£LU GTMRMAU CITIZEN. THOMAS ROBINSON, ) Editors CYRUS E. ANDERSON, |^ altorß - W SI'KAH, Publisher. BUTLER PA. WEDNESDAY Alt). 17,1801. " Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and 'nteparable."—D. Webster. FOR PRESIDENT IN 1864 : ABRAHAM LI\(OL\. of Illinois. FOR VICE PRESIDENT: ANDREW JOII\STOX. of Tennessee. I'reMidential Electors. OK9AT9BIAL. Morton M'Mlrhael, Philadelphia. ThonM 11. (.'unninffhnm. Beaver county. BE REKEXTATIVE. 1 Robert P. Kiii?. 13 Klia* W. flail, 2 Oeo. Morrtoon Coatee, 14 Charle«H. Shrlner, 3 Ilonry Rnmm, 1"> Jolin Winter, 4 William 11. Kern, l»t I»avid M Conaiifrhy, ft Barton 11. Jenka, 17 L>i\TlD W. Wnod, 112» Chartoe M. Hunk, is Kmc lien-on, 7 Robert Parker, 10 John P«ttton, 8 Aaron Mull, 20 fianiuel 11. T>iVk, ' 9 John A. Hleatand, 21 Evorard Bierer, m Ricard 11. Coryell, 22 John P IVnney, *ll Fdward Holliday, |23 Kbeuezer MJnnkin, 12 Charles V. Reed, |24 John \V. lilanchard. I.OCA I, TICKET. CONGRESS, THOMAS WILLIAMS. PRESIDENT JUDGE, L. L. M'GUFFIN, Lawrence county. ASSEMBLY, WM. HASLETT. JOHN 11. NKGLFA'j of Butler County. SAMUEL M'KINLEY, of Lawrenee County. COMMISSIONER. A. C. CHRISTY. AUDITOR. LEANDER WISE. Const it n( ioiial Amendment. The first amendment—the one extend ing the right of suffrage to the soldier, has been adopted by the people of tho, state, by about 97,000 majority. The strong Copperhead districts however, east a heavy vote against it. They arc of course entitled to tho gratitude of tho soldier, (!!) which will doubtless manifest itself in— "That voice that Ml* a# Mill An Know flake* tall upon tho sod, Yet execute* a freeman* will. AH lightning doth the will of Oo<V' Volunteering. "There is quite a brisk effort being made to fill up the quotas of the several districts by volunteering, giving local bounties.— The peoplo wore slow to undertake the work of recruiting again, as they had not got quite through with adjustiug the bounty question under former drafts.— This slowness was, to some extent, caused by the acknowledged imperfections of tho bounty laws. The Governor has there fore very properly called the attention of the Legislature to this question ; and we trust before it adjourns they will give the people a law so just aud ample, that none will have reason to complain, and that will enable committees to procure a full settlement of their bounty matters, without the prospect of future litigation. If men gave of their means freely, and thereby assisted in filling up the army *nd at the same time, secured the exemp tion of their district from the" draft, they should have full justice done them,wheth er they actod from motives of patriotism, without reference to how they would be remunerated, or whether they had an "understanding" on the subject. At the same time those families which have suf fered heavy losses by the fortunes of war, si BUIIJ also be protected against the hard ships of a general rule or law. Our Legislators have been called to gether undersuch circumstances as should enable them to forget self, and remem ber only their country, and the gallant armies, which are battling in her cause. The people have a right to expect of the pre«ent extra session, the endorsement of every measure recommended by the Gov ernor in his patriotic message, that will strengthen the Union army now in the field, and give us an effective militia force at home, upon which we can rely. War vs. Peare.l " We have declared our principle to be ' a vigorous prosecution of peace', instead of ' a vigorous prosecution of war.' This conclusion we arrived at, first, because we believe a peace alike honorable to both parties, is attainable on the basis of the constitution."— Herald. It is worthy of remark that while we are informed that our neighbor is in favor of a settlement on the basis of the constitution not a word is said as to the preservation of the Union. Certainly all are in favor of a speedy termination of the present war on the ba sis of theConstitution; but will we not insist on the preservation of the Union ? 'J he responsibilities of carrying on a war, and suppressing a rebellion, as gigantic and wicked as the present, are certainly great! With an open and powerful enemy in front—a less open, but equally malignant cmsuiy in the roar, nnd with an honest difference of opinion among its friends! It is not strange that the Administration was some times stow in avowing its policy. Difficult, however, as it was. Mr. Lincoln was bound by his oath of office, to assume all the responsibilities, and to adopt a pol icy on"the basis of the Constitution," and thus having adopted such a policy he has labored faithfully to carry it out; but in this he has been greatly hindered by an unpatriotic movement in the North,which has done everything in its power to ren der greater the broach, by deuying that there was any considerable Union senti ment in the South; and by systematically hunting down every unconditional union man