The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.

Union States in 1862, Part 3: New York through Wisconsin

NEW YORK, the most populous State in the Union, increased in population 783,331 during the ten years preceding 1860. The largest percentage of this increase has been in the cities of the State, which was 58.39 per cent. The additional details of the census of 1860, which were made up in 1862, relative to New York, will be found under United States, to which the reader is referred.

The political aspect of the State of New York underwent a remarkable change during the year 1862. This was not apparent at the spring elections of the towns and counties, when the local officers were chosen of the same political character as at the presidential election in 1860. As the year progressed, however, it became apparent that the popular opinion was undergoing a change, and this became more manifest when the general war policy of the Federal Administration assumed a new phase. The Administration party went into the canvass with the most radical men in nomination. General James S. Wadsworth, as candidate for governor, represented the most extreme views of the republicans. Horatio Seymour, once before governor, was again placed in nomination as the democratic candidate, together with members for the 38th Congress. The election, after a very exciting canvass, resulted in a complete change of parties in the State. The Legislature had passed the bill districting the State for the choice of members of Congress under the census of 1860. This State had forty representatives under the census of 1830, thirtyfour under that of 1840, thirty-three under that of 1850, and now thirty-one under that of 1860. She will of course have but thirty-three electors of President in the next three presidential elections.

Page 655 New York has thus lost three members in 20 years. The rule was established, in 1850, of limiting the number of representatives in Congress to 233.

The great mass of the citizens of the State were divided into only two political parties, the democratic and the republican. A small number of voters however associated themselves in a third party, which, in the election, cooperated with the democratic party. Their views were comprised in the phrase "The Constitution, the Union, and the enforcement of the laws." They had been the most active members of what had been formerly called the "American party." These voters held a convention at Troy, and nominated Horatio Seymour for governor, and adjourned.

A few days afterward the convention representing the democratic voters assembled in Albany, and nominated the following candidates for State officers:

For Governor—Horatio Seymour.

For Lieutenant Governor—David R. Floyd Jones.

For Canal Commissioner—W. J. Skinner.

For Inspector of State Prisons—Gaylord J. Clark.

For Clerk of Court of Appeals—Fredrick A. Tallmadge.

The views of this convention on national affairs were unanimously expressed in the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the democracy of New York, waiving the expression of their views upon questions not rendered imperative by the imperilled condition of their country, hereby declare—

First. That they will continue to render the Government their sincere and united support in the use of nil legitimate means to suppress the rebellion and restore the Union as it was and maintain the Constitution as it is—believing that that sacred instrument, founded in wisdom by our fathers, clothes the constituted authorities with full power to accomplish such purpose.

Second. That by the following resolution, unanimously passed by Congress in July, 1861, the Government was pledged to the policy inculcated therein, and which cannot be departed from without violation of public faith, viz:

Resolved, That the present deplorable civil war has been forced upon the country by the disunionists of the Southern States, now in arms against the Constitutional Government, and in arms around the capital; that in this national emergency Congress, banishing all feelings of mere passion or resentment, will recollect only its duty to the whole country; that this war is not waged, on their part, in any spirit of oppression, or for any purpose of conquest or subjugation, or purpose of overthrowing or interfering with the rights or established institutions of those States, but to defend and maintain the supremacy of the Constitution and to preserve the Union, with all the dignity, equality, and rights of the several States unimpaired; and that as soon as these objects are accomplished the war ought to cease.

Third. That we, having confidence in the loyally of citizens of New York, reiterate the sentiments heretofore expressed by the democratic party—that the illegal and unconstitutional arrests and imprisonment of citizens of this State are without the justification of necessity, and we denounce such arrests as a usurpation and a crime, and that the freedom of the press, equally protected by the Constitution, ought to be maintained.

Fourth. That we are willing to act in the coming election with any class of loyal citizens who agree with us in the principles herein expressed; that we hereby invite the cooperation of all citizens in giving the moat emphatic expression to these principles by supporting the ticket nominated by the convention. A convention representing the views of the republican party assembled at Syracuse on the 24th of September, and nominated the following candidates for State officers:

For Governor—James S. Wadsworth.

For Lieutenant Governor—Lyman Tremain.

For Canal Commissioner—Oliver Ladue.

For Prison Inspector—Andreas Willmann.

For Clerk of Appeals—Charles Hughes.

The views of the convention on national affairs were expressed by the following resolutions:

1. Resolved, That in the midst of the gigantic and furious civil war which the slaveholders of the South move forced upon the nation all minor party distinctions are to be forgotten, and all minor political questions to be suspended until the rebellion is entirely crushed.

2. Resolved, That we commend the candidates nominated by this convention to the cordial, undivided support of all friends of the Union as men of incorruptible integrity, of the highest capacity, and approved and devoted patriotism.

3. Resolved, That we urge upon the National Government the prosecution of the war with the utmost vigor and energy in the field, and with the utmost unity and decision in the Cabinet, and by all the means that the God of Battles has placed in its power, bearing ever in mind that a revolt so wanton, so malignant, be pernicious is only to be overcome by the strong arm of force.

4. Resolved, That we hail with the profoundest satisfaction the recent proclamation of the President of the United States, enforcing the laws of the land against the property of traitors in arms, and declaring his intention to emancipate the slaves of all rebels who do not return to their allegiance by the 1st of January, l863.

5. Resolved, That our heartfelt gratitude is due to the gallant officers and men of our loyal armies and fleets, wherever they may be; that we offer to them our highest admiration for their heroic courage, patient endurance, and indomitable zeal, and we promise them our earnest and unceasing efforts to relieve their distresses, strengthen their arms, fortify their hearts, and provide for the future well-being of themselves and their families.

6. Resolved, That the promptitude and enthusiasm with which the people of the State of Pennsylvania and Ohio sent one hundred thousand armed men each to repel the rebel invader from the soil of freedom entitle them to the thanks of the loyal men of every State, while it shows the spirit in which the loyal meu of every State are prepared to meet the foe, come when he may.

7. Resolved, That measures should betaken immediately by the proper authorities of the State for enrolling, arming, and disciplining its militia.

8. Resolved, That our young and noble free republic should be proud of the distinction that her only enemies are the savages of the West, and the rebels of the South, their sympathizers and supporters at the North, and the despots of Europe.

In addition to the State officers thirty-one members of Congress were to be chosen, and members of the State Legislature, being one half the Senate, and all the members of the Assembly. The election was held on the first Tuesday in November, being the 4th, and the results were as follows:

Governor

Lieutenant Governor 

Canal Commissioner

Prison Inspector.

Thirty-eighth congress […].

The first fourteen of the Congressional districts gave majorities for Seymour, and the other 17 districts gave majorities for Wadsworth. The vote in these districts, as compared with the vote of 1860, was as follows: […].

In the interior of the State there was an actual gain of 2,894 on the side of the democrats, while there was a decline of 40,665 in the number of votes cast. The votes for members of the Legislature divided that body as follows: Democrat. Senate 28 9 House. 64 64

The revenue of the State of New York for the year 1862 was greatly improved, through the increased receipts from the canals, derived as well from enlarged tonnage as from higher tolls, which in gross reached the large sum of $5,180,000, of which $4,854,989.67 were net receipts, an excess of $946,254 over the previous year. The whole receipts of the treasury were as follows: Receipts from all sources October 1, 1861, to September 80,1S62 $20,840,913 20 Payments same period IS,165,283 86 Excess receipts 19,678,684 84 Balance October 1, 1861 3.074,941 85 In treasury October, 1862  6,750,626 19 The operation of the canal department was as follows: Receipts On hand October 1, 1861 $2,604,621 25 Canal tolls for fiscal year 4,854,989 67 Proceeds from taxes for fiscal year 2,709,623 00 Other sources 168.881 61 Total $10,393,115 62 Balance on hand September 80, 1862 Expense*. Stock paid $2,120,000 00 Interest of debt 1,429,859 36 Repairs, Ac, on canals 1,758,621 83 Miscellaneous objects 569,382 10 Total $6,809,811 79 4,88,803 S3 The sum of the principal and interest of the debt paid during the year, $3,549,857.30, was paid in specie, at considerably increased expense to the State, since none of its revenues were paid in coin, which was at a high premium. With the depreciation of the Federal paper, this charge is likely to prove onerous. The tolls and canal dues are payable in the bankable currency of the State, and the State deposits in banks arc payable in the legal tender of the Government. The State honor and credit were held to require the payment of its debts in the currency, specie, in which they were contracted. When the Federal Government, therefore, imposed upon the State a depreciated currency for its revenues, it subjected it to a tax of over $1,000,000 to buy coin with which to pay interest. This was not the only mode, however, in which the Federal Government absorbed the means of the State. An act of Page 657 Congress exempts United States stocks from State taxation, and the New York banks held $125,000,000 of the various Federal stocks. Thus that large sum was withdrawn from the operation of State taxes, diminishing the State revenue nearly $600,000, in addition to the sums held by individuals. The commissioners of internal revenue also claimed that the stamps and other taxes were applicable to the transactions of the State treasury. The House of Representatives passed a bill to exempt State Governments from taxation. This was rejected in the Senate—thus intimating on the part of that body a purpose to absorb State revenues into the Federal treasury; since, the right to tax being admitted, there is no limit to the rate, which may comprise the whole. The debt of the State, October 1, 1862, was as follows:

