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Franklin Repository: April 6, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

Harrisburg
(Column 1)

Summary: A correspondent of the Franklin Repository notes the "lightning speed" of legislation, the gridiron railroad bill for Philadelphia, Hopkins' "hedging" on the issue of soldiers' pay, the payment of the interest on the state debt, and the "emasculation" of the bill on military claims by the Federal Relations committee.

Trailer: "Horace"

Washington
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports news from Washington, including the vindication of General Meade at the battle of Gettysburg, the modification of a proposed national banking law, the investigation of the Florida Campaign, and the 33 colonels commanding the brigades in the Army of the Potomac.

Summary Of War News
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports items of war news, including the prohibition on visiting passes to the army of the Potomac, the sending of civilians and camp followers to Washington, the hanging of several loyalists in Mississippi, and disgust with rebel rule in Florida.

Maj. Gen. B. F. Butler
(Column 3)

Summary: Provides a short biography of Butler, including details on his education in Maine, his profession as a lawyer, his participation as a Democrat in politics, and his military career which started in the Massachusetts militia.

Personal
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports news about political and military figures, including General Sheridan's appointment to the command of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac (succeeding Gen Pleasanton) and the unsuccessful attempt by the wife of rebel Senator Foote to leave the Confederacy.

A List of Grand and Traverse Jurors
(Column 5)

Summary: Lists the jurors for the Court of Oyer and Terminer, Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and a Court of Common Pleas, to be held at Chambersburg, commencing on Monday, April 11, 1864. The grand jurors are as follows: William Boyd of Montgomery; James Aughinbaugh of Chambersburg; James Bert of Chambersburg; Charles Campbell of Metal; John E. Crawford of Guilford; John Ditzler of Green; Isaac Eiker of Quincy; Samuel Frantz of Washington; Thomas Fegan of Fannett; David Grossman of Chambersburg; John Gilbreath of Guilford; Daniel Hollinger of Washington; Joseph Hade of Antrim; Henry Holby of Hamilton; L. C. Kepner of Quincy; John Karper of Letterkenny; Sameul Kaufman of Guilford; Michael Latshaw of Antrim; Leonard Lidy of Mercersburg; John Miller of Chambersburg; Dutten Madden of Fannett; John Oler of Washington; George Rodes of Montgomery; Joseph Ripple of Washington. The traverse jurors are as follows: John Benedict of Guilford; Samuel Brackinridge of Southampton; John G. Bigham of Green; William H. Brown of Greencastle; Peter Brindle of Green; J. N. Brewer of Mercersburg; Daniel Byers of Letterkenny; John C. Brake of St. Thomas; M. J. Brendle of St. Thomas; Jacob Bonebrake of Washington; Robert Carson of Peters; William I. Cook of Chambersburg; J. B. Cook of Green; Christian Caufman of Antrim; A. L. Coyle of Mercersburg; George Carbaugh of Washington; Samuel Deihl of Guilford; J. L. Dechert of Chambersburg; John Duey of Quincy; Abraham Dull of Guilford; Jacob Deardorff of Guilford; Daniel Finafrock of St. Thomas; George Foltz of Washington; George Gelwicks of Southampton; Samuel Garver of Green; Jacob S. Good of Washington; William Gillan of Sr. of Letterkenny; Henry Gilbert of Washington; Simon Harbaugh of Hamilton; Christian Harchelrode of Guilford; Philip Karper of Letterkenny; William S. Keefer of Letterkenny; Henry Keefer of Hamilton; Adam Lininger of Peters; Daniel Leedy of Lurgan; Christian Lesher of Washington; R. W. McAllen of Metal; Frederic Mish of Hamilton; D. B. Martin of Montgomery; Robert A. McCleary of Antrim; Anthony Martin of Southampton; J. C. McCulloh of Warren; Thomas J. McIlhenny of Fannett; Henry Pensinger of Antrim; John Rife of Letterkenny; James Secrist of Quincy; William Thompson of Green; and Samuel Young of Washington.
(Names in announcement: William Boyd, James Aughinbaugh, John Bert, Charles Campbell, John E. Crawford, John Ditzler, Isaac Eiker, Samuel Frantz, Thomas Fegan, David Grossman, John Gilbreath, Daniel Hollinger, Joseph Hade, Henry Holby, L. C. Kepner, John Karper, Samuel Kaufman, Michael Latshaw, Leonard Lidy, John Miller, Dutten Madden, John Oler, George Rodes, Joseph Ripple, John Benedict, Samuel Brackinridge, John G. Bigham, William H. Brown, Peter Brindle, J. N. Brewer, Daniel Byers, John C. Brake, M. J. Brendle, Jacob Bonebrake, Robert Carson, William I. Cook, J. B. Cook, Christian Caufman, A. L. Coyle, George Carbaugh, Samuel Deihl, J. L. Dechert, John Duey, Abraham Dull, Jacob Deardorff, Daniel Finafrock, George Foltz, George Gelwicks, Samuel Garver, Jacob S. Good, William GillanSr., Henry Gilbert, Simon Harbaugh, Christian Harchelrode, Philip Karper, William S. Keefer, Henry Keefer, Adam Lininger, Daniel Leedy, Christian Lesher, R. W. McAllen, Frederick Mish, D. B. Martin, Robert A. McCleary, Anthony Martin, J. C. McCulloh, Thomas J. McIlhenny, Henry Pensinger, John Rife, James Secrist, William Thompson, Samuel Young)

