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 Articles Indexed by TopicFranklin County : Soldiers' LivesCamp Life | Desertion and Leave | Drafting and Enlisting | Medical Treatment of Soldiers | Prisoners and Prison Camps | Religion and Revival in the Army Note: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading. |
Valley Spirit, May 1, 1861, p. 5, c. 1: "Soldiers'
Exemption."
Soldiers' families and property are protected against having a process served on
them while they are enrolled.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, May 28, 1861, p. 4, c. 1:
"Soldiers' Rations."
Details the amount and kind of rations that soldiers are allowed per
day.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, June 14, 1861, p. 2, c. 4:
"Correspondence of the Associated Press."
Announces that soldiers have not been paid
because of "the absence of the necessary payrolls." Promises that the problem will be remedied
shortly.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, June 18, 1861, p. 2, c. 3:
"Soldiers Have Rights."
The Dispatch voices agreement with the Lebanon Courier in its
condemnation of fraudulent practices that prevent soldiers from receiving proper clothing and
food.
Valley Spirit, July 31, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Home Again."
Reports the return of 3 month enlistees to Chambersburg.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, August 5, 1861, p. 4, c. 1:
"Why Straggling Was Permitted."
Explains that "stragglers"--men who have wandered away
from their regiment--are not forced back into camp and into rigid discipline after a battle because
it allows them to recover and to resume the duties of a soldier with greater enthusiasm than they
would have otherwise.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, September 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 4:
"A Large Consumption."
Details the amount of rations distributed to government troops
stationed in Washington.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, October 11, 1861, p. 2, c. 1:
"Voting in Camps."
Voices an objection to allowing soldiers in camps to vote in elections,
because voting disturbs soldiers who are engaged in fighting for their country.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, October 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 5:
"Passes Refused."
Announces that passes will no longer be administered to family members
coming to Washington in hopes of visiting their kin who are stationed in Virginia. General
McClellan considers visitation by family members detrimental to the soldiers and to the cause in
general.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, January 21, 1862, p. 2, c. 1:
"Army Pay."
Reports the amount that pay of soldiers of different ranks will be reduced if the
Senate bill passes both houses.
Valley Spirit, February 5, 1862, p. 4, c. 6: "Chambersburg
Boys In Trouble."
Four or five members of Capt. Brand's company have been accused of
robbery in Harrisburg. The Spirit protests their innocence and notes that they are from respectable
families in town.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, June 28, 1861, p. 3, c. 1:
"The Retreat from Harper's Ferry."
An account of the retreat from Harper's Ferry given by a
Chambersburg soldier who had been impressed into the Confederate army and had recently
escaped.
Valley Spirit, January 29, 1862, p. 4, c. 2: "Deserters
Caught."
Soldiers arrested at an African-American's home for disorderly conduct turned out
to be deserters from Captain Brand's company, and were returned to Camp Curtain.
Valley Spirit, May 28, 1862, p. 5, c. 1:
"Deserters."
About fifty deserters from General Banks' army passed through town on
Monday, commandeered a railroad car and passed over the Franklin and Cumberland Valley
Railroad. Later in the day several passed through on horseback in the company of several
"contraband" blacks. The editors believe that orders to arrest these men have been issued.
Valley Spirit, July 16, 1862, p. 5, c. 1:
"Deserters."
A squad of cavalry came through town looking for deserters last week. They
captured
several actual deserters and arrested a number of people dressed in uniforms left over from their
three months' service. The editors recommend that the government prohibit the wearing of a
uniform after a term of service.
Valley Spirit, December 10, 1862, p. 4, c. 1:
"More Trouble with Conscripts."
Reports on a general desertion from the camp of draftees
near Chambersburg during a storm, due to inadequate shelter.
Valley Spirit, June 1, 1864, p. 5, c.1:
"'In a local item . . .'"
Dismisses the suggestion made by another newspaper that members of
the Democratic party are helping deserters to escape from the army.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, August 20, 1861, p. 2, c. 1:
"Southern Enlistments."
Reports that the South is determined to defeat the North, if they
must compel every man in their population to fight.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, August 20, 1861, p. 3, c. 2:
"A Franklin County Regiment."
Urges the people of Franklin County to support the current
effort being made to form a regiment of soldiers from the county.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, August 23, 1861, p. 3, c. 2:
"The Volunteer Company."
Reports that only nineteen men signed up for the new volunteer
company, though the meeting at the court house for its organization was attended by a large
crowd and indicated much enthusiasm.
Valley Spirit, August 20, 1862, p. 4, c. 6:
"Drafting--How it is Done."
Describes the procedure and exemptions for the
upcoming draft.
Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 4, c.1:
"To the Rescue--Freemen of Franklin County."