Of canal debt $28,981,010 25

Of general fund debt 6,505,654 87

Total State debt  $30,487,264 63

By abstaining from further borrowing, and by depositing the usual annual contributions to the credit of the sinking funds, the comptroller estimates that the above debt will be substantially extinguished within 12 years. The canal debt at that time was held as follows:

On United States account.... $22,528,752 89

On foreign account 1,452,827 86

Total canal debt $28,9S1,610 25

The canal debt was nearly all held by the bank department, as security for bank circulation, as follows:

Statement of New York State Canal Stock, Held by Banking and Insurance Corporations in the State of New York.  […].

The State paying the interest on these stocks at a time when gold was at 30 per cent. prem. for the United States legal tender, raised the amount of interest to be paid to nearly $1,500,000. The operation of the banking law framed by Congress was intended to cause a substitution of United States bonds for the New York stocks thus held as security for circulation. The tax is imposed upon banks organized under the new law as well as upon the old banks, but not to so great an extent.

The banks of the State of New York […].

Of these, three—the Bank of Rome, Bank of Salina, and the Essex County Bank—ceased business, and are winding up their affairs. The four others, with six new associations, and six individual bankers, deposited securities and commenced business under the general law, raising the number of banks doing business in the State to 805.

There are also 68 in process of liquidation at the close of the fiscal year. There had been a substitution of United States stock for other securities during the year. The circulation in 1862 increased $9,541,625, as follows: […].

This large increase was compelled to some extent by the withdrawal of the metals from circulation, causing an urgent demand for small notes, which the banks alone could supply. This demand was the more urgent as the United States issued none under $5, and the larger the issues of those the more small notes were required to make change. Hence, notwithstanding the increased circulation, the redemptions were less, and also the number of notes returned upon the department. The amount of Federal stocks held by the New York banks at the close of the year was as follows: United States stocks $81,681,708 Treasury Notes, 7.8U's 25,3S8,505 Indebtedness certificates 14.941,679 Certificates bearing interest 87,047.870 Certificates payable in gold 6,774.612 Demand and Legal Tender Notes 20,189,098 Total of Banks $1S5,96S,044 Savings Banks funded 10.892,102 "unfunded 7,626,428

Total. $158,986,571

The entire funded debt of the Government being at the same time $500,978,142. The New York banks held about 80 per cent, of it, or an amount double the sum of their aggregate capital, and were not in a position to make further advances to the Government.

The number of railroads in the State of New York, is 82; of these 16 made their annual reports for 1862 to the State engineer at Albany. The aggregate of the reports shows the following results: Amount of capital stock $102,054,400 Amount of capital stock paid In 87.404,685 Amount of funded debt 69,067,963- Page 658

Amount of floating debt $1.670.270

Amount of funded and floating debt 7),738.254

Total cost of construction and equipment of roads 14. Total cost excluding city roads 13 Length of roads in miles 8,819 "in operation, Ac., excluding city roads 2.T00 Miles run by passenger trains IO.S.V1.W17 city 6,448,777 Total 17,299,684 Number of passengers of all classes carried in cars..... 7 59,690,601 Some, excluding city cars 12,870,455 Number of miles travelled by passengers, city roads not included 344.3S0.369 Miles run by freight trains. Number of tons carried. Total earnings. $29,507,180 Of city roads 2,344,051 Total payments, including dividends, amount to surplus funds, Ac. Of which city roads 2,431,007

Number of passengers killed 22 Of which on city roads 6 Number of passengers injured 45 Of which by city roads 21 Number of employ6s killed 61 Others than employes and passengers killed. .. 80  injured... 42 Total killed (city roads, 12) 153 "injured (city roads, 81) 115 Average cost per mile of road and equipment, excluding city roads 396 04 Do. of single track 82,366 62

Of the 82 companies 26 are passenger roads employing horse power only. Seven of these, being Buffalo, Syracuse, Brooklyn, and Troy roads, are formed under the general law and are therefore not required to report to the State engineer. The business of the two Grand Trunk roads for the year was comparatively as follows: Erie Railroad. Central Railroad. […].

The gain on the Erie in freight is very large, and in both roads the aggregate for the year is 25 per cent, in excess of the previous year, showing not only the effect of the war in sending produce East, but also the large share which New York gets of the business.

A report of a Senate committee on the manufacture of salt, states that, allowing nothing for the use of the salt works, which are private property, nor for the lands on which the salt works stand, the wells, pump-houses, machinery, aqueducts, &c, all of which belong to the State, the cost of producing salt did not exceed Hi cents per bushel for fine or boiled, and 5 cents per bushel for coarse or solar.

The amount of salt inspected was 5,315,694 bushels of line, and 1,884,697 bushels of coarse, making 7,200,391 bushels, producing, at 19 cents per bushel, $1,368,074.29 the cost of which was, for 5,315,694 bushels fine at 11 ½ cents, $606,304.81; for 1,884,697 bushels coarse at 5 cents, $94,234.70. Total, $700,539. 51. Showing that it sold for $667,534.78 more than it cost to produce it, leaving out of the estimate all compensation for the use of the property, public or private, which contributed to its production.

The State of New York continued its gigantic exertions in support of the Federal Government and appropriated men and money with a lavish hand. It sent 120 regiments into the field in 1862, when the President made two successive calls, one for 300,000 men for the war, and the other for 300,000 men for nine months. New York offered and paid a bounty of $50 per head to each volunteer, and the disbursements for 73,000 men amounted to $3,650,000, carrying the State war expenditure to nearly $10,000,000, making with town and county subscriptions fully $20,000,000, paid by the people of the State of New York for bounties and for the support of the families of the troops. The entire number of regiments sent to the field was as follows:

23 infantry regiments, 3 months 15,888

33 infantry regiments 2 years 30.131

123 infantry regiments 3 years 112,411

Recruits for old regiments 29,690— 188,070

11 cavalry regiments, 1 battalion 9,642

Artillery: 5 regiments, 6 battalions, 18 batteries 9,679

Engineers: 1 regiment 855

Ricketts' battalion 163

Total 208,409

Recruits in the State 10,650

Total 219,059

The recruits made for the regular army and for the regiments of other States may raise these figures to 225,000 men. Of the regiments raised, about 70 had their headquarters in New York City.

The Legislature passed a militia law, to enroll the citizens of the State, under State officers in accordance with the Federal Constitution. So far as it relates to the enrolment of persons subject to military duty, it differs but little from the old law. All persons in the army or navy or volunteer force of the United States, ministers of the Gospel, public officers and their official employes, Shakers and Quakers, professors, teachers and pupils in all institutions of education, firemen, and all persons who are by laws of the State or United States exempt from military duty, are exempted by this bill. So are all idiots, lunatics, paupers, habitual drunkards and persons convicted of infamous crimes. All other white male citizens shall be enrolled at least once in two years, by the commandant of the company district. Such enrolment shall be divided into two reserves. The first reserve comprises all white males between the ages of 18 and 30 years. The second reserve all between the ages of 30 and 45. This force, as enrolled, constitutes the reserve militia of the State.

