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Franklin County : War Memories/Aftermath of War

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Remembering the War and Its Meaning

Franklin Repository, May 3, 1865, p. 1, c. 2: "Address By Rev. Dr. Harbaugh."
A transcript of Rev. Dr. Harbaugh's speech in honor of President Lincoln.

Franklin Repository, May 24, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "James Buchanan."
The editors call on ex-President Buchanan to explain his actions during the prelude to secession.

Valley Spirit, July 5, 1865, p. 2, c. 7: "Alex. H. Stephens' Account of the Hampton Roads Conference."
Provides an account of the peace conference held at Hampton Roads, where a proposal to compensate slave-owners was allegedly offered. According to the report, Lincoln endorsed a plan providing $400 million to accomplish the goal.

Franklin Repository, July 5, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "What The War Cost The South."
A summary of the pecuniary losses suffered by the South as a result of the war.

Franklin Repository, July 19, 1865, p. 3, c. 3: "An Address."
A copy of the address given by W. S. Everett, Esq., during Chambersburg's Fourth of July celebration.

Valley Spirit, August 9, 1865, p. 3, c. 3: "Rebel Loss in the War."
Using calculations issued by Governor Parsons, of Alabama, who estimated that 70,000 out of the 120,000 men from his state who served in the Confederacy had been killed or disabled, the Cincinnati Gazette speculates on the total losses suffered by each of the rebel states.

Valley Spirit, November 22, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "Lives Lost by the Rebellion."
The War Department reports that the Union army suffered 325,000 fatalities during the late conflict, while the tally for the Confederates is reported to be 200,000. At Gettysburg alone, 23,000 Union troops were killed, wounded, or taken prisoner.

Franklin Repository, November 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Reviving An Obsolete Custom."
Although blame for the war clearly rests with the former states of the Confederacy, the editors acknowledge that the North was at least partly to blame because it repeatedly accommodated and acquiesced to the demands of the South. But with the end of the war, they promise, that mode of thinking has been abandoned.

Valley Spirit, November 29, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "Reaping the Harvest of War."
With capitalists from England and the North lauding the transition to free labor in the South and predicting a bumper crop of cotton in the upcoming harvest, the article notes that the struggle for control of black labor appears increasingly to be the cause of the late war.

Valley Spirit, December 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "What Was It For?"
Although the war is being trumpeted by the Radicals as having been fought to free the slaves and to make blacks equal citizens, the article dares anyone who adheres to such views to confront an injured veteran and inquire if that was indeed the reason he fought.

Franklin Repository, January 17, 1866, p. 1, c. 8: "Scrap of History."
The extracts contained in the article offer an interesting account of the history of slavery in the United States and the causes of the Civil War from a Confederate perspective.

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1866, p. 1, c. 8: "An Old Indictment."
The article recounts the resolutions adopted at the Union State Convention of 1865, condemning Democrats for their stand on a range of topics, including their opposition to the enlistment of black soldiers and their refusal to grant soldiers the right to vote.

Franklin Repository, July 4, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "The Day We Celebrate."
The editors note that on this day, the ninetieth anniversary of the republic's founding, the country may finally start to live up to Jefferson's pledge "All men are created equal."

Valley Spirit, December 26, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "The Democratic Party Vindicated."
In the wake of the Supreme Court's decision in the "Indiana Conspiracy case," it has become clear, says the Spirit's editor, that the Democrats were justified in their opposition to the use of military commissions to try civilians.

Franklin Repository, July 10, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "The Spirit Travails."
The editors mock their rival at the Valley Spirit for the story he wrote chronicling his trip through the Shenandoah Valley, and chastise him for equating McCausland's raid on Chambersburg with the legitimate battles fought in Virginia.

Veterans' Issues

Franklin Repository, May 31, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Our Returning Soldiers."
Though the war has ended and the ranks of the army will soon be thinned, the legacy of the soldiers' valor will never be forgotten, insist the editors.

Franklin Repository, June 14, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Our Returned Soldiers."
The editors admonish local residents to offer a warm welcome to the returning soldiers and to aid them in their efforts to re-integrate into civil society.

