Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1866-02-07

| therefore. to the wisdom OF the Legislature,
whether it would not be proper to extend
to that people some additional relief.
The number of troops furnished the ser
vice, from Pennsylvania, during the rebellion
may be stated as follows, to wit During
the year 1861, l30, 594; during 1862, IL,
100 during 1868, 43, 046 during 1864, 9l,-
104 during 1865, 25,S40; Total, 362, ,2S4
This statement is exclusive of militia and
eBlistsments for the United States navy
L refer for more perfect details of all the
military operations of the State TO the re-
ports OF the Ajutant General of the other
military departments OF the State and to my
previous annual messages. This brief militia
ry record would be imperfect if failed to COM
mend the fidelity, zeal and industry of the
military departments ofthe State, and to ex-
press my personal obligations for the ready
obedience and constant support | have uni
forinly received from the Chrefs of the De-
partments and officers OF my personal staff,
An approximate Judgment of the amount
of labor performed by these departments,
end IN the Office of the Secretary of the Com
monwealth, may be IL ade, W hen 1t is stated
that over forty three Thousand (43, ,000) mill
tary commissions were issued during the war.
The first request for troops from this State
was dated at W ashington, on the 9th April,
1861, and on tn cloth the telegraph announ-
ced to the war Department that over 1000
men were at Harrisburg, awaiting marching
orders. 1t is our proud privilege to have it
remembered that the first military aid from
the loyal States. which reached Washing
ton, was the force of AGO Pennsylvanians
who arrived there on the 18th day of April,
and that, when the Capital OF the Nation
was, the second time threatend, after the
battle of Bull Run, ,theregiments OF the Penn
| sylvania Reserve Corps. were the first troops
sent forward. From the beginning OF the
the war to its close, the State has never fall
tered in its support TO the Government,
Proceeding in the strict line of duty the
| resources of PENNSYLVANIA, whether in men
or money, have neither been withheld or
squandered. The history OF the conduct OF
our people in the field, Is Illuminated with
incidents of heroism worthy of conspicuous
notice; but it would be impossible to men
ton them in the proper limits OF a message,
without doing injustice, or perhaps, making
invidious distinctions. Arrangements are
| In progress to have conpfeJe history of our
regiments, such as has been contemplated
and is provided fer In an act OF Assembly
already passed; and Oh this subject com
mend the report Of the Executive Military
Department to your favorable consideration.
1t would be alike impossible to furnish a
history OF the associated benevolence and OF
, the large individual contributions to the
comfort of our people IN the field and
hospital, or of the names and services, at all
times of our volunteer surgeons. when called
to assist in the hospital or on the battle field:
nor is it possible to do justice TO the many
patriotic Christian men who were always
ready to respond when summond to the ex-
ereise of acts OF humanity and benevolenee.
Our armies were sustained and strengthened
In the field, by the patriotic devotion OF their
friends at home aud we can never render
full justice TO the heaven directed, patriotic
christian benevoience of the women of the
State.
During the war ! had occasion, from time
to time to communicate freely with the
Legislature on subjects bearing upon the in
| forests of the men re epresenting the State in
the armies of the Republic 1t is with a
sense of unfeigned gratitude that acknowl
edge how cheerfully and promptly the Leg
islature and the people acted upon my sug-
gestions, whether for the support ofthe Gov
ernment, the enlistment and organization OF
| troops, or for the comfort of our people al
ready in the field Without this generous
confidence and liberal support, the labors of
| the Executive would have been In valn the
| treasure that has been expended would have
wasted, precious lives lost would have been
an empty sacrifice, the bruised hearts OF KIN
dred and friends would have been without
sOlace. the strong men, whose health has
been broken and whose bodies have been
manned would have been monuments OF he
roism wasted, and the honor OF this great
Commonwealth would have been degraded
amidst the ruins of the institutions of the
Republic. II
The report of Hon. Thomas III. Burrowes,
shows the gratifying result, under his active
management, of the system adopted by the
State, for the maintenance and education OF
the orphans of our soldiers His report ex-
hibits the fact, that | ,242 orphans are now
actually admitted to the schools, and that
I.S46 applications in all have been allowed,
and orders issued for their admission, many
of whom have ieen admitted since his report.
1t will also be seen, that the largest appro-
priation, that ever will be, required, will be
| for this and the two ensuing years, and that
| then the amount will be gradually reduced.
| have heretofore commended this charity TO
YOU, and deem it unnecessary to add an
| other word, in asking continuation OF an
appropriation, which is to provide Tor and
educate the best blood of the State, and sup
| norts the living legacies which have been be-
| nneathed ms by the men who laid down
their lives for the country. When we re-
member that every sort of public and private
pledge that the eloquence OF man could de-
vice or utter, was given to our soldiers as
| they went forward, that if they fell, their
| orphans should become the children OF the
State, | cannot for an instant suppose, that
! you will hesitate to contlnne an appropria-
ton, which is to bless their little ones, pro-
viding comfortable homes. Instead OF leas-
! ing them in want and destitHtion, many OF
| them to fall victims to vice and crime
At the time of the invasion of the North,
| in 1912 hv the rebel army the President