DEPARTURE OF MCKEAN COUNTY TROOPS
Smethport, Thursday morning April 26.

McKean County Democrat May 2, 1861

Col. Kane came in yesterday afternoon. In the evening he administered to those who had signed the muster roll. The following are the names of those who received the oath:

Bradford Township
W.T. Blanchard
Ernest Wright
A.S. Foster
N.M. Curtis
C.C. Lawrence
Edward D. Curtis
Wm. Page
L.R. Prosser
A.D. Norrcoss
J. Wheeler
G.W. Hutchison
A.L. Hichaman
Thomas Cornelius
Martin Marran
Dennis Case
J.K. Haffet
D.C. Egown
E.B. Semans
J.L. Wells
J.W. Corbet
R. Ingalsby

Liberty
B. Nichols

Smethport
S. Peters
J. Leus
D.W. Brignam
S.G. Southwics
B.H, Freeman
D.Y. Crossmire
L.S. Bard
A. Wolters
James Gague
J.B. Otto
O.J. Barner
John Hoan
P.G. Ellethorp
G.W. Uniggs
E.W. Ensop
Benj. F. Davis
R.F. Ward

Otto Township
G.A. Sinley

Eldred Township
A.J. Turpins
J. Lambergin
Harrison Campbell
Franklin Mix
Wm. Payne

Turtle Point
Henry Magee

Ceres Township
C.D. Moser
Jacob Both
Charles Malvaret
N.K. Burdick
H.C. Burnham
N. Nichols
Jacob Woodard
N.P. Foot
Cornelius Culp
Frank Bell
B.B. Rice
J.M. Wood
Henry Hadley
B.A. Treat
Erastus Cornan
L.B. Danforth
John Hall
Patrick M. Clyne
F. Holley
O.O. Bacon
Fillison Door
Hero Blon
Wesley Beuly
John Hall, Jr.

Breakfast was taken at the Bennett House at 6 o’clock, and immediately after all assembled in the Court Room were the troops received their first military instructions, under Col. Kane. At 8 o’clock they were marched and filed in the street fronting the Bennett House. Col. Kane proposed three cheers for Byron D. Hamlin, the President of the first Union meeting which had been held in McKean County since the attempted dissolution of the Confederacy. Mr. Hamlin being called for came forward and addressed the troops as follows:

Fellow Citizens: You are about to part from us for, as we fondly hope, a brief period, to do duty in the ranks of the country. This is the first body of men ever, collected in McKean county to perform military service. Our country never before called for your aid to fight her battles. You are of a people who loved the pursuits of a peaceful and quiet life. Why have you now donned the habiliments of war, and prepared yourselves to make your fellow countrymen bite the dust? The Flag of our country has been assaulted- the stars and stripes have been torn from their proud position and trampled under the feet of those who have been protected by them and whose duty it was in turn to protect. The Capitol of this free people, founded by and bearing the name of our immoral Washington, is threatened with violence by those who have enjoyed the fruits of his achievements. This has caused you to come forth and stand here to day. Then shoulder your arm; go where duty calls; protect the home, the liberties and all this goodly heritage, which is the common property of the thirty-four States which compose this government.

I need not say to you that we shall carefully follow you in your movement. We feel a pride in you as the sons of McKean, and confidently believe our hopes in your patriotism and courage will never be disappointed.

To the gallant Colonel who leads you, I have known long and well: longer and better then any of you yet have done. You will soon know him better than I, for you relations with him will be of a more intimate kind. I can endorse him to you as being in every way worthy of your confidence. Stand by him; obey him, be true to him and the cause which you have espoused, and he, your friends at home, your country and your God, will praise and reward you for it.
I should add one other word. Some of you may not be so fortunate as to have friends here to look after your business interests and correspondence. In the name of the people of the County, I tender to you a carte blanche and authorize you to draw upon any one of our citizens for attention to any interests or the care of any friends you may leave behind.

May Heaven protect you and grant you a safe and speedy return to us, when we will meet you with outstretched arms and welcome you to our families and firesides.

Hon. N.B. Eldred, of Wayne County, being loudly called for came forward and delivered some words of encouragement and advice.
He said his health was so feeble he would not attempt to make a speech to them. He was now an old man and had lived through two wars. He had full confidence in the patriotism of those he saw before him. It was a painful duty they had to perform, but he knew they appreciated it and would do it well. The soldiers had more to fear from sickness and the contraction of bad habits and foul diseases than from the bullets of the enemy. He earnestly urged them to take care of their healths and habits, and hoped it would not be long before they would return to their homes and firesides, bringing with them the news of an honorable peace.

Three cheers were then proposed, by the citizens, for the MCKEAN COUNTY RIFLEMEN! Three for Col. Kane, and three for the STARS AND STRIPES, which hung infront of the hotel. All of which were given with a will.

Col. Kane then directed his Compnay to “stand at ease” and gave them an opportunity to receive the adieus and congratulations of their friends. This occupied some fifteen minutes. During the time, many a tear dropped from the eyes of those present, and all began to realize the sad scenes which war brings upon a people. At about 9 o’clock the order was given, “forward march!” when our fellow citizens departed from us for the scenes of strife. Their route is to the Sunbury & Erie Railroad, via Shippen.