Franklin Repository, June 14, 1865, p. 2, c. 7: "Welcome Home."
A poem dedicated to the returning soldiers.

Franklin Repository, June 21, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
A notice specifying which soldiers are eligible for government bounties.

Valley Spirit, July 5, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal-Pensions."
Details the eligibility requirements for war pensions.

Valley Spirit, July 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
A group of army veterans recently met in New York where they organized the "United Service Society." Under the stewardship of Gen. Warren, the group passed a number of resolutions; the two most important being that martial law should soon be abandoned and that the federal government's tax structure should be revamped.

Valley Spirit, July 12, 1865, p. 3, c. 2: "Local and Personal--Discharge of Volunteers."
The War Department has set the timetable for discharging volunteers still in the service.

Valley Spirit, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "Wait Till The Soldiers Come Home."
Having repeatedly heard that soldiers, once discharged, would seek out Democrats to exact revenge for their "disloyalty," the author of the article reports that all such predictions have failed to materialize. In fact, he states, quite the opposite has occurred. Returning members of the military are supporting the Democrats, particularly their initiatives to exclude blacks from voting.

Valley Spirit, September 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Assess the Soldiers."
Instructs readers that returning soldiers must be assessed or they will lose their right to vote.

Valley Spirit, October 4, 1865, p. 2, c. 5: "Soldiers! Stand By Your Race."
Urges soldiers to vote against "Black Republicans."

Valley Spirit, November 1, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--Information As To Pensions."
The article announces that the Commissioner of Pensions is preparing a report for Congress for 1865, details the rates paid to widows and injured soldiers, and highlights the marked increase in the number claimants seeking government aid since 1862.

Franklin Repository, April 18, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "An Important Bounty Bill."
A copy of the bounty bill that successfully passed both branches of the legislature. This "act of justice" requires localities to provide the actual sum to volunteers that they were promised before signing up for service.

Franklin Repository, May 2, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "Soldiers' League."
"A Soldier" writes to encourage the formation of a chapter of the Soldiers' League, an organization with locals not only in every other section of Pennsylvania, but in all "the States whose citizens went out to crush the rebellion." He calls on prominent local officers to lead the efforts.

Valley Spirit, May 30, 1866, p. 2, c. 4: "The Vote As They Fought."
In the borough of York recently, reports the piece, a group of more then 200 former soldiers organized a political club and passed a series of resolutions endorsing the Democratic platform. This development is a reflection of the attitude prevalent among the Keystone State's Civil War veterans who, it asserts, will "vote as they fought" in the upcoming election--"for the Constitution and the Union."

Valley Spirit, May 30, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "How The Soldiers Are Going."
Throughout the state, according to the editorial, soldiers are aligning themselves with the Democratic Party "in support of the President Johnson's policy, and in opposition to the radical disunionists and their bogus Military candidate for Governor."

Franklin Repository, June 6, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "They Vote As They Fought."
The editors comment on an article from last week's Valley Spirit, which reported on the organization of a soldiers' club in York county. According to the Repository's rival, one of the veterans' first actions was to pass a resolution in support of the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Heister Clymer. The editors sarcastically note that a similar process is unfolding throughout the South as members of Lee's demobilized army return home and cast their support for like-minded unpatriotic politicians.

Valley Spirit, June 13, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Hartfrant Convention."
Proclaiming the Soldiers Convention recently held in Pittsburgh a misnomer, the editor characterizes the proceedings as a "an infamous libel" upon the "name and fame" of the state's soldiers. He argues that rather than being a truly open forum where the veterans were free to debate the issues, the convention was actually "a gathering of abolition fanatics" who hoped to use the meeting as vehicle to promote the failing fortunes of Geary and the Republicans.

Franklin Repository, June 13, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "The Soldiers In Council The Pittsburgh Convention! A Large Assembly of Heroes! Faithful in War--Faithful in Peace! 'God, Grant, Geary, Victory!' 'My Policy' Ignored By the Boys in Blue! Gov. Curtin, the 'Soldiers' Friend!'"
A brief account of the proceedings at the Soldiers' Convention recently held in Pittsburg, and a copy of the resolutions passed by the delegates in attendance.

