The National tribune., 1894-11-22
GOVERNOR CURTIN.
A Sketch of His Magnificent Service for the
Union.

A Sketch of His Magnificent Service for the
Union.
The following address was delivered before
the Grand Army Post of Sedalia, Mo-, on the
night of the 25th of October, 1891, and re-
quested to be printed in THE NATIONAL TRIB-
UNE of Washington City:
Another hero is gone. Another comrade has
fallen. The comrades assembled with US to-
night we'll remember " the days that tried
mems souls"
In the early days of the rebellion it was be-
lieved by many that the war would not last
long. Some argued that after the excitement
incident to National election had died away
the country would settle down to the ordinary
routine of business. aud no attempt looking to
dissolution of the Union would be made.
Among those who believed that great and
serious conflict was Upon US was Gov. Curtin,
of Pennsylvania.
When Mr.. Lincoln called for the first $4,000
volunteers for three months service, the Gov
ernor was among the first to respond. He
equipped and sent several Thousand men to the
Capital-Washington City. Mr.. Lincoln and
the War Department did not think BEST or
that it was necessary, to retain more than a
regiment of men, and this amount would be
near the quota falling to Pennsylvania on the
call for the IS 600.
Gov. Curtin, satisfied in his own mind that
more men would be required, instead of dis
banding his surplus volunteers. put them
into q camp of instruction and placed proper
officers over them.
At the first battle of Bull Run, in July, 1861,
Pennsylvania only had one regiment-the 9Th
! believe-as her quota of troops for defense
of the Nations Capital. 1t soon became evil
dent that the Government would need more
men for her defense.
The Governor was vigilant and untiring in
ir nfnrt oy,A 10 .nE
all able bodied men of the Commonwealth who
were clamorous for the privilege to serve their
country in this her hour of peril. As result
of this foresight, Pennsylvania was always
ready with men and means when demands
were made upon her. From the fact that, at
the beginning of the rebellion, the Federal
Government had no arrangement whereby
State troops were to be armed and supplied, the
task devolved upon the various States This
placed the States in a critical and trying posi-
tion, for the expense was Overpowering. 10
show how we'll the State of Pennsylvania met
this obligation, near quarter of a million men
were enlisted, from frst to last, and sent to the
front. No such gathering of men in marshaled
hosts had been since the days of the
Medes and Persians. At the battle of Get
tysburg, in the third year of the war, Penn
sylvania bad mustered and sent to the front
near a hundred thousand men who participated
in this battle. The Governor was careful not
only of the lives of the soldiers in the field, but
with equal solicitude he provided for the sick
and wounded and wives and children of those
who had fallen by the fate of war. He often
visited the camp and faniliarized himself with
the needs and sufferings of the private soldier.
Sanitary supplies were not only sent forward,
but no soldier on his way to and from his
homo on furlough was permitted to be at any
outlay for his journey through the State, but
private and public houses were instructed to
supply food and drink to the Nations as well
as States defenders.
By timely action of Gov. Curtin the National
Capital was saved from capture and fire and
sword. On his own motion, and at the States
expense, he massed large body of State militia
on the border where Gen. Lees invasion was
contemplated Gen. Couch was sent TO COM
mand them, although he did not believe that
there was any iminent danger, and was only
convinced of his mistake when the fugitives
from Milroy's command, pressed by the over
whelming number of Jenkins's Confederate
cavalry, was coming in by the score. A few
days after this the battle of Gettysburg began.
Such is but an imperfect resume of the loyal
and patriotic devotion of this peerless man.
But he is gone. His voice is silent, and all
that was mortal has been consigned to the tomb,
but his lifework aud deeds remain rich legacy
for generations to come. To those who have
come upon the stage since the times that tried
mems souls. this eulogy may appear as full
so to old comrades, who can never cease to COM
memorate and revere the lives of those who
stood up shoulder to shoulder with them when
men were falling like Autumn leaves when
shattered by tempest and storm: Tbsse Gev will will
cling to us, not only in time, but throughout
all eternity.
That vast assemblage which once we knew
with quickened steps and bodies all sgIow
Are hating now and limping they go,
Their heads, once glossy curl, are white as snow,
As now they pass before in review.
With trembling hand they bear the flag o'erhead
They once so nobly forced from traitors hand.
How eager the we gathered round this band.
Now moved from place to place like drifting
sand.
In life we'll shelter them and coffin them when
dead.
For soon these wasted ranks will all be gone
As one by one they bearken to the call
OF unrelentng death-thc fate of all
Who come and go upon this earthly ball.
The bugIe calls, we must obey. Move on move on.
JOHN w. TRADER Surgeon, sedalia, No.