USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > Waynesboro > Waynesboro : the history of a settlement in the county formerly called Cumberland, but later Franklin, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in its beginnings, to its centennial period, and to the close of the present century > Part 13
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CHAPTER VIII.
memory of t past and a name.
THE UPRISING AGAINST EXCISE.
Opinions on the subject.
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WAYNESBORO.
CHAPTER VIII.
on every hand, in which protection the state government rendered them little and the general government no as- sistance. For the general government, under these cir- cumstances, to exact from them a share of the hard-earn- ed profits of their occupation seemed to them indeed a hardship.
The outlaw element.
As in a time of all public excitement there is a class of lawless people who are ready and anxious to take ad- vantage of the situation to run riot into deeds of violence, so on the occasion of this period of excitement the out- law element found its opportunity.
Franklin county liberty poles.
Colonel James Chambers.
September 22. 1794.
Although removed some distance from the center of excitement vet, as above stated, Franklin county had those of her citizens who were ready to add fuel to the flame. The demonstration, however, was not of a seri- ous character, but manifested itself chiefly in the attempt- ed erection of so-called "liberty poles." We have the testimony of a reliable witness who wrote an interesting letter to a state government official when the excitement was at its height in Franklin county, giving quite a characteristic account of the attempted raising of a liberty pole in Chambersburg by the "rioters."
In other sections of the country.
There were ebullient signs also in other sections of the county which included the Waynesboro district, but there is no evidence to prove that they amounted to any thing more in the region along the South Mountain than a strikingly effervescent expression of opinion by those who were actually engaged in the manufacture of spirits and their enthusiastic friends. There is a vague tradition re- cording the attempted raising of a liberty pole in the neighborhood of Quincy, but it cannot be stated as a fact. It is a fact, however, that there was a most turbulent element awakened and active at this time in that locality.
This episode in Pennsylvania history is chiefly inter- esting to the people of Franklin county because of the
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IN WAR TIMES.
fact that it brought President Washington with his mili- CHAPTER VIII. tary escort into the neighborhood, and awakened the people to the highest pitch of patriotic enthusiasm.
The idea of an excise on spirits was never popular in History of the law. Pennsylvania. The first law of this kind in the province 1684. was passed at an early day, but was never successfully considered as a permanent means of raising revenue, but rather as an emergency method.
.At a later period the provincial assembly of Pennsyl- 1744. vania again tried it for the purpose of raising money to aid in the public defence. Still later the attention of the 1772. assembly was directed to it, and an excise was laid on all domestic and foreign spirits, but so far as domestic spirits were concerned the law was a dead letter until the ex- penses of the government after the outbreak of the revo- lutionary war rendered the enforcement of the law im- perative. Even then a large amount of the excise levied remained due and uncollected.
1780. what it had suffered on account of a depreciated currency, and apportioned the amount of depreciation upon the several states, Pennsylvania endeavored to collect the un- paid excise tax accrued and accruring for this purpose, but even then discovered that the measure was most un- popular although attempted under state authority. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that when sometime after the adoption of the federal constitution congress laid an excise of four pence per gallon on all distilled spirits, the smothered fire burst forth into a flame which was kept blazing wherever there was fuel to feed it. Several movements later were made, but all to no avail, the opposition growing and gathering strength with its growth until it resulted in open attacks upon the officers of the government which could not be overlooked, lead- ing to the proclamation of President Washington and the subsequent requisition upon the governors of Vir-
President Washing- ton's visit.
Experiments by the assembly.
1 depreciation measure.
May 3, 1791.
Position of federal levy.
August 7, 1794.
.
When congress took steps to make up to the army
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IN WAR TIMES.
CHAPTER VIII. ginia. Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for twelve thousand nine hundred and fifty troops to quell the dis- turbance in western Penn- sylvania ; the so-called "whis- key insurrec- tion." 2:16.3
The Pennsylvania troops.
Their commanders.
Jo Robert Harper Da
Notice to Dragoon Confiance, To meet 7:6
To Advertising Brigade General Order 19/4 4 13-12
quares chat. 25 .. 17gh . .. Feb. 27,194. Toader veiling in the Chambersburg Gazette Jo
Z 3: 18:10/4
Evbort Harper.
