The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1865-01-13


renders it absolutely necessary that the clerical
force of his department should be increased
The making out of commissions for our large
army of volunteers in the field, and the prepar-
ations of election blanks required by law to be
sent to the army-the receipt, filling and record
ing the returns of the soldiers votes-the en-
rollment of the yearly increasing number of
acts of Assembly, and charters obtained under
general laws and the making out of letters pa
tent tor them--all these, together with the pre-
vIous heavy duties of the otfice-form an ae-
gregate, the weight of which must ultimately
break down his few subordinates, diligent, faith.
iul and enduring as they are. / recommend,
therefore, that provision be promptly made to
meet the necessities of this case
1t is subject of just congraIulaticn that not
withstanding the distracted condition of the
country, our system of common schools contin-
ues to flourish. The report of the Superinten-
dent, which herewith transmit, shows that
there has been an increase of scholars during
the past year. 1t is important to secure as
teachers sufficient number of men of suitable
education and ability, and with view to this
object, suggest for your consideration the ex-
pediency of making out of the school fund it.
self some provision for the support OF such
teachers as shall after given term of service
become superanuated or disabled while in the
performance of their duties.
| vi the fund placed in my hands by the acts
of the 10th May, 1861, and on the 4th of MAY,
1864, and to be appropriated in my judgment
IN military service, have expended in the last
year S5,l24 SO in support Of the agency at
/ Washington-up nntil the 3Oth of May last,
for my personal staff and other military service.
an account Of which is settled in the office of
the Auditor General 81
No similar appropriation wil be required at
this session.
A bill was introduced and passed the House
at the last session of the Legislature providing
for the appointment Of commission to ascer-
tain the damages done in the counties of Bed
ford, Fulton, Franklin, Cumberland, York aud
Adams, by the rebel army in 1868, which fail
ed in the Senate for want of time. !
| commend to your consideration the propri- !
ETY. of tue passage of such bill during the |
present session. Ii is Just to the people of these
counties who have suffered, as we'll as to the
Government, that these damages should be |
fairly ascertained and the evidence perpetuated,
whatever may be the view to be taken on fu-
trre consideration by the United STATES or State
CidliiiS. is55-sc .,,,,.l
Major General Hancock has been authorized
ASAAo~ .
erans, to be called the First Corps. One of
he regulations is that on application BY the
Governor of any State recruiting officers will
| be designated for such State. have been re-
quested ny General Hancock to make such ap-
| plication, but have hitherto declined to comply
with the request. 1t appears TO me that the
| families of men raised en- the plan adopted by
the War Department would probably not be
entitled to The relief provided by our own laws
! for the families of volunteers. | have inquired
of General Hancock whether the proposed
corps is to form part of the regular army or of
the volunteer force and if the latter, under
what act of Congress it is TO be raised. He
has referred that communication to the War
Department, from which have as yet received
no answer to it.
The following letters have passed between
Gen Hancock and myself on this subject;
PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Harrisburg, Pa, Dec 29th, 1864.
GENERAL - received your letter at the mo-
ment of my departure for Philadelphia on Mon
day last. / returned this morning and hasten
10 reply,
Having no knowledge Of the organization of
the corps you are TO command than what ap-
pears in the newspapers and orders, will be
obliged if you will inform me if it is to be re-
sarded as a part of the regular army of the
United States or as part of the volunteer SER
vice.
If 1t is part of the army of the United States,
certainly have no connection with it, as Cow
ernor of the Stale If it is organized as vol.
unteers, be pleased to Inform me under what act
of Congress
! need not say, General, that 1 would be
most happy to do all in my power personally
and officially to raise a force TO be commanded
by you. Can we not raise you two or three
|, regiments in Pennsylvania in the usual man
ner and according to the act of Congress, for
your corps? Of course, / would consult you
in the selection of officers and only commission
where you approved. ae
: I cannot understand the Importance of my
asking that persons be sent to Pennsylvania
to induce veterans to GO TO the District OF Col
umbla to enlist. l certainly will do nothing
to embarrass the plan proposed.
We have benefits, by general and special leg
islation in Pennsylvania, which attach to the
volunteer and his family. While will do moth
ing todeter the veterans of the State from en-
tering your corps, hesitate to eonnect myself
, with mode of enlistment which may deprive
them of such benefits, unless it is my duty TN
der the law.
am, General, very respectfully. your ebe-
dielt servant,
A. C. CURTIN
Maj. Gen. WINFIELD S. HANCOCK.
HEADQUARTERS FIRST CoRPs,
, WASHINGTON, D. c., Dec. 81, 1864.
> To His Ercellency Hon. d. G. CErtns, Governor
f of Pennsylvania:
9 SIR: have the homer TO acknowledge the
receipt of your communication of the 80 inst,
h and have referred the same TO the War De
: thanh VA, for un,,r Kind ernraa.