Franklin Repository, June 20, 1866, p. 2, c. 4
In response to the news that the "Clymer men" intend on holding "a real Soldiers' Convention" on June 20th, the editors have issued a mock announcement that denigrates the proposed proceedings as a meeting for "bounty jumpers" and "skulking conscripts."

Valley Spirit, June 27, 1866, p. 1, c. 8: "White Men, How Do You Like The Pictures?"
After detailing the story of a "sick and destitute" white veteran who found himself on the verge of being sent to the poor house, the piece notes that the Freedmen's Bureau has appropriated $25,000 for the relief of the suffering freedmen in the district.

Valley Spirit, July 11, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "Johnson, Clymer and the Union Call for a State Convention of Honorably Discharged Officers, Soldiers and Seamen."
In response to the outcome of the Soldiers' Convention recently held in Pittsburgh--an event critics claim "misrepresented the sentiments of the great mass" of soldiers--Pennsylvania Democrats issued a call for the state's veterans to meet at a second meeting in Harrisburg on August 1st.

Valley Spirit, July 25, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "The Soldiers' Convention."
With the Soldiers' Convention only weeks away, the piece notes that the veterans from Franklin have yet to select delegates to represent the county at the meeting.

Valley Spirit, August 8, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "The Soldiers' Convention."
The editorial offers a glowing review of the Soldiers' Convention held in Harrisburg, proclaiming it a great triumph.

Valley Spirit, August 22, 1866, p. 3, c. 3: "Local and Personal--The Bounty Law."
Announces that the state government is not yet prepared to pay for the extra bounties prescribed by the new law passed by Congress, and details the measures that are being put into effect to resolve the situation.

Franklin Repository, August 29, 1866, p. 2, c. 6: "Boys in Blue."
Watson calls on soldiers "who intend to vote" as they "fought--for the Union and against the Rebels"--to organize "Boys in Blue" clubs in their respective townships. In addition, he relates, there will be a "grand Soldiers' Mass Convention" held in Chambersburg on September 17th.

Valley Spirit, October 3, 1866, p. 1, c. 6: "White Sol[d]iers, Listen To a Copperhead."
Offers an anecdote about a white soldier who tried to claim his bounty but discovered, to his dismay, that Congress has failed to appropriate enough money to pay out all white soldiers' claim, having chosen to pay the extra bounties for black veterans instead.

Valley Spirit, May 22, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Why There Is No Money To Pay Bounties and Pensions."
Suggests that the Secretary of War's decision to suspend payment of soldiers' bounties is the direct result of the "reckless expenditures authorized by the Radicals in the Rump Congress."

Valley Spirit, July 24, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "The Grand Army of the Republic."
In the article, Greeley depicts the Grand Army of the Republic in highly unfavorable terms, describing it as an organization that "proposes to ever keep alive a war with brothers and fellow-countrymen."

Remembering the Union Dead

Franklin Repository, August 30, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
A list of the white and "colored" soldiers from the borough of Mercersburg who died in battle, as a result of disease, or in Southern prisons.

Franklin Repository, October 17, 1866, p. 1, c. 6: "Four Hundred Thousand Men."
A poem eulogizing the fallen soldiers for their sacrifices.

POWs

Franklin Repository, July 5, 1865, p. 2, c. 7: "Murder Of Union Prisoners."
It is reported that Senator Wade is finishing up the final draft of his report on the treatment of Union prisoners in rebel camps. According to members of the committee commissioned to do the study, the evidence clearly illustrates that "tens of thousands of brave soldiers" fell victim to the ghastly treatment of their Confederate jailers.

Valley Spirit, July 26, 1865, p. 3, c. 4: "Latest by the Mails!"
Capt. Henry Wirz, the "prison keeper" at Andersonville, will soon be put on trial for the atrocities committed at the camp while under his supervision.