Governor Thomas Mifflin was the com- mander-in-chief of the Pennsyl- vania troops. They consisted of one division of five thou- sand one hun- dred and nine- ty-six men. and were under the 7 /2 Squares .... command of A letter and its enclosures Major General William Irvine. RECEIPT FOR ADVERTISING MILITARY ORDERS. This division was made up of three brigades. the first com- manded by Brigadier Gen- (Receive the above in full eral Thomas Proctor: the second, by Brigadier Gen- Jun. 15, 199 5. eral Francis Murray, and the third, by Brigadier General James Chambers, the revolutionary hero of Franklin
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IN WAR TIMES.
county. His brigade consisted of about seventeen hun- CHAPTER VIIL. dred men, of which number Franklin county furnished two hundred and eighty-one.
The moral effect of calling out and forwarding the The close of the troops to the scene of disorder was sufficient. The riot- war. ers were dispersed without the firing of a gun. The troops started on the homeward march from Pittsburg. returning through the mountains by the way of Bedford, Strasburg. Shippensburg to Carlisle, where they were disbanded.
In the second war with Great Britain, the people of the Cumberland Valley again proved to the country that they were actuated by the true patriotic spirit. They re- sponded with alacrity to every call of the government for troops. The organized militia companies of Franklin county were among the first to tender their services to the governor of Pennsylvania, and at an early day a de- tachment. comprising five crack companies of the county, Note 43. mustering in all two hundred and sixty-four officers and men, joined with newly enlisted men sufficient to make up the county's quota of five hundred, and started out under the command of Major William McClelland, bri- gade inspector of the county, for the place of rendezvous at Meadville, on the northwestern frontier of the state. Here two regiments of riflemen and two of infantry were formed. and the Franklin county troops were incorpor- ated in this organization. Jared Irwin became colonel of the first regiment of riflemen : William Piper of the sec- ond regiment of riflemen: Jeremiah Snider of the first regiment of infantry: and John Purviance of the second regiment of infantry. These four regiments were formed into a brigade, which was attached to the second division under the general command of General Adamson Tanna- hill.
November 15, 1794.
THE WAR OF 1812-14.
Declared June 12, 1812.
September 5, 1812.
Franklin county troops.
Il Penn'a Arch., Vol. XII, p. 533.
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WAYNESBORO.
Under the working of the then efficient military law of the state, it was no easy matter for men who were playing soldier in time of peace to escape from service when there was an actual call to war. When a "tour of duty" was ordered by proper authority, every enlisted man was re- quired to perform his service or become "delinquent." and be subject to a fine of sixteen dollars every month during the term of the tour. No particular discredit at- tached to the non-performance of duty, but the law against delinquents was most rigorously enforced. Every delinquent was entitled to an appeal from the fine assessed against him by the court-martial, but, failing to appeal, the fine could not be avoided.
Franklin county delinquents.
It is interesting to note that among the first duties which Brigade Inspector McClelland was called upon to perform after he reached the front was to report to the auditor-general of the state the names of the members of the Franklin county companies who had subjected them- selves to a fine for non-performance of the "tour of duty." Under a report, which bore the following head- ing, Brigade Inspetor McClelland sends in the names of some twenty-six of Franklin county's best citizens for court-martial.
October 26, 1812.
"A list of all delinquents in Captain Snider's 'Union Volunteers," Captain Harper's 'Concord Infantry,' Cap- tain Hay's 'Mercersburg Riflemen,' and Captain Oak's 'Antrim Greens Riflemen,' who have not appeared. or whose appeals have been determined against them for not performing the present 'tour of duty.' "
The report concludes as follows :
"George Bryan, Esquire :
"In obedience to Law I forward the above list to you. I cannot annex 'the sum due from each respectively,' not being certain of the length of the Tour
CHAPTER VIII. Militia fines.
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IN WAR TIMES.
of Duty. The Militia Law says two Months & no longer. CHAPTER VIII. I think the Act of Congress says any term of time not exceeding Six Months, & if I understood the Governor correctly, he said Six Mounths unless the men were sooner discharged. So much is certain it is Sixteen Dol- lars per Month during the tour."
MM Olithan a Brigades Instructor 2 - Bare gacen ft Division Pins Militia
Additional call for troops.