The Bounty Law
(Column 1)

Summary: Prints the text of "An Act Relating to the Payment of Bounties to Volunteers" passed by the legislature. The editors believe that "it covers every form of proceeding adopted by the people to raise bounties, and legalizes every method they may have agreed upon for refunding such subscriptions by taxation."

Editorial Comment: "The following is the Bounty Law recently passed by the Legislature. It will be seen that it covers every form of proceeding adopted by the people to raise bounties, and legalizes every method they may have agreed upon for refunding such subscriptions by taxation. It is entitled "An Act Relating to the Payment of Bounties to Volunteers:"

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Provides the Repository's positive evaluation of the bounty law reprinted on page 2 of the issue.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports the meeting of the rebel commissioner of exchange, Col. Ould, and General Butler the previous Friday to arrange an exchange of prisoners.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Expresses high hopes that Maryland will call a convention to abolish slavery.

Col. Quay
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports that Col. Quay, the Military Secretary for Governor Curtin, found a possible excess of about 10,000 men, which would lower the number needed to fill the state quota. The Repository praises Gov. Curtin for his "indefatigable" efforts to correct the error.

The Presidential Struggle
(Column 2)

Summary: Criticizes the Democratic Party for its single-minded efforts to defeat Lincoln. The Repository believes that Democratic victories in the 1863 election would prevent the achievement of a majority in the electoral college and thus throw the country into "anarchy."

Our State Revenues
(Column 3)

Summary: Argues that an increase in taxes is unnecessary. Instead, the authors advocate an "equitable" and "honest" system of valuation. They deem the current system "perfectly farcical" in that the property that escapes taxation is least deserving of exemption. The authors favor taxing the actual capital, dividends, and surplus funds of corporations and valuing land at its actual cash value.

Our Judicial Districts
(Column 4)

Summary: Criticizes the 1851 legislature for its failure to reduce the number of judicial districts. The Repository recommends reducing the number of districts by a quarter, thereby keeping the best judges and lowering court costs.

Arkansas
(Column 5)

Summary: Reports that by adopting a free constitution, Arkansas--the last state to secede--"now heads the column of regenerated States which have already begun seeking, repentant, but glad the fold of the Union."

A Bill
(Column 5)

Summary: Reports that the legislature prepared a bill for the organization of the militia based on the Massachusetts system. The bill divides the militia into brigades and regiments, prescribes election rules for officers, sets the pay and ration rate, and imposes a $75 fine for non-attendance.