who dare to raise his voice in behal of the Union. Looking at the course of the Herald, for some time back, wo can scarcely believe it, serious in favoring a prosecution of peace on the basis of tho Constitution. Still we are willing for the present to consider it sincere; and we therefore call upon it to inform the pub lic by what means it proposes to reach this desirable object. Is it in favor of sending commissioners'to Richmond to 1 sue for peace; and if so what terms Jias it to offer—a scperation or re-union? Is it in favor of withdrawing our armies at once, or is it in favor of allowing them to remain until a hostile climate and delays shall have consigned them to destruction ! Be good enough to enlighten the public on thescjioints. The Coming Draft. We are pleased to know that the citi zens of many of the sub-districts in our county arc putting forth an effort for the purpose of tilling their several quotas un der the call for 500,000 men. If our ! county is to bo relieved of the coming draft, our citizens should labor energetic ally, unanimously, and with a determina tion that knows no such thing as fail. There ate many young men who can go, and 110 doubt will go.and there arc also men who have families that would willingly go for ono year if the necessary arrangements were made that would ena ble them to leave something with their families for their support, during their ab sence. Will not the patriotic people of Butler county, without distinction of par ty contribute liberally towards a fund for i the purpose of paying a local bounty to I those who can aud are willing to enter tho army ? Viewing this subject from the stand point which we occupy, it appears to us, jto bo a very small matter to contribute 825, 850 or even 8100 dollars, every six months for the purpose of filling up our army, sustaining our government and fi nally succeeding in putting down, treason and rebellion. Men who are able and re fuse to contribute of the means with which f!od has blessed them, to say the least, are unworthy to enjoy the blessings of civil and religious liberty. The Gov ernment has given us fifty days to volun teer and fill our quota. Did any govern ment ever act more leniently towards its subjects? We have heard people talk about Despotism, usurpation kc. Dosucli individuals know whereof tlicy speak? What act of injustice has the Govern ment over perpetrated against them? Where is the Government on earth, situa ted as our own, struggling against treason and rebellion, that would not put forth the strong arm of tho law and compel, if ne cessary, her citizens to support the Gov ernment and defend themselves against anarchy, confusion am) threatened destruc tion ? In view of all the blessings which we enjoy under our beneficent Government is it not our imperative duty to ourselves, our countrymen and our God, to support, defend and uphold by all the just and honorable means within our power the Government to which we owe allegiance! Rally! then to the support and defense of Law and Order. Patriots of Butler co., Do your duty I Stand up for Freedom. Our Country Call*! ' Tis our duty to obey Pre\iraH(<'QiioiiiKin liutler Co. After having given ten days to the cor rection of the rolls of the several sub-dis tricts of the 23d district, the Board made out the following proximate quotas. But as the people of many of the sub-district have not yet availed themselves of the opportunity of correcting their enroll ments, the Board have resolved to give another week to the work of correction, prior to the final declaration of the res pective quotas. The rolls will, therefore, be kept open for correction until Saturday evening the 20th instant. Any correc tions made after that date will not affect the quotas.— Pitts. Gaz. BUTLER COUNTY. • Buffalo tp, 25; Clinton, 22; Middle sex, 22; Adams, 20; Cranberry, 24; Jackson and Harmony boro. 29; Zclic nople boro. 7; Forward, 22; Jefferson, 21; Saxonburg boro, 5; Winfield, 18; Clearfield, 15; Summit, 17; Butler, 21; Butler boro. 29; Connoquenessing, 23; Penn, 18; Muddy Creek, 20 ; Lancaster, 23; Franklin, 25; Centre, 18; Oakland, 22; Donegal, 10; Millerstown boro. 5; Fairview. 24; Concord, 20; Clay, 20; Brady, 14; Worth, 24; Slipperyrock, 27; Cherry, 19; Washington, 23; Par ker, 22; Allegheny, 15; Venango, 17; Marion, 17; Mercer and Harrisville, l(i. Aggregate of Butlei county,. 719. 