In the first detachment of troops which went out from the county no organized body from Waynesboro or Washington township was included, but, later, the Fed- January 15, 1814. eral Government, having made a call for additional troops from Pennsylvania, Governor Snyder, through N. B. Boileau, Secretary of the Commonwealth, notified Bri- 11 Penn'a Arch., Vol. XII, p. 671. gade Inspector McClelland that a detachment of one one thousand militia to march to the defense of Erie would be called from the counties of Cumberland, York, Adams and Franklin. The formal call soon followed, and February 7th. the first and second brigades of the Seventh division, the former under command of James Lamberton, brigade inspector of Cumberland county, the latter under com- mand of William MeClelland, of Franklin county, and the second brigade of the Fifth division, Colonel George Welsh, brigade inspector, commanding, were called upon to fill the quota of one thousand men, and were desig- May 12, 1814. nated for the service of the United States, and, under the original orders, were commanded to rendezvous at Erie March 15, 1814. : on a day certain, or as soon thereafter as possible.
When these troops arrived at Erie they were organized into one regiment of ten companies, and were known as
ISO
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CHAPTER VIII.
Fifth Regt.
the Fifth regiment of Pennsylvania troops. James Fen- ton became colonel; James Wood, of Greencastle, was major, and Thomas Poe, of Antrim, was adjutant. Major Wood commanded the regiment for a considerable period of time, owing to the resignation of Colonel Fen- ton and the early death of Lieutenant Colonel Bull.
A draft resorted to.
Captain Samuel Dunn's company.
This quota was not filled without difficulty. It was found necessary to resort to a draft. Franklin county was much helped by the timely tender of the services of Captain Samuel Dunn's company of riflemen from Fan- nettsburg, who agreed to make part of the quota. This company was among the most enthusiastic troops in the valley, and at a much earlier date their captain had ten- dered their services to the government, although without avail, in the following patriotic letter :
June 15. 1813.
"Fannettsburgh. Franklin Co., Pa.
Sir: Being authorized by a Volunteer Company of Riflemen in the 6th Regiment, 2d Brigade, 7th Division, Penna. Militia to inform your Excellency that they have made a Tender of Service to you for 6 months, or what time such corps are wanted, we offered our Services in the regular way to our Respective Brigade Inspector William McClelland, Esq., who has no doubt reported us before this time.
The present communication is to inform you of the great anxiety the Company are in to receive Marching orders, which we hope will be in your power to give us very soon when if we meet the Enemy of our Country I have no doubt but the result will be Highly Honorable to ourselves and the State to which we belong.
The Company Consists of 50 men. all well armed & Equipped ready at any time you may think proper to order us to take the field. We have made no stipulation where we will march to, and will therefore not hesitate a moment to meet the Enemy within the United States, but will without those limits with ardor seek and with the de- termination belonging to Freemen punish the unpro- voked Invaders of our Country, with the assurance that
IN WAR TIMES.
you will (by giving us marching orders), give us an op- CHAPTER VIII. portunity of displaying our Patriotism to our Country."
duedients S'est hond. Samuel Dunno Capi Kifew Company
It was in aiding to fill this call for troops that the sol- Waynesboro troops. diers from Waynesboro served. Captain Samuel Gor- Note 44. don's company, one hundred and fourteen officers and men, were all from this locality. With the other Frank- lin county troops they marched to Erie, and were incor- porated into Colonel James Fenton's Fifth regiment.
It was in this company of Captain Gordon, that one, who subsequently became one of the most prominent and noteworthy citizens of Waynesboro, began his military career, General James Burns. He entered the service of the United States, as third lieutenant of Captain Gordon's company, and by meritorious service was subsequently advanced, until he held the rank of captain. He served with his company and regiment through all their active campaigns. He was in the battle of Lundy's Lane and several other hard-fought engagements.
A number of interesting stories of his war life are told by his descendants. On one occasion he is said to have been sent with his company against the British, and the enemy, being some distance away, was approached care- fully, until only a buckwheat field lay between the oppos- ing forces, and Captain Burns could see the red coats of the enemy. He commanded his men to drop on their knees and aim at the buckwheat blossoms, with the result
Gen. James Burns. Note 45.
Incidents in his life.
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CHAPTER VIII.
that his fire was so effective that the British were com- pelled to retire.