Franklin Repository, July 26, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "Horrors At Andersonville."
A recently released report has ascertained that, between February 1864 and February 1865, 12,884 prisoners died at Andersonville. According to the article, a listing of the soldiers who perished will be published by Surgeon-General Philips.

Valley Spirit, August 23, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "A Damning Record."
Blames the federal government for the deaths of the Union soldiers who perished in the infamous Confederate prison-camp at Andersonville. Rather than exchange prisoners with the rebels, Lincoln and his cohorts chose to remain steadfast in their demand that the Confederates recognize black soldiers as part of the Union army before any such transfer could occur, a decision the article denounces as reprehensible.

Valley Spirit, September 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "The Northern Accomplice of Wirz."
Endorses an article in the Pittsburgh Post that attributes responsibility for the horrors committed at Andersonville to Secretary Stanton. The Spirit maintains that his refusal to exchange prisoners with the Confederates resulted in the unnecessary deaths of 30,000 Union soldiers.

Franklin Repository, November 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 5: "Execution of Wirz."
Reports that, up until his execution, Wirz "persisted to the last in denying that he had willfully starved, murdered or maltreated Union prisoners."

Valley Spirit, April 24, 1867, p. 1, c. 4: "Andersonville."
Contains a copy of a letter from Captain Wirz's lawyer, Lewis Schade, who asserts that his client was wrongly convicted for his role in the deaths of the prisoners at the infamous Andersonville prisoner-of-war camp.

Deserters and the Draft

Valley Spirit, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
In New York, several Provost Marshals are being investigated after allegations of corruption surfaced. The charges against the Provost Marshals stem from their activities related to the draft.

Valley Spirit, August 9, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "Provost Marshal Shot."
The article, from the Bedford Gazette, corrects the Associated Press' report on the murder of John Crouse, the deputy provost marshal of Bedford county, by John P. Reed. Reed had recently returned from Canada where he had studied law during the war. The article emphasizes that Reed did not go to Toronto to avoid conscription; rather, he was drafted long after he had become a student. Also involved in the altercation was Reed's brother, Mengel, who, the news service alleged, served in the Confederate army. The two are now in custody.

Valley Spirit, August 9, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--Sad Tragedy."
Recounts the stormy circumstances leading to Jacob Crouse's death at the hands of J. P. Reed, Jr.

Franklin Repository, August 9, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "The Bedford Homicide."
Although the editors admit that the details surrounding Jacob Crouse's death are still murky, they note that reports from Bedford indicate that "the shooting was deliberately determined upon under the advice of sympathizing friends" and that the John Reed had been practicing "assiduously before the fatal meeting so as to make sure" he killed his victim.

Valley Spirit, August 16, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "The Bedford Homicide."
Offers a rejoinder to the Repository's account of Jacob Crouse's death. In contrast to its Republican rival, which places blame for the crime on the assailant, the Spirit argues that the "moral responsibility" for the shooting rests with the Republicans who have created a climate of intolerance over the past four years. This poisoned atmosphere led to Crouse's death.

Valley Spirit, September 13, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--Re-Arrest of Mengel Reed."
The report condemns the decision made by the local authorities in Bedford to arrest Mengel Reed for treason. Mengel was arrested, for a second time, immediately following his acquittal as an accessory in the murder of Jacob Crouse. The second charge made against Mengel was based upon his service in the Confederate army, an accusation the Spirit alleges was exaggerated to prevent him from testifying on behalf of his brother.

Franklin Repository, October 4, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Have Deserters A Right To Vote?"
An abridged copy of John Cessna treatise on the congressional act banning deserters from voting. In his report, Cessna substantiates his stand on the issue by relying on articles from the state constitution as well as from the bill of 1860.

Franklin Repository, November 29, 1865, p. 2, c. 2
The article reports that John Reed Jr. was found not guilty for the murder of Jacob Crouse in Bedford county. Disturbed that Reed has been cleared of the charges, the piece relates the fact that Reed openly expressed his support for the Confederacy before fleeing to Canada to avoid the draft. Crouse, by contrast, was a patriot whose only crime was his propensity to "express what every loyal man felt" when he encountered Reed, that "full plumed, defiantly blatant apologist of treason."