'UOV. CIBTIS'N JIEBNAGK. EXVCI'TITE CHAMIIHI. T lliuusucflo, August 9. ISCJ. J To the Senate and House, of Representa tives of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl vania : GENTLEMEN : —I have called you to gether in advance of your adjournod ses sion, for- jhe purpose of taking some ac tion for the defense of the State. From tho commencement of the present rebel lion, Pennsylvania has done her whole duty to the Government. Lying as her southern counties do, in the immediate vi cinity of the border, and thus exposed to sudden invasion, a selfish policy would have led her to retain a sufficient part of her military force for her own defense. In so doing she would have failed in her duty to the whole countiy. Not only would her men have been withheld from the field of general operations, but the loans aud taxation which would become necessary, would have to a largo extent diminished the ability of her people to comply with tho pecuniary demands of the United States. She would alsJ have necessarily interfered with aud hampered all the military action of the Govern ment, and made herself to some extent responsible for any failures and shortcom ings that may have occurred. In pursu ance of the policy thus deliberrtcly adopt ed, this State has steadily devoted her *men to the general service. From the beginning she has always been among the first to respond to tho calls of the United States, as is shown by her history from tho three months' men and the Reserve Corps to the present moment. Thus faith fully fulfilling all her own obligations,she has a right to bo defended by the nation al force, as part of u common country.— Any other view would be absurd and un just. She of course cannot complain when she suffers by the necessary contin gencies of war. The reflections that have in too many quarters been made upon the people of her southern counties are most unfounded. They were invaded in 1862, when a Union army, much superior to any force of the rebels, (and on which they had of course a right to rely,) was lying in their immediate vicinity and north of tho Potomac. They were again invaded in 1863, after the defeat of tho Union forces under Milroy, at Winchester, and they have again suffered in 1864, after the defeat of the Union forces under Crook and Averill. How could an agri cultural people in an open country bo ex pected to rise suddenly and beat back hos tile forces which had defeated organized veteran armies of the Government ? It is of course expected that the inhab itants of an invaded country will do what, is in their power to resist the invaders.and tho facts hereinafter stated, .will show, I : think, thp.t tho people of these counties havo not failed in this duty. If Penn sylvania, by reason of her geographical required to bo defended by the national force, it has only been against the common enemy. It has never been necessary to weaken the army in the field by sending heavy detachments of veter ans to save her cities from being devasta ted by small bands of ruffians, composed of their own inhabitants. Nor have her people been disposed to sneer at the great mass of law-abiding citizens in any other State which has required such protection. Vet, when a brutal enemy, pursuing a de feated body of I'nion forces, crosses our border and burns a defenceless town,this horrid barbarity, instead of firing the hearts of all tho people of our common country, is actually in some quarters made tho occasion of mocks and gibes at the unfortunate sufferers, thousands of whom have been rendered houseless. And those heartless scoffs proceed from the very men who, when tho State authorities, foresee ing the danger was taking precautionary measures, ridiculed tho idea of their be ing any danger, sneered at the exertions to prepare fur meeting it; and succeeded to some extent in thwarting their cfforljr to raise forces. These men are themselves morally responsible for the calamity over which they now chuckle and rub their hands. It might havo been hoped—nay, we had a right to expect—that tho people of the loyal State engaged in a common ef fort to preserve their Government and all that is dear to freemen, would have for gotten, at least for the time, their wretch ed local jealousies, and sympathized with all their loyal fellow citizens, wherever res ident within the borders of our common country. It should bo remembered that the original source of the present Rebel lion was in such jealousies encouraged for wicked purposes by unscrupulous politi cians. The men whoforany purpose now continue to encourage them, ouglit to be held as common enemies—cuemiesof our union and our peace, and should bo treat ed as such. Common feelings—common sympathies—arc the necessary foundations of a common free Government. I am proud to say that the people of Pennsylvania feel every blow at any of her sister States, as an assault upon them selves, and give to them all that hearty good will, the expression of which is some times moro important under the infliction of calamity than mere material aid. It is unnecessary to refer to the approach of the rebel army up the Shenandoah Val ley on the third day of July last—to the defeat of General Wallace on the Mon ocaey, their approach to and the threat ening of the Capital, or to their destruc tion of property and pillage of the coun try of Maryland lying on the border.