The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-02-06
862,284
This statement is exclusive of militia

1llS statement Is exclusive OF militia ana
enlistments for the United States navy.
refer for more perfect details of all the
military operations of the State to the reports
of the Adjutant General of the other military
departments of the State and to my previous
annual messages. This brief military record
would be imperfect if | failed to commend
the fidelity, zeal and industry of the military
departments of the State, and to express my
personal obligations for the ready obedience
and constant support | have uniformly re-
ceiyed from the Chiefs of the Departments
and officers OF my personal staff.
An approximate judgment of the amount
of labor performed by these departments, and
in the Office of the Secretary of the Common.
wealth, may be made, when it is stated that
over forty-three thousand (4S,OOO) military
commissions were issued during the war.
The first request for troops from this State
was dated at Washington, on the 18th April,
1861, and on the 10th the telegraph announc,
ed to the EarSDepartment that over 1000
men were of Harrisburg awaiting marching
orders.
1t is our proud privilege to have it remem.
bered, that the first military aid from the
loyal States, which reached Washington, was
the force of 460 Pennsylvanians, who arrived
there on the 18th day of April, and that,
when the Capital of the Nation was, the Sc
cond time threatened after the battle of Bull
Run, the regiments of the Pennsylvania Re-
serve Corps, were the first troops sent for.
ward.
From the beginning Of the war to its close,
the State has never faltered in its support of
the Government
Proceeding in the strict line of duty, the re-
sources of Pennsylvania, whether in men or
money, have neither been withheld or squan-
dered. The history of the conduct of our
people in the field, is illuminated with Incl.
dents Of heroism worthy of conspicuous no.
tice; but it would be impossible to mention
them in the proper limits Of a message, with
out doing injustice, or perhaps, making invid-
ious distinctions. Arrangements are in pro.
gress to have q complete history Of our regi-
ments, such as has been contemplated and is
provided for in an act of Assembly already
passed; and on this subject | commend the
report of the Executive Military Department
to your favorable consideration. It would be
alike impossible to furnish history of the
associated benevolence and of the large indi-
vidual contributions to tho comfort of our
people in the field and hospital, or of the
names and services, at all times, of our vol
unteer surgeons, when called to assist in the
hospital or on the battle feld nor is it riossi-
bic to do justice to tho many patriotic Chris
tian men who were always ready to respond
when summoned to the exercise of acts of
humanity and benevolence.
Our armies were sustained aud strengthen
ed in the field, by the patriotic devotion of
their friends at home and we can never rem.
der full justice to the heaven directed, pa
triotic-christian benevolence of the women
of the State.
During the war had occasion, from time
to time, TO communicate freely with the Leg
islature on subjects bearing upon the interests
OF the men representing the State in the
armies of the Republic.
1t is with q sense of unleigned gratitude
that | acknowledge how cheerfnly and
promptly the Legislature and the people acted
upon my suggestions, whether for the sup
port OF the government, the enlistment and
organization OF troops, or for the comfort of
our people already in the field
without this generous confidence and libe.
raj support, the labors of the Executive
would have been in vain; the treasure that
has been expended would have been wasted,
precious lives lost would have been an empty
sacrifice, the bruised hearts of kindred 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 heroism wasted,
and the honor of this great Commonwealth
Sould have been degraded amidst the fallen
ruins of the institutions Of the Republic.
The report of the Hon. Thomas H. Bur
rowes, 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
exhibits the fact, that 242 orphans are now
/, ,S46 applications in oil have been allowed,
aud orders issued for their admission, many
of whom have been admitted since his re-