Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1866-09-21
RADICAL LOVE for the SOLDIER

The Copperheads are circulating great
quantities of card among the soldiers with
the above heading, which represents Black
soldiers applying to a paymaster, for $500
ertra bounty, who meets them with ''all
right, my brave men, here is your money, )"
while opposite are crippled white
soldiers approaching a pay master who is
reading newspaper, the leading soldier adj
dresses him with-''I came for my extra
bounty of $lO0." The paymaster replies
81 am very sorry, but Congress has
made no appropriation for you.
Now, in the first place, to exhibit the un-
scrupulousness, or ignorance, Of these Cop
perhaada Congress neCer Cotcd oHy cctro
bounty to cotorcd soldiers The original act,
which authorized their enlistment gave them
the same bounty which was given to raw
white soldier under the Joint Resolution of
the 18th of January, 1863. The bill which
authorized their enlistment, expressly gave
them this $500, preceded, they were muster
cd as free on the 18th day of 4prI, 1861.
A large number were enlisted, who had been
free from infancy through the carelessness
of the officers, this entry was not made;
without having this record made upon the
muster-rolls, hundreds, who were entitled
to the bounty, were mustered out without
receiving the bounty TO which they were
justly entitled. 1t became apparent that
additional legislation was necessary to do
justice to.these black men. Mr. Wilson, of
Massachusetts,, introduced a Joint Reso-
luton, authorizing the Pay Department to
settle these claims regardless of the omis-
sion. This resolution was not satisfactory
to the Pay Department, and Mr.. Schenck,
was obliged to introduce another Joint Res
olution explanatory of the one introduced by
Mr.. Wilson This passed finally, and was
approved on the 18th day of June, 1866,
and this is the only legislation on the sub
ject of counties for colored men before Con
gress since the passage of the original bill.
Secondly, the bill granting additional
bounty was referred to commission to
scrutinize its provisions, which has only
reported a few days since, and it is
thought that the powers that-be will with
hold all payment until after the October
elections.
The following denial of the matter con-
tanned in the card referred to above, by Col.
Jordan, will set this matter at rest
RooMs UNION STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEES,
1105 CHESTNUT STREET,
PHILADELPHIA, Sept 13, 1866.
C. ". Ashcom, Esq, HopelceU, Pa.
DEAR Sir Yours of the 11th instant, is
duly received, enclosing that shameIessly
false card on the subject of bounties given by
Congress to white and colored soldiers.
Our political adversaries are acting upon
the adage, IA lie well adhered to is as good
as the truth" As military agent Of Penn.
sylVania, at Washington, for more than two
years, became familiar with all the laws of
Congress, granting bounties to soldiers.
most positively affirm that no act or acts of
Congress discriminate against ,chite soldiers
or in fdUor Of colored soldiers. All assertions
to the contrary are falsehoods, intended to
nislead and to deceive.
7 on are at liberty to make any use you
please of this communication.
Yours, truly,
ER. JORDAN, Chairman