— These events have passed into history, and the responsibilities will be settled by the judgment of the people. At that time, a call was made upon Pennsylvania for volunteors to be muster ed into the service of the United States and " to serve for ono hundred days in tho States of Pennsylvania and Maryland, and at Washington and vicinity." Not withstanding the embarrassments which complicated the orders for the reorganiza tion and muster, six regiments were en listed and organized and a battallion of 6 companies. The regiments were with drawn from the State, the last leaving the 29th day of July. I desired that at least least part of this force should be confined in their service to the States of Pennsylvania nnd Mary land. aud made such an application to the War Department, as the proposition did not meet their approbation, it was re jected and the general order changed to include the States named and Washington and vicinity. No part of the rebel army at that time had come within the State. The people of the border counties were warned, and removed their stock, and atChauibersburg atid York were organized and aruicd for their own protection. I was not official ly informedof the movements of the Fed eral armies, and of course, not of the strategy of their commanders, but it was stated in the newspapers that the rebel army was closely pursued after it had crossed the Potomac and was retiriug up the valley of the Shenandoah. Repeated successes of our troops wero also announ ced, and the people of this State had just cause to believe that quite sufficient Fed eral force had been throwu forward for its protection upon the lino of the Potomac- On Friday, the 2'Jth of July, the rebel brigades of Johnston and M'Oausland, consisting of from 2,500 to 3,000 moun ted men, with six guns, crossed the Po tomac at Clear Spring Ford. They com menced crossing at 10 o'clock, A. M., and marehcddircetlyon Mcrcersburg. There were bin 45 meu picketed in that direc tion, under the command of Lieutenant M' Lean, i T . S. A., and as thq enemy suc ceeded in cutting the telegraph commu nication, which from that point had to pass west, by way of Bedford, no infor m.itinn could be gent to General Couch, by telegraph, who was then at Chambers burg. The head of this column reached Chambcrsburg at 3 o'clock, A. M., on Sat urday, the 30th. The rebel brigades of Vaughn and Johnson, numbering about 3,000 moun ted men, crossed the Potomac at about the same timo, at or near Williamsport— part of the command advanced on Ha gerstown—the inain body moved on the road leading from Williamsport to Green castle. Another rebel column of infantry and artillery crossed the Potomac simulta neously at Sheppardstown, and moved towards Loitersburg. Gen. Avcrill, who commanded a forte reduced to about 2,(>f)o men, was at Hag erstown,' and being threat ened in front by Yaughuaiul Jackson, on his light by M'Causland and Johnson, who also threatened his rear, and on his left by the column which crossed at Shep pardstown, ho therefore fell back upon Greencastle. General Avcrill, it is understood, was under the orders of Gen. Hunter, but was kept us fully advised by G'cn. Couch as was possible, of the enemy's movements on his right and to his rear. Gen. Couch was in Chambersburg, whero his entire force consisted of 00 infantry, 45 cavalry, and a section of a battery of artillery, in all less than 150 men. The six com panies of men enlisted for one hundred days remaining in the State, and two com panies of cavalry had, under orders from Washington, (as lam unofficially inform ed,) joined Gen. Averill. The town of Chambersburg was held until day-light by the small force under General Couch, during which timo the Oovernmcntstores and train weresaved. Two batteries wore then planted by the enemy commanding the toWn, and it was invested by the wliolo command of Johnson and MeCausland. At 7 o'clock A. M., six companies of dis mounted men, commanded by Sweeny, entered the town, followed by mounted men under Gilmore. The uiain force was in line of battle—a demand was made for 100,000 dollars in gold, or §500,000 in Government funds as ransom, and a num ber of citizens were arrested and held'as hostages for its payment. No offer of money was made by the citizens of the town, and even if they had any intention of paying a ransom, no time was allowed, as the rebels immediately commenced to burn and pillinge the town, disregarding the appeals of women and children, the aged and infirm, and even the bodies of tliedead were not protected from their brutality. It would have been vain for all the citizens of the town, if armed, to have attempted, in connection with Gen. Couch's small force, to defend it. Gen. Couch withdrew his command, and did not himself loavo until the 'enemy were actually in the town. General Avcrill's command being within nine miles of Chambcrsburg, it was hoped he would ar rive in time to save the town, and efforts were made during the night to communi cate with him. In the mean time, the small force of General Couch held tho enemy at bay. General