THE BUCKTAILS FARE SUMPTUOUSLY

McKean County Democrat, June 6th, 1861

Colonel Kane’s men are mostly from the remote regions of Potter, McKean, and Elk counties. While other companies have been receiving a great many dainties and delicacies from home, that portion of the Bucktails who came away in such a hurry as to forget to bring their spondulicks along, fared rather indifferently. A number of spirited ladies noticed this fact, and yesterday they gave them a treat that filled the hardy yeomanry of the backwoods with lasting gratitude.

About 2 o’clock, the ladies of Harrisburg, escorting several wagons laden with luxuries of the tabled and toilet, appeared on the parade ground of the Bucktails. After the companies had been marched into line, and the baskets deposited in front of their fair owners, Adjutant T.S. Case made a presentation address in behalf of the ladies of Harrisburg, in which he eloquently and vividly set forth the duties of the citizen to the volunteer soldier, and portrayed the interest taken in the band of nature’s noblemen from the Wild Cat district- a substantial and elegant manifestation which he had honor to present. He knew that they were not unworthy the attentions bestowed, and, by the desire of Col. Seiles, complimented them on their general good conduct while in Camp.

His allusions to their having left their wild wood homes and the dangers and glory that lay before them were very affecting.
Col. Kane, to whom the provisions were presented for the men, replied, adverting to the remarks of Adjutant Case, that the present was, for his comrades, “a very remarkable occasion.”- Many days had passed, indeed, since they had been regaled with a repast of such delicacies; as they would show by actions speaker louder than words when the order was given to full on- but, said the speaker to the ladies, it would be a great mistake to suppose that the Wild Cats, as they were called , were not men used to liberal and comfortable nurture at home. They were, with hardly an exception, men of independent means, or the children of such; and hardy and fearless as they claim to be, they were men of tender hearts also, and men who could thank from the heart those who were kind to them. Many a one had been very homesick in Camp Curtin, and had longed day and night for the blue mountains and gold fountains left so far behind. The present by the ladies of their homemade cakes and delicacies, however, although by its character it would remind many of home, would not visit any of them with fearful homesickness. The Swiss was forbidden to hear the air played of the Rans des Vaches. The Higlanders then “may be return to Lochaber no more” – but it would only cheer the soldier form the North west counties to have this taste of Thanksgiving Day on the 21st day of May, 1861.
Col. Kane then proposed a resolution of thanks to the ladies of Harrisburg; which was carried unanimously, and followed by three cheers and a tiger.

Captains Eldred and Winslow were made the recipients of a splendid present, accompanied by well timed and appropriate remarks in behalf of the donors by Adjutant Case. Capt. Eldred’s gift was a company of 76 men, each represented by a cake, and the company divided into four sections- a very appropriate and elegant design. Capt. Winslow’s was a finely frosted cake, covered with military devices, and accompanied by a note from the fair giver.

While the bounties were being disposed of, at the call of Gen. Patton, Col. Perry Martin and others, Rev. J.K. Haffey made some remarks, after being introduced by Col. Kane. He referred to the mission of the Savior, who left His home to die in the advocacy of the cause of Truth and Tight and to the women who ministered to him during his sojourn here. His address was pertinent, brief, and dignified.

Gen. Patton was then introduced, who, as the Congressional Representative of the Wild Car District, complimented the men on their alacrity in pushing to the rescue of Stars and Stripes from desecration, and assured the ladies of Harrisburg that their gifts were not bestowed upon unworthy or ungrateful recipients.

After three cheers and a tiger for the General; the contents of the baskets were disposed of by the redshirts, who we are informed, before tasting sacredly laid by the portion of those sick and on duty.

The occasion was a credit to the ladies of our city, and to the noble fellows who were so publicly assured of public confidence.

GREAT DAY AT FARMER’S VALLEY

McKean County Miner, June 11, 1861

Last Saturday, (the 8th inst.) was the day appointed for the ladies of Farmer’s Valley to present the Rifle Company, of that place with a Flag. Accordingly at the appointed time, the people in goodly numbers began to arrive, in the vicinity of the place designated for the presentation. At three o’clock the Rifle Company, headed by Capt. Cory, marched to the Church where they were joined by the ladies who accompanied them to the corners, near David Cornelius’ house; after a short military display and a discharge of Rifles the presentation was made by Miss Caroline Orro, in behalf of the Company, returned the thanks to the ladies, in an eloquent style well suited for the occasion, to our readers, but they have not been handed us yet.

After a patriotic song from Mr. Pelton and the Ladies, a call was made for E. S. Mason, who responded with “The Red, White and Blue” and one or two other pieces, in his very pleasing style. Hon. B. D. Hamlin was then called- not for a song but- for a speech; and was made in his usual patriotic and good humored style, followed by W. A. Williams, Esq, who made a short but appropriate speech; Mr. Cowles who had just arrived was loudly called for, but begged leave to be excused, as he had not the opportunity of seeing the performance and was not in a speaking mood. A Mr. Harris from Portville was then called, and responded with a few eloquent remarks.

The day was a beautiful one and we believe every body enjoyed it very pleasantly. The Flag presented was a very nice one, on which was inscribed the word UNION; and shows the true patriotism of the donors. There was also a flag hung across the street- the product of the same patriotic ladies- attached to a couple of poles erected for the occasion.
We congratulate the people of the Valley in their possession of a Military Company, and trust that if they (the company) are called upon to defend the American flag, they will do it honorably. A few more such men as Capt. Cory in our county, and we could have Military companies that would be hard to beat. Success to you Capt. Cory, and your gallant company.

