Search the Newspapers Browse Newspapers by Date Articles Indexed by Topic About the Newspapers Valley of the Shadow Home

Franklin Repository: November 23, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Letter From Washington
(Column 1)

Summary: A. K. McClure writes of his high expectations for Abraham Lincoln's handling of the war and prospects for peace. Notes Sherman's move toward the coast and suggests that he will contribute many of his troops to Grant's efforts to capture Richmond.
(Names in announcement: A. K. McClure)

Full Text of Article:

Editorial Correspondence of the Franklin Repository.

Washington, Nov. 18, 1864

Again we have whispers of Peace. How the National heart throbs at the utterance of the word. Now that the country is assured by the solemn verdict of the people that no peace involving dismemberment or dishonor can be attained during the next four years, the faintest star of hope that glimmers in the dark horizon of grim war's desolation, is greeted on every hand with most fervent prayers that it may break upon us in the noon-tide of triumph. The people want Peace; not the Peace of Chicago, that would shame the living and blot the memory of the dead; that would exchange the sad exactions and sacrifices of war for anarchy and the supremacy of treason; but the Peace that will re-unite the States; make North and South again one people, with a common Constitution, a common Freedom, and a common Glory.

This is the hunger-cry of the Nation. It comes not from the faithless, but from the faithful who have stood resolutely against traitors in arms and their subtle, treacherous allies in the North; and to its consummation their best energies will be devoted. No mere abstractions; no pride of opinion; no mean ambition; no sanctity for the records of statesmanship; no trembling for the shifting sands of old duties as they are supplanted by those of to-day can stand in the way of peace. But one issue can warrant protracted war--the unity of the States. That once attained, the mission of the sword is ended, and the peaceful channels ordained by government must give the sequel of this bloody drama.

To this end--the preservation of our common Nationality--and to it alone, has this war been prosecuted. Weak men have thought otherwise; bad men have wished otherwise; bad men have wished otherwise, and so appealed to cupidity and prejudice to give heart and hope to our relentless foes. That emancipation has sprung from the chaos of civil war to strike treason in its most vital element of power is not a perversion of the great object of the conflict; but an auxiliary to its grand consum[m]ation, and was a necessity as imperious as the laws of gravitation. It has no sanction in the civil powers of the government; but from the war powers of the constitution it comes clothed with all the ceremony of law, and while those powers are called into exercise for the common safety, there is no appeal from the inexorable decree of military necessity. But war must one day cease and when its appalling shadows shall have passed away, then must the duties of adjustment return to the people in their sovereign capacity, or to the lawful channels known to peace.

I am glad to see the discussion of Peace North and South. It cannot but bring golden fruits. It may disappoint the hopes of the sanguine by its tardiness of fruition; but every newspaper article, every speech, every public resolution coming from loyal hearts must fall upon some "good ground," and hasten in a greater or less degree the termination of this wanton, cruel struggle. I was glad to read the pointed remarks of Gen. Butler in New York last week, and also the able and well matured articles of Col. Forney, ("Occasional,") in the Philadelphia Press. They fully appreciate the great issues with which we have to grapple. They have the grasp of mind and moral courage to still the wild slants of partizan triumph with the solemn duties victory has imposed, and declare to friend and foe that the late National vindication of its own life shall be the signal for magnanimity, not intolerance; for generously re-uniting, not dividing, and that as the country has just declared for war until its insulted laws shall be respected and supreme, the boon of promise, the silver-lining of conciliation and hope shall go out with the verdict demanding the preservation of the Republic.

I do not speak advisedly, but I shall be disappointed if President Lincoln does not, in his forthcoming message, leave no channel closed to efforts for Peace. Should he do so, he would fall short in the discharge of his highest and holiest duty to the people. Just how he will present the issue to the country, he must be the best judge; and knowing as I do that he is, of all others, the most solicitous for an early and honorable close of this exhausting war. I am prepared to yield much to his suggestions and councils when he presents them to the world. He may not go so far as many would wish, and may go beyond what others would advise; but I have abiding faith that he will keep his heart steadily fixed upon the star of enduring Peace, and exhaust his renewed powers to make rugged ways smooth and crooked paths straight for the Nation to crown itself with perpetual Union.