Judge Pearson
(Column 6)

Summary: Reports that "Judge Pearson, of North Carolina, in a recent habeas corpus case tried before him, decided that the act passed by the Rebel Congress for the conscription of persons who have furnished substitutes for the war was unconstitutional."

Mining Of Libby Prison
(Column 6)

Summary: Confirms the rumor that the rebels mined Libby prison, intending to "blow" Union prisoners "to hell" during rescue attempts. Dow stated that such a barbarous act proved the character of the Confederates.

Editorial Comment: "A long and interesting speech was made by General Neal Dow, at Portland, Maine, on Friday last, at the public reception given him by the citizens, and in the course of his remarks he confirmed the report that the rebels in Richmond mined the Libby Prison, at the approach of Kilpatrick's forces. The General gave the following account of the barbarous act:"

Difficulties Of A Campaign In Virginia
(Column 6)

Summary: Reprints an article describing the difficulties of a campaign, including the inconvenient geography, the placement of base camp, and the position of the army.

Origin of Article: The Army and Navy Journal

Editorial Comment: "If Gen. Grant does not defeat Lee and drive the rebels out of Virginia in three months, or if he does not win in every move and every battle, he will not be hooted down and disgraced. We know now by sad experience what war is and what are the obstacles to be overcome in Virginia. From a calm and soldierly article on the Army of the Potomac, in the Army and Navy Journal, we take some instructive hints as to the difficulties of a campaign in Virginia:"

Full Text of Article:

If Gen. Grant does not defeat Lee and drive the rebels out of Virginia in three months, or if he does not win in every move and every battle, he will not be hooted down and disgraced. We know now by sad experience what war is and what are the obstacles to be overcome in Virginia. From a calm and soldierly article on the Army of the Potomac, in the Army and Navy Journal, we take some instructive hints as to the difficulties of a campaign in Virginia.

On the right of our army are chains of mountains which enable the rebels to conceal any flanking movement they may undertake, while the valleys afford to them the means for an easy and uninterrupted passage to the Potomac above Washington, and one almost entirely secure from attacks in their rear. On our front is a succession of rivers, presenting great natural obstacles to our advance, and at the same time easily defensible; to make flanking movements by ascending them is to open our rear to attacks from Fredericksburg, and to cross below the rebel army, leaves the railroad a prey to guerrillas. The country is, moreover, marked in every direction by dense forests, rendering anything like a surprise in force impracticable. A few rebel scouts may at all times easily detect and thwart such a movement. Such are the natural features of the country.

It is a well known rule of military operations that a "base" should neither be too extended nor too limited, and that it should be accessible by several routes. The base of the Army of the Potomac is just the width of a railroad track, and that railroad furnishes really the only practicable route of communication. For every mile of advance beyond Fairfax Court House, 500 men are required to protect the rear. The leaders of the rebels of course understand all these circumstances, and are always ready to take advantage of them. They are fully aware that they can hold in check, with three-fourths of its force, the Army of the Potomac. Meantime, they pursue the Fabian policy--the policy of Washington on the mountains of the Hudson river. They are not foolish enough to stake everything on the risk of a battle, except where invulnerably fortified. They will not attack, nor will they accept a battle in the field. Their own rear needs no protection; they have two railroad routes besides all the ordinary roads. Thus they have all the advantage of position on their side.

But are we in view of these difficulties to expect nothing from the Army of the Potomac? No, it may overcome them in two or three ways. First, with a sufficient force to cover the flanks, it may compel the enemy to retreat and Richmond to be abandoned. Second, it may be able to bring on an engagement, which will prove decisive. Third, by cutting it loose from Washington, and making it a moveable column, it may go at any time to the rear of the rebel army and open a new base for itself on the Pamunky or York rivers, or by the railroad from Fredericksburg. We risk nothing in saying that the army can at any time go to Richmond, if relieved from the necessity of protecting its rear. This could have been done last fall, when General Meade crossed the Rapidan and was stopped by the rebel works on Mine Run. The army can transport fifteen days subsistence and forage, and with this it can be moved to Hanover Court House, where it can operate on a new base; or, if successful in forcing the rebel lines, can even enter Richmond at once.