Avcrill's march ed on Chambersburg, but did not arrive until after the town was burned and the enemy had retired. lie pursued and overtook fhcui at McConnellsburg, in Ful ton connty, in time to savethatplace from pillage and destruction. He promptly engaged and defeated them, driving them to Hancock and across the Potom ac. I commend tl« houseless and ruined people of Chambcrsburg to the liberal be nevolence of the Legislature, and suggest that a suitable appropriation be made for their relief. Similar charity has been heretof.ire exercised in the ease of an ac cidental and distructive fire at Pittsburg, and I cannot doubt the disposition of the Legislature on tho present occasion. On the fifth day of this moqth a large rebel army was in Maryland and at vari ous points on the Potomac u far west as New Creek, and as there was no ade quate force within the State I deemed it my duty on that day to call for Thirty Thousand Volunteer Militia, for domestic protection. They will be armed, trans ported and supplied by the United States, but, as no provision is made for their pay ment, it will be necessary, should you ap prove my action, to makeau appropriation for that purpose. Feeling it to bo the duty of tho Gener al Government to afford full protection to tho people of Pennsylvania and Maryland by the defense of the line of the Poto mac, I united with Governor Bradford in the following letter to the President, dat ed July 21st, A. I)., 1804 : STATE OF MARYLAND, ") EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. ANNAPOLIS, July 21,1864. } His Excellency, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States— SIR : The repeated raids across the Po tomac river made by portions of the rebel army, and the extent of the damage they have succeeded so frequently in inflicting, have most injuriously affected the people of Maryland and Pennsylvania, in the neighborhood of that river, and many of them, it is believed, as the only security against such losses in the future are seri ously considering the propriety of aban doning their present homes and seeking safety at the North. It seems to us that not merely in this sec tional aspect of the case, but in its natiou tional relations, the seourity of this border line between the loyal and rebellious States is an object justifying and requiring a disposition of a portion of the national force with an especial view to its defence. The Potomac river can only be crossed in'its ordinary state of water at some five or six fords, and we proposo to enlist from our respective Statesa volunteer force that shall be sufficient, with the aid of thej fortifications which the force itself can speedily coustruct, to effectually guard them all. We ask the Government that the re cruits as soon as raised shall be credited to the quotas of our sevejal States on the call last made, and bo armed, equipped and supplied as other volunteers in tho service. We are aware that, as a general rule, well founded objections exisUto tho en listment of a force to bd exclusively used for home or local defense, but wc regard such service as wc now suggest as au ex ceptional case, and tho complete protec tion of this part of our frontier as of ad mitted national importance. Soon after the outbreak of this rebel lion the importance of a special defensoof tho region bordering on thej Upper Poto mac was recognized by the Government, and the lion. Fraucjs Thomas, of Mary land, was authorized by it to raise three regiments with a view to the protection of the counties on either side of that riv er. Theso regiments were raised, but the subsequent exigencies of the service re quired their employment elsewhere, and they, therefore, afford at present no par ticular security to that regioubeyond oth er troops in the service. The necessity, as wc think, for some such peculiar provision has now become so obvious that wo would, with great re spect, but most earnestly urge upon Your Excellency tho expediency of acceding to tho suggestions we have made, *nd wo will immediately set about raising the for ces required, and we have no doubt they will be promptly procured. Wc have the honor to be, with great respect, your ob'dt servants, (Signed) A. W. BRADFORD, A. G. Ct.'RTIN, The following letter from tho Assistant Adjutant General, dated August Ist. A. D., 1804, is the only reply received by me up to this time: WAR DEPARTMENT, ) ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C., Aug, Ist, 1801. \ His EXCELLENCY, the Governor of Penn sylvania, Harrisburg, I'n.: SIR : —I have the honor toacknowledgo the receipt of the joint letter from your self and the Governor of Maryland, dat ed July 21st, 1804, asking authority to raise a volunteer force in your respective States, to be exclusively used for homo or local defense, and for guarding the fords of the Potomac. In reply, I am -directed by the Secre tary of War to inform you that tho prop osition lias been fully considered, and that the authority asked for cannot be grant ed. In this connection please see the act of Congress, approved February 13. 