There must be an annual inspection; fine for absence, $1. The bill provides for the organization of a national guard. This includes the present uniformed militia of the State, and all volunteer companies that shall hereafter be organized in the several company districts of the Page 659 State. It consists of eight divisions, 32 brigades, and 128 regiments and battalions—the latter divisions to conform as nearly as possible to the Assembly districts; each company not less than 32, nor more than 100 men. The National Guard is to be uniformed at the expense of the State. All major-generals and the commissary-general are nominated by the governor, and confirmed by the Senate. Brigadier-generals and brigade inspectors are to be elected by the votes of the field officers of each brigade; field officers of each regiment by the votes of the commissioned lino officers of the regiment; and captains and lieutenants by the Totes of the company. No commissioned officer can be removed from office but by the Senate, on the recommendation of the governor, by a court-martial, or a retiring or examining board. The supervisors of each county in which a company of the National Guard shall be fully organized, are required to construct or rent a suitable armory for a drill-room, and place of deposit of the arms, uniforms, equipments and camp equipage of said company or companies, the expense of which is made a county charge. If the supervisors of the county neglect to do this, the commandant of the regiment is authorized to procure said armory, the annual rent of which shall not exceed $250 for each company, which rent shall be a county charge and paid by the supervisors. There will be one annual brigade parade, and eleven drills in each year, and a monthly parade of each company. Second enlistment 7 years. The members are exempt from jury duty, highway taxes, &c. Camps of instruction are established in each division. Privates get $1 each day of service. The power of the commander-in-chief is very ample; and although the selection of none of the officers except major-generals devolves upon him, yet the provisions of the bill give him almost absolute power as to their subsequent disposition. In ifay, under the call of the President for 50,000 troops, new regiments were organized and recruiting offices opened to fill up the old regiments. The enrolment that took place consequent upon the order from Washington for a draft of men was completed in September, and the whole number between 18 and 45 was as follows:

Places. Exempt. Liable to duty. New York 207,186 66,

The charter election for the city of New York was held December 2, and the results were nearly the same as to the position of parties as at the November election. The number of votes polled was 64,280, or 12,551 less than in November. The results were as follows by wards for corporation counsel and comptroller:

[…]

The whole board of councilmen were democratic Union. The operations of the five city railroads for the fiscal year was as follows.

Length of single tract. Shores paid in. Fr. Tided debt. Flouting debt Total capital Cost of railroad, &c,. Passengers , Total receipts  Repairs, Ac Operating road. Interest Dividend Total disbursements. Second Avenue. Third Avenue. Sixth Avenue. Eighth Avenue. Ninth Avenue. 16 miles. 16. miles. 8| miles. 16 miles. 18 miles. […].

Page 660

These figures do not embrace the Harlem or 4th avenue railroad, nor include the omnibus travel. The number carried in each year increased annually until 1800, when it culminated. The war seems to have produced a diminution of the number carried. The population of the city increased during the ton years ending with 1860, nearly 300,000—but a large proportion of the passengers carried were strangers in the city. The number for 1800 exceeded by a few millions the whole population of the Union.

The colleges and academies of the State showed the usual degree of prosperity in the year 1862. There were 17 colleges in the State in operation, and three more in progress for females only. There are three others in course of organization. There are also 10 theological seminaries. Three are Roman Catholic. The number of medical schools is eleven—of law schools 5 are in operation, including the law school of Columbia College. Three colleges have first graduate scientific courses. There is also an agricultural college at Ovid, and the Polytechnic Institute at Troy.

The report of the regents of the university give the number of incorporated academics at 220; of them 220 made reports. The capital and investment were $2,929,083, and debt 323,081. The cash receipts were $040,023. Teachers' salaries $430,920—number of teachers, 1,043. The number of volumes in the libraries, 129,275. The number of students in attendance was 35,748, against 37,929 in the previous year. The existence of the war seemed to have an influence in diminishing the attendance.

OHIO, the most populous of the Western States, increased in population 859,182 during the ten years ending in June, 1860. the further details of the census relative to Ohio, which have been made up, will be found under United States, to which the reader is referred.

The governor of the State is David Tod, whose term of office commenced January 1, 1862, and continues during two years. The governor, lieut.-gov., treasurer, and Legislature are elected for two years, and on the alternate years, the secretary of State, attorney general. State librarian, &c, are chosen. The judges of the Supreme Court are elected by the people for five years. The term of office of one expires in each year.

The electors of the State have been divided into two political parties—the republican and the democratic. The election is held on the second Tuesday in October. The officers to be chosen in 1862 were, a judge of the Supreme Court, a secretary of State, attorney general, school commissioner, and members of the Board of public works; also nineteen members of Congress. A convention of the democratic party assembled at Columbus, on the 4th of July, and nominated the following officers: For judge of the Supreme Court, Ranney; secretary of State, W. W. Armstrong; superintendent of public works, James Gamble; school commissioner, C. W. Cathcart. The views of the convention on national affairs were expressed in the following resolutions;

1. Resolved, That we are, as we ever have been, the devoted friends of the Constitution and the Union, and we have no sympathy with the enemies of either.

2. Resolved, That every dictate of patriotism requires that, in the terrible struggle in which we are engaged for the preservation of (he Government, the loyal people of the Union should present an unbroken front; and therefore alt efforts to obtain or perpetuate party ascendency by forcing party issues upon them, that necessarily tend to divide and distract them, as the Abolitionists are constantly doing, arc hostile to the best interests of the country.

3. Resolved, That the Abolition party, by their denunciation of the President whenever be has manifested a conservative spirit, by their atrocious defamation of our Generals who were exposing their lives for their country, and who needed and merited its hearty support, by their acts and declarations tending to promote insubordination in our armies, and a want of confidence in their commanders, and by their persistent representations of all conservative men in the loyal States as sympathizers with the rebels, have given immense aid and comfort to the rebel cause, and encouraged them to hope for ultimate success.

4. Resolved, That we have seen with indignation the intimation of the Governor of Massachusetts, that that State will be slow in furnishing her quota of troops, unless the war be carried on for purposes of emancipation. When the Nation is straining every nerve, and pouring out its blood and treasure like water, to preserve its existence, it is monstrous that h conditional Unionism that places Abolitionism above the Constitution, and the success of a party above the integrity of the Republic, should thus rear its head in high places and seek to dictate the conduct of the war.

5. Resolved, That while we would mete out merited and legal punishment to the plotters of, and leaders in, the rebellion, we are opposed to the contemplated sweeping and indiscriminate acts of confiscation and emancipation, by Congressional legislation or Executive proclamation, because:

I. We do not believe that such acts would be constitutional.

II. We believe that by driving the rebels to desperation, and converting Union men at the South into rebels, they would have the effect to indefinitely prolong the war, afford a pretext for foreign intervention, and render the restoration of the Union next to, or quite, impossible.

III. Because, if practicable and carried out, they would engender a feeling of bitterness between the different sections of the Union that would not be allayed for generations to come, and that would be an ever-present cause of danger and disturbance to the public peace, a source of perpetual weakness in the Government, and an ever-present incentive to foreign Powers to interfere in our domestic concerns, and to promote a disruption and overthrow of the Republic.

IV. Because they would destroy, in a great degree, if not entirely, for many years to come, the industrial interests of a large section of the country, and most injuriously affect the interests of the whole people.

V. Because the immediate and indiscriminate emancipation of the slaves would be an act of inhumanity to them.

VI. Because such an emancipation would throw upon the border free States, and especially upon Ohio, an immense number of negroes to compete with and underwork the white laborers of the State, and to constitute, in various ways, an almost or quite unbearable nuisance, if suffered to remain among us. And we would deem it unjust to our gallant soldiers to see them compelled to free the negroes of the South and thereby fill Ohio with a degraded population to compete with these same soldiers upon their return to the peaceable avocations of life.

[No. 7 condemns the Legislature for not prohibiting the immigration of negroes into Ohio; No. 8 opposes taxation for the purchase of the freedom of slaves, and denounces the frauds and corruptions of the Federal Administration; No. 9 praises the bravery and devotion of the Ohio troops; No. 10 condemns the refusal of the Legislature to let the soldiers vote; No. 11 protests against all violations of the Constitution:]

Resolved, That we hold sacred, as we do all other parts of that instrument, the following provisions of the Constitution of the United States:

"The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment, shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the State where the said crimes shall have been committed."

