Franklin Repository

A correspondent of the Franklin Repository notes the "lightning speed" of legislation, the gridiron railroad bill for Philadelphia, Hopkins' "hedging" on the issue of soldiers' pay, the payment of the interest on the state debt, and the "emasculation" of the bill on military claims by the Federal Relations committee.

Reports news from Washington, including the vindication of General Meade at the battle of Gettysburg, the modification of a proposed national banking law, the investigation of the Florida Campaign, and the 33 colonels commanding the brigades in the Army of the Potomac.

Reports items of war news, including the prohibition on visiting passes to the army of the Potomac, the sending of civilians and camp followers to Washington, the hanging of several loyalists in Mississippi, and disgust with rebel rule in Florida.

Provides a short biography of Butler, including details on his education in Maine, his profession as a lawyer, his participation as a Democrat in politics, and his military career which started in the Massachusetts militia.

Reports news about political and military figures, including General Sheridan's appointment to the command of the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac (succeeding Gen Pleasanton) and the unsuccessful attempt by the wife of rebel Senator Foote to leave the Confederacy.

Lists the jurors for the Court of Oyer and Terminer, Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and a Court of Common Pleas, to be held at Chambersburg, commencing on Monday, April 11, 1864. The grand jurors are as follows: William Boyd of Montgomery; James Aughinbaugh of Chambersburg; James Bert of Chambersburg; Charles Campbell of Metal; John E. Crawford of Guilford; John Ditzler of Green; Isaac Eiker of Quincy; Samuel Frantz of Washington; Thomas Fegan of Fannett; David Grossman of Chambersburg; John Gilbreath of Guilford; Daniel Hollinger of Washington; Joseph Hade of Antrim; Henry Holby of Hamilton; L. C. Kepner of Quincy; John Karper of Letterkenny; Sameul Kaufman of Guilford; Michael Latshaw of Antrim; Leonard Lidy of Mercersburg; John Miller of Chambersburg; Dutten Madden of Fannett; John Oler of Washington; George Rodes of Montgomery; Joseph Ripple of Washington. The traverse jurors are as follows: John Benedict of Guilford; Samuel Brackinridge of Southampton; John G. Bigham of Green; William H. Brown of Greencastle; Peter Brindle of Green; J. N. Brewer of Mercersburg; Daniel Byers of Letterkenny; John C. Brake of St. Thomas; M. J. Brendle of St. Thomas; Jacob Bonebrake of Washington; Robert Carson of Peters; William I. Cook of Chambersburg; J. B. Cook of Green; Christian Caufman of Antrim; A. L. Coyle of Mercersburg; George Carbaugh of Washington; Samuel Deihl of Guilford; J. L. Dechert of Chambersburg; John Duey of Quincy; Abraham Dull of Guilford; Jacob Deardorff of Guilford; Daniel Finafrock of St. Thomas; George Foltz of Washington; George Gelwicks of Southampton; Samuel Garver of Green; Jacob S. Good of Washington; William Gillan of Sr. of Letterkenny; Henry Gilbert of Washington; Simon Harbaugh of Hamilton; Christian Harchelrode of Guilford; Philip Karper of Letterkenny; William S. Keefer of Letterkenny; Henry Keefer of Hamilton; Adam Lininger of Peters; Daniel Leedy of Lurgan; Christian Lesher of Washington; R. W. McAllen of Metal; Frederic Mish of Hamilton; D. B. Martin of Montgomery; Robert A. McCleary of Antrim; Anthony Martin of Southampton; J. C. McCulloh of Warren; Thomas J. McIlhenny of Fannett; Henry Pensinger of Antrim; John Rife of Letterkenny; James Secrist of Quincy; William Thompson of Green; and Samuel Young of Washington.

Prints the text of "An Act Relating to the Payment of Bounties to Volunteers" passed by the legislature. The editors believe that "it covers every form of proceeding adopted by the people to raise bounties, and legalizes every method they may have agreed upon for refunding such subscriptions by taxation."

Provides the Repository's positive evaluation of the bounty law reprinted on page 2 of the issue.

Reports the meeting of the rebel commissioner of exchange, Col. Ould, and General Butler the previous Friday to arrange an exchange of prisoners.

Expresses high hopes that Maryland will call a convention to abolish slavery.