Franklin Repository, January 17, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "An Important Decision."
In his much anticipated ruling in the Rowe vs. Stenger case, Judge King has determined that "the penalty of forfeiture of citizenship" cannot be "inflicted without due process of law," therefore, deserters "can be disfranchised only upon conviction of the offence by some competent tribunal." Though the editors respect the Judge's decision, they maintain the hope that the state supreme court will review the case since, as it stands, there is still considerable confusion over whether deserters will be punished for their refusal to serve in the late war.

Franklin Repository, January 24, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Shall Deserters Vote."
In light of the fact that there is much uncertainty over the constitutionality of the deserter law, the editors urge the state authorities to draft "proper legislation" to "regulate the qualifications of suffrage in the State." Such a measure is necessary, they explain, to ensure that men who refused to fight for the country in its time of need will be denied "the priceless blessing of citizenship."

Franklin Repository, January 31, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Deserter Vote Again."
Offering tacit approval for a bill introduced by Senator McConaughy that would place severe restrictions on deserters' suffrage rights and would inflict serious penalties on election officers who permitted them to vote, the editors note that any attempt to disfranchise deserters "must be made entirely effective now, or it will never be done."

Franklin Repository, February 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "Local Items--Draft Statistics."
Five tables offering information on the number of men called into service and the number who participated in the late war, grouped according to township in Franklin county.

Franklin Repository, May 2, 1866, p. 1, c. 7: "Disfranchisement of Deserters."
A copy of the disfranchisement bill, which recently passed both branches of the Pennsylvania legislature.

Valley Spirit, May 30, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Deserter's Law."
Chronicles the case of Henry Reilly, a citizen of Hamilton township who was disfranchised on the grounds that he was a deserter. Reilly challenged the decision in court and won. The judgement in the case has been appealed, and is currently before the Supreme Court.

Franklin Repository, June 13, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The State Deserter Law."
The piece assails the Harrisburg Telegraph for its "covert assaults" upon Gov. Curtin, whom it criticizes for failing to move more assertively on the deserter law.

Valley Spirit, June 27, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "The 'Deserter' Case."
Reports that the State Supreme Court has ruled the Act of March 3rd 1863, which disfranchised deserters, unconstitutional.

Franklin Repository, June 27, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "The Status of Deserters."
The editors offer "regret" and muted criticism of the decision handed down by the state supreme court in the Huber vs. Reilly case, which determined that deserters cannot be denied their vote without having first been prosecuted and convicted for their crime.

Valley Spirit, July 4, 1866, p. 1, c. 3: "The 'Deserter' Case."
Contains a transcript of the argument presented before the State Supreme Court by J. McDowall Sharpe, attorney for the defense in the Huber vs. Reilly case.

Valley Spirit, July 4, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "A Pitiful Whine."
The editorial criticizes the Repository for its equivocal reaction to the judgement issued in the Deserter Case.

Franklin Repository, July 4, 1866, p. 1, c. 3: "The Disfranchisement of Deserters Is The Act Of Congress Constitutional? The Case Of Reilly vs. Huber.* In The Supreme Court Of Pennsylvania. Argument Of A. K. M'Clure."
A transcript of A. K. McClure's argument in the controversial Reilly vs. Huber case, in which McClure represented the state. The case concerns the constitutionality of the law disfranchising deserters.

Valley Spirit, July 11, 1866, p. 1, c. 3: "Disfranchisement of Deserters."
Provides a transcript of the opinion handed down in the Huber vs. Reilly case, which struck down the law barring deserters from voting.

Franklin Repository, July 11, 1866, p. 1, c. 2: "Judge Strong's Decision."
The editorial criticizes the state supreme court's decision in the Huber vs. Reilly case, asserting that it sets a dangerous precedent. "If the judicial tribunal of Pennsylvania can set aside one feature of the conscription law upon the ground of want of due process flaw," it declares, "any other State may nullify the same power on any other ground."

