WAR-FEELING IN CHAMBERSBURG
GREAT UNANIMITY AND ENTHUSIASM.
Men and Money Freely Offered.
PUBLIC MEETING OF CITIZENS.
ELOQUENT AND PATRIOTIC SPEECHES.
All Parties Uniting on a Common
Platform to Maintain the Consti-
tution and the Laws.
Chambers Artillery and Several Com-
panies from the County will leave
To-Morrow Morning for
Washington City.
Union Pole-Raising in the Pub. Square.
THE FEELING OVER THE STATE.
CHAMBERSBURG, April 18, 1861.
The Union feeling pervading this entire community is most unanimous and enthusiastic. There is but one sentiment--one purpose--one determination among men of all political parties, and that is, to stand up for the Government and sustain it in all efforts to put down rebellion and re-establish the Union.
A large and enthusiastic meeting of citizens of all political parties was held in the Court House on last evening to adopt measures necessary for the exigencies of the times.
Hon. WILSON REILLY was called to the chair and B. B. Henshey appointed Secretary.
Mr. Reilly on taking the chair made a powerful and patriotic address which was received with deafening applause. He stated his readiness to support the Government by every means at his disposal and his willingness to shoulder a musket and march to the field of battle if needs be to save the flag of his country from dishonor.
Mr. Reilly was followed by a number of other speakers, called out by the meeting, all of whom declared that forbearance was no longer patriotism and that secession must be humbled and the Union restored--peacably if we can, forcibly if we must. Among the speakers expressing these sentiments were Messrs. Brewer, Sharp, Douglas on the Democratic side, Messrs. Rowe, McCauley, Steward, Cook and others of the Republicans. The utmost harmony and good feeling prevailed at the meeting.
AN INCIDENT.--Capt. P. B. HOUSAM, commander of the Chambers Artillery, appeared in the meeting, for the purpose of stating a matter of business, and his appearance was greeted with three of the heartiest cheers we ever heard in a public assemblage.
The following committee were appointed on General Regulations, viz: D. W. Rowe, Sam'l Shryock and W. C. Eyster.
Committee on Contributions: J. Allison Eyster, J. W. Douglas and James Nill.
Committee to supply Pocket Bibles to our soldiers: Ex-Sheriff Brown, I. H. McCauley and A. N. Rankin.
HOME GUARDS.--About fifty persons then went forward and recorded their names as volunteers to form a company for home protection, and to qualify themselves in military tactics to enable them to enter the army if their services should be required.
The meeting wound up with nine cheers for the Chambers Artillery, and a like number for the speakers who had so patriotically addressed the meeting.
A complimentary supper will be given to the Chambers Artillery by our citizens this evening.
The Chambersburg Artillery, about one hundred and fifty strong, will leave to- morrow at 8 o'clock for Washington city. They are mustered into service for three months. The prayers and best wishes of all good citizens for their safe return go with them.
We are informed that a fund of several thousand dollars has already been subscribed to aid the families of the absent soldiers should they need it, during the service of the men from their homes.
The officers of the company are Capt. P. B. Housum; 1st Lieut., John Doebler; 2nd Lieut., Mathew Gillan; 3d Lieut., George Miles. Colonel Stumbaugh will aceompany the Chambers Artillery and take command of the Regiment as soon as formed.
We have just learned that Capt. Charles T. Campbell has received a commission and authorized to form a Field Battery to be attached to this regiment of volunteers.
A Union Pole about one hundred and twenty feet high, with the American Flag at the top, is being erected in the centre of the Public Square. The Diamond is now crowded with an enthusiastic mass of People.
The Chambers Artillery will parade this afternoon all the men intending to march with the company will be out.
The stars and stripes are flying from all the public houses and a great many private residences. Our people are manifesting their loyalty to the Constitution and the Government in the hour of its danger in the most patriotic manner.
We hear from all parts of the State of the rapid enlistment of troops to supply the quota of Pennsylvania, while enthusiastic meetings of the people are being held to assert the authority of the government, and aid in the vindication of the National honor.
The War Feeling in Chambersburg.