NOTICE TO SHARPSHOOTERS!
VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARMY.
RAMSEY’S REGIMENT OF LIGHT INFANTRY

Active able bodied Young Men between 21 and 30 years of age, of 5 feet 10 inches and over in height, are wanted in the above regiment, to serve for the war as Scouts for the Army, on the advance of flank of the march. The best of Marksmen and woodsmen are wanted. Here is a chance for hunters. The weapon used will be the latest improved rifle in the service.
It being intended to employ this command in the advance or outposts of the army, where great exposure and much fatigue will be encountered, and constant activity and vigilance in the field will be required, only picken men can be taken, and therefore the regiment will form a distant corps or arm of the service in itself, in which the perils and hardships of the campaign will be rewarded by many special favors, such as promotion from the ranks, the careful vigilance of experienced senior officers in providing for their health and comfort, with extra pay when engaged in working parties.
Men enlisting will as soon as possible be sent on to head quarters, at New York City.
I will be at the following places tat the time set opposite, for the purpose of enlistment,
Angleica, N.Y., Monday and Tuesday, June 3rd and fourth.
Wellsville, N.Y., Wednesday and Thursday, June 5th and 6th.
Olean, N.Y. Friday and Saturday, June 7th and 8th.
Jamestown N.Y., Monday and Tuesday, June 10th and 11th.
Warren, Pa, Wednesday and Thursday, June 12th and 13th.
Smethport, Pa, Saturday June 15th.
Port Allegany, Monday, June 17th.
Coudersport, Pa, Tuesday, June 18th.
John C. Welch,
Lieut. In Ramsey’s Reg’t Light Infantry.

MCKEAN COUNTY RIFLES

McKean County Democrat Thursday, Aug. 22, 1861

J.K. Haffey, visited this County, a few days ago, on recruiting service; Col. Kane’s regiment being required to fill up the companies to one hundred and one each, before entering the service of the U.S. He left Bradford, Monday, the 12th inst., with near fifty volunteers. Among the number was Rev. C.R.Cornforth, pastor of the Baptist church at this place. A large number of our citizens accompanied the boys as far as Bradford; on Saturday evening, Hazard Hall was filled to overflowing, and addresses were delivered by various persons. On Sunday Rev. Cornforth preached at the Union Church, Littleton, his subject was the present war, in which he labored to show that war was not opposed to Christianity, as taught in the New Testament- His success may be judged by those familiar with its sacred teachings. Our friend E.S. Mason was detailed to take charge of the volunteers as far as Harrisburg.

A VISIT TO THE BATTLEFIELD

McKean County Democrat August 31, 1861

The writer of this, on Monday last, passed newar the scene of the battle of the 21st Julyu, near Bull Run. It was gratifying to find, contrary to rumors which have gained some circulation, not only of our own army but also of the enemy, have been decently buried. In the whole area of that terrible onset no human corpse, and not even a mangled limb, was to be seen. The earth had received them all, and so far as human combatants were concerned, nothing remained to tell of those who had fallen victims of the shcok of battle save the mounds of fresh earth which chowed where they had been laid away in their last sleep.
Many of these mounds gave evidence of pious care of surviving comrades. Enclosures were built around the graves and branches and evergreens cover the spot. Sometimes boards marked the head and foot, on which were carved the name an dfellowship of the deceased. Sometimes the boards nailed to a neighboring tree told that the ground adjacent contained the fallen of a certain regiment or company.
Numerous dead horses, scattered over the area, show where the batteries of lying artillery were captured or disabled, or where some officer was dismounted. The prostrate fences, too, served to mark the track of the battle. Where the infantry crossed they are broken down so that a man might step over, and wide gaps show where the artillery carriages thundered along. The ground, too, tramped by the feet of rushing men and horses, evidenced where the struggle had been the fiercest.
Of relics of the battle, already but few remain. The field had been searched and gleaned by daily crowd so visitors, seeking for mementoes. A few bullets that had run their errand, some fragments of exploded bombs, a haversack, and a few other things, were all that an extensive ramble brought under out view. Canes cut from the battlefield are also in considerable demand.
In the area included five dwelling houses. All of these, which we visited, bore evidences of the storm which raged around them. Many were killed in the yard of the house of Mr. J. DeDogan. A bullet-hole in a chamber door remains a memento of the battle. His family escaped just as the battle joined.
But it was on a hill south of the turnpike road where the enemy’s furthest advance was checked, and where the final issue was fought, that the inwrapped dwelling showed most plainly the fury of the fight.
A house here, late the abode of a widow lady, Mrs. Judith Henry, was riddled with cannon and musket shot. Hissing projectiles from the cannon of our enemies had passed through the walls and roof, until the dwelling was a wreck.
A hundred yards to the right of the house of Mrs. Henry, lay five horses in a heap, and near by another heap of as many more.
On the left of Mrs. Henry’s, distance about a fourth of a mile, is a neat house belonging to a colored man named Robinson. A cannon ball drove through this also. Between these two is an orchard of small trees, where Hampton’s Legion fought and suffered so severely. Their graves are here. One of them which covers the remains of a near relative of Hon. J. L. Orr, is marked by a broken musket planted as a headstone.
Away on the extreme northern verge of the battle ground is the pine grove in which the Georgia Regiment met the enemy’s advance. In this pine grove there seemed scarce a tree that was not struck by the enemy’s balls. A number of Georgians fell here, and their graves are close by. IN the grove was pointed out the spot where Lamer fell. In the rear was the dead charger of the lamented General Bartow, killed under him, himself to fall soon after.
Gen. E. K. Smith of Florida, was among the slain at Manassas. He was the son of a distinguished Judge of the Superior Court from the Eastern District of Florida, and his early life was spent in St. Augustine. Thence he was sent to the Military Academy of West Point, where he graduated with distinction. Upon the secession of Florida he threw up his commission in the army of the United States, and received from the confederate government the appointment which he held at the time of his death.

