USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > Centennial biography : Men of mark of Cumberland Valley, Pa., 1776-1876 > Part 7
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6. That a committee be immediately appointed for this county to conrespond with the conunitter of this Province, or of the other Provinces, upon the great objects of the public attention, and to co operate in every measure conducing to the general welfare of British America.
7. That the committee consist of the following persons, viz: James Wilson. John Armstrong. John Montgomery, William Irvine, Robert Callender, William Thomson, John Calhoun, Jonathan Hoge, Robert Magaw, Ephraim Blanc, John Allison, John Hartis and Robert Miller, or any five of them.
8. That James Wilson, Robert Magaw and William Ivine be the deputies appointed to meet the deputies from other countries of this Province at Philadelphia, on Friday next, in order to concert measures preparatory to the General Congress.
LETTERS FROM THE COMMITTEE.
In a letter from the committee of Cumberland county to the President of Congress, dated at Carlisle, July 14th, 1776, ten days after the Declaration of Independance was proclaimed, it is stated : " By the intelligence we have already received, we think our-
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selves warranted to say, that we shall be able to send five companies, viz .: one from each battalion, to compose part of the flying camp, provided so many good arms can be had, and three companies of militia for the present emergency, some of whom will march this week. With pleasure we assure you that a noble spirit appears amongst the inhabitants here. The spirit of marching to the defence of our country is so prevalent in this town that we shall not have men left sufficient to mount guard, which we think absolutely necessary for the safety of the inhabitants and ammunition, and as a watch over the ten English officers, with their ten servants, to keep their parole of honour, especially as their brethren, lately, at Lebanon, in Lancaster county, lost it ; and as there will not be more left in town for the above purpose, we shall be obliged to hire a guard of twelve men from the county."*
In a letter from the same committee to Congress, dated at Carlisle, July 31st, 1776, it is said : " The inhabitants have voluntarily and very generally offered their services, and by the answers which we have received from the officers, it appears to us that eleven companies will be sufficiently armed and accoutred, and the last of them marched from this place in about a week from this time. Three companies more are preparing, if they can get arms, and many more declared themselves willing to march : but we are well assared arms are not to be got in this country. If arms and accoutrements are to be had at Philadelphia, we can send more men."t
At the time these volunteers from the Cumberland valley were pressing forward in surprising numbers, it is to be recollected that from this district there were then in the Continental army a number of officers as well as rank and file, who. the year preceding, had entered the army and were still absent in the military service of their country. Among those officers were Generals Armstrong and Irwin, Colonels Magaw, Chambers, Watts, Blair, Smith, Wilson, Montgomery, Buchanan, and Majors, Captains and subalterns in numbers too great to be enumerated liere.
In a letter from the same committee to Congress, dated Angust 16th. 1776. it is stated that " The twelfth company of our militia are marched to-day, which companies contain, in the whole, eight hundred and thirty-three privates-with officers. nearly bine hundred men. Six companies more are collecting arms, and are preparing to march."# §
WAR OF 1812.
On the breaking out of the war of 1812, the citizens of Carlisle manifested ar equally commendable zeal in volunteering for the defence of our combien country. Fue fine companies were soon raised, viz: the " Carlisle Infantry," under Captain Withan Alexander, and a "rifle company," under Captain George Hendel, which served a term of six months on the northern frontier, the "Carlisle Guards," under Captain Joseph Halbert, who. marched to Philadelphia, and the . Patriotic Blues." under Captain Jacob Squier, who were for some time in the entrenchments at Baltimore.
CAPTAIN CRAIGHEAD.
The same spirit of patriotism prevailed in Franklin county. The Rev. Mr. Craighead, of Rocky Spring, in eloquent strains, exhorted from the pulpit the youth of his congre-
* Amer. Arch., 5th Ser., i vol., p. 32$.
+ 1h. 619.
# 1b. 994.
¿ The companies marching from Cumberland county, in August. 1276, were commanded by Captains John Stiet. Samuel Postlethwaite, Andrew Galbreath, Samuel MeCune, Thomas Timbatt. Jame. M. Conne', William Ista. Tom . Virk. John Hutton, Robert Culbertson, Charles Lecher, Comad Salmler, Lintenmit Ad mr Frank With egg were preparing to match .- Amee alves. gehe Ser , 1 2al., 2. 61).