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the ress; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, respectively, or to the people."

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrant shall issue but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons and things to be seized."

"No person shall be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval-forces, or in the militia, when in active service, in time of war and public danger; nor to be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation.

"In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of the State and District wherein the crime shall Cave been committed, which District shall have been previously ascertained by law; and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defence." And we utterly condemn and denounce the repeated and gross violation by the Executive of the United States, of the said rights thus secured by the Constitution; and we also utterly repudiate and condemn the monstrous dogma that in time of war the Constitution is suspended, or its powers in any respect enlarged beyond the letter and true meaning of that instrument.

Resolved, That we view with indignation and alarm the illegal and unconstitutional seizure and imprisonment, for alleged political offences, of our citizens without judicial process, in States where such process is unobstructed, but by Executive order by telegraph or otherwise, and call upon all who uphold the Union, the Constitution, and the laws, to unite with us in denouncing such flagrant violation of the State and Federal Constitutions and tyrannical infraction of the rights and liberties of American citizens; and that the people of this State cannot safely and will not submit to have the freedom of speech and freedom of the press, the two great and essential bulwarks of civil liberty, put down by unwarranted and despotic exertion of power.

The republican electors were represented in a convention designated " Union State Convention," which assembled at Columbus, August 21, and organized by the election of Benj. F. Stanton as president. The following candidates were nominated; secretary of State, "William S. Kennon; attorney general, Chauncey N. Olds; school commissioner, Wm. D. Henkle; board of public works, Ira B. Gregory. The views of the convention were expressed by the following resolutions:

Resolved, That we adhere to the opinions and principles put forth at the Union Convention held in Columbus, Sep. 5,1861.

Resolved, That we have undiminished confidence in the National Executive in the conduct and prosecution of the war, and we pledge to his support all the moral and physical power of the State.

Resolved, That the conduct of the Executive of Ohio, in his efforts to aid in the vigorous prosecution of the war, merits and receives our unqualified approbation.

Resolved, That the unexampled promptness of our volunteer army in their enlistment in the service of their country, and the high courage with which they have borne themselves in the fields merits and receives the confidence and gratitude of the country. The votes of the electors were cast as follows:

Democrat. Union. Armstrong.... 134,332 I Kennon 179,755 Ranney 135,078 | Backus 173,115 The vote for members of Congress was as follows: Democrat. Republican. 1st. District 7,445 6,418 2d." 7,212 7.0S1 Sd. '* 11,770 18,027 . 4th." . 10,218 9,435 5th." 10,501 6,202 6th." 10,037 9,320 7th." 10,372 10,100 8th." 9,012 8,642 9th." 11,765 10,523 10th.*" 5,232 6,903 11th." 8,605 6,702 12th." 13,721 8,037 18th." 12,763 9,699 14th." 10,490 10,454, 15th." 10,332 9,183 16th." 12,299 9,li99 17th." 9,035 10,013 13th." 4,183 9,293 19th." 6,763 18,288

The result was the choice of democratic members of Congress in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th districts; and republican members in 3d, 10th, 17th, 18th, 19th districts. The Legislature elected in 1861 was divided as follows: Senate. House. Democrats 8 24 Republican & Union 26 73

This Legislature, at its first session, on the 14th of March, adopted the following resolutions:

Whereas wicked and ambitious traitors have, without cause, plunged our nation into civil war, disregarding all fraternal obligations; falsifying the most sacred injunctions that can be applied to the conscience —their solemn oaths; forcing upon us an expense of millions of money and incalculable loss in the prostration of business, and untold miseries in the sacrifice of human life; and whereas recent developments manifest a disposition on the part of some of the leaders of the rebellion to ask terms and sue for peace: Therefore,

Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That in view of the loss of loyal blood and treasure, our Government cannot, without loss of character and injustice to the noble dead that have fallen in defence of its authority and the rights of humanity, except less than an unconditional submission to the supremacy of the Constitution and the laws.

Resolved, That the future peace of the United States and the permanency of the Government, as well as the * Union, 5,731. best interests of humanity throughout the world, demand the speedy trial and summary execution of all leading conspirators in the attempt to destroy the Government ; and in the name of the people of Ohio, who have given their money and lives without stint for the preservation of our liberties, we protest against the entertainment of any proposition for settlement other than unconditional submission to rightful authority and the condign punishment of the authors of the rebellion.

At many points on the Ohio river, above Cincinnati, the State was for many weeks threatened with invasion by Confederate guerillas. Most of the summer and fall the people were in a state of alarm. The unusually low stage of water in the river caused it to become but a slight protection to the citizens of Ohio. Early in October, however, the War Department concentrated a sufficient force in western Virginia to drive out the Confederates. Upon the approach of the Confederate troops, under General Bragg, into Kentucky, the southern portion of Ohio was threatened, and the governor appealed to the citizens to arm themselves and repair to the border. From the fields, workshops, stores, offices, and pulpits, both old and young very generally turned out armed with their own weapons. The numbers were unknown, but multitudes were sent home for lack of transportation.

Under the two calls of the President for three hundred thousand men each, the quota of Ohio was 74,000. At the time when these calls were made the State had raised, by voluntary enlistment, 115,200. Of the quota of the State 37,000 were, by an act of Congress passed July 17, and the President's order issued August 4, liable to be drafted on failing to volunteer. The total militia strength of the State was 425,147. Subsequent to the President's order a day was fixed for drafting, and during this interval 62,000 volunteered, leaving about 12,000 to be drafted. Of this number, about 4,800, either in person or by substitute, volunteered for three years; 2,900 were discharged for various reasons; 1,900 failed to respond to the draft, thus leaving 2,400 for the number actually sent to the field for service under the draft. The deficiencies have been made good by voluntary enlistments since the draft.

The number of inmates of the benevolent institutions of the State during the year was as follows:

Lunatic Asylums (one omitted) 562

Blind Asylum 120

Deaf and Dumb 150

Idiotic Asylum 57

Total 859

Their total expense to the State during the year was $135,487.

The number of children in attendance at the common schools for the year 1862 was 723,669; male teachers, 10,559; female do. 10,931; number of school houses, 10,422; value, $4,649,903 ; receipts for school purposes, $2,765,866: expenditures, $2,501,068.

There are twenty-three colleges in the State, Page 698 of which three are female, and two admit students of both sexes; six are under the charge of the Methodists, five under the Presbyterians, three Roman Catholic, two Lutheran, and one Episcopal, Baptist, Congregationalist, New Jerusalem, Unitarian, and United Brethren, each. There is also a low school at Cincinnati, and three or four medical schools in the State.

The receipts of the State treasury for the year ending November 15th, 1862, were $6,239,323; payments therefrom, $3,890,043; balance, $478,456.

The State debt, on November 15, was $14,141,606. The interest due out of the State has been paid in coin, which was furnished by the banks in redemption of their own notes at ono half of one per cent, premium. This was made a condition of their suspension of specie payments being legalized by the Legislature.

The length of the railroads of the State completed and in progress is 3,230 miles, at a cost of $150,166,949.

OREGON, situated in the northwestern extremity of the United States, on the Pacific Ocean, had a population in 1860 of 52,465, which is an increase during the preceding ten years of 39,171. For the details of the census relative to this State, the reader is referred to the article on the United States.

The governor of the State is Addison C. Gibbs, whoso term of office expires September 1866. The governor, secretary of State, treasurer, and State printer are elected for four years. The last election was held on June 2, 1862. The citizens were divided into two parties at the election: one known as Douglas democrats and republicans; the other regular democrats, or, as they were called, Breckinridge democrats, having voted for John C. Breckinridge for the presidency in 1860.

The vote for governor cast at the election was for Gibbs, Union, 7,039; Miller, democrat,  3,450. For McBride, Union, for Congress, 6,809; for Miller, democrat, 3,632. The Legislature contained a majority of the Union Party, and elected Benj. F. Harding to the United States Senate by 9 majority over all others.

The Legislature assembles biennially on the second Monday of September. The Senate consists of sixteen members elected for four years, and the House of thirty-four members elected for two years.

The Supreme Court consists of five judges, who are chosen in districts by the electors and who hold the courts for those districts. They are elected for six years.

