabled.
In all these cases, where there are no laws
for the relief of these men or their fami-
lies. recommend the enactment of a law
for that purpose. The campaign on our
soil was closed by the victory of Gettys-
burg, gained by the veteaan Army of the
Potomac, under the command of Major
General Meade, the officers and men of
which displayed all their accustomed val
or and endurance in the conflict, and in
the forced and rapid marches which i'm
mediately preceded it.
OUR DEBT TO GEMS. MEADE A ND REY-
NoLDs.
Under Divine Providence, to them and
to the military genius and unsurpassed en-
ergy of Gen. Meade, and the promptness
and self sacrificing gallantry of Gen. Rey
nolds, we are indebted for success on that
bloody field We are proud to claim Gen
erals Meade and Reynolds as sons Of our
own Pennsylvania.
The first lives to enjoy the most precious
! of all rewards, the greatlul appreciation
of his countryimen. The latter fell in the
very front of the battle, and we can only
pay homage to his memory. Whatever
honors have been at any Jimc devised to
commemorate the virtues ofa patriot-of
a true, fearless, loyal citizenand soldier, he
has abundantly deserved.
His surviving companions in arms claim
the right, of themselves erecting a monu-
ment to him on the field on which ne fell;
and it would not be well to interfere with
their pious intention But ] hope that
the Legislature will place upon therecords
of the State appropriate testimony OF
the public gratitude to him and hts suryiy-
inc commander.
1t would be unjust to omit referring
again to the loyal spirit ofour people, which
has been evinccd in every mode since this
war commenced. Not only have they sent
277 400 men for the general and special
service for the Government, and support
ed with cheerfulness the burdens of taxa
ton, but our storehouses and depots have
lite?ali overaowed with comforts and
necessaries spontaneously contributed By
them, under the active care of thousands
of our women faithful unto death) for
the sick and wounded and prisoners, as
well as for our. armies in the field. Their
patriotic benevolence seems to be mex
haustible. To every new call the responss
becomes more and more liberal.
SUPPLIES TO RICHMOND PRISONERS.
When intelligence was received of the
barbarian starvation Of our prisoners III
Richmond, the garners of the whole State
were instantly thrown open, and before
any similar movement had been made else
where, was already employed on behalf
of our people in their efforts to secure the
admission through the rebel lines of the
abundant supplies provided for the relief
of our suffering brethren. Those Of our
citizens who have fallen into the habit Of
disparaging our great Commonwealth and
the unsurpassed efforts of her people,
should blush when they look on this pic
ture
TIE REBELLION MUST BE CRUSHED.
That this unnatural rebellion may be
speedily and effectually crushed, we lie
all-under the obligation of the one par
: amount duty-that of vigorously support
ING the Government in its measures to that
end. TO the full extent Of my official and
individual ability it shall be supported,
and | rely heartily on your cooperation
/ am ready for all proper measures to
: strengthen its arm-to encourage its up,
holders-to stimulate by public liberality
to themselves and their families, the men
who give it to their personal service-in
every mode to invigorate its action. We
are fighting the great battle of GoD-oi
truth-of right-of liberty.
The Almighty has no attribute that car
favor our savage and degenerate enemies
No people can submit to territorial dismem
I berment without becoming contemplate
+ in its own eyes and in those Of the world
But it is not only against territorial dis
+, memberment that we are struggling, but
: against the destruction Of the very ground
: work of our whole political system. The
ultimate question truly at issue is the pos
: sibility of the permanent existence OF I
= powerful Republic. That is the question
to be now solved, and by the blessing O
God we mean that it shall not be our faul
: if it be not solved favorbly.
: We have during the past year, made
s mighty strides towards such solution
o and to all human appearance we approach
+ its completion But whatever reverse
: may yhappen-whatever blood and treasur
: may still be required-whatever sacrifice
may be necesssary-thcre will remain tn
! inexorable determination of our people t
IT fghtout this thing to the end-to preserv