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gation to rise up and join the noble band then engaged under the immortal Washington in struggling for the freedom of our country. On one occasior, it is said. the patriotic preacher declaimed in such burning and powerful terms against the wrongs we were then suffering, that, after one glowing description of the duty of the men, the whole congregation rose from their seats and declared their willingness to march to the con- flict. There was but one, tradition says, in the entire assembly, who was not overcome by the stirring appeal that was made, and that was an aged female, in whom maternal affection, recently caused to bleed, completely mastered both a sense of propriety and the love of liberty. "Stop, Mr. Craighead," she exclaimed, " I jist want to tell ye, agin' you loss such a purty boy as I have, in the war, ye will na be sa keen for fighting. Quit talking, and gang yersel' to the war. We're always preaching to the boys abon: it ; but I dinna think ye'd be very likely to gang yersel'. Jist ga and try it."
GRAPHIC DESCRIPTION.
A graphic writer thus describes the display of patriotic spirit which was made at the Rocky Spring church :
"As we walk reverentially over the hill, we feel as if we were treading upon sacred ground dedicated to God and American Liberty. We can almost fancy we see the man of God standing where we now stand. telling to the assembled multitude the story of their country's wrongs, and urging them to hesitate no longer which to choose, cowardly inactivity or the noble part of brave defenders of their country's rights. We hear him call on them, as he stands before his old! church, and request those who desire to march with him to battle, to hesitate no longer, but place themselves by his side, and acknowledge him their commander, who will lead them to the field of battle, where they will save America or perish in the cause of Freedom. One by one they approach their pastor, and soon a long line of dauntless spirits stretches across the green to the neighbouring road The wives, mothers and sisters, stand gazing on the exciting scene, and with sweet, encouraging words urge them to stand by their pastor and captain, and trust in the arm of the Lord of Hosts for the result. At length the line is completed, and they are dismissed to meet on the following Monday. Soon after the dawn of day, might be seen the sturdy husbandman with grey hairs scattered over his brow, and the youth of few years. reaching down their old fire-aims, hitherto used only for beasts of prey, or the wild game, but now to be used for other purposes. They fling around their necks their rude powder horns and bullet pouches, and shouldering their guns march to the place of rendezvous. As the eye wanders over the neighbourhood, in the distance they may be scen, one by one, drawing near the hill. Soon they are all assembled and their company is organized, and after an eloquent appeal to the Almighty, the Reverend Captain places himself at their head, and the noble band marches off to battle. As they march away over the hills, ever and anon they cast a lingering look back upon their beloved friends, who stand weeping upon the hill, and upon their okl and loved place of worship, which many of them will never enter again. The company joined the army of Washington, and gave undoubted evidence that their courage was of no mean order but was based upon the hallowed principles of Christianity, which, although discountenancing bloodshed and war, does not forbid the oppressed to make an effort to throw off the yoke of the oppressor."+
* Captain Craighead, during the hours spent in camp, habitualy acted as Chaplain to his soldiers. After the war was over he returned to his change and faithfully watched over his congregation until the period of his death, which occured i am. Of his valour there can be no question. " He fought and preached alternately , " says a friend, in noticing his char.a ter, " breasted
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PATRIOTISM OF WEST CONOCOCHEAGUE.
We find the citizens of West Conococheague animated by the same self-sacrificing patriotism which marked the other sections of the valley during the Revolution. Dr. King, who was installed pastor of the church at Mercersburg, in 1769, not only volun- teered his services, and went as chaplain to the battalion which marched from that part of the country, but many were the addresses which he delivered in behalf of the liberties of his country.
In an address delivered to Captain Huston's company. as they were about to leave their homes for the battle field, Dr. King said :
" The case is plain, life must be hazarded, or all is gone. You must go and fight, or send your humble submission, and bow as a beast to its burden, or as an ox to the slaughter. The king of Great Britain has declared us rebels -- a capital crime. Submis- sion, therefore, consents to the rope or the axe. Liberty is doubtless gone : none could imagine a tyrant king should be more favourable to conquered rebels than he was to loyal, humble, petitioning subjects. No ! no ! If ever a people lay in chains, we must, if our enemies carry their point against us, and oblige us to unconditional submission. This is not all. Our tory neighbours will be ouf proud and tormenting enemies."