It is worthy of note how a mere whisper of Peace vibrates upon the chords of the National heart. A few days ago there were rumors of movements in the insurgent States looking to reconstruction; and gold toppled forty per cent; the whirl of speculation was arrested; bulls mourned in the marts of commerce, and there was renewed activity in the legitimate channels of business. I do not share the spasmodic joy that springs from some ill-defined conviction of the immediate dawn of Peace. It is not visible to the cool observer; it has no tangible form around which to gather hopes that the conflict is about to close. No action has been taken in the rebel States looking to an immediate breaking up of the power of treason; but the People who have thus far bowed to the tyranny of crime are widening and deepening the chasm between them and the remorseless despoilers who have given them desolation and mourning for peace and plenty. To them the government should appeal in most generous terms and thus place upon them the responsibility of future war so clearly that the world cannot fail to recognize the necessity for its continuance, if continue it must. With their leaders, there is no hope. Jefferson Davis will not exchange his frail Empire, though thick with wanton tombs and stricken with consuming sorrow, by his own mad perfidy. Desolated, bereaved, and shrouded in woe by his own acts, still it is the only spot of earth that owns him as potentate, and he can surrender it only to meet the hissing scorn of the living or to die in infamy. To the long suffering but now restive victims of his colossal crime must the government appeal; and we await the issue with mingled hopes and fears. If the doors to Peace are closed by their refusal to throw off the hated, deadly yoke of treason, then must the sword fulfil[l] its crimsoned work, and subjugation with its withering retribution, must close the war. With such an alternative who would not err on the side of conciliation to spare his own fair land so sad a destiny.

To strengthen the hope of Peace the government must be fully prepared for war. It must be ready for every possible contingency. It must be more than ready for renewed war, it must come; and in overwhelming armies is our confidence to save life and treasure and hasten the termination of the conflict. The last call for troops has but little more than supplied the losses of the summer campaigns and the withdrawal of veterans by the expiration of their term of service. Certainly not over 120,000 men have been actively put into the service under it. Naval credits and credits on previous calls exhausted two-fifths of the number, and the persistent, systematic efforts of faithless men have measurably defeated the filling up of our ranks by encouraging desertions. The previous call for 700,000 men did not put 50,000 actually into the army, as the latitudinous exemptions and the payment of commutation relieved almost every conscript, and when it is considered that all the three years' men of 1861 were discharged during this season, it will not be a matter of surprise that the army is not now larger than when the campaign opened in May last, I doubt not therefore that a call for additional troops will be made this winter, so that if the rebels reject all efforts for Peace, their refusal will be met with vigor and irresistible power on the part of the government.

Sherman is known to be on the war path, and if he shall achieve decisive success, our present armies may be quite equal to the great work of closing out the rebellion. With an army of not less than 50,000 men he has cut loose from Atlanta and moved for the sea-coast, probably at Savannah or Charleston. He will, I trust, liberate our suffering prisoners in Georgia, and it is understood that he will arm all rescued prisoners and slaves who may be found in his sweep. It is the boldest movement in the history of warfare, and is attended with great perils; but the country has faith in Sherman and will confidently hope for his success. Should he reach Charleston or Savannah, I shall not be surprised if the major portion of his army is thrown rapidly by transport to Grant, and Richmond captured before the close of the year. With such a success which is more than possible, the war would close before the 1st of April next.

There are few strangers now in the capital. The President looks quite well, and is most hopeful of the overthrow of the rebellion. However gratified by the flattering vote by which he has been reelected, no one appreciates better than himself the solemn responsibilities imposed upon him. He is charged with the safety of the great Free Government of the world against the combined assault of treason and despotism, and to the discharge of his sacred trust his whole energies will be devoted with unfaltering fidelity. Secretary Stanton is ill, worn down with the exacting duties of his Department. He will soon retire unless he improves. I see Gen. Banks on the street looking as active and fresh as when he was Speaker of the House. His head is a little more silvered, and his military moustache gives him a different air, but his compactly knit frame, keen eye and finely chiseled face are the same. I would indeed that his military success and been equal to his civil renown. Gen. Gilmore is also here and his soft blue eye and fair face and locks would mark him for some other trade than war. Tom Corwin is one of the lions of the town. His step is measured and heavy, and the rude ravages of remorseless Time have done their work with him; but his eye still glistens with the fire and humor of his youth, and a happy, green old age is fitly crowning one of the ablest and best of our living statesmen. Thurlow Weed, the sagacious, reticent, imperturbable politician, may also be seen to-day upon the Avenue. Although three score and ten, age has dealt kindly with him, and his large, rugged frame seems to defy the waste of years, while he is without his peer as a political leader. Col. Forney looks none the worse of his active campaign for Lincoln's re-election. His step is as elastic and his spirits as buoyant as twenty years ago when his keen pen flashed in the columns of the Pennsylvanian, and led the successful blasts against the gallant Harry of the West. Kind, genial, generous to a fault, and as faithful in his friendship as he is forgetful of his wrongs, three are few so much beloved as John W. Forney. Like Greely [sic], his only peer as a great journalist, he is the architect of his own just fame, and he wears no honors that he has not more than earned.

W.K.M.

Trailer: "A. K. M."

Border Defense
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces the organization of Franklin County for the defense of its citizens and property. The article also mentions that the state plans to raise a border patrol force.

The Military Situation
(Column 3)

Summary: Focuses attention of Sherman's movement toward Charleston or Savannah. Grant waits for Sherman's arrival. General Early retreated from the Shenandoah Valley.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: The Repository berates the Harrisburg Telegraph for accusing Cameron of allowing losses in the October election to win the November elections.