Franklin Repository, August 29, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Can Deserters Vote?"
The editors revisit the controversy over deserter disfranchisement, and question whether the outcome of the Reilly vs. Huber case, which brought the issue before the state supreme court, put to rest the concern over voting irregularities.

Valley Spirit, September 5, 1866, p. 2, c. 1: "Col. McClure on the Deserter Question."
After delivering a rebuke to the editor of the Repository for his alleged about-face on the issue, the editorial condemns Republican attempts to disfranchise deserters as unconstitutional.

Franklin Repository, September 12, 1866, p. 2, c. 5
The piece denies a charge made by the Valley Spirit that the Repository editors are guilty of "inconsistency" relative to their position on the right of deserters to vote, maintaining that they "hold precisely the same doctrine to-day" as earlier.

Valley Spirit, September 19, 1866, p. 2, c. 4: "A Free Ballot."
The article relates the story of two members of the Election Board in Centre county who were tried and convicted for refusing to accept the vote of an "alleged deserter" in the 1865 election, an anecdote the Spirit hopes will dissuade local Republicans from attempting similar schemes.

Orphans

Franklin Repository, August 2, 1865, p. 1, c. 5: "The Children Of The State."
The article details the origins and goals of Pennsylvania's plan to care for soldiers' orphans, reportedly the first and only of its kind in the nation. The scheme, relates the piece, was the brain-child of Gov. Curtin who suggested that a $50,000 donation made to the state by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company should be used to fund this humanitarian effort.

Valley Spirit, November 29, 1865, p. 1, c. 6: "Soldier's and Sailor's Orphans."
Contains a letter from Thomas H. Borrowes, Superintendent of Soldiers and Orphans, laying out the regulations for the establishment of state-run Orphan Schools.

Valley Spirit, March 14, 1866, p. 3, c. 2: "Soldier's Orphans in Pennsylvania."
In order to demonstrate "the good use" to which the legislature's appropriations have been applied, Governor Curtin is making arrangements to bring children from two state-run orphanages to Harrisburg. Pennsylvania is the only state, thus far, to have assumed the care of dead soldiers' children.

Effects on Civilians

Franklin Repository, May 10, 1865, p. 2, c. 3
The editors chastise their counterparts at the Valley Spirit for proposing that the guerrillas who sacked Chambersburg, should they be brought to justice, be tried by the national authorities rather than in the criminal courts of Pennsylvania.

Franklin Repository, May 31, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items--Gossip With Our Friends."
Gossip laments the passing of "old Chambersburg," which was destroyed during McCausland's raid, and cautions local residents to avoid shoddy construction practices when rebuilding the town.

Franklin Repository, June 14, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Rebel Vandals In State Courts."
Following the publication of the Attorney General's opinion that the federal government should not intervene to prohibit states from indicting rebels who committed arson, murder, robbery or other heinous crimes while "in the service of the so-called rebel government," the editors contend that McCausland, Gilmore, Smith, and the other "vandals" who sacked Chambersburg should be brought before "the judicial tribunals of the State" to face justice.

Valley Spirit, July 5, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--Relative To Income Taxes."
Gives Deputy Commissioner Rollins's response to a question related to the tax policy for property damaged during the war.

Franklin Repository, July 5, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "The Vandal McCausland."
In reaction to an article appearing in the New York Citizen in which McCausland asserts that it was Gen. Early who in fact ordered the burning of Chambersburg in July 1864, the editors ridicule McCausland's efforts "to escape the just consequences" of the "barbarities" he committed.

Franklin Repository, August 30, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "The Vandal McCausland."
It is reported that Gen. McCausland, the officer in command when Chambersburg was sacked and burned to the ground, has fled to Canada, thus placing in doubt the likelihood that he will face justice for his "crimes" during the war. In spite of the information, report the editors, the Federal Cavalry continues to search for him, due in large measure to an incident that occurred near the closing of the war in which he executed one of Gen. Grant's staff officers who had been taken prisoner. "Hated and shunned by loyalists and traitors in his own land," they say, he has become "a wanderer and outcast" with no one to turn to.