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE

Camp near Darnstown, MD. September 1st 1861

September 17th, 1861 McKean County Miner
Friend Allen: I suppose the good people of McKean are eager to hear news from the recruits who left Smethport “for the war,” on the memorable Aug. 10th, 1861. Of them, there is nothing remarkable to record. We took the cars at Bradford, the Monday following, and arrived at Harrisburg at 2 o’clock, Tuesday morning. After two days stay at Camp Curtin, we, arrayed in “true blue,” and armed with Minnie muskets, set off to join our regiment, then quartered at Sandy Hook. Our route lead through Baltimore, and through it we marched. We had guns but neither lead nor powder, but we looked fearless, and we were, for we remembered the force in Fort McHenry. Though Secession could be seen in many sullen countenances, not so much as an insulting hiss reached our ears. We passed in a quiet security over the same streets, which a few months before, a rebellious rabble had stained with patriotic blood.

Before reaching and after leaving the city of mobs, soldiers were stationed along the R.R. to guard the bridges, many of which were hasty repairs from the destruction of infamous “bridge burners.”
It was as late as 10 in the evening when we arrived at Sandy Hook. The moon was full and for several miles we caught occasional glimpses of the Potomac and seldom lost sight of the wood-covered Virginia hills on the other side.
At the depot we were met by a delegations from Company “I.” And conducted up to the encampment over a mile distant. We were heartily welcomed by our Captain, Mr. Blanchard, of Bradford. The brightness of the moon more then compensated for the lateness of the hour; and it was fitting that as speech should be made then and there. Our gallant captain was the man for the occasion. His speech, full of brave and patriotic words, was worthy of a Henry. It convinced us that the ancient valor of our fathers yet lives in the souls of their sons.

We rested at Sandy Hook but one day. Our regiment then, with several others, moved in the direction of Washington. We have come, by easy marches, with days of jest intervening, to within twenty-two miles of the National Capital. We are not now on the road to the city; but some four or five miles to the south, about the same distance, I think from the Potomac. Why we are stationed in this place and not some where else; and why we should be some where else and not here, I have no means of knowing; and in short, privates and officers up in the scale as high as captains, and how much higher I am unable to say, can only guess their destination. May be we are going to help Washington, may be to keep the rebels from coming over the river, and may be we are moving merely for the sake of toughening our limbs, so that when rapid movements shall be necessary, we may be prepared to endure hardships the better.

The face of the country through which we have passed is beautifully irregular but not rugged and grand, like our native hills. Part of the way the soil is fertile and well tilled. Large fields of corn full in the milk, sometimes tempt the soldiers above what they are able to bear. Though forbidden by our Colonel, some of the boys- I regret to say- do occasionally take roasting cars, and sometimes a few potatoes. When reproved for their trespassing, they straightway deny stealing. The corn, the potatoes, the chickens or the pig, is PRESSED into the services of the United States. So conscience is quieted. But lest a wrong impression be made, let me say that plundering is forbidden and punished when detected; and but little of it is done when the circumstances and the number of men are taken into account.

I have had but little intercourse with the citizens of this State. Occasionally I get permission to leave the encampment to go to town if there be one near, or to a farm house. But the town is thronged with soldiers and visitors, and the farm house with soldiers procuring extra rations, an nothing like the correct sentiments of the people can be got at. Yet there is a perceptible difference between a Union man and a secessionist even when surrounded by our forces. The secessionist, if peaceful and quiet has nothing to fear, and says but little; the Union man is communicative, hopeful and obliging.

I have seen but a few slaves. They have the appearance of being well cared for, but not always contented. They are plump and decently clad. When we are marching, the field hands usually stand leaning against, or roosting on the fence. * * They probably have a vague impression probably obtained from the speeches of the hotheaded pro-slavery politicians, who last fall often repeated, for party ends, that bare-faced untruth, that Black Republicans designed to liberate the slaves of the South. But slaveholders under Gen. Banks’ Division have no fears of this. Two or three regiments were the other morning, soon after starting, halted, to give masters opportunity to find and take their dark-skinned property. I could pity the poor black boys when detected; yet it was expedient and may be for the slave’s good that they be given up. But I leave this discussion to Gen. Butler. (Didn’t Government send him off to sea, that he might not vex the contraband question?)

I do not know much of the poor whites. I have seen many and they seem to be poor indeed. Not that they look like starvation or nakedness. They have the necessities of life. It may be different further South. But even here on the border, they have the appearance of a distinct race. In the North the poor man’s dress is coarse, his frame sturdy, and he is not ashamed of his lot; here the poor man’s dress has an attempt at finery; he is pale and wasted; and he is, I think, continually humbled at the thought of his poverty.