All Hail Connecticut!
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports Union victories in Connecticut and Grant's arrival in Washington.

Gen. Stoneman Occupies Bull's Gap
(Column 1)

Summary: Informs readers of Stoneman's advance to Bull's Gap and of the repair of destroyed bridges and trestle work. The article also mentions the reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine by Congress.

Payment Of The Militia
(Column 1)

Summary: Prints Gov. Curtin's message to the legislature regarding the payment of the militia called in September, 1862. The militia was hurriedly called into service without proper mustering. Curtin believed the problem resolved, stating that "There is reason to believe that the militia called into service in September, 1862, will now be promptly paid."

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the marriage of William O. Guier and Catharine Sheid on March 29 at the home of George Grove in Hamilton Township. Guier, formerly of New Berlin in Union County, serves as a member of Company C, 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry. Sheid hails from Pittston in Luzerne County. Rev Kephart, Chaplain of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, performed the ceremony.
(Names in announcement: Rev. I. L. Kephart, Sergt. William O. Guier, Miss Catharine Sheid, George GroveEsq.)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the marriage of Henry Walter, of the Waynesboro vicinity, and Lydia Newcomer, of Washington County, Maryland, on March 22 in the Lutheran Church of Smithsburg, Maryland. Rev. Eyster performed the services.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. F. Eyster, Mr. Henry Walter, Miss Lydia Newcomer)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the marriage of Franklin Liday and Lizzie Dickel, both of Waynesboro, on March 24. Rev. Crebs performed the ceremony.
(Names in announcement: Rev. W. E. Crebs, Mr. Franklin Liday, Miss Lizzie Dickel)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the marriage of John King and Mary Harman, both of Harrisonville, Fulton County, on March 22. Rev. Smith performed the services.
(Names in announcement: Rev. M. L. Smith, Mr. John V. King, Miss Mary E. Harman)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the marriage of John Shoemaker and Isabella Carbaugh, of Adams County, on April 3, in Fayetteville. Rev. McElroy led the service.
(Names in announcement: Rev. William McElroy, Mr. John Shoemaker, Miss Isabella Carbaugh)

Married
(Column 1)

Summary: Announces the marriage of Samuel Freese, of St. Thomas Township, and Sarah Ann Trehr, of Hamilton Township, on March 31, at the home of Mr. Glosser, in Chambersburg. Rev. McHenry performed the ceremony.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. McHenry, Mr. Samuel Freese, Miss Sarah Ann Trehr, Mr. F. Glosser)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Philip Faust on March 28, at his home in Lurgan Township. Faust was 69 years, 10 months, and 3 days old at his death.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Philip FaustSr.)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Catharine Steeler on March 23, at the home of her son-in-law, C. A. Smith, in Baltimore, Maryland. Steeler died at the age of 81 years and 5 days.
(Names in announcement: C. A. Smith, Catharine Sheeler)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Cyrus Shank, son of Daniel and Rebecca Shank, on March 18. He died at the age of 4 months and 28 days.
(Names in announcement: Cyrus Shank, Daniel Shank, Rebecca Shank)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Leonard Sellers on March 13. He died at the age of 51 years, 3 months, and 13 days.
(Names in announcement: Leonard Sellers)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Margaret A. Elder, wife of Samuel Crawford Elder, on March 24, at Dry Run. She died at the age of 21 years, 11 months, and 16 days.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Margaret A. Elder, Mr. Samuel Crawford Elder)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Henry Hartman on March 30 at Spring Run. He died in his 73rd year.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Henry Hartman)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of the two daughters of David and Annie Long. Mary Long died on March 19 near Fayetteville at the age of 5 years, 2 months, and 19 days. Anna Long died on March 25 at the age of 2 years and 1 month.
(Names in announcement: Mary Alice Long, Anna Kate Long, David M. Long, Mrs. Annie E. Long)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Ellsworth Logue, the son of John Logue, on March 29, in Greencastle. Ellsworth Logue died at the age of 1 year, 4 months, and 24 days.
(Names in announcement: Ellsworth Logue, Mr. John Logue)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Thomas Morton on March 29, in Greencastle. Morton died in his 69th year.
(Names in announcement: Mr. Thomas Morton)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of James Clerey, the son of Catharine Clerey, near Greencastle, at the home of Conrad Stane. He died at the age of 10 years and 20 days.
(Names in announcement: Conrad Stane, James Clerey, Mrs. Catharine Clerey)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports the death of Elizabeth A. Sweney, the wife of John Sweney, on March 28, at Caledonia Furnace, of consumption. She died in her 55th year.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Elizabeth A. Sweney, John Sweney)