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On Thursday last after the Union Pole was raised in the Public Square a large assemblage of ladies, on the veranda of the Franklin House, sung the "Star Spangled Banner" with fine effect, calculated to arouse the patriotism of every heart that heard those soul-stirring strains.
Messrs. Reilly, Stumbaugh, McClure, Brewer, Everett, Stinger and Welsh were called out and respectively addressed the vast multitude collected on the occasion. All spoke in strains of the loftiest patriotism and expressed their determination to stand by the Flag of their Country. The speakers were all heartily cheered during the delivery of their addresses and the greatest joy prevailed.
The Departure of the Chambers Artillery on Friday morning last was one of the most impressive and affecting scenes that has ever occurred in this place. The fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives and children of the volunteers, together with the entire population of the place, were collected at the Depot to bid farewell to the gallant band and witness their departure. The members of the company seemed much less affected at parting than their friends. While almost every eye in the vast throng was bathed in tears the soldiers seemed in the most joyous spirits and cheered their friends with words of consolation and hope.
This company numbered about one hundred and fifty men. Since leaving here they have been divided into two companies, Lieut. Doebler taking command of the second company formed. We are informed that Col. Stumbaugh has been elected as Colonel of the regiment, and Maj. J. T. Hoskinson appointed as Quartermaster. The company encamped at "Camp Curtin" near Harrisburg. The men were all in excellent health and good spirits.
During Saturday night the company, together with several thousand troops, were transported on the Railroad to within twenty miles of Baltimore. The bridges at this point were destroyed and the track of the road torn up and the troops could proceed no further. The latest rumor we have here is to the effect that our men will return to Harrisburg and be sent to Washington by way of Philadelphia.
Capt. C. T. Campbell's Company of Light Artillery is filling up fast. He now has nearly an hundred men enlisted. They will remain here till ordered off on duty. He has two cannon and is drilling his men actively day and night. They are quartered in the Franklin Hall.
A Rifle Company under the command of Capt. John S. Eyster has been formed and now numbers over fifty members. A large German company of able-bodied men has also been formed within a few days numbering about sixty members. The ranks of the Home Guards are filling up fast and will be divided into several companies. The Home Guards have tendered their services to the Governor to march if needed.
Our citizens have contributed very liberally to meet all expenses attendant on the war-like movements going on among us. We understand that a sum amounting to nearly ten thousand dollars has been subscribed. The County Commissioners, we learn, are ready to subscribe twenty thousand dollars to arm this county and place it in a position to aid the Government or resist invasion.
On Sunday last a very fine body of men, under command of Capt. Walker, from Fannettsburg, arrived in this place. This company numbers about sixty men, and more of their neighbors are expected here, to join them. There was a number added to their ranks while passing through Strasburg. These men are quartered in the Court House. They are under efficient officers who are drilling them for active service.
Gen. McAllen has advertised for a thousand men to fill a regiment from this county. From present indications he will have no trouble in obtaining that number and as many more. Our people are aroused and there is no difficulty here in obtaining men and money to carry on the war.
"Every man in the community should set his house in order and be ready to
meet any event, and assume any duty, that may be required of him in the
present struggle to maintain the Constitution and Laws of his country.--The
danger is at hand, even at our very doors, and before everything we hold
near and dear as patriots is snatched from us we should take the stand that
will encourage the timid and cheer on the brave. A formidable band of
traitors have broken up the Union and made war against the government. While
we considered them friends we battled for their rights
On Saturday afternoon last the people resident in and around "Greenwood," united in the raising of a beautiful pole, bearing high up on its slender stem our national flag, 13 stripes and 34 stars. The Pole stands 85 feet out of ground, and proudly throws abroad to the breeze an elegant banner gotten up by the Ladies of the place. His Excellency Governor George Wolff superintended the raising, and under his careful management no accident occurred to mar the pleasure of the occasion. Democrats and Republicans participated with hearty good will in hoisting up the "Flag of the Free."
Spirited addresses were delivered by W. S. Everett and I. H. McCauly Esq.,--after that the assemblage adjourned with three times three for "The Union and her Flag."