But you will ask after the health of the recruits. Most of us are in excellent spirits. The change from home to camp life is great, and it is not strange that many, while being initiated, should suffer a little inconvenience. I have been told that several from our company, some old and some new ones, have been discharged on account of youth or chronic diseases, which made them unfit for camp life.

I suppose you pity us when you think how hot it is down here. Now save your sympathy. It is not one whit hotter here than at home. In fact I have suffered more form the cool nights than from the hot days. I have as yet had no hardships- excepting separation form home- worthy to be mentioned.

I can write no news of importance. I have to read in the papers, of the movement of our division, or be ignorant of them. In fact the daily papers tell us where we are, or we might not know.

I am very much yours,
C. Cornforth

SOCKS FOR OUR VOLUNTEERS

McKean County Democrat , September 28, 1861

At a Convention held at Smethport, on the 16th day of Sept. inst., a society was formed – for the purpose of furnishing our Volunteers with good, warm, woolen socks, for the coming winter, - the following persons were appointed officers for the Central Society, at Smethport; Mrs. P. Ford, President; Mrs. B. D. Hamlin, Vice-President; Mrs. P. E. Scull, Treasurer; Mrs. W. Cowles, Secretary, and Mrs. Henry Hamlin, Corresponding Secretary.

It is expected that each township in the county will organize auxiliary Societies to the Central Society, and report as soon as organized to the Corresponding Secretary of the Central Society. A meeting of the Central Society will be held at the Court House, in Smethport, on Tuesday, October 1st, at 2 o’clock p.m. Delegates are invited from all the towns.
Address.

LADIES – We are called upon by our country men to perform some service for our soldiers, trifling indeed in comparison with their arduous duties, but, nevertheless a much needed one; and although we cannot vie with them in deeds of self-sacrifice and valor in camp and in field, we will show our willingness to do what little we are able, for the comfort of those who are doing so much to re-establish our much loved institutions.
We shall esteem it a privilege to contribute a little of our time and labor for the well-being of our brave men, our heroes to whom we shall not look in vain for deeds of noble daring in the hour of conflict. “For behold they have left all” for this sacred cause. And while we work, remaining in safety by our own firesides, our hearts shall swell with gratitude to them for their efforts to restore to our afflicted country the blessings of an honorable peace, and our prayer to Heaven shall be for success and safe return.
M.E. Ford, Pres.

N.M.H. Cowles, Sec.
Headquarters, Pennsylvania Militia,
Quartermaster’s Department,
Harrisburg, Sept. 10, 1861.
Pennsylvania needs Blankets and Stockings for her 30,000 brave soldiers, in arms to support the Government. Every factory capable of making Blankets, even to a single loom, should at once be put in operation. Liberal contracts will be given to all such.
Blankets should be wool grey, 7 feet long by 5 ft. 6 in. wide, and weigh full 5 pounds, with the letter P.V. black, 4 inches long, in the center of each Blanket. Stockings will be needed the coming winter – half-hose or socks, good sizes, one-fourth pound each. Let every mother, wife and sister knit one or more pairs.
Let associations be formed in each county, with a treasurer at the county seat, with whom the stockings can be deposited and forwarded to the military store at Harrisburg. The United States contract price, twenty-five cents per pair, will be paid to each county treasurer, and thus a fund can be raised to supply the wants of volunteer families, to which every patriotic woman in the State can contribute her share.
R.C. Hale
Quartermaster-General, P.M.
September 9, 1861

WILD CAT VOLUNTEERS

McKean County Democrat June 6, 1861

We publish an account of the death and burial of G.W. Mattison, also a correspondence from a Harrisburg paper, giving a sketch of the “treat” the boys were favored with from the ladies of Harrisburg.
From all sources we learn that the Pennsylvania Volunteers have been shamefully abused. When volunteers were called to defend the Capital, Pennsylvania was the first aroused, and a body of her brave citizens were the first to arrive at Washington; still they were allowed to remain without uniform or arms, or necessary camp equipage, until they were stigmatized as the “ragged Pennsylvania regiment;” and when the forward movement was made across the Potomac, the other day, no Pennsylvania regiment was allowed to participate, not being yet equipped for the field! From the various encampments throughout the State, we hear the same complaints. The “wild-cats are no exception in this neglect and abuse. They have now been encamped over a month, within sight of the Executive mansion, and under the eye of Gov. Curtin, who is at the head of military affairs, with ample power and means at his disposal, and they are still destitute of arms and equipments, not even being furnished with a change of linen. One volunteer, from Smethport, writes: “we shall soon be obliged to drill, naked, unless relieved.” What adds to the indignation of every honest man, is the fact that the generous appropriated of many by the Legislature has been squandered on political favorites, and dishonest speculators. There is a history yet to be written in regard to war expenses in Pennsylvania that will excel any plundering that has before taken place.
The Potter County volunteers, numbering 107 have nearly all returned home.
B.F. Bavis, B.H. Freeman and A. Wolters of the McKean volunteers, are now in town, having obtained furloughs. We understand Mr. Davis is to leave, for Camp Curtin, in the morning.
Seven volunteers left Ceres last week, to join the McKean County.