Reports that Col. Quay, the Military Secretary for Governor Curtin, found a possible excess of about 10,000 men, which would lower the number needed to fill the state quota. The Repository praises Gov. Curtin for his "indefatigable" efforts to correct the error.

Criticizes the Democratic Party for its single-minded efforts to defeat Lincoln. The Repository believes that Democratic victories in the 1863 election would prevent the achievement of a majority in the electoral college and thus throw the country into "anarchy."

Argues that an increase in taxes is unnecessary. Instead, the authors advocate an "equitable" and "honest" system of valuation. They deem the current system "perfectly farcical" in that the property that escapes taxation is least deserving of exemption. The authors favor taxing the actual capital, dividends, and surplus funds of corporations and valuing land at its actual cash value.

Criticizes the 1851 legislature for its failure to reduce the number of judicial districts. The Repository recommends reducing the number of districts by a quarter, thereby keeping the best judges and lowering court costs.

Reports that by adopting a free constitution, Arkansas--the last state to secede--"now heads the column of regenerated States which have already begun seeking, repentant, but glad the fold of the Union."

Reports that the legislature prepared a bill for the organization of the militia based on the Massachusetts system. The bill divides the militia into brigades and regiments, prescribes election rules for officers, sets the pay and ration rate, and imposes a $75 fine for non-attendance.

Reports that "Judge Pearson, of North Carolina, in a recent habeas corpus case tried before him, decided that the act passed by the Rebel Congress for the conscription of persons who have furnished substitutes for the war was unconstitutional."

Confirms the rumor that the rebels mined Libby prison, intending to "blow" Union prisoners "to hell" during rescue attempts. Dow stated that such a barbarous act proved the character of the Confederates.

Reprints an article describing the difficulties of a campaign, including the inconvenient geography, the placement of base camp, and the position of the army.

Reports Union victories in Connecticut and Grant's arrival in Washington.

Informs readers of Stoneman's advance to Bull's Gap and of the repair of destroyed bridges and trestle work. The article also mentions the reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine by Congress.

Prints Gov. Curtin's message to the legislature regarding the payment of the militia called in September, 1862. The militia was hurriedly called into service without proper mustering. Curtin believed the problem resolved, stating that "There is reason to believe that the militia called into service in September, 1862, will now be promptly paid."

Announces the marriage of William O. Guier and Catharine Sheid on March 29 at the home of George Grove in Hamilton Township. Guier, formerly of New Berlin in Union County, serves as a member of Company C, 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry. Sheid hails from Pittston in Luzerne County. Rev Kephart, Chaplain of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, performed the ceremony.

Announces the marriage of Henry Walter, of the Waynesboro vicinity, and Lydia Newcomer, of Washington County, Maryland, on March 22 in the Lutheran Church of Smithsburg, Maryland. Rev. Eyster performed the services.

Announces the marriage of Franklin Liday and Lizzie Dickel, both of Waynesboro, on March 24. Rev. Crebs performed the ceremony.

Announces the marriage of John King and Mary Harman, both of Harrisonville, Fulton County, on March 22. Rev. Smith performed the services.

Announces the marriage of John Shoemaker and Isabella Carbaugh, of Adams County, on April 3, in Fayetteville. Rev. McElroy led the service.

Announces the marriage of Samuel Freese, of St. Thomas Township, and Sarah Ann Trehr, of Hamilton Township, on March 31, at the home of Mr. Glosser, in Chambersburg. Rev. McHenry performed the ceremony.

Reports the death of Philip Faust on March 28, at his home in Lurgan Township. Faust was 69 years, 10 months, and 3 days old at his death.

Reports the death of Catharine Steeler on March 23, at the home of her son-in-law, C. A. Smith, in Baltimore, Maryland. Steeler died at the age of 81 years and 5 days.

Reports the death of Cyrus Shank, son of Daniel and Rebecca Shank, on March 18. He died at the age of 4 months and 28 days.

Reports the death of Leonard Sellers on March 13. He died at the age of 51 years, 3 months, and 13 days.

Reports the death of Margaret A. Elder, wife of Samuel Crawford Elder, on March 24, at Dry Run. She died at the age of 21 years, 11 months, and 16 days.