Chambersburg Commercial College
(Column s)

Summary: Declares the opening of the Chambersburg Commercial College, providing young men the "opportunity of preparing themselves for honorable and profitable positions in life."
(Names in announcement: President A. M. Trimmer)

Trailer: A. M. Trimmer, President

Gossip With Our Friends
(Column 1)

Summary: Laments the readiness of residents to complain about Union depradations, denies the rumor of impending rebel invasion, praises the cleaning of the city streets, mocks the indecision of brainless women shopping for dresses, and criticizes the beating and robbing of two poor women by four soldiers.

Military Matters
(Column 2)

Summary: Lists transfers and social events. The article mentions the gift of a flag to the 21st Regiment by Mrs. Levy. A. K. McClure drew the flag up in a "hollow square." The officers later held a ball in which Col. Boyd received a "beautiful" sword. Adam Snyder, of Franklin, Company H in the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, received appointment as Inspector of horses for General Gregg's Division in the army of the Potomac.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Levy, A. K. McClure, Capt. Adam Snyder)

Income Tax
(Column 2)

Summary: Details the instructions on the collection of the National Income Tax, including the reminder that citizens must visit the Assessor, N. P. Pearse.
(Names in announcement: N. P. PearseEsq.)

Full Text of Article:

The collection of the National Income Tax naturally enough embar[r]asses our people, as they have the whole routine of the business yet to learn. Complicated as it may seem at first sight. However, it is simply enough when once understood.

By the law every man is required to make true return to the Assessor of his income--Bear in mind that it is the duty of the people to call with the Assessor (N. P. Pearse, Esq. Chambersburg) and make their return; and it must be done on or before the 1st of May. Persons neglecting to do so will be called upon by the Assessor, and fifty per cent added to the tax. A penalty of $500 is imposed for a false or fraudulent return.

By applying to Mr. Pearce, he will furnish persons with blank papers by which any one can readily make out his return without difficulty.

The Income Tax does not apply to very many of our people. Not one-fourth of the citizens of Franklin county have a nett [sic] income of over $800; and the Income Tax applies only to such as have a nett revenue exceeding that sum.

In ascertaining the Income, the gross receipts are taken, and the gross expenditures. In the expenditures which are to be deducted are embraced the entire cost in carrying on business, including rent, clerk hire, insurance, freight, fuel &c.; the rent of the property occupied as a residence; and all other taxes assessed and paid for the year 1862; amount actually paid for repairs; interest on bonds or stock on which three per cent has already been deducted, &c. Farmers will deduct their hired labor, with the cost of subsisting the same; the necessary repairs on the farm, and the insurance and the interest on incumbrances on the farm.

After deducting all these expenses from the gross revenues, a tax of three per cent, is imposed upon the income of each man after it reaches $600. Persons whose nett income does not exceed that sum pay no tax, unless they have silver ware or carriages, upon which a specific tax is imposed.