In a sermon preached by this patriotic preacher, he spoke in these animating worls to his congregation :
" My dear brethren: Since God, in the course of his providence, has so ordered matters as to require every true-hearted American to appear i., defence of his liberties. it affords me great pleasure to see you stand forth, with others, in the glorious cause. We have heard your declarations on the point, we have seen your diligence in preparing. and now we see that these were not the efforts of cowardice, boasting at a distance, but that in real earnestness your hearts have been engaged in the matter. After observing in you this heroic and laudable disposition, I apprehend there need not much be said to animate you in the grand object of your present attention, and more especially as you enter upon this warfare, not from the low and sordid views which are the main object of ignorant mercenaries, but with a proper knowledge of the reasons of the contest, and I hope, too, with a consciousness of duty.
" You see an open field before you, wherein you may acquire reputation and honour to yourselves, and do a most beneficial service to your country. The cause of American independence and liberty, which has now called you to go forth to the scene of action. is indeed a cause in which it will be glorious to conquer and honourable to die. The victory, however dearly bought, will be but a cheap purchase, for what of all worldly goods can be of equal value to freedom from slavery, the free and lawful enjoyment and use of our own property, and the free possession of our own lives and consciences? This is an object worthy of our vigorous exertions, a price worthy of a Christian soldiery, a price we are commanded to strive for by the voice of nature and the voice of God. We have now assumed the independent tank we ought to have among the nations of the earth, and we are resolved to be free. Our enemies, with all their own and foreign force they could obtain, are attempting their utmost to make us slaves, and this appears to be the main time of
all danger, relying on his God, and the justice of his cause for protection " His company was present at the battle on Long Island and acquitted themselves with such gallantry. Mr. ( was also with the army when Fort Washington was evacuated. There was also present on the occasion, the Rev. Robert Cooper, D. D., pastor of the Presbyterian church at Middle Spring, " a rian of sound and strong mint, as well as a divine of great judiciousness and piety," whose congregation were part of the force of volunteers that marched from Carlisle in August, 1726, accompanied by their brave, patriotic, and pious minister. He and Mr. C. were very intimate, and were in the same mess, as they were congenial spirits. Mr. Craighead was somewhat celebrated as a humorist. One day, it is said, going into battle a cannonball strach a the near him, a splinter of which nearly knocked him down. "God bless me !" exclaimed C'o ger, " you were nearly kite . ked ty staves." "Oh, yes," was his reply, "and though you are a Cooper you could not have set me up."
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the trial -- the very turning point which will decide the question, and determine either for freedom or bondage. If their designs can be baffled for this campaign, it is most probable they will despair of success, and give up the cause. At least it will be a powerfully animating motive for Americans to proceed on that course, which they must at all events go through, having nothing before thein but success or the most ignominious and shameful alternative."
Such was the patriotic spirit that prevailed in Cumberland valley in Revolutionary times. The application of the word Tory, which designated a person opposed to the war and in favour of British claims, was rare if to be found at all. Not to be zealous in the cause of American Independence was a reproach that not only subjected the suspected individual to public disfavour, but in some instances brought down upon him the notice or discipline of the church. A well authenticated case is related in which a charge was presented to the Session of the church at Falling Spring against a member as a ground for exercising discipline towards him, that "he is strongly suspected of rot being sincere in his professions of attachment to the cause of the Revolution."
SACRIFICES.