Jere. McKibbin, Esq.
(Column 4)

Summary: Reports the arrest of McKibbin and several agents of the Democratic State Committee for election fraud.

From Washington
(Column 4)

Summary: Details news from Washington including preparations for Congress, rumors of cabinet changes, the trial of Col. North, the arrest of Pennsylvania agents, military affairs, and the election.

Summary Of War News
(Column 5)

Summary: Summarizes war news including Gen. Pope's proposal to abolish Indian agencies in the Northwest, the capture of rebel Gen. Marmaduke by a young boy in a Kansas regiments, the rebel impressment of every man under 60 and over 15 in Spotsylvania and Stafford counties in Virginia, and the defeat of General Early by the cavalries of Gens. Powell, Custer, and Merrit .

Personal
(Column 5)

Summary: Reports the acceptance of McClellan's resignation.

Gen. Butler's Plan For Peace
(Column 6)

Summary: Prints Butler's speech at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York.

Gen. Sheridan Appointed To Succeed Gen. McClellan
(Column 7)

Summary: Reports the appointment of General Sheridan to succeed General McClellan.

The Border To Be Protected
(Column 1)

Summary: The Repository reports the organization of companies, led by Joe Davidson, John Doebler, K. S. Taylor, P. Heefner, F. S. Stumbaugh, George F. Platt, John A. Seiders, William H. Boyd, W. L. Hammill, and A. K. McClure, in Franklin County.
(Names in announcement: Captain Joe Davidson, Captain John Doebler, Lieutenant K. S. Taylor, Lieutenant P. Heefner, Captain F. S. Stumbaugh, Lieutenant George F. Platt, Lieutenant John A. Seiders, Captain William H. Boyd, Lieutenant W. L. Hammill, Lieutenant A. K. McClure)

Rev. S. J. Niccolls
(Column 2)

Summary: Reports that the Carlisle Presbytery dissolved Rev. S. J. Niccolls's pastoral connection with the Presbyterian Church of Chambersburg so that he can accept the call from the Second Presbyterian Church of St. Louis.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. J. Niccolls)

[No Title]
(Column 2)

Summary: James King reports that he received information that some of the rebel prisoners at Camp Chase in Ohio possessed belongings stolen from Chambersburg. Some of the items were marked "B" and "D."
(Names in announcement: Mr. James King)

Missing
(Column 2)

Summary: Describes the concern of friends that James L. Shock, formerly pastor of the Lutheran Church in Chambersburg, left his home in New York on October 19 and has not yet arrived at his destination in New Hampshire.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr. James L. Shock)

A Thanksgiving Discourse
(Column 2)

Summary: Announces that Rev. F. W. Conrad will deliver the Thanksgiving sermon at the Evangelical Lutheran Church .
(Names in announcement: Rev. F. W. ConradD. D.)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 10, at the home of the bride's parents, by Rev. Hay, J. Davison (late of Company D, 6th Pa. Reserves) married A. Taylor (daughter of J. Taylor), both formerly of Chambersburg.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Charles A. Hay, Mr. Jos. A. Davison, Mr. John W. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor, Miss Anna Mary Taylor)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 17, by Rev. McHenry, D. Gelwicks married C. Hertman, both of St. Thomas Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. McHenry, Mr. Daniel Gelwicks, Miss Charlotte M. Hertman)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 17, by Rev. McHenry, S. Hepfer married K. Unger, both of Green Township.
(Names in announcement: Rev. S. McHenry, Mr. Simon P. Hepfer, Miss Kate Unger)

Married
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 10, in the Westminster Church, by Rev. Dixon, J. Reed married Lizzie, daughter of the late S. Bigham, all of Baltimore.
(Names in announcement: Rev. Dr. Dixon, Mr. John L. Reed, Mr. Samuel Bigham, Miss Lizzie Bigham)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 21, at the home of her grandfather, L. Haas died at 4 years old.
(Names in announcement: Ms. L. M. Haas, Henry L. Reed)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On October 9 in the U. S. Hospital at Cairo, Illinois, J. Wilson, of Dry Run, died at 22 years and 19 days. He had been drafted, paid commutation and enlisted in the 19th Pa. Cavalry. He died of disease before reaching his regiment in Memphis, Tennessee.
(Names in announcement: James M. Wilson)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 13, near Dry Run, Mrs. H. Culbertson died at 79 years.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Hannah Culbertson)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On October 31, in Hamilton Township, J. Line died at 79 years, 5 months, and 26 days.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Line)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 12, in St. Thomas Township, S. Gipe died.
(Names in announcement: Samuel Harris Gipe)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 13, near New Franklin, U. Snively, wife of J. Snively, died in her 25th year.
(Names in announcement: Mrs. Urilla Snively, Mr. John R. Snively)

Died
(Column 2)

Summary: On November 16, in Chambersburg, Annie, daughter of J. and S. Schofield, died at 1 year, 9 months.
(Names in announcement: Annie V. Schofield, Mr. Josiah E. Schofield, Mrs. Sarah F. Schofield)