In the face of the defeat and retreat of
General Pope's army in Virginia, the editors call
on all men of Franklin County to volunteer to fill the companies forming in the county. The
draft is postponed until the 20th, giving ample opportunity for the county to fill its quota
voluntarily.
Valley Spirit, October 29, 1862, p. 5, c. 1:
"The Drafted Militia."
The editors praise the quality of the recently drafted soldiers from
Franklin County and claim that they are of even higher quality than the volunteers from the area.
They editors believe the draftees will most likely be stationed within Pennsylvania, and they ask
for a detail to be placed in Chambersburg.
Valley Spirit, December 10, 1862, p. 4, c. 1:
"More Trouble with Conscripts."
Reports on a general desertion from the camp of draftees
near Chambersburg during a storm, due to inadequate shelter.
Valley Spirit, March 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 3:
"A New Conscript Bill."
The conscript bill of Senator Thomas, as it passed the Senate,
authorized the President to call up men between the ages of 20 and 35 in a first draft, and between
35 and 45 in a second draft. The exemptions to the draft are also listed.
Valley Spirit, April 22, 1863, p. 3, c. 1:
"Bounties To Volunteers."
The bill legalizing the payment of bounties to volunteers has
passed both houses of the legislature and will undoubtedly be signed by the Governor. The bill
puts legal footing under the actions taken by various county, city, borough and township
authorities last year.
Franklin Repository, August 19, 1863, p. 8, c. 4:
"The Draft."
Announces the beginning of the draft in Franklin County. The article also
suggests that three representatives of each party in each township aid Eyster, to protect against
accusations of partiality.
Franklin Repository, September 2, 1863, p. 8, c. 2:
"The Draft."
Describes the "jolly" and agreeable atmosphere during the draft proceedings.
The author notes that twelve blacks in Chambersburg and twenty-three in Antrim Township were
drafted. Despite the objections heard to black enlistment, all seemed "pleased" with the drafting
of blacks.
Franklin Repository, October 21, 1863, p. 4, c. 2:
"New Call for Troops."
Praises the Lincoln administration for "wisely" calling three hundred
thousand additional troops. The Repository believes that additional troops would bring success
to the Union generals.
Franklin Repository, September 2, 1863, p. 8, c. 3:
"'The substitute business . . .'"
Calls attention to the fraud and villainy of the substitute
business.
Valley Spirit, January 13, 1864, p. 4, c. 1:
"Let us Go to Work."
The editors call for community leaders to exert themselves in
procuring volunteers to fill up Franklin County's quota.
Valley Spirit, January 13, 1864, p. 5, c. 6:
"Volunteers Wanted."
The Borough of Chambersburg will pay a bounty of $200 in addition
to the regular government bounties to persons who will volunteer under the present call. The
town council urges "patriotic citizens" to step forward so as to avoid the draft.
Franklin Repository, February 10, 1864, p. 5, c. 3:
"Malicious Business."
Reprimands whoever is defacing and tearing down the bills that
recruiting officers have posted about town.
Valley Spirit, February 10, 1864, p. 5, c. 3:
"Enlistments."
The enlistment in this area is proceeding rapidly, thanks to the large bounties
being
offered by the federal and local governments. Many of the townships and districts of the county
have already filled up their quota, and the editors predict that the county quota will be filled by the
end of the week.
Franklin Repository, February 17, 1864, p. 6, c. 5:
"Volunteering."
Applauds Franklin County's high rate of volunteerism and describes how by
enlisting elsewhere, in order to get a higher bounty, a soldier often hurts his family because they
are not then eligible for the local volunteer fund's support.
Valley Spirit, March 9, 1864, p. 4, c. 6:
"The Draft."
Calls on men to volunteer for service and suggests that the draft, having been
delayed until April 1st, can be avoided if enough men enlist.
Franklin Repository, March 30, 1864, p. 5, c. 3:
"Self Mutilation."
Reports that a local soldier mutilated himself in order to stay out of the
army.
Franklin Repository, April 27, 1864, p. 4, c. 3:
"Pay As You Go."
Urges the county to pay the debts incurred in raising its quota of troops.
Several prosperous years afford the opportunity to comfortably pay the debt.
Valley Spirit, May 4, 1864, p. 5, c.1:
"The Coming Draft."
Provides official quotas of how many soldiers must be drafted from
each township in the 16th Congressional District.
Valley Spirit, June 8, 1864, p. 5, c.1:
"The Draft."
Explains that anyone who pays $300 to be exempt from the draft will only be
exempt from the present draft and not any future draft.
Valley Spirit, June 29, 1864, p. 5, c.1:
"Colored Substitutes."
Reports that the Provost Marshal has authorized the enlistment of
black substitutes for white persons.
Valley Spirit, July 20, 1864, p. 4, c.1:
"Apathy of the People."
Argues that the poor response to Lincoln's recent call for troops is
indication that the people are "sick and tired" of the war.