Reports the death of Henry Hartman on March 30 at Spring Run. He died in his 73rd year.

Reports the death of the two daughters of David and Annie Long. Mary Long died on March 19 near Fayetteville at the age of 5 years, 2 months, and 19 days. Anna Long died on March 25 at the age of 2 years and 1 month.

Reports the death of Ellsworth Logue, the son of John Logue, on March 29, in Greencastle. Ellsworth Logue died at the age of 1 year, 4 months, and 24 days.

Reports the death of Thomas Morton on March 29, in Greencastle. Morton died in his 69th year.

Reports the death of James Clerey, the son of Catharine Clerey, near Greencastle, at the home of Conrad Stane. He died at the age of 10 years and 20 days.

Reports the death of Elizabeth A. Sweney, the wife of John Sweney, on March 28, at Caledonia Furnace, of consumption. She died in her 55th year.

Declares the opening of the Chambersburg Commercial College, providing young men the "opportunity of preparing themselves for honorable and profitable positions in life."

Laments the readiness of residents to complain about Union depradations, denies the rumor of impending rebel invasion, praises the cleaning of the city streets, mocks the indecision of brainless women shopping for dresses, and criticizes the beating and robbing of two poor women by four soldiers.

Lists transfers and social events. The article mentions the gift of a flag to the 21st Regiment by Mrs. Levy. A. K. McClure drew the flag up in a "hollow square." The officers later held a ball in which Col. Boyd received a "beautiful" sword. Adam Snyder, of Franklin, Company H in the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry, received appointment as Inspector of horses for General Gregg's Division in the army of the Potomac.

Details the instructions on the collection of the National Income Tax, including the reminder that citizens must visit the Assessor, N. P. Pearse.

Announces the sermon of Rev. A. X. Shoemaker in the Baptist Church on Friday evening.

Provides a table showing (by party) the elections in 1863 and 1864 of judges. In 1863, there were three Union election boards. In 1864, there were eleven in the twenty-three districts.

Notes that Captain R. B. Ward, who was in Chambersburg on general recruiting service, rejoined his regiment, the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, at Williamsburg, Virginia. The article also includes a brief biography of his career.

The Repository calls attention to notices in the advertisement columns. Eyster reminds drafted men (in the six month regiments) to report immediately and reminds citizens that anyone giving aid to deserters will be prosecuted. General Couch notes the 1st Battalion will reorganized as a regiment and therefore needs more soldiers.

Reports that the Superintendent of Common Schools, Mr. Coburn, following the directive of Governor Curtin, issued a circular to ascertain the number of orphaned children of soldiers, to provide for their education.

Describes a meeting held on March 17, at Samuel Baughman's public house in Shippensburg. Samuel Sentman, of Roxbury, along with David Middlecoff, John E. McClay, Morrow Skinner, James Ferguson, and David C. Byers, prepared petitions seeking a charter for a turnpike from Shippensburg to Roxbury. Many have since signed.

Advertises that Ann E. Grayson, seeks the information on her husband, John L. Grayson. They escaped from the South at different times. She stays in Waynesboro.

Reports that George Coley, a native of Green Township and a member of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, was thrown from his horse while traveling from Chambersburg to Shippensburg. He is not expected to live.

The Repository notes the return of Dr. Samuel G. Lane, the Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment. He returns from three years of service.

Notes that 129 condemned government horses will be sold in Hagerstown. The Repository warns buyers to watch for the disease known as glanders that afflicted many military horses.

The editors remind readers of the appearance of small pox in Franklin County and recommend the vaccination of children.

The editors announce that Mercersburg "has now telegraphic communication with the outside world and the rest of mankind. A line has been constructed from that place to Loudon, and they are now agitating the project to extend it to the Baltimore and Ohio line."

Reports the sudden death of John Keagy, the well know photographer, of heart disease, at his Chambersburg residence. The Repository describes him as "a good citizen, honest and generous, and an exemplary christian."

Announces the anniversary of the Presbyterian Sabbath School.

Details the move of the headquarters of Major General Couch, commanding the Department of the Susquehanna, from West Market Street to the late residence of Jacob L. Dechert, Esq., on South Main Street.

Announces the sermon of Rev. F. W. Conrad, pastor elect of the Lutheran Church of Chambersburg.