1802, as promulgated in General Order No. 15, se ries of 1802, from this office. I have the honor to remain, sir, Very respectfully, Your obd't servant, (Signed) Tiios. M. VINCENT, Assistant Adjutant General. MEM— Similar Idler suit J lis Excel lency, the Governor of Maryland, this dale. How tho reason given for tho refusal to act on this proposition can be made con si,stent with the enlistment of men forone hundred days to serve in Pennsylvania, Maryland and at Washington and vicini ty, it is hard to perceive. On the suggestion made by citizens of the border counties, the following com munication dated 22d July, 1804, was made by Maj. Gen. Couch to tho Secreta ry of War: (Copy.) HRAnQrAKTERS DF.P'T SVSQCBHAXN.I, lIARRiaBCRn, I'a., July 22d, 1804. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War: SIR : —During the recent raid into Ma ryland, the citizens of Chambersburg turned out with a determination to stand by tho few soldiers present, and hold the town against any cavalry force that might assault it. Five hundred citizens of York, irrespective of party, volunteered, were armed, and went down to the Northern Central Bailroad to guard their bridges or hold their town. This is stated in order to show you that the" border citizens"are beginning to realize that by united action they have tho strength to protect them selves against an ordinary raiding party. Enclosed, I invite your attention ton letter addressed to the Governor, together with his indorsement upon tho subject of forming a special corps from the six bor der counties most exposed. If 10,000 men can thus be organized fits existence would be a protection and give confidence. I am informed that the general senti ment of the people in a question is in fa vor of something being done at once, and as a military measure, think it will be of essential service to the General Govern ment, ard recommend that the War De partment encourage the movement by au thorizing the loan or issue of uniforms, provided the law in quescion is enacted. It is believed that the new militia law of this State will practically prove of no value, excepting that an enrollment will probably be made. I am sir, Very respectfully, Your obd't servant (Signed) D. N. COUCH, Maj. Gen. Comd'g Dept. HEADQ'RS DEP'T SUSQUEHANNA, ) , IIARRIBBURO, Aug. 4, 1804. j A true copy respectfully furnished for the information of His Excellency, Gov. A. G. Curtin. JNO. S. SCHULTZ, Assistant Adjutant General. On the same day I approved in writing of the proposition, and expressed my opin ion that the Legislature would pass an act in accordance with it at its adjourned ses- j sion on the 22d of August. I am fur-■ nished with an official copy of the follow ing reply, dated August 1, 1804, to the proposition of Gen. Couch. (.Copy.) WAR PEP'T, ADJ't GKNEKAL'3 Omcß, ) Washington, D. C., Aug. 1, 1804. J Major General P. N. COUCH, Commanding, &c., Ilarrisburg, Pa. GEN. :—I have tho honor to acknowl edge the receipt of your letter of the 22d of July, relative to"the United States pro viding uniforms for a " Special Cords" of militia from certain border counties of Pennsylvania. In reply, I am directed to inform you that the subject has been carefully consid ered by tho Secretary of War, who can not sanction the issue of the clothing in question. I am, General, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant, (Signed,) THOS. >l. VINCENT Assistant Adjutant General. lIKAIKt'RS DEP'T OF TUB SUSQUEHANNA, Hnrritburg, Aui/iut Cuh, 1804. A true copy respectfully furnished for the information of His Excellency, Gov. A. G. Curtin. JOHN S. SJIUI/TZ, Assistant Adjutant General. In each of tho throo years, 1859, 1803 and 1801, it has been found necessary to call the State militia for the defence of the State, and this has been done with tho assent and assistance of the General Government. From the want of organi zation, we have been obliged to rely ex clusively on the volunteer militia, and with few exceptions to organize them anew for each occasion. This has caused con fusion and a loss of valuable time, and has resulted in sending to the field bodies of men in a great measure uudisciplined. Tho militia bill passed at the last session is I think for ordinary times thebest mili tia law we haVe ever had, but under the existing extraordinary circumstances it seems to require modifications. 1 suggest that tho assessors be directed to make an immediate enrollment, classifying the militia as may be thought best; that the officers bo appointed by the Governor, on tho rcccommendatiou, approved by .him, of a board of examination, composed of three Major Gens, for each division, of whom the Major General of the division shall be'one. the other t»ro to be designa ted by the Governor, from adjoining di-. visions, or in such other mode as the Leg islature may think fit; that in all eases :ho officer shall be selected by preference from officers and men who have been in Fervico, and shall havo been honorably discharged by the United States, and that effectual provisions bo made for drafting tho militia when required. The reccoir.