Franklin Repository, July 20, 1864, p. 4, c. 1:
"Call for 500,000 Men."
Reports President Lincoln's new call for 500,000 additional troops
to serve one year. The Repository points out "this call places beyond the possibility of doubt the
early and complete success of the war."
Valley Spirit, July 27, 1864, p. 4, c.1:
"The New Call For Troops."
In light of Lincoln's latest call for another draft, the author
wonders what continuing the fight will accomplish.
Valley Spirit, September 7, 1864, p. 3, c.1:
"Enlisting."
Reports that volunteer enlistments have been taking place "very briskly" in the
county.
Franklin Repository, September 7, 1864, p. 2, c. 1:
"Fill Up Our Brave Armies!"
The Repository urges loyal men to enlist and defeat the
Confederacy.
Franklin Repository, September 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 3:
"'The enforcement of the draft . . .'"
The Repository reports that two companies of Franklin
County men have been sent to Schuykill, Luzerne, and York counties to quiet disruptions over the
draft. The Repository notes that the three counties strongly support McClellan.
Valley Spirit, February 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 2:
"Harrisburg."
Reviews the recent proceedings of the Pennsylvania legislature, including the
passage
of a resolution thanking the Pennsylvania Governor for lodging a complaint to Abraham Lincoln
about draft quotas. Also notes that both houses passed resolutions favoring a constitutional
amendment to abolish slavery.
Valley Spirit, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 1:
"The Draft."
Suggests that the people of Franklin County are not rushing to the draft in order
to
beat back the South, but instead are advocates of peace and no longer maintain hope in the
Lincoln administration.
Valley Spirit, March 15, 1865, p. 3, c. 1:
"The Draft."
Describes the scene around the Provost Marshal's office during the latest draft
and expresses hope that peace is soon to come.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, July 2, 1861, p. 1, c. 5:
"The French Ambulance System."
Reports that the ambulance system being used by France
in Algeria and the Crimea is being considered by medical personnel in the United States. The
French maintain that soldiers are more willing to take risks in battle when they know that there is
effective medical treatment available for them if wounded.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, February 7, 1862, p. 1, c. 3:
"The Federal Prisoners in Richmond."
Relates the experiences of Corporal Merrill, a Union
soldier, while he was held prisoner at Richmond.
Semi-Weekly Dispatch, March 11, 1862, p. 2, c. 5:
"Touching Appeal of Condemned Rebels."
Prints a letter from "rebel" soldiers in prison in
Missouri and condemned to death for destroying bridges in that state. The soldiers plead to their
fellow Southern troops not to burn any bridges in Missouri, since General Halleck has declared
that the sentence of death will not be carried out against these men unless further destruction of
railroads or telegraph lines in Missouri makes it necessary to make an example out of the
prisoners.
Valley Spirit, October 22, 1862, p. 1, c. 1:
"A Trip to Richmond."
Lieut. D. R. B. Nevin of the 109th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, recounts
his imprisonment in Richmond.
Franklin Repository, December 2, 1863, p. 4, c. 1:
"Rebel Atrocities."
Reports the terrible conditions of the military prisons and the tentative
expectations for prisoner exchanges. The Repository questions the fate of captured black
soldiers. They may have been executed or sold into slavery.
Franklin Repository, May 25, 1864, p. 1, c. 6:
"Condition of Returned Prisoners."
The Committee on the Conduct of the War reported to
Congress that the "Rebel authorities have determined to subject our soldiers and officers who fall
into their hands to physical and mental suffering impossible to describe, many presenting now the
appearance of living skeletons, literally little more than skin and bones, some maimed for life, and
some frozen by lying without tent or covering on the bare ground at Belle Isle." The Committee
went on to report that the testimony indicated that "the treatment received at Columbia and
Dalton was far more humane than at Richmond," and they "cannot resist" concluding that this
inhumane treatment of prisoners is a predetermined policy to ensure that their prisoners are never
fit enough to return to the field.
Valley Spirit, May 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Preaching at the
Camps."
"The Rev. Mr. Nicholas (Presbyterian), preached a sermon, on Sunday afternoon, to
the soldiers at 'Camp Slifer,' and Rev. M. Harden (Methodist) to those at 'Camp McAllen.'"
Valley Spirit, May 15, 1861, p. 2, c. 1: "Soldiers at
Church."
Reports that soldiers filled the local churches last Sunday and exhibited excellent
behavior.
Valley Spirit, August 27, 1862, p. 8, c. 1:
"To the Friends of our Soldiers."
A letter from several army chaplains, urging people to write
"simple, home-like
cheerful Christian letters" to the soldiers away from home and asking writers to admonish the
soldiers "to shun the evils incident to camp life." Soldiers will be much more likely to take such
advice to heart from people from home then they are if they read it in religious tracts, the
chaplains state.