The receipts into the State treasury for two years ending September 8, 1862, were $91,788, and the expenses during the same period were $55,831. The State tax payable in 1861 was $48,475 on a valuation of property at $23,886,951; and the tax for 1862 was $48,117, on a valuation of $21,288,931.

Four colleges have been incorporated in the State, one of which is an agricultural college, and very liberal grants of land have been made by Congress for common schools.

Western Oregon is well adapted to agricultural pursuits. It has extensive valleys, where the growth of various fruits is unsurpassed. The valleys in eastern Oregon have a rich soil and hot summers. The climate is comparatively mild and not particularly moist, except in that portion lying west of the coast range of mountains. In eastern Oregon it is dry with little or no rain except in autumn. This part of the State is rich in mineral wealth.

No troops have been called from Oregon during the war, but many of the citizens have joined the troops raised in California. A regiment raised in the State is also performing garrison duty at posts where United States troops were formerly stationed.

PENNSYLVANIA, the second State in population in the Union, increased 594,329 in the number of inhabitants during the ten years ending June 1800. (See United States.) The governor is elected for three years. The present incumbent is Andrew G. Curtin, whose term of office expires on the 1st of January, 1864. The State election is held on the second Tuesday of October. The officers to be chosen in 1862 were an auditor-general and a surveyor-general.

A convention, representing the democratic party of the State, assembled at Harrisburg on the 4th of July, and nominated for auditor-general Isaac Shenker, and for surveyor-general John P. Barr. The views of the convention on national affairs were expressed in the following series of resolutions:

Whereas, The American Constitution was ordained and established by our fathers in order to form a more perfect union, to establish justice, to insure domestic tranquillity, to provide for the common defence, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to posterity; therefore,

1. Resolved, That the only object of the democratic party is the restoration of the Union as it was, and the preservation of the Constitution as it is.

 2. That to the end that the Union may be restored, and the Constitution and laws enforced throughout its whole extent, we pledge our hearty and unqualified support to the Federal Government in the energetic prosecution of the existing war.

3. That the true and only object of the war is to restore the Union, and to enforce the laws; such a purpose alone is worthy of the awful sacrifice which it costs us of life and of treasure, and with such a purpose alone can we hope for success, and those who from sectional Page 704 feeling or from party or private motives, would give any other direction to the efforts of our arms are unjust and unworthy to be intrusted with power, and would cause all our exertions, extraordinary and unparalleled as they are, to prove futile in the end.

4. That we justly view with alarm the reckless extravagance which pervades some of the departments of the Federal Government; and that a return to rigid economy and accountability is indispensable to arrest the systematic plundering of the public treasury by favorite partisans; and in view of the recent startling developments of fraud and corruption at the Federal metropolis and throughout the country, that we hold an entire change in the Administration to be imperatively demanded.

5. That the party of fanaticism or crime, whichever it may be culled, that seeks to turn the slaves of the Southern States loose, to overrun the North, and to enter into competition with the white laboring masses, thus degrading and insulting their manhood by placing them on an equality with negroes in their occupations, is insulting to our race, and merits our most emphatic and unqualified condemnation.

6. That we denounce Northern abolitionism and Southern secession as the cooperating sources of our present calamities—alike treasonable to the Constitution and inimical to the Union. The only way to a restored Union and a respected Constitution, with returning peace and prosperity, is through the overthrow of both.

7. That the democracy of Pennsylvania is equally opposed to all sectional legislation and geographical parties, which base their hopes for continued partisan success on the agrarianism of emancipation and by critical philanthropy, abolition, because neither is Down to the Constitution, and both are intended to aid disunion and subvert the Constitution, and to prevent the restoration of unity, peace, and concord among the States and the people.

8. That the Constitution and the laws are sufficient for any emergency, and that the suppression of the freedom of speech and of the press, and the unlawful arrest of citizens, and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, in violation of the Constitution in States where the civil authorities arc unimpeded, is most dangerous to civil liberty, and should be resisted ut the ballot box by every freeman in the land.

9. That this is a Government of white men, and was established exclusively for the white race; that the negro race are not entitled to and ought not to be admitted to political or social equality with the white race, but that it is pur duty to treat them with kindness and consideration as an inferior, but dependent race; that the right of the several States to determine the position and duty of the race is a sovereign right, and the pledges of the Constitution require us as loyal citizens not to interfere therewith.

10. That Congress has no power to deprive any person of his property for any criminal offence unless that person has first been duly convicted of the offence by the verdict of a jury, and that all acts of Congress like those lately passed by the House of Representatives, which assume to forfeit or confiscate the estates of men for offences of which they have not been convicted by due trial by jury, are unconstitutional, and lead to oppression and tyranny. It is no justification for such acts that the crimes committed in the prosecution of the rebellion are of unexampled atrocity, nor is there any such justification as state necessity known to our Government or laws.

11. That the Constitution and the Union and the laws must be preserved in all their power and rightful supremacy, and that the rebellion now in arms against us must be suppressed and put down, and that it is our duty to use all constitutional measures necessary and proper to that end.

The republican, or as it was called, "Union" State convention, assembled at Harrisburg on the 17th of July, and nominated Thomas E. Cochran for auditor-general, and for surveyor-general. The views of the convention on national affairs were expressed by the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the convention, representing as it does the loyal citizens of Pennsylvania, without distinction of party, reaffirm the sentiments embodied in the resolution adopted at the meeting of the loyal members of Congress at the national capitol, July 12,1862: That we hold it to be the duty of all loyal men to stand by the Union in this hour of its trial, to unite their hearts and hands in earnest patriotic-efforts for its maintenance against those who arc in arms against it, to sustain with determined resolution our patriotic President and his Administration in their energetic efforts for the prosecution of the war and the preservation of the Union against enemies at home and abroad, to punish traitors and treason with fitting severity, and to crush the present wicked and causeless rebellion, so that no flag of disunion shall ever again be raised over any portion of the republic; that to this end we invite the cooperation of all men who love their country in the endeavor to rekindle throughout all the States such a patriotic fire as shall utterly consume all who strike at the Union of our fathers, and all who sympathize with their treason or palliate their guilt.

Resolved, That we have continued confidence in the honesty, capacity, and patriotism of President Lincoln and Ins constitutional advisers; that we approve the principles on which his policy, both foreign and domestic, has been conducted; that we sanction and sustain all the measures that he has found it necessary to adopt to guard the Government against the assaults of traitors, their sympathizers and abettors; and we esteem it eminently fortunate that, in this most trying crisis of our cherished Union, we have at the helm of public affairs one so upright, temperate, prudent, and firm as he has proved himself to be.

Resolved, That we cordially approve of the administration of Andrew G. Curtin, governor of this commonwealth, marked as it has been by extraordinary vigor in the discharge of all public duties, by untiring zeal in the cause of the country, and especially in recruiting forces for the national army, by enlarged and liberal care for the sick and wounded soldiers of the State, by a wise and prudent economy in the expenditures of the funds committed to bis care, and by the unsparing devotcdness of all its members, and in particular the governor himself, to the constant harassing, complicated, and novel labors which the exigencies of the great rebellion has imposed.

Resolved, That we acknowledge but two divisions of the people of the United States in this crisis, those who are loyal to its Constitution and every inch of its soil, and arc ready to make every sacrifice for the integrity of the Union and the maintenance of civil liberty within it, and those who openly or covertly endeavor to sever our country, or to yield to the insolent demands of its enemies; that we fraternize with the former and detest the latter; and that, forgetting all former party names and distinctions, we call on all patriotic citizens to rally for one undivided country—one flag—one destiny.

Resolved, That the Government of the United States and its people, with an occasional exception among the reckless inhabitants, where this rebellion was fostered, have wisely and studiously avoided all interference with the concerns of other nations, asking and usually enjoying alike non-interference with their own, and that such is and should continue to be its policy. That the intimations of a contemplated departure from this sound rule of conduct on the port of some of the nations of Europe, by an intervention in our present struggle, is as unjust to them as it would be to us, and to the great principles for which we are contending; but we assure them, with a solemnity of conviction which admits of no distrust or fear, and from a knowledge of and a firm reliance upon the spirit and fortitude Page 705 of twenty millions of freemen, that any attempt thus to intervene will meet a resistance unparalleled in its force, unconquerable in its persistence, and fatal to those whom it is intended to aid; and that it will tend only to strengthen and elevate the republic.