FROM HARRISBURG

McKean Miner: May 7th, 1861

Col. Kane’s command, from Potter and McKean counties, has arrived. They number 350 rugged backwoodsmen, and many are armed with rifles. Two hundred and thirty men have also arrived from Bradford county. They are a fine body of men.
Families from the South are still flying North, via Hagerstown, Chambersburg and Harrisburg. They won’t trust the Baltimore route.

PRESERVING PATRIOTISM

McKean Miner: May 14th, 1861

We cannot speak too highly of the persevering energy and patriotism that was evinced by Col. Thomas L. Kane, in getting together and forming his company of volunteers, from this, the “Wild-cat” district. We clip the following from the Tribune’s Harrisburg Correspondent:-
“One of the most notable instances of persevering patriotism and determination which has occurred since the President’s Proclamation, is that of mustering the “Wild-cats” of this State by Col. Thomas L. Kane, who has taken up his residence in McKean. On receiving the Proclamation he started out on horseback to arouse the hardy sons of the forest in the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter. He traveled over five hundred miles on his horse, enlisted three hundred and seven men and entered Harrisburg with them in thirteen days from the time he start out!”
The Colonel is an energetic, wide-awake and go-ahead fellow, and we cannot see how he get around and accomplish so much is so short time. We are confident that when he gets into battle that he will make short work with traitors wherever he finds them. We understand that he has been elected Colonel in his regiment, and a better selection could not have been made.

SMETHPORT RIFLE COMPANY

McKean Miner: May 14th, 1861

Some time ago there was talk of forming an “Independent Rifle Company;” to be made up of our towns people; but for the last few days we have heard nothing in regard to it. We notice that in Coudersport they have a company formed, and they are to be drilled by Fred Shur, of Germanis, Potter County, PA. In Elk a Company is being formed by J. A. Boyle, by whom they are to receive their instructions. Must we of McKean be behind in such matters! We would suggest that a meeting be held some time during present week to organize a company and make other necessary arrangements. Who will appoint the time!

GREAT DAY AT FARMER’S VALLEY

Tuesday June 11, 1861 p.2

Last Saturday, (the 8th inst.) was the day appointed for the ladies of Farmer’s Valley to present the Rifle Company, of that place with a Flag. Accordingly at the appointed time, the people in goodly numbers began to arrive, in the vicinity of the place designated for the presentation. At three o’clock the Rifle Company, headed by Capt. Cory, marched to the Church where they were joined by the ladies who accompanied them to the corners, near David Cornelius’ house; after a short military display and a discharge of Rifles the presentation was made by Miss Caroline Orro, in behalf of the Company, returned the thanks to the ladies, in an eloquent style well suited for the occasion, to our readers, but they have not been handed us yet.
After a patriotic song from Mr. Pelton and the Ladies, a call was made for E. S. Mason, who responded with “The Red, White and Blue” and one or two other pieces, in his very pleasing style. Hon. B. D. Hamlin was then called- not for a song but- for a speech; and was made in his usual patriotic and good humored style, followed by W. A. Williams, Esq, who made a short but appropriate speech; Mr. Cowles who had just arrived was loudly called for, but begged leave to be excused, as he had not the opportunity of seeing the performance and was not in a speaking mood. A Mr. Harris from Portville was then called, and responded with a few eloquent remarks.
The day was a beautiful one and we believe every body enjoyed it very pleasantly. The Flag presented was a very nice one, on which was inscribed the word UNION; and shows the true patriotism of the donors. There was also a flag hung across the street- the product of the same patriotic ladies- attached to a couple of poles erected for the occasion.
We congratulate the people of the Valley in their possession of a Military Company, and trust that if they (the company) are called upon to defend the American flag, they will do it honorably. A few more such men as Capt. Cory in our county, and we could have Military companies that would be hard to beat. Success to you Capt. Cory, and your gallant company.

McKean County List

McKean County Democrat , Aug. 30, 1862

The following is a list of Volunteers from this County, yesterday morning, under Captain Bell:

Ceres Township.
David A. Moore,
Joseph P. Cline,
E. W. Leonard,
Chas. Carr,
Putnam Barber,
B. A. Treat,
Rob’t Graham,

Eldred.
Colby Tupper,
Oscar Moody,
Wm. Brown,
Thomas Good,
Willard Cummings.

Otto.
Wm. J. Mills,
Melville Baldwin,
J. M. Baldwin,
Wm. T. Strickland,
Geo. D. Strickland,
Theo. Yardly,
Cyrus W. Baldwin,
Silas A. Devolve,
M. S. York,
W. S. York,
Welcome Welch,
John Swink, jr.
Delos Otto.

Annin.
Jeffrey Kinney,
Henry N. Kinney,
Levi Holcomb,
Lorenzo Hodges,
Levi P. Holcomb,
Wilson W. Tubbs,
J. Hodges,
D. C. Windship,
J. B. Gleason,
Wesley Merrick,
Oscar Pilgrim.

Keating.
C. Dickinson,
W. J. Holmes,
S. L. Provin,
Cyrus Tubbs,
Asher Beckwith,
Geo. T. Otto,
Miles Lovejoy,
J. E. Tyler,
Hermon Yoaug,
C. B. Slocum,
J. D. Ball,
Joseph B. Otto,
W. Brockham,
John Mead.