It will be seen that with all the declamation of political demagogues against National Taxes, none but men of large incomes pay any part of it. The men of straightened or moderate circumstances escape entirely. It is necessary to the support of our imperiled government, and it should be promptly and cheerfully paid.

Religious
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces the sermon of Rev. A. X. Shoemaker in the Baptist Church on Friday evening.
(Names in announcement: Rev. A. X. Shoemaker)

Election Of Judges
(Column 3)

Summary: Provides a table showing (by party) the elections in 1863 and 1864 of judges. In 1863, there were three Union election boards. In 1864, there were eleven in the twenty-three districts.
(Names in announcement: William BrittanEsq.)

Capt. R. B. Ward
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that Captain R. B. Ward, who was in Chambersburg on general recruiting service, rejoined his regiment, the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, at Williamsburg, Virginia. The article also includes a brief biography of his career.

Important Military Notices
(Column 3)

Summary: The Repository calls attention to notices in the advertisement columns. Eyster reminds drafted men (in the six month regiments) to report immediately and reminds citizens that anyone giving aid to deserters will be prosecuted. General Couch notes the 1st Battalion will reorganized as a regiment and therefore needs more soldiers.
(Names in announcement: Capt. Eyster)

Indigent Children Of Soldiers
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that the Superintendent of Common Schools, Mr. Coburn, following the directive of Governor Curtin, issued a circular to ascertain the number of orphaned children of soldiers, to provide for their education.

Turnpike Meeting
(Column 4)

Summary: Describes a meeting held on March 17, at Samuel Baughman's public house in Shippensburg. Samuel Sentman, of Roxbury, along with David Middlecoff, John E. McClay, Morrow Skinner, James Ferguson, and David C. Byers, prepared petitions seeking a charter for a turnpike from Shippensburg to Roxbury. Many have since signed.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Baughman, Samuel SentmanEsq., General David Middlecoff, John E. McClayEsq., Morrow SkinnerEsq., James FergusonEsq., David C. ByersEsq.)

Information Wanted
(Column 4)

Summary: Advertises that Ann E. Grayson, seeks the information on her husband, John L. Grayson. They escaped from the South at different times. She stays in Waynesboro.
(Names in announcement: Mr. John L. Grayson, Mrs. Ann E. Grayson)

Accident
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports that George Coley, a native of Green Township and a member of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, was thrown from his horse while traveling from Chambersburg to Shippensburg. He is not expected to live.
(Names in announcement: George Coley)

Surgeon Samuel G. Lane
(Column 4)

Summary: The Repository notes the return of Dr. Samuel G. Lane, the Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment. He returns from three years of service.
(Names in announcement: Surgeon Samuel G. Lane)

Sale Of Government Horses
(Column 4)

Summary: Notes that 129 condemned government horses will be sold in Hagerstown. The Repository warns buyers to watch for the disease known as glanders that afflicted many military horses.

Small Pox
(Column 4)

Summary: The editors remind readers of the appearance of small pox in Franklin County and recommend the vaccination of children.

Mercersburg
(Column 4)

Summary: The editors announce that Mercersburg "has now telegraphic communication with the outside world and the rest of mankind. A line has been constructed from that place to Loudon, and they are now agitating the project to extend it to the Baltimore and Ohio line."

Sudden Death
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports the sudden death of John Keagy, the well know photographer, of heart disease, at his Chambersburg residence. The Repository describes him as "a good citizen, honest and generous, and an exemplary christian."
(Names in announcement: Mr. John Keagy)

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Announces the anniversary of the Presbyterian Sabbath School.

Removed
(Column 4)

Summary: Details the move of the headquarters of Major General Couch, commanding the Department of the Susquehanna, from West Market Street to the late residence of Jacob L. Dechert, Esq., on South Main Street.
(Names in announcement: Jacob L. DechertEsq.)

[No Title]
(Column 4)

Summary: Announces the sermon of Rev. F. W. Conrad, pastor elect of the Lutheran Church of Chambersburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. F. W. Conrad)