In contemplating the spirit and action of the men of those times, and of this territory, their descendants have just reason to be proud Their devotion to their country was signal and emphatic. " Nowhere in the colonies was there more patriotism. resolution and bravery than was evinced on a call to arms, by the hardy, intelligent citizen soldiers of this Scotch-Irish settlement. Their territory and dwellings were in no danger of invasion, or of being trodden by a hostile army. Distance, intervening forests. rugged roads and large water courses were obstacles not to be encountered by an enemy who · were dependent on their ships for their supplies and their safe retreat in case of reverses. The freemen of this extensive valley did not at this crisis hold back their movements. either in time or nun bers, for forced requisitions, in retaliation for the indifference manifested by the citizens of the eastern border of the province of Pennsylvania, for sufferings and privations of the inhabitants of their valley, when for years, they were exposed to the merciless cruelties of savage enemies aided and instigated by French power, though they could not forget that their repeated supplications to the Provincial government for measures of defence and protection during the Indian wars that were laying waste their settlements with fire and the blood of women and children, were either disregarded or met by tardy and inefficient provision by a government, whose legislation was under the control then of the Representatives of Philadelphia, Chester and Bucks. The brave and hardy men of the Cumberland valley, who had for ten years been exercising their strength and vigour to repair the waste and desolation of their homes and property, from which many had been driven, and for years compelled to seck for their families safety in the counties of Lancaster and York, did not allow themselves to think of resentment or retaliation when the enemy of their country was menacing their State. These patriotic men were too magnanimous and generous in the hour of danger and public necessity to speak or think of old wrongs. committed against them by their fellow-citizens or their late government. But a few days were required to arrange their affairs, collect their arms and plain accoutrements, when they marched forth with drawn swords and shouklered arms, to meet the public enemy, wherever commanded, either on Pennsylvania soil, on the plains of New Jersey, or elsewhere.
Such is a succinct and imperfect history of the settlers and settlement of Cumberland valley. In it we have given somewhat of a prominence to the Scotch-Irish chement, but there was a necessity for so doing, which we are sure all will acknowledge, inas-
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CHAMBERSBURG IN RUINS.
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much as the early population that flocked into this beautiful territory was so largely composed of this class of people. Never need their descendants feel ashamed of so noble an ancestry. Never, either, can they over-estimate the sacrifices which they made in taking possession of the lovely valley in which their spirit yet lingers. No privation seemed to depress them, no exposure to intimidate thein. no toil to discourage them. As true as graphic was Rev Dr. Thomas Creigh's description of them, in his address at the memorable Presbyterian Re-union on the camp ground near Oakville. September 24th, 1871, when he said :
" They were a hardy people. They were enured to hardships from the beginning- not only in felling the forests and in preparing the land for cultivation, and so on- but in consequence, also, of their contests and warfare with the Indians. It would require a'volume to tell of all these trials and troubles They were plain in their habits, and were contented with their style of living, which was of the plainest kind. They knew nothing about the extravagances and follies of the present age. With their log cabins of 20 feet by 25 fect, built of logs, with clap-board roof and puncheon floor, they were perfectly contented. It was their parlor, their family room, their chamber, nursery and kitchen all in one. The ordinary wear of the men was a loose waumus or hunting shirt, with trousers made of the same material, and moccasins made of deer skin. The ordinary dress of the women was a short gown and petticoat made of linsey woolsey, with a sun-bonnet or hoo '.
" This was the'- ordinary wear. But still they had something better, i. e. those who could afford it. The male attire was a coat of homespun and a waistcoat, with breeches often made of buckskin, with knee buckles, long stockings, shoe buckles, and a cocked hat. The ladies' attire was a dress of silk, or of some other miterial equally costly. a bonnet made of material to correspond, a kerchief of white around the neck, and cover- ing the uppet part of the breast. Their food was equally simple and plain. Hog and hominy and potatoes, with mush and milk, were their standing fare. And as for coffee and tea, if the old folks could have them once a week, and this on the Sablath day. they were more than satisfied with the privilege. Nor must we forget to mention the little shelf on which rested the family Bible, the Confession of Faith, Psaha Book. Pilgrim's Progress, Boston's Fourfold State, Saint's Rest, and volumes of a kindred character."
Thus was it that the daring pioneers laid the foundations of the intelligent and upright community which has succeeded them, and were able to bequeath the rich legacy their children enjoy.
THE BURNING OF CHAMBERSBURG.
We feel that our sketch would be incomplete without some account of the destruction of Chambersburg by the rebel force under General Early, July 30th, 1864. However familiar to those now living this event may be, it is in every sense desirable that the history of it should be found in our volume. for the sake of the generations to follow. This we shall give, confining ourselves strictly to the calamity itself, with its accom- panying incidents, and we are happy to be able to do so from statements prepared by citizens of the place, who were witnesses of the occasion.
ENTRANCE OF THE REBELS.
