Year: 1862

adopted at a meeting Of Governors of the 10y
al States to take measures for the more active
support of the Government, held at Altoona.
Pa, Sept. "a, 1862:


After nearly one year and half spent in
contest with an armed and gigantic rebellion
against the National Government of the Uni
ted States, the duty and purpose of the people
of the loyal States continue, and must always
remain as they were at its origin:


Namely-To restore and perpetuate the au-
thority of this Government, aud the life Of the
nation, no matter what consequences are in-
volved in our fidelity. Nevertheless, this work
Of restoring the republic. preserving the insti-
tutious of democratic liberty. aud jastifyiRg
the hopes and tolls of our fathers, shall not
fail to be performed and we pledge, without
hesitation, to the President of the United
States the most loyal and cordial support
hereafter as heretofore, in the exercise Of the
functions of his great Office.


We recognize in him the Chief Executive
Magistrate of the Nation, the Commander-in-
Chief of the Army and Navy of the United
States, their responsible and Constitutional
head, whose rightful authority and power, as
well as the Constitutional power Of Congress,
must be vigorously and religiously guarded
and preserved. as the condition on which
alone our form of Government and the Con-
stitutional rights and liberties of the people
themselves can be saved from the wreck Of an
archy or from the gulf Of despotism. In sub
mission to the laws which may have been or
which may be duly enacted, and to the lawful
orders of the President, cooperating always
in our own spheres with the National Govern
ment, we mean to continue in the most vigOr-
GUS exercise of all our lawful and proper
powers, contending against treason, rebellion,
and the public enemies and whether in pub
lie life or in the private station, supporting
the armies of the Union-until its cause shall
conquer-until final victory shall perch upon
its standard, or the rebel foe shall yield duti-
ful, rightful, and unconditional submission
ard impressed with the conviction that au
army of reserve ought 20 be raised, armed aud
equipped and trained at home and ready for
emergencies, we respectfully ask the Presi-
dent to call for such force of volunt teers for
one years service, of not less than 100000 in
the aggregate, the quota Of each State to be
raised after it shall have Flied its quotas of the
acquisitions already made for volunteers and
malitia. We believe this will be a measure Of
military prudence, while it would greatly pro
mote the military education of the people
We hail With heartfelt gratitude and encour-
aging hope the proclamation of the President.
issued on the 22d of September, declaring
emlncipated from their bondage all persons
held TO service or labor, as slaves, in the rebel
States whose rebellion shall last until the Ist
day of January.


The right of any person 70 retain authority
to compel any portion Of tie subjects of the
national Government to rebel against it. or to
maintain its enemies, implies to those who al
lowed the possession of such authority to rebel
themselves, and therefore the right TO establish
martial law or military government in State
or Territory IN rebellion, implies the right and
the duty of the Government TO liberate the
minds OF all persons living therein by appro-
pirate proclamation, and assurances of pro
lection, in order that all who are capable, in
! tellectually and morally, of loyalty and obedi
ence, may not be forced into treason as the
willing tool Of rebellious traitors To have
continued indefinitely the most efficient cause
support and stay of the rebellion, would have
been, in our Judgment, unjust to the loya
people whose treasure and lives are made d
willing sacrifice on the altar of patriotism
would have Disseminated against the wife who
is compelled TO surrender her husband; against
the parent who surrenders his child to the
hardships Of the camp and the peril of battle
and in favor cf rebel masters permitted to re-
tain their slaves. 1t would be a final decision
alike against humanity, justice, and the rights
aud dignity of the government, and against a
Sound and wise national policy.


The decision of the President to strike a
the root of the rebellion will lend new vigol
to the efforts. and new life and hope to the
people. Cordially rendering to the Presiden
tour respectful assurances of personal and Off
cial confidence, we trust and believe the polio,
now inaugurated, will be crowned with success
and will give speedy and triumphant yictoric:
over our enemy. and secure the nation anC
people the blessing and favor of EluIiGhtJ
God.


We believe tEtt the blood Of the heroes whC
have already fallen and those who may ye
give up their lives to their country, will no
have been shed in vain. The splendid valo
: of our soldiers, their patient endurance, thei
manly patriotism anG' their devotion to duty
demands from US and from all their country
men, the homage of the sincerest gratitude
fand the pledge of our constant reinforcement
and support A just regard TO these brav
men whom we have contributed to place il
the field, and for the importance of the dutie
which may lawfully pertain to US hereafter
has called US into friendly conference; and now
presenting to our national Chief Magistrat
this conclusion of our deliberations, we devot
f ourselves to our country's service, and we vii
surround the President in our constant sup
port, trusting that the fidelity and zeal of th
loyal STATES and people will always assure hin
that he will be constantly sustained, iii pursu
ing with vigor, this war for the preservation
of the National life and hopes of humanity.
(Signed.)


A. G. CURTIN,


JNO. A. ANDREWS,