Resolved, That the skill, bravery, and endurance exhibited by our army and navy have elicited our admiration and gratitude; that we behold in these qualities assurances of sure and speedy success to our arms, and of rout and discomfiture to the rebels. That we urge the Government to aid and strengthen them by all the means in its power, and carefully to provide for sick, wounded, and disabled soldiers, and their families, to prosecute the war with increased vigor and energy until the rebellion is utterly crushed, the integrity of the Union in all its borders restored, and every rebel reduced to submission, or driven from the land, and that to accomplish these we pledge to our rulers our faith, our fortunes, and our lives.

Resolved, That the course of the Hon. David Wilmot in the United States Senate is manly, consistent, and eminently patriotic, and we hereby endorse him as a true and faithful representative of the loyal people of this State, and monuments shall be raised to teach posterity to honor the patriots and heroes who offered their lives at their country's altar; their widows and orphans shall be adopted by the nation, to be watched over and cared for as objects truly worthy a nation's guardianship.

The votes of the citizens were cast as follows: 1862. 1881. Democrat 219,140 230,239 Republican 215,616 262,403

The democratic candidates were thus elected. The vote for members of Congress in the several districts was as follows:

Democrat. Republican. District  7,720 6,273 •' 6,068 8,614 "8,243 8,235 "8,118 8,946 "9,548 9,605 "11,816 8,092 "6,445 9,891 "10,022 4,898 "6,650 11,174 "9,239 8,513 ": 11,676 2,592 "11,408 9,641 "7,703 9,520 "10,630 10,109 "9,746 11,965 "10,963 10,426 "8,328 7,556 "9,272 8,855 *' 9,462 9,954 "11,586 12,404 "10,284 10,009 "• 5,678 8,037 "7,635 8,989 "9,984 9.S47 1st. 2d. 3d. 4th. 6th. 6th. 7th. 8th. 9th. 10th. 11th. 12th. 13th. 14th. 15th. 16th. 17th. 18th. 19th. 20th. 21st. 22d. 23d. 24th. The democrats elected their candidates in the 1st, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 21st, 24th districts, and the republicans in the 2d, 8d, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 13th, 15th, 19th, 20th, 22d, 23d districts. The members of the Legislature elected were as follows:

Senate.              House.

Democrats 12      55

Republican 21     45

The financial condition of the State is as follows:

The balance In Treasury November 30,1861, was—,1,551,605 72 Receipts during fiscal year ending November 30,1S61, were as follows :—

Ordinary sources $4,047,822 39 6 per cent, loan act May 15, 1861 387,850 00 From various banks as an equivalent for coin for the payment of interest on public debt 140,708 30 Refunded cash, military 29,666 42 United States Government 605,740 52 6,211,747 63 Total into Treasury for fiscal year ending November 30, 1861 $6,703,353,35 The payments were as follows: For ordinary purposes (3,083,110 06 Paid on State interest as an equivalent for eoln 146,631 22

Military expenses, act April 12, 1861 7 62

Military expenses, act May 15, 1861....... 400,543 63

Military expenses, act May 16, 1S61.....:. 1,217 26

Military expenses, act April 16, 1862....... 20,607 04

Military pensions, act May 15, 1861...:. 400 54

Commissioners of Sinking Fund 427,881 51 Domestic creditors 105 32

Temporary loan redeemed 100.000 00 U. S. Government direct tax..... 350,000 00 4,590,509 25 Leaving balance in Treasury November 30,1862.. $2,172,844 10 Of which amount $195,576 27 was the balance of unexpended military loan, as follows:

Balance of said fund November 30, 1881 $300,507 41 Receipts under act May 15,1S61 387,850 00 778,357 41 raid for military expenses as above 482,78114 Paid for redemption of temporary loan 100,000 00 — 582,781 14 1195,576 27 Receipts from ordinary sources: For year ending November 30,1S62 $4,047,822 29 Do. do. do. 1861 3,017,645 67 Excess of receipts for 1862 $1,030,176 83 Payments for ordinary purposes, excepting interest: For year ending November 30,1861 $1,118,662 03 Do. do. do. 1862 1,023,345 77 Decrease in expenditures of 1862 $95,317 16 The receipts from ordinary sources of revenue for the year 1862 were in excess of the receipts of the year 1861, $1,080,176 82 [the excess of interest paid in 1862 over that in 1861 being $144,095 37], and the ordinary expenditures for 1862 were $95,31716 less than the year previous. Amount of public debt of Pennsylvania, as it stood on December 1,1861 $40,530,660 03 Additional amount received at the State Treasury during the fiscal year ending November 30, 1862, on Military loan, authorized per act of May 15,1861 Deduct amount redeemed at the State Treasury during the fiscal year ending November 30,1862, viz.: 6 per cent. State stocks $26S,809 49 4+ per cent. State stocks 50,000 00 4 per cent. State stocks 100,000 00 Interest certificates '17 25 Relief notes 1,41100 887,850 00 $40,968,516 08.

Page 706

Domestic creditors' certificates. 164 52

Military loan, per act of April 12, 1861 redeemed. 100,000 00 620,302 

Public debt December 1,1S82 $40,448,213 82

Towards the extinguishment of the public debt, the Sinking Fund holds securities amounting to $10,781,000, as follows:

Bonds of Sunbury and Erie Railroad Co. $3,500,000 00

Bonds of Pennsylvania Railroad Co 7,000,000 00

Bonds of Wyoming Canal Co 281,000

Total $10,781,000 00

Should there be no extraordinary demand on the treasury, there can be appropriated from the large balance on hand and the increasing revenues, at least $1,500,000 during 1863, toward the payment of the public debt.

The quota of the State of the direct tax of the United States was $1,946,719, which was paid on the 14th of June, 1862, partly by a relinquishment of a portion of the sums claimed by the State from the Federal Government and partly in cash after deducting 15 per cent, for prompt payment. There is still due to the state, for advances to equip volunteers, about $300,000.

The interest on the debt of the State was paid in August in specie at the cost of $146,631, for the difference between specie and paper currency. This amount was refunded to the State by the banks under the act legalizing their suspension of specie payments.

Previous to the first call for volunteers on the 7th of July, the State had sent forward nearly 110,000 men. Liberal bounties were offered by municipal authorities throughout the State, and 38 regiments and three unattached companies of infantry were soon raised. On the 4th of August a draft of 300,000 militia was ordered by the President to serve for nine months. The enrolment and draft were conducted throughout the State under the laws of Congress, the State militia law being too defective for that object. The draft generally took place on the 16th of October. In some counties, a degree of resistance was manifested, but on the whole it was quite successful. Including the three months volunteers, Pennsylvania has furnished to the Federal Government more than 200,000 men since the commencement of the war, besides some 50,000 who were in service, or actually ready for it, as volunteer militia under a call made on September 11, making in the whole more than 250,000 men.

Early in September the Confederate army under General Lee crossed the Potomac into Maryland, with the design, as was supposed, of invading Pennsylvania. On the 4th of September the Governor issued a proclamation, calling upon the people to organize into companies, and to hold themselves in readiness to be ordered into actual service for the defence of the State. On the 11th he issued orders for 50,000 of the volunteer militia to rendezvous at Harrisburg. The call was promptly responded to, and a large force was immediately sent forward to the Cumberland valley. Fifteen thousand of this volunteer militia were pushed forward to Hagerstown and Boonsboro' in the State of Maryland; ten thousand were posted in the vicinity of Greencastle and Chambersburg, and about twenty-five thousand were at Harrisburg, on their way to Harrisburg, or in readiness and waiting transportation to proceed thither. On the 24th of September the entire force was disbanded, as the Confederate army had withdrawn from Maryland. For further details see Army Operations.

The following is the letter of General McClellan to the Governor of Pennsylvania, acknowledging the services of the militia of that State:

"Headquarters Army of the Potomac,  Sharpsberg, September 27, 1862.

Governor: I beg to avail myself of almost the first moment of leisure I have had since the recent battles to tender to you my thanks for your wise and energetic action in calling out the militia of Pennsylvania for its defence when threatened by a numerous and victorious army of the enemy, fortunately circumstances rendered it impossible for the enemy to set foot upon the soil of Pennsylvania; but the moral support rendered to my army "by your action was none the less mighty. In the name of my army, and for myself, I again tender to you our acknowledgment for your patriotic course. The manner in which the people of Pennsylvania responded to your call, and hastened to the defence of their frontier, no doubt exercised a great influence upon the enemy. I am, very respectfully and sincerely, yours,

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN,

Major General, United States Army.