" The rebels, having been interrupted in their entrance into the town until daylight, they employed their time in planting two batteries in commanding positions, and getting up their whole column, fully three thousand strong. About 4 o'clock on
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Saturday morning they opened with their batteries and fired some half a dozen shots into the town, but they did no damage. Immediately thereafter their skirmishers entered by almost every street and alley running out west and southwest, and finding their way clear, their cavalry, to the number of eight hundred and thirty-one, came in under the immediate command of General McCansland. General Bradley Johnson was with him, and also the notorious Major Harry Gilmore.
PLUNDERING PROMPTLY COMMENCED.
" While McCausland and Gilmore were reconnoitering around to get a deal with the citizens for tribute, their soldiers exhibited the proficiency of their training by immediate and almost indiscriminate robbery. Hats, caps, boots, watches, silverware, and every- thing of value, were appropriated from individuals on the street without ceremony, and when a man was met whose appearance indicated a plethoric purse, a pistol would be presented to his head with the order to 'deliver,' with a dexterity that would have done credit to the freebooting accomplishments of an Italian brigand.
TRIBUTE DEMANDED.
" General McCausland rode up to a number of citizens, and gave notice that unless five hundred thousand dollars in greenbacks, or one hundred thousand dollars in gold, were paid in half an hour, the town would be burned ; but no one responded to his call. He was promptly answered that Chambersburg could not and would not pay any ransom. He had the Court House bell rung to convene the citizens, hoping to frighten them into the payment of a large sum of money, but no one attended. Infuriated at the determination of the people, Major Gilmore rode up to a group of citizens, consisting of Thomas B. Kennedy, William McClellan, J. McDowell Sharpe, Dr. J. C. Richards, William II. McDowell, W. S. Everett, Edward G. Etter, and M. A. Foltz, and ordered them under arrest. He said that they would be held for the payment of the money, and if not paid, he would take them to Richmond as hostages, and also burn every house in town. While he was endeavouring to force them into an effort to raise him money, his men commenced the work of firing, and they were discharged when it was found that intimidation would effect nothing.
TOWN IN FLAMES.
" The main part of the town was enveloped in flames in ten minutes. No time was given to remove women or children, the sick, or even the dead. No notice of the kind was communicated to any one, but the work of destruction was at once commenced. They divided into squads, and fired every other house, and often every house, if there was any prospect of plunder. They would beat in the door with iron bais or heavy plank, smash up furniture with an axe, throw fluid or oil upon it, and ply the match. They almost invariably entered every room of each house, ritled the drawers of every bureau, appropriated money, jewelry, watches, and any other valuables, and often would present pistols to the heads of inmates, men and women, and demand money or their lives. In nearly half the instances they demanded owners to ransom their property, and in a few cases it was done, and the property burned. Although a number of persons, mostly widows, paid them sums from twenty-five to two hundred dollars, there were but few cases where the property was saved thereby. Few houses escaped riding ; nearly all were plundered of everything that could be carried away. In most cases houses were entered in the rudest manner, and no time whatever was allowed for the families to escape, much less to save anything. Many families had the utmost difficulty
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to get themselves and children out in time, and not one-half had so much as a change of clothing with them. They would rush from story to story to rob, and always fire the building at once, in order to keep the family from detecting their robberies. Feeble and helpless women and children were treated like brutes-told insolently to get out or burn ; and even the sick were not spared. Several invalids had to be carried out as the red flames licked their couches. Thus the work of desolation continued for two hours, more than half the town on fire at once; and the wild glare of the flames, the shrieks of women and children, and, often louder than all, the terrible blasphemy of the rebels, conspired to present such a scene of horror as has never been witnessed by the present generation. No one was spared, save by accident The widow and the the fatherless cried and plead in vain that they would be homeless and helpless. A rude oath would close all hope of mercy, and they would fly to save their lives. The old and infirm, who tottered before them, were thrust aside, and the torch applied in their presence to hasten their departure. In a few hours the major portion of Cham- bersburg, its chief wealth and business, its capital and elegance, were devoured by a barbarous foe-three millions of property sacrificed-three thousand human beings homeless, and many penniless, and all without so much as a pretence that the citizens of the doomed town, or any of them, had violated any accepted rule of civilized warfare. Such is the deliberate, voluntary record made by General Early, a corps commander in the insurgent army."*
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