Valley Spirit, September 20, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Jeb Stuart ?"
Castigates David McConaughy for his failure to obtain compensation for property lost by farmers during the attack led by Jeb Stuart.

Valley Spirit, September 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "The Indemnity (?) Who Were Responsible for Its Defeat."
Chastises Republican legislators for failing to compensate Chambersburg residents for the losses they sustained when their town was invaded on July 30, 1864. The article alleges the Republicans vehemently opposed a bill on the grounds that Chambersburgers acted "cowardly" during the invasion."

Valley Spirit, September 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 4: "Our Assembly Ticket."
Admonishes the men of Chambersburg who lost property or suffered damages as a result of the rebellion to consider the legislature's response to their demands for compensation. Only through a Democratic majority, the article contends, will their needs be met.

Franklin Repository, September 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 3: "The Senatorial Question."
Because there is general feeling among legislators throughout the rest of Pennsylvania against indemnifying the residents of the border counties for the damage they suffered as a result of rebel raids during the war, the author of the letter insists that it is critical for the voters of Franklin county to send men of strength and integrity to the Legislature to fight for their best interests. For this reason, he endorses David McConaughy, the Union candidate, over his Democratic challenger, Duncan.

Franklin Repository, January 3, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "Relief for Chambersburg."
The editors issue their support for a memorial recently drafted by Franklin county's residents. Though the previous two legislatures rejected appeals to indemnify those who suffered losses at the hands of the Confederate raiders, the new proposals are different because they do not seek restitution, the authors of the piece contend. In an era when the Commonwealth is "overflowing with wealth," they maintain that the state can easily afford to ease the "crushing desolation" of the "several hundred families rendered homeless by the vandalism of McCausland." Should the legislature fail to act, these same families will be consigned to "hopeless ruin."

Franklin Repository, January 10, 1866, p. 2: "Legislative Relief."
The article relates that Chambersburg's "long-suffering citizens" are delighted by the outpouring of support their memorial has received by the "leading press of the State." The memorial in question was sent to the state legislature by town residents who hope to be indemnified for losses they suffered during McCausland's 1864 raid.

Valley Spirit, February 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "The Relief Bill."
Discussing the recent passage of the bill to provide relief to Chambersburg residents, the article details the particulars of the measure and praises the legislators who supported it.

Valley Spirit, February 21, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "The Relief Bill."
"Sufferer" lauds the passage of the bill providing relief for Chambersburg residents and characterizes the provisions in the law as fair and equitable.

Franklin Repository, February 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Relief Bill."
The Relief Bill passed the Senate last Wednesday and was immediately signed into law by Gov. Curtin. The bill appropriates $500,000 of the victims of the 1864 raid on Chambersburg. The appraisers, from Dauphin county, as stipulated by the measure, will arrive shortly and are required to complete their duties within sixty days. To make a claim, the piece notes, an individual must take an oath.

Franklin Repository, February 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 7: "Local Items--About the Appraisers."
Provides the details about how the appraisers will be selected to investigate claims in Franklin county.

Franklin Repository, February 21, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "The Relief Bill."
A copy of the Chambersburg Relief Bill, which passed the House by a vote of 73 to 23 and the Senate by a vote of 18 to 12.

Franklin Repository, April 18, 1866, p. 2, c. 2
Reports that the Appraisers sent to Chambersburg to distribute the $500,000 appropriated for the relief of the town's victims of the 1864 raid finished their initial assessment. Their awards will be filed with the Auditor General and should be dispensed by May 1st.

Valley Spirit, September 5, 1866, p. 1, c. 3: "Speech of J. McDowall Sharpe, Esq."
Contains a copy of the speech given by J. McDowall Sharpe on February 24, 1866, before the House of Representatives, regarding the bill for adjudication of and payment for military damages.

Franklin Repository, December 5, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "Losses By State Troops."
The letter calls for a convention to be scheduled to discuss the state government's failure to reimburse residents of Franklin and Cumberland counties for forage they furnished troops and for "damages sustained in various ways by them in passing to and fro from the seat of war."