Borough.
J. M. Robinson,
W. H. Baker,

Hamlin.
T. J. Colegrove,
H. L. Burlingame,
Daniel Beckwith.

Liberty.
Oscar Thomas,
Elias Grimes.

Cameron County.
R. B. Warner,
Buckley D. Catlin,
Melvin Catlin,
Delo Taggart,
J. L. Beers,
Luther F. Havens,
Harrison Havens,
George Loomis,
Stephen Seymour,
L. Adams.

THE ENROLLMENT OF MCKEAN
McKean County Democrat, September 6, 1862

The following figures, which we have obtained from Marshall Hamlin, of this county, show the number of men enlisted from this country, together with the number liable to do military duty:

Beside these there are four who enlisted in the three months’ service.
The returns from Cameron county show 159 in the service for three years, 3 in the three month service, 12 recently enlisted and 353 liable to military duty.

THE DEFENSE OF PENNSYLVANIA

McKean County Democrat , September 13, 1862

Gov. Curtain has issued an order as follows:-
In view of the dangerous invasion now threatening our State, by the enemies of the government, it is deemed necessary to call upon all the able-bodied men of Pennsylvania to organize immediately for the defense of the State, and to be ready for marching orders upon one hour’s notice to proceed to such points of rendezvous as the Governor may direct, it is ordered:

1st – That company organizations be made in accordance with the numbers required under the laws of the United States.

2d – As the call may be sudden, it is desirable that the officers and members of each company provide themselves with the best arms they can secure, with at least sixty rounds of ammunition to suit the kinds of arms in possession of the solders. Such persons as cannot secure and bring arms with them, will be furnished by Government after arrival at the place of rendezvous.

3d – Each officer and member of a company shall provide himself with good stout clothing, uniform or otherwise, blanket or haversack, ready to go into camp when called into service.

4th - Each company organizing to be perfected as soon as possible, and report the name of the officer in command, the number of men, and place of its rendezvous, to these headquarters, in order that they may be promptly notified to move when their services are required.

5th – Organizations, when ordered to move, will be furnished with transportation by the Government.

6th – On arrival at the place of rendezvous, they will be formed into regiments or such organizations as the Governor (Commander in Chief of Pennsylvania) may direct.

7th – So far as practicable, and as may be found consistent with the interest of the public service, companies from the same localities will be placed together in such larger organizations as may be formed.

8th – Organizations formed under the recent proclamation are earnestly requested to adopt without delay, such measures as may be necessary to comply with this order.

9th – Organizations called into the field under this order will be held for service for such time only as the pressing exigency for the State defense may continue.
By order, &c., ANDREW CURTAIN

PROCLAMATION
McKean County Democrat , September 27, 1862

Washington, Sept. 22.
By the President of the United States of America:
A PROCLAMATION.
1. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, and Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy thereof, do hereby proclaim and declare that hereafter, as heretofore, the war will be prosecuted for the object of practically restoring the Constitutional relation between the United States and the people thereof in which States that relation is, or many be, suspended on disturbed; that it is my purpose, upon the next meeting of Congress, to again recommend the adoption of a practical measure, tendering pecuniary aid to the free acceptance or rejection of all the slave States, socalled, the people whereof may not then be in rebellion against the United States, and which States may then have voluntarily adopted, or thereafter may voluntarily adopt, the immediate or gradual extinguishing of slavery within their respective limits; and that the efforts to colonize persons of African descent, with their consent, upon this continent or elsewhere, with the previously obtained consent of the Governments existing there, will be continued; that on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State, or any designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free, and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will by no act or acts repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom;- that the Executive will on the first day of January aforesaid, by proclamation, designate the States and parts of States, if any, in which the people thereof respectively shall then be in rebellion against the United States, and the fact that any State, or the people thereof, shall on that day be in good faith represented in the Congress of the United States, by members chosen thereto at elections where in a majority of the qualified voters of such State shall have participated, shall in the absence of strong countervailing testimony, be deemed conclusive evidence that such State and the people thereof have not been in rebellion against the United States.
That attention is hereby called to an act of Congress, entitled “An Act to make an additional article of war,” approved March 13th, 1862, and which Act is in the words and figure following:-
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled:- That hereafter the following shall be promulgated as an additional article of war for the government of the Army of the United States, and shall be observed as such.
ARTICLE – All officers or persons in the military or naval service of the United States are prohibited from employing any of the forces under their respective commands for the purpose of returning fugitives from service of labor, who may have escaped from any persons to whom such service or labor is claimed to be due, and any officer who shall be found guilty by a Court Martial of violation this article, shall be dismissed from the service.
Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That this act shall take effect from and after its passage.
Also to the ninth and tenth sections of an act entitled “An Act to suppress insurrection; to punish treason and rebellion, to seize and confiscate property of rebels, and for other purposes,” approved July 17, 1862, and which sections are in the words and figure following:-
Sec. 9. And be it further enacted, That all slaves of persons who shall hereafter be engaged in rebellion against the Government of the United States, or who shall in any way give aid or comfort thereto, escaping from such persons and taking refuge within the lines of the army; and all slaves captured from such persons or deserted by them and coming under the control of the Government of the United States, and all slaves of such persons found on or being within any place occupied by rebel forces and afterwards occupied by the forces of the United States, shall be deemed captures of war and shall be forever free of their servitude and not again held as slaves.
Sec. 10. And be it further enacted that no slaves escaping into any State, Territory, or the District of Columbia, from any of the States, shall be delivered up, or in any way impeded of his liberty except for crime or some offence against the laws, unless the person claiming said fugitive shall first make oath that the person to whom the labor or service of such fugitive is alleged to be due, is his lawful owner, and has not been in arms against the United States in the present rebellion, nor in any way gave aid and comfort thereto; and no person engaged in the military or naval service of the United States shall under any pretence whatever assume to decide on the validity of the claim of any person to the service or labor of any other person, or surrender up any such persons to the claimant on pain of being dismissed from the service.
And I do hereby enjoin upon and order all persons engaged in the military and naval service of the United States, to observe, obey and enforce within their respective spheres of service the act and sections above recited.
And the Executive will in due time recommend that all citizens of the United States who shall have remained loyal thereto throughout the rebellion shall (upon the restoration of the constitutional relation between the United States, and their respective States the people if the relation shall have been suspended of disturbed) be compensated for all losses by acts of the United States, including the loss of slaves.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this twenty second day of September, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two and of the Independence of the United States the Eighty-seventh.
By the president,
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