In October a body of Confederate cavalry, with a battery of artillery, suddenly crossed the Potomac and made their way as far as Chambersburg, seizing such supplies as were useful to them, and committing other depredations. They went out of the State by crossing the South Mountain, and thus reaching the Potomac below Harper's Ferry. This march was made with so much celerity that the Confederates did not encounter any of the troops sent against them.

By an act of the Legislature, passed on March 29, 1813, it was provided that citizens absent from home in actual military service might exercise their right of suffrage as if they were present at the usual places of election. This act was substantially reenacted in a general election law passed July 2, 1889. The subject of permitting the volunteers absent to vote was made a question before the Supreme Court of the State, which decided that, by reason of a phrase in the constitutional amendments adopted in 1838, such proceeding had become unconstitutional.

The number of banks in the State is about 90, and their circulation, at the close of the year, was $22,500,000; specie, $11,500,000. There are 12 savings banks, and 86 insurance companies, chiefly of New York, doing business in the State.

The length of the railroads of the State is 8,050 miles, cost $155,472,278. In the cities of the State there are 175 miles of city passenger Page 707 railroads, costing $4,446,377. There are 10 colleges in the state, and 15 theological seminaries, 5 medical, and 1 law, besides numerous educational institutions of a high order. The common school system was adopted in 1831, and has made rapid progress. There are also 12 Normal school districts, in which provision has been made for the establishment of a school. In Philadelphia the schools are unsurpassed by those of any other city.

The charitable institutions of the State are on a scale of the first magnitude.

In mineral wealth Pennsylvania is unsurpassed by any other State on the Atlantic coast. To these treasures is now to be added an immense product of petroleum, of which the flow in one region—that of Oil Creek—is estimated at 75,000 barrels monthly.

The Lehigh valley region of the State was visited in autumn by a most destructive freshet which swept everything before it.

RHODE ISLAND, one of the New England States, and the smallest of the Union excepting Delaware, had in 1860 a population of 174,620, which was an increase of 27,075 during the ten years ending June, 1860. The industrial and commercial statistics of this enterprising little State will be found under United States.

The governor of the State in 1862 was Wm. Sprague. The election takes place on the first Page 745 Wednesday of April. The citizens of the State were divided into three parties, the republican, the democratic, and Union. The democratic and Union parties united at the election in 1861, and elected Governor Sprague. The Union party was comparatively small in numbers. On the 20th of February, 1862, the democratic electors of the State assembled by their representatives in convention at Providence, and nominated William Sprague for reflection ns governor; Samuel Q. Arnold for lieut. governor; John E. Bartlett, secretary of State; Walter S. Burgess, attorney general, and Samuel A. Parker, treasurer. The views of the convention on national affairs were expressed by the following resolutions:

Resolved, That the Democracy of Rhode Island stand to-day upon their ancient platform; that they are for the country, and nothing less than the country —for the Union and the Constitution, without conditions or higher law reservations—for peace with all men and all nations, when it can be honorably secured or preserved, and for war when peace is no longer consistent with national dignity or the preservation of the people's just rights—for a strict construction of the Constitution of the country, and a sacred regard, at all times and under all circumstances, by ruler as well as people, by servant as well as citizen, for all its guaranties and provisions—for the preservation of the freedom of speech, and the liberty of the press,—for an honest and economical administration of the Government, the faithful guardianship of the public credit, and the prompt punishment of treasury plunderers; and against all encroachments upon State or individual rights—against the irresponsible exercise, by public servants, of powers not delegated in the Constitution— against oppression of every description—against sectionalism in all its aspects—against underground railroads and John Brown raids, and, finally and especially, against all attempts by the Federal Government to subjugate States or divest their governments or people of any of the powers or privileges which they have heretofore exercised or enjoyed.

Resolved, That the so-called "Right of Secession," claimed by many politicians and citizens of States now in arms against our Federal Government, is inconsistent with all government, and a denial of the fundamental principles of all democratic republics. It is just as false to-day as it was only a few years or months ago, when it was claimed by Northern abolitionists and at least one Northern Legislature, and should be condemned and opposed by all good men, at all times, as tending to the. abrogation of law and the inauguration of civil war. And, denying the right of secession, we declare that the present rebellion against Federal authority, and the attempt to overthrow, by a resort to force, the best government which the sun ever shone upon, is both unreasonable and criminal—an indefensible violation of all the pledges which citizenship implies, and such an outrage against humanity and civilization as even the aggressions and menaces of Northern abolitionists, during thirty years of vengeful warfare upon Southern institutions, cannot justify or palliate.

Resolved, That while this civil war continues, it is our duty and the duty of all loyal citizens to render to the Government a cheerful and earnest support; to stand by it in the enforcement of all constitutional measures tending to the suppression of armed rebellion; to give its officers, so far as they are true to the trusts reposed in them, the aid and comfort which may be derived from our moral influence and physical resources. And that we extend to those citizens of our own and other States who have responded to the call of the Government for that protection which arms alone can give, our hearty commendation and warmest sympathies. We congratulate them upon the recent brilliant victories which their valor boa achieved, and bespeak for them, when their work shall have been accomplished and their purpose consummated in the restoration of the Union, the warm gratitude of all true patriots.

Resolved, That the effort now being made to divert this war from its original purpose, as proclaimed by the President and Congress of the United States seven months ago—the maintenance of the Federal Constitution and the preservation of the Union's integrity— and to turn it into a war for the emancipation of slaves and the subjugation of the Southern States, or their return to a territorial condition, is an effort against the Union, against the Constitution, against justice, and against humanity, and should be promptly frowned upon by all the friends of democratic institutions. It is unworthy of loyal citizens, and can find support only with sectional fanatics, who have no love for the Union or desire for its restoration, and whose highest patriotism is an unnatural and unrighteous hatred of the citizens of sister States. And whereas we perceive gratifying indications that President Lincoln is resisting and will continue to resist this treasonable effort, it is further resolved, that in such patriotic resistance he is entitled to and does and shall continue to receive our cordial sympathy and unfaltering support.

Resolved, That to bring the present war to a final and happy conclusion, and secure a union of hearts as well as a union of hands, it is absolutely necessary to reassure the misguided people of the South that we mean no warfare upon their rights, and are actuated by no spirit of revenge; to disavow, in the language of Governor Sprague, "any other wish than that of bringing together these now belligerent States, without the loss to any one of them of a single right or privilege which it has heretofore enjoyed;" to show, by our acts as well as by our professions, that our whole purpose is to preserve our Government just as it came to us from the hands of our fathers—to regard all the guaranties of the Constitution, whether to States or to people of the States—and to become once more a powerful and prosperous nation, and a harmonious and happy people. And that, to this end, it is the duty of the Democratic party, not only to preserve its distinctive organization, but to demonstrate by honorable and patriotic measures, both its determination and its power to withstand and render harmless the assaults of Northern sectionalists upon constitutional liberty.

Resolved, That the effort now being made to secure to adopted citizens in this State their just political rights, meets with our hearty sympathy and is entitled to and shall receive our cordial support; that the purpose of this effort is especially commended to us at this time by the promptness and unanimity with which this class of our citizens are rallying to the support of our institutions; and that we urge upon the present General Assembly of our State to take such measures as are necessary to bring their claims to an equality of political privileges directly before the people.

The course pursued by the governor and other State officers during the previous year had been so satisfactory to the citizens, that the other parties made no nominations for these offices, although their party organization was preserved.

The votes of the electors which were given to Sprague were 11,195, scattering 62. For members of Congress the vote was as follows: Democratic Union. Republican. 1st District 6,D!t$ 6,656 2d" 4,545 4,004 T

he members of the Legislature were elected as follows: Senate. House. Dem. Union 21 50 Republican 11 28

Page 746 The Legislature, at its subsequent session, elected Governor Sprague a senator in the Federal Congress.

The debt of the State has been contracted within the last two years to meet the expenses of organizing, equipping, and paying the bounty to its troops. Bonds to the amount of $1,800,000 at 0 per cent, were authorized to be issued, of which $1,200,000 were sold at a premium of 11 per cent.

