Summary:
Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin writes to Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in
July, 1864, to arrange for the defense of Pennsylvania against General Jubal
Early's Confederate forces threatening the line of the Potomac. He asks whether
the Federal government plans to provide Pennsylvania with troops or pay any
troops raised by the state. Curtin also mentions suggestions by General Darius
Couch, commanding at Chambersburg, to call out state forces.
Hon. E. M. STANTON,
Secretary of War:
HARRISBURG, PA.,
July 4, 1864.
The following is a copy of the last dispatch I have from Gen. Couch:
CHAMBERSBURG, 4TH.
At 3 yesterday Gen. Sigel telegraphed me from
Shepherdstown, that at 6 a. m. yesterday the enemy, commanded by Gen.'s Early
and Ransom, attacked his force at Leetown and Darkesville. All stores were sent
off in cars and wagons from Martinsburg, and afterward he withdrew his force to
Shepherdstown. He does not know strength of the infantry of the enemy, but says
they have 2,600 cavalry. The enemy also sent 1,100 cavalry into his rear by way
of North Mountain. He had no communication with Gen. Kelley or Hunter since 10
a. m. yesterday.
D. N. COUCH,
Maj.-Gen.
In dispatch received in the night and this p. m. he asks me to call out forces. I desire, as usual, to aid, and beg to know what is desired to that end, as at this time, by calling on the old Reserve Corps, it is probable we could get thirteen regiments in a few days, and the two regiments ordered by the Gen. Government for 100 days in Philadelphia could be promptly filled for this service. No doubt you are fully informed of the strength and movements of the rebel army, and I desire to know if the Government is prepared to protect this State, or the service of our people is required for that purpose. I wish to know immediately if call will be made, as last year, for troops to be mustered into the service of the State, and will the United States equip and subsist and pay them?
A. G. CURTIN,
Governor of Pennsylvania.
Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 37, Serial No. 71, Pages 57, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.