- mendation in regard to appointments is made to avoid the angry dissensions, and, too often, political jealousies which divide military organizations by tho election of officers, and to secure the services of the ; most deserving and competent men. ! The election of officers in the volunteer forces in the field has been found te bo in jurious to the service, while promotions by seniority and appointments by merito rious privates has produced harmony and stimulated to faithfulness. In the enlist ment of new organizations, the plan adopt ed of granting authority to officers to re cruit companies has been found to bo the best policy. I also rcccommend that the Governor be authorized to form (eithcrby the acceptance of volunteers or by draft, in such parts of the State ashc may deem expedient,) a special corps of militia to consist in one portion of cavalry, artillery and infantry, to be kept up to the full num ber of fifteen regiments, to bo styled " Minute Men," who shall be sworn and mustered into the service of the Statofor three years—who shall assemble for drill at such times'and places as ho may direct, who shall be clothed,armed and equipped by the State, and paid when assemble ! for drill or called into service, and who shall at all times bo liable to bo called in to immediate service for the defence if the State independently of tho remainder of the mi litia. As this force would bo eubject to sud den calls, the larger part of it should bo organized in the counties lyingon our ex treme border; and as the people of those counties have more personal interest in their protection, the reccommcndation is made to authorize the Governor to desig nate the parts of (he State in which it should be raised, and to save tho timoand expense of transporting troops from re mole parts of the Stato, and the subsis tence and pay ingoing to and from the border. A body of men so organized will, it is believed, bo effective to prevent raids and incursions. The expense of clothing, ar ming and equipping such a force can not be correctly ascertained, but the Quar termaster Goneral has been directed to make adproximate estimates for your in formation, whi di will be independent of pay and subsistence. The State should provide at least six four-gun batteries of field.artillery with all the modern improvements. Tho suggestion has been frcqnently made by unreflecting persons that the State should raise a force and kpep it permanently in the field for her defense. Apart from other considerations, it is to be observed that the expenses of such a measure would be quite beyond the present ability of the State. To raise and maintain an army of fif teen regiments, would involve an annual expenditure ot more than fifteen million of dollaas, and any smaller force would be inadequate. The plan which I have about proposed would, I think, give to the State efficient protection, and if the Leg islature should think fit to adopt it, the expense can bo readily provided for by loan or otherwise. Having an organize*! fcr"e under the control of the authority of tho State, and mustered into service for domestic protec tion, we would not, as heretofore, lose time in arranging for transportation and supplies with the National Government, when it became necessary to call it into the field. AVhen thoroughly organized, it should be in all its appointments an ar my which could be increased by draft made from our enrolled and classified citizens. The plan which I have above suggest ed is the result of reflection and experi ence which I have had during the last 3 years, and I have felt it to be my duty to submit it for your consideration. Of tfio purpose of providing for' the effectual de fense ol tlio State, I, of course, cannot doubt your approval. If the should prefer the adoption of any other plan more efficient, and economical, than fhe one which 1 have herein proposed, it will give me a pleasure to co-operate heart ily in carrying it into effect. In accordance with the act of May 4 1804, I lmve appointed for the Eastern Armies Col. F. Jordan as agent at Wash ington, and Lieut. Col. James Gilliland as Assistant Agent at that place; and also for the Southwestern Armies Lieut. Col. J aines Cliambcrlin as Agent at Nashville. The*e agents are now actively engaged in the performance of their duties, aiid it is. desirable that our people should be awaro that a pHrt of them consists in the gra tuitous collection claims by Pennsylva nia volunteers of their legai repreg nta tives in the State and National Govern, nionts. Volunteers havingclaimson eith er of these agents without expense, and 1 thus be rescued from the exertions to which it is