The banking capital of the State amounts to $20,862,979—divided among 88 banks.

The length of the railroads of the State is 283 miles, costing $11,670,523.

There is one college in the State, and a Friends' boarding school of a high grade, and many nourishing academies. The public school fund amounts to $248,000, of which the income is $14,442 per annum. The average attendance on the schools exceeds 21,691. Under the calls for troops in 1862, the State filled her quota without a resort to a draft, making all the troops raised by her for the war amount to thirteen regiments consisting of 14,326 officers and men. About 1,500 men were also furnished by the State to the United States navy. Of the troops sent to the war, one regiment was light artillery and one cavalry. The militia of the State is composed of 2,339 active militia and 17,944 enrolled militia. Of the active militia, 43 belong to the general staff", 77 to the cavalry, 423 to the artillery, 1,574 to the infantry, and 222 to the riflemen. An unsuccessful attempt was made by Governor Sprague to enlist a regiment of free colored persons, for which he issued the following order:

State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, Adjutant.-General's Office,  Providence, August 4,1862. )

General Order No. 36.—The Sixth Regiment, authorized by the Secretary of War, under date October 23, 1861, and orders issued therefor from this Department, No. 103, December 28, 1861, will consist entirely of colored citizens. Enlistment will commence immediately. Camp will be established under direction of General Robbins, who is directed to organize the regiment.

The quartermaster-general will furnish rations and equipments on requisition.

Our colored fellow-citizens are reminded that the regiment from this State in the Revolution, consisting entirely of colored persons, was pronounced by Washington equal, if not superior, to any in the service. They constitute a part of the quota from this State, and it is expected they will respond with zeal and spirit to this call.

The commander in-chief will lead them into the field, and will share with them, in common with the patriotic soldiers of the army of the republic, their trials and dangers, and will participate in the glories of their successes.

By order of the Commander-in-Chief.

EDWARD C. MAURAN, Adjutant-General.

The deposits in the savings institutions of the State, at the beginning of 1862, amounted to $9,282,879.

WISCONSIN, one of the most thriving Northwestern States, increased in population during the ten years ending June, 1860, 470,490, when the whole population was 775,881. (See United States.)

The Governor of the State, Harvey, was inaugurated on the 1st of January, 1862. He had been elected by the Republican voters on the first Thursday of November, 1861, by a majority of 8,820 over the Democratic candidate.

The Legislature convened on the 9th of January. The members of the Assembly and half of the Senate had been elected in November previous, and were divided as follows; Senate. House. Republicans 22 43 Democrats 11 34 Union — 23

The governor in his message recommended economy in the expenditures, the introduction of military drill in public schools, and the establishment of an armory and arsenal at Milwaukie, on the Lake Michigan.

The following resolutions expressive of the views of the majority of the Legislature on Federal affairs were adopted with seven dissenting votes in the House and nine in the Senate:

Whereas, The language of joint resolution number 4, adopted by the Legislature of 1859, is in some of its parts identical with those of the Kentucky resolutions of 1798;

And whereas such language is liable to be so misconstrued and perverted as to lead to misapprehension of the purpose of its adoption, and to favor secession;

And whereas there is evidence in the fact of such Kentucky resolutions having been endorsed by and incorporated into and made part of several of the Democratic national and State platforms, and especially by that recently promulgated by the Democratic State Convention of Indiana, that the true intent and meaning of such language has been misconstrued and perverted; therefore,

Resolved by the Assembly, the Senate concurring. That we regard the action of the rebellious States of this Government, in their attempt to destroy the Union by the pretended lawful right of secession, as unwarranted by the spirit of the Constitution, and utterly subversive of the well-established principles of good government.

Resolved, That no State of this Union has a right to defy or resist the laws of the Federal Government, but should yield a willing and hearty support to the enforcement of the laws, unless such laws are unjust or deleterious in their operation, in which case the only rightful remedy lies in their repeal or lawful abrogation.

Resolved, That joint resolution number 4, of the Legislature of Wisconsin of the year 1859, in theory enunciates the dangerous doctrine of nullification and resistance to the lawfully constituted authority of the' Federal Government, and is incompatible with the safety and perpetuity of the Union.

Resolved, That said joint resolution number 4, of the Legislature of this State of the year 1859, entitled "Joint resolution relative to the decision of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin," be and the same is hereby repealed.

On the 5th of April a resolution passed the House with one dissenting vote tendering to the President of the United States an unqualified approval of his course from the day of his inauguration.

A bill was brought before the Legislature at this session to repeal the "Personal Liberty" law of the State. But no final action was taken upon it until the extra session in July, when it was passed, and the law repealed. (See Annual Cyclopedia, 1861 — Personal Page 813 "Liberty Laws.) This was the first instance among the Western States .of the repeal of these obnoxious laws. At this same extra session resolutions were passed by a majority of fourteen which emphatically condemned all future anti-slavery agitation in the Northern States.

On the 19th of April, Governor Harvey was drowned at Savannah, in Tennessee, whither he had gone with hospital stores for the soldiers of the State who were wounded at the battle of Shiloh. He was succeeded by the lieutenant governor, Edward Salomon, a German-born citizen.

An election for six members of Congress took place on the first Thursday of November, when the votes were given as follows: Republican. Democratic 1st District 10,077 12,598 2d 18,107 10.OT4 , 3d 10,000 7,514 4th" 9,613 15,343 "10,005 11,021 6th" 9,037 6,672

The Democratic candidates were elected in the 1st, 4th and 5th districts, and Republican candidates in the 2d, 3d and 6th districts.

The debt of the State previous to the war was $100,000. A loan for war purposes was authorized by the Legislature in extra session, May, 1861, of one million dollars. Of this loan $800,000 was taken by the bankers of the State, who paid 70 per cent, at once, and the balance in instalments of 1 per cent, every six months, giving their personal bonds as security for the payment, and depositing the State bonds with the Bank Comptroller as a basis for banking in place of the depreciated bonds of Southern States.

The number of banks in the State in May, 1862, was seventy, whose capital was $4,397,000; specie, $380,000; circulation, $4,600,000.

The length of the railroads in the State is 1,157 miles, cost $41,809,817.

There are nine colleges in the State, three theological seminaries, and a medical school. The number of common school districts is 4,558, and the number of children in attendance at the schools is 198,443, besides 8,000 estimated to be in attendance at private schools. The school fund of the State is derived from the proceeds of the sale of the sixteenth section of each township and an additional grant by Congress of 500,000 acres of land; 25 per cent, of the proceeds of sale of swamp and overflowed lands, and lands selected in lieu thereof (25 per cent, goes to the Normal School Fund); 5 per cent, of the proceeds of sales of Government public lands in the State (this has been withheld in consequence of a claim of Government against the State) ; 5 per cent, penalty as forfeiture for non-payment of interest on school land certificates and school fund loans; and the clear proceeds of all fines collected in the several counties for penal offences and for trespasses on State lands. The productive fund from the sale of these lands, &c, September 80, 1861, was $2,458,351 49, and there remained unsold and forfeited 454,775 acres of sixteenth section lands; forfeited lands of 1861, 219,000 acres; 125,000 acres unsold swamp lands; 118,750 acres of forfeited swamp lands; and 89,500 acres of forfeited swamp lands of 1861. There are also 140,000 acres of land claimed from Government, and sixteenth section and swam]) land, yet unsurveyed. The lands as yet unsold will exceed 1,500,000 acres.

Previous to the 1st of July, 1862, the State had sent to the war nineteen regiments of infantry three regiments of cavalry, and seven batteries of artillery and two companies of sharpshooters—numbering entire 24,653 men. Under the call for 300,000 men in July, six regiments were raised, and under the call for 300,000 nine months men about twelve regiments more. The attempts to complete the quota under the first call by drafting met with much opposition in some parts of the State. At Port Washington, in Ozaukee county, the commissioner was forced to flee for his life, the machinery for the draft was destroyed, and the houses of eight citizens who encouraged the draft were attacked and injured. A military detachment was sent to restore order. In Washington county serious disturbances occurred.


Source: The American Annual Cyclopaedia and Register of Important Events of the Year, 1861-1865, vols. 1-5. New York: Appleton & Co., 1868.