William H. Seward, Secretary of State
PROCLAMATION
By the President of the United States of America
Whereas – It has become necessary to call into service not only volunteers, but also portions of the militia of the States by draft, in order to suppress the insurrection existing in the United States, and disloyal persons are not adequately restrained by the ordinary processes of law from hindering this measure, and from giving aid and comfort in various ways to the insurrection;
How, therefore, be it ordered,
First – That during the existing insurrection, and as a necessary measure for suppressing the same, all rebels and insurgents, their aiders and abettors within the United States, and all persons discouraging volunteers enlistments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law and liable to trial and punishment by Court-Martial or Military Commission.
Second – That the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in respect to all persons arrested, or who are now, or hereafter during the rebellion shall be imprisoned in any fort, camp, arsenal, military prisons, or other place of confinement, by any military authority, or by the sentence of any Court Martial or Military Commission.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
[L.S.] Done at City of Washington, this twenty fourth day of September, in year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-two, and of the Independence of the United States the 87th.
(signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
By the President:
William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

MCKEAN COUNTY MILITIA

McKean County Democrat, September. 27, 1862

Below will be found interesting tables showing the number enrolled and men liable to military duty, &c., in each Township, also the number liable to draft under the late call.
As there is nearly twenty days in which volunteers will be received, we trust each township will furnish her quota and thus render the draft unnecessary in this county.

NEGRO FREEDOM AND WHITE SLAVERY

McKean County Democrat , October 11, 1862

President Lincoln’s proclamation, declaring the abolition of black slavery, has been immediately followed by another which virtually abolishes white freedom! The first proclamation undertakes to give liberty to the negro and the second takes away the most essential right of the once free American citizen. The first document we printed last week, and the second we here subjoin. It ought to be surrounded by black lines, and read through a veil of mourning crape:

PROCLAMATION
By the President of the United States of America
Whereas – It has become necessary to call into service not only volunteers, but also portions of the militia of the States by draft, in order to suppress the insurrection existing in the United States, and disloyal persons are not adequately restrained by the ordinary processes of law from hindering this measure, and from giving aid and comfort in various ways to the insurrection;
How, therefore, be it ordered

First – That during the existing insurrection, and as a necessary measure for suppressing the same, all rebels and insurgents, their aiders and abettors within the United States, and all persons discouraging volunteers enlistments, resisting militia drafts, or guilty of any disloyal practice affording aid and comfort to the rebels against the authority of the United States, shall be subject to martial law and liable to trial and punishment by Court-Martial or Military Commission.

Second – That the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in respect to all persons arrested, or who are now, or hereafter during the rebellion shall be imprisoned in any fort, camp, arsenal, military prisons, or other place of confinement, by any military authority, or by the sentence of any Court Martial or Military Commission.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
[L.S.] Done at City of Washington, this twenty fourth day of September, in year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-two, and of the Independence of the United States the 87th.
(signed) ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

By the President:
William H. Seward, Secretary of State.
If in the days of seventy-six our patriot ancestors had foreseen that the day would come when such a proclamation as this would be signed and issued by an American President, the declaration of human rights for which they fought would have awakened small enthusiasm in their breasts in behalf of their posterior. The hardships they underwent, the blood they shed, or left in the snow in the prints of their bare feet, were not merely aimed at the overthrow of George the Third’s tyranny, but to secure themselves and their posterity against like future oppression.
The President’s plea is Necessity – a plea so odious that it condemns itself. It never appears but in the train of what is illegal and oppressive. As the Habeas Corpus is the great writ of right, so Necessity is always the charter and excuse of Wrong.

But the plea is false as well as odious. Such measures actually give aid and comfort to the rebellion. If there remains a loyal man at the South, he will be shown the proclamation, and asked if he recognizes that picture of the old Union which he still loves, and if he can still love it after it has degenerated thus! The proclamation will crush out the lingering Union sentiment at the South, and confirm the desperation of the rebels.

The suspension of our liberties may be necessary to accomplish the abolition of negro slavery according to Mr. Lincoln’s plan. But it is now for the first time proposed in any responsible quarter to exchange white freedom for black – to liberate the millions of negros, and put the millions of white men in their places. We do not like the plan. We loathe and spurn it. – N.Y. Argus