On another occasion the British had taken possession of an old mill. A company of Americans had failed to drive them out. Captain Burns was then sent with his men and leading the charge upon the mill, he made such a desperate assault that the enemy was dislodged and the mill captured.
General Burns was born on the old Burns' home-place, about three miles east of Waynesboro, and was a son of John Burns, or Bourns, as the name is sometimes written, the maker of revolutionary cannon, an account of which is given earlier in this work.
A militia officer.
General Burns, who received his title "General" from his long connection with the militia service of the town and county, was a leading spirit in all movements of a public nature in Waynesboro. He was sheriff of Frank- lin county and was a justice of the peace for many years. Burns Hill cemetery received its name from him; he owned the land and was the first person buried there. He was a Presbyterian and prominent in church affairs. His wife was Jane Downey. His sister, Esther Burns, was married to John Wallace, the nephew of John Wallace, the founder of Waynesboro. He lived to a rare old age, eighty-nine years, and died, respected by all.
Married 1814.
1875. A brave Franklin county soldier.
It was also from Captain Gordon's company that the adjutant of the Fifth regiment was chosen, the gallant Thomas Poe. He resigned the position which he had held for several years, deputy surveyor of Franklin coun- ty. to enlist as a private in Captain Gordon's company. His qualifications were soon recognized in his promotion to the important regimental position mentioned. His career was short but brilliant. His daring conduct soon won for him a name. Upon one occasion, it is said, sin- gle-handed. he quelled a dangeous mutiny among the troops by the mere force of his will, and in his last battle
1835-37. 1875.
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IN WAR TIMES.
his gallant intrepid bearing won the admiration of all. CHAPTER VIII. He fell, mortally wounded, at the battle of Chippewa, and July 6, 1814. died a few days after.
The Fifth regiment belonged to the corps of veterans Service of the Fifth commanded by Brigadier General Peter B. Porter, and in Regiment. its tour of six months saw most active service on this side of the border and in Canada as well, participating in the battle of Bridgewater. Chippewa and Lundy's Run, suf- iering severe losses during its campaign. What higher testimony to this regiment's admirable conduct could be asked than that contained in the following letter from its corps commander to the Governor of Pennsylvania :
"Buffalo.
Sir: The Regiment of Pa. Volunteers under Col. Fen- ton having completed their term of service are about re- turning to their homes.
It will always be a source of pride as well as pleasure to me to reflect that I had the good fortune to have this patriotic body of men attached to my command. The re- lation in which I stood to them has given me the fullest opportunity of observing their conduct ; and I should feel that I had not performed my duty were I to suffer them to depart without carrying to you the evidence of the high sense I entertain of their meritorious services.
Before the opening of the Campaign, they had, by the most assiduous industry and attention, become respect- able proficients in military tactics. Since that time, they have performed every labor. discharged every duty in camp, and borne every privation necessarily incident to active military operations, with an alacrity. a cheerfulness and a fortitude which can never be surpassed. In the higher and more arduous duties of the field they have fur- nished examples of steadiness, intrepidity and gallantry which would have done honor to, and which has enabled them to vanquish. the veteran troops of Europe. In this character of them I am supported by the testimony of Major General Brown and other principal officers of the regular army.
I regret that their loss, both in officers and men, has
August 30, 1814.
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CHAPTER VIII.
been so severe. It will, however, be a consolation of no inconsiderable value to the friends of those men who have fallen, that they have fallen in the discharge of that noble and exalted duty-the duty we owe to our beloved Coun- try.
This communication will be handed to you by Maj. Wood, who, in consequence of the severe indisposition of Col. Fenton, and the early fall of Col. Bull. commanded the regiment for a considerable part of the time they were in Canada. The cool judgment and intrepidity which he has displayed in the various affairs with the enemy ; and the hardships and hazards which he has voluntarily encountered by continuing the active command of the Regiment, while laboring under the effects of severe wounds, received at the battle of Bridgewater, will entitle him to your Excellency's particular notice. To him and to Col. Fenton I beg leave to refer you for particular in- formation as to the individual merit of the officers and men of the regiment.
I have the honor to be, with great respect."
your Excellementi very Bedient Servant bong the holemature leares
His Excellency. Simon Snider.
