Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1864-08-17

| feW soldiers present, and hold the town a.
| gaInst 1t. 500 citizens of York, irrespec-
tive OF party, volunteered We're armed, and
went down to the Northern Central railroad
to guard the bridges or hold their town.
This is stated in order to show you that the
border citizens are beginning to realize
that by united action they have the strength
to protect themselves against an ordinary
raidlng party. Enclosed, | invite your at
tention 10 u letter addressed to the Govern
or, together with his endorsement upon the
subject OF forming special corps from the
SIX border counties most exposed, If TO-
900 men can thus be organized, its exis-
tence would be protection and give con-
fidence.
| am informed that the general sentiment
OF the people in question is in favor Of some
thing being done at once: and as a military
measure think it will be of essential ser
vice to the General Government, and re-
commend that the War Department en-
courage the movement by authorizing the
loan or issue Of uniforms, provided the law
in question is enacted
1t is believed that the new militia law of
this State viii p actically prove Of no value,
excepting that an enrolment will probably
be made
| am sir, Very respectfully, Your obedi-
ent servant, d. \. Couch
Major General Comd Dept
HEADQUARTERS, Dept SUsQUEHANNA,
HARRISBURG. Aug 1, 1864
A true copy respectfully furnished for the
information Of His Excellency Governor A
u. Curtin. JNo ;. SCnULTZE,
Assistant Adjutant General.
On the same day / approved in writing
of the propositions, and expressed my O.
pinion that the Legislature would pass an
act in accordance with it at its adjourned
session on the 23d Of August. ! am furn-
ished with an official copy Of the folio ing
rep Y, dated August g, 1864, to the propo-
sition of Gen. Couch. Copy
WAR DEPT, ATT GENERALS OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, ID. G., Aug. l, 1864. !
Major General d. \. Couch,
Commanding, &c, Harrisburg, Pa.
GEN Il have the honor to acknowledge
the receipt Of your letter Of the 22d Of July,
relative to the United States providing un-
iforms fora Special Corps OF militia from
certain border counties of Pennsylvania
In reply, | am directed TO inform you
that the subject has been carefully consider
ed by the Secretary of War, who cannot
sanction the issue Of the clothing in ques-
ton.
| am, General, Very respectfully, Your
obedient servant. THoMAs NJ VINCENT,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPT SUsQUEHANA,
HARRIsBURG, August 9th, 1894
4 true copy respectfully furnished for the
information of His Excellency, Governor
A. q. Curtin. JOHN :. SCHULTZE,
Assistant Adjutant General,
In each of the three years, 1862, 1868 and
=, II
State militia for the defence o. the State,
and this has been done with the assent
and assistance of the General Government.
From the want of organization, we have
been obliged to rely exclusively on the vol
unteer militia, and with few exceptions to
organize them anew for each occasion. This
has caused confusion and loss Of valuable
time, and has resulted in sending to the
field bodies Of men in a great measure I'M
disciplined. The militia bill passed at the
last session is | think for ordinary times the
best militia law we have ever had, but un-
der the existing extraordinary circumstances
1t seems to require notifications. | suggest
that the assessors be dnected to make an
immediate enrolment, classifying the mill
tia as may be thought best that the officers
be appointed by the Governor, on the re-
commendation, approved by him. of board
of examination, composed of three Major
Generals for each division. Of whom the
Major General Of the division shall be one,
the other two to be designated by the Gov
ernor, from adjoining divisions, or in such
other mode as the Legislature may think
fit that in all cases the officers shall be Sc
lected by preference from officers and men
who have been in service, and shall have
been honorably discharged by the United
States, and that efectual provision be made
for drafting the militia when required. The
accommodation in regard to appointments
Is made to avoid the angry dissensions, and,
too often, political jealousles which divide
military organizations by the election Of Off
GERS, and TO secure the services Of the most
deserving and competent men.
The election OF officers in the volunteer
forces in the field has been found to be inju
rious to the service, while promotions by Sc
niority, and appointments of meritorlous pri-
vares has produced harmony and stimulated
to faithfulness In the enllstments OF new
the plan adopted OF granting
authority to officers to recruit companies has
been found to be the best policy. | also
that the Governor be authorized
TO form (either by the acceptance OF volun-
teers or by draft in such parts of the State
as he may deem expedient) special corps
of militia to consist in due proportion of
Cavalry, Artillery and Infantry. to be kept
up to the full number of fifteen regiments
to be styled Minute men, who shall be
sworn and mustered into the service Of the
State for three years-who shall assemble
for drill at such times and places as he may
direct, who shall be clothed, armed and
equipped by the State, and paid when assem-
bled for drill or called into service, and who
shall at all times be liable to be called into
service for hedefence of the State
of the remainder of the