Franklin Repository, February 6, 1867, p. 2, c. 3: "Burning of Chambersburg."
In spite of Gen. Early's assertion in his account of the burning of Chambersburg that he is to blame for what transpired there because he issued the initial attack order, the editors maintain that Gen. McCausland "is alone responsible" for the "barbarous, brutal wholesale manner in which the order was executed."

Valley Spirit, June 26, 1867, p. 2, c. 6: "Restoration Demanded."
Offers a $500 reward for the return of some valuables allegedly taken from "a citizen of South Carolina" by Union soldiers during the war. According to a second extract in the article, similar appeals have appeared in nothern journals since the end of the war.

Valley Spirit, December 18, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--The Burning Of Chambersburg."
It is reported that the House of Representatives' Committee on Claims decided against compensating the victims of McCausland's raid. Unfortunately for the residents of Chambersburg, the editors sardonically declare, they "have the misfortune to be white." Had they "been black," however, "they would been indemnified in full for their losses."

Valley Spirit, December 25, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local and Personal--The Chambersburg Petition In Congress."
In response to news that the Committee on Claims had issued an adverse report on the petition by Chambersburg citizens for indemnification for the damages they suffered as a result of Gen. McAusland's raid, the Valley Spirit's editors wrote to Hon. William Koontz, the district representative in Congress, to procure any new relevant information. In his reply, Koontz relates that members of the commmittee "unanimously" concluded that the only people who qualify for compensation are those who suffered losses at the hands of Union soldiers.

Military Matters/War Stories

Valley Spirit, June 25, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "What Has Pennsylvania Done?"
Using figures made public at the Convention of State Adjutant Generals on July 20th, the article proudly boasts of Pennsylvania's contribution to the war effort. According to the statistics presented at that meeting, the Keystone State provided over 360,000 men for the Union army, a tally that far exceeds the number of recruits from the states of the Northeast.

Franklin Repository, July 26, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Secretary Stanton's Report."
The article summarizes the findings contained in the report issued by Secretary Stanton, which includes data related to the size and composition of the forces contributed by the states.

Franklin Repository, September 27, 1865, p. 1, c. 7: "Pennsylvania."
In an attempt to gauge Pennsylvania's contribution of the war effort, the article discusses the various records detailing the number of men furnished by the state to the armies of the Republic. The task is made difficult, it notes, because several thousand men from Pennsylvania enlisted in regiments outside of the state, taking advantage of the superior bounties offered elsewhere.

Valley Spirit, December 27, 1865, p. 1, c. 5: "The Department Reports: Report of the Secretary of War."
Provides a brief synopsis of the final year of the war, along with a series of accompanying statistics, issued by Secretary Stanton.

Franklin Repository, December 27, 1865, p. 2, c. 7: "Col. Jordan Report."
A transcript of Col. Francis Jordan's report detailing the transactions of the Military Agency over the course of the past year.

Franklin Repository, April 4, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items--Sketch of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry."
Drawn from the diary of J. D. Hartman, the son of Rev. D. Hartman, the piece chronicles the history of the regiment from its founding to its disbandment.

Valley Spirit, June 13, 1866, p. 1, c. 7: "Statistics from the Report of the Provost-Marshal-General."
With the aid of statistics issued by the War Department, the article compares the sums collected from commutation, on a state-by-state basis, during the war, and provides data concerning black troops.

Valley Spirit, July 11, 1866, p. 1, c. 7: "Letter From Gen. W. W. Averell--The Battle of Moorefield--War Department Brevets."
Includes a copy of a letter sent to the Chairman of the Military Committee, by W. W. Averell, requesting that the board reconsider its findings regarding the Confederate raids on Chambersburg in 1864. As the senior officer responsible for the defeat of the raiders, Averell feels as though he and his men have failed to obtain proper recognition for the feats. The origins of his endeavor, therefore, rests with his desire to "correct the trifling errors," which, he fears, are "being forced into history."

Franklin Repository, June 26, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items--Franklin County Officers."
The article contains a list of commissioned officers from Franklin county who served in the volunteer service during the "rebellion."