When temporary disasters overtook the American armies, and the capitol buildings at Washington were de- stroved by the enemy, Governor Snyder issued a general order couched in such stirring language as to fire the ardor of the people to the highest pitch, and there was no lack of volunteers to march to Baltimore to repel the in- vaders.
In this patriotic purpose the little town shadowed by the South Mountain was not behind its neighbors. When
August 24, 1814.
August 27th.
IN WAR TIMES.
185
the volunteers from Chambersburg, Greencastle and CHAPTER VIII. Mercersburg took up the march, they found Captain John Flannigan's company with six hundred and fifty of- ficers and men from Waynesboro ready to cross the mountain with them to Baltimore, there to perform their Note 46. full share of service under Colonel John Findley, until the date of discharge.
During the Mexican war the same patriotic enthusiasm THE MEXICAN and the same readiness to serve their country which char- WAR. acterized other localities prevailed in Waynesboro. A few recruits from this locality helped to make up the quota of companies recruited in Chambersburg, but the two regularly organized companies in Waynesboro were never mustered into the service. So far as has been as- certained, these companies were officered as follows: First company, "Waynesboro Blues," captain, James Stewart ; second company, "Waynesboro Rifles," captain. D. B. Russell; first lieutenant, Joseph H. Crebs : second lieutenant. Joseph Bender.
In the old Union graveyard the remains of a soldier of the Mexican war by the name of Davis lie buried. It is to be regretted that complete rolls of the soldiers of the Mexican war are not now accessible
AN OLD DEFENDER.
Waynesboro troops at Baltimore.
Waynesboro com- panies.
The grave of a soldier.
(12)
CHAPTER IX.
IN WAR TIMES .- Part II.
WHEN THE UNION WAS PRESERVED : OPENING DAYS. BEFORE AND AFTER ANTIETAM.
CHAPTER 1X. THE WAR FOR THE UNION.
April 12, 1861.
The opening days.
Demonstration and serious thought.
HEN the shot which was fired at Sumter certi- fied to the Union and the world at large that war between the northern and southern sections of the American Union was an established fact. the long repressed feelings of the people, particularly of the dwell- ers along the border, broke forth in the wildest excite- ment. Who, that has lived through it, will ever forget those earlier days of the war? There arose later, and more serious causes for apprehension and excitement, but a realization of the situation preceded them of which was born a calmer spirit ; but in those earlier days, when in every town and village along the border, men, women and children, in lighter spirit, vied with each other in patriotic demonstration, serious-minded men came together to de- vise plans to aid their government, and grew graver as they counselled with each other concerning the dangers which beset their borderland homes.
Situation of border towns.
The Pennsylvania towns along the southern border of the Cumberland Valley, at the outbreak of the war, oc- cupied a dangerous situation which was not shared by the interior towns of the State. They were in the direct line of any invasion which might be projected by the South- ern army, and were almost constantly menaced by bands of raiders sent out from the Army of Northern Virginia.
Season fervor and excitement.
Add to the fear engendered by this situation the ex- citement incident to the awakening patriotic spirit of the people and the active preparations for aggressive warfare and defense, and there is presented a condition of affairs
.
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which may be appreciated when experienced, but CHAPTER IX. language fails to adequately describe it.
Waynesboro. although up to that period a very quiet country town, answered the call to war, as did her sister towns in the neighborhood. The public places, including the churches, continually presented scenes of busy ac- tivity. The taverns were news centers, and the items of information disseminated therefrom were greedily de- voured. The political newspapers, formerly content to simply dispense the local happenings, now presented "war news," doubly leaded with "scare heads." and thun- dered forth in stirring appeals to actively patriotic citi- zens for service or financial assistance, and with equal force denounced in scathing language those who, accord- ing to the views of the editor, were willfully indifferent or worse.
There was scarcely any of those first days which passed by without a public meeting of some kind, and a fervent address or two from some leader among the people.
On account of the unsatisfactory condition of the Home enlistments. records remaining, it is now impossible to give here a complete statement of all the soldiers who left Waynes- boro, but it is hoped that the incidents in this regard gathered from authentic sources, and which follow, will "Village Record." not be devoid of interest.
Volunteering for the service began in the town within a week after the firing upon Fort Sumter. Following is the list of the vanguard of Waynesboro's volunteers. which, at an early day, were reported to have passed mus- ter at Harrisburg and become members of regular organi- April 25, 1861. zations :
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