feared they have sometimes hereto fore been subjected. Jlavingreceived in formation from the agent of the State thai our sick'and wounded were suffering great ly from the want of comforts and even necessaries, I have been recently compel led to call on the people to contribute sup plies mainly in kind for their relief, ami it gives me pleasure to say that this appeal' lias been cheerfully responded to, as have been all my former appeals to the samo end. It seems impossible to exhaust the lib erality of our generous people when the well being of our bravo volunteers is in question- In my special message of the 80th of April last, I stated the circum stances attending tho advance of banks and other corporations of funds for tho payment of the militia called out m 1803. In consequence the Legislature passed the act of the 4th of May, 18fj4,authorizlnga loan for the purpose of refunding, with interest, the amount thus advanced, in case Congress should fail to make the nec essary appropriation at its then current session. I regret to say that Congress ad journed without making- such appropria tion. The balance in the Treasury boingfound sufficient to re-imburso the funds so ad \ ant ed, without unduly diminishing the Sinking Fund. 1 have decrnad it advisa ble no to advertise for proposals for tho loan, and recommended the passage of an act directing the payment to be made out ol the moneys in the Treasury. As the omission of Congress to act on this subject involved an unprecedented disregard of thegood faith of the Nation al authorities. I roecommondtliat tho Leg islature tako measures fifr procuringan appropriation at the next session of Con gress. The Pevenne Hill passed at the' last session has been found to be defective in several points, and I recommend a care ful and immediate revision of it. The liounty Hill passed at the last ses sion is found to be defective and unjust in many of its provisions, and from the man ner in which it is administered in some parts of the Stale, is oppressive on tho people. I therefore recommend a careful • revision of it. As the, iresent session has been called for (lie consideration of matters of vital public importance, I commend them to your earnest and exclusive attention. A. G. Cl 11T1N. Mjmpalliy of Kuifzerland Tor the Amrricaii 3'iiioii. WASHIN'OSON, August 8, lXlif.—The government has been officially advised of the mooting held at Geneva, Switzerland, on the 9th of July," in favor of the Amer ican Union and the measures taken by government at Washington for tho aboli tion of slavery." and at which an address was adopted offering the most ardent pray er that, inspired solely by patriotic tho't, the States still in revolt may range them selves forever under tho star-spangled banner of the Union- The people of Geneva, with all their wishes, forward this moment, because thenceforth liberty will be triumphant, without distinction of race, at the North as well as at the South.. The Secretary of State has responded as 112 illows: To the people of Geneva : I have re ceived from the American Consul who resides at Geneva, and I have laid before the President, your fervent, eloquent and most fraternal address tt> tho people oftho United States. Py his command I give you thanks in tho name of all my. coun trymen for tho timely and appropriate words of sympathy and friendship which you have spoken. Your address adds strength to the already strong chain which binds tho first federal republic of Ameri ca to the oldest and foremost federal re public of Europe. The people of Switzerland may rest assured, whatever else may fail, that it will not be tho people of the United Stales which will betray tho republican system to foreign enemies, or surrender it to do mestic faction. With ardent prayers for the preservation of the Constitution, tho freedom and tho prosperity of Switzerland, I have tho honor to remain, citizens, your most obe dient servant and sincere friend, IV'M. 11. SEWARIX Department of State. Washington, July 30, 1801. NEW YORK, August 9.—A private dis patch from Washington to-day, says our news through rebel sources is all encour ging. The capture of Mobile is confi dently expected, and we learn from the front that great excitement exists among the rebels, both at Richmond and Atlan ta. NEW YORK, Angnst 9.—Military men here say,that Sherman will undoubt edly take advantage of the confusion of the rebels, and we look for accounts of a battle at any moment. Averill's victory in tho valley i3 confirmed. His loss was very slight and ho captured from 5 to 000 prisoners, and all the rebel artillery. This and the report from Mobile have made our Washington officials very happy to-day. NEW YORK, August9.—The Commcr rial says: We learn that telegrams were in town to-day, from both Gens. Sherman and Thomas, announcing .the fact that Atlanta will surely be ours by the close of the woek.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers