When intelligence of the attack on Fort Sumter reached Philadelphia, the chief city of Pennsylvania, the excitement of the people was intense. This was hightened by the call of the President for troops, and the manifest existence of disloyal men in the city. Great exasperation was felt against those known to be disloyal, or suspected of sympathy with the insurgents; and, at one time, full ten thousand of the populace were in the streets, engaged in putting out of the way every semblance of opposition to the Government. The Mayor managed to control them, and when offending parties threw out the American flag the people were generally satisfied.2 That banner was everywhere displayed over public and private buildings, and a Union pledge was circulated throughout the city, and signed by thousands without distinction of party. The Governor called
April 20, 1861. |
Pennsylvania has the honor of having furnished the troops that first arrived at the Capital in the hour of its greatest peril. These composed five companies from the interior of the State, namely, the “Washington Artillery,” and “National Light Infantry,” of Pottsville, Schuylkill County; the “Ringgold Light Artillery,” of Reading, Berks County; the “Logan Guards,” of Lewistown, Mifflin County, and the “Allen Infantry,” of Allentown, Lehigh County. At the call of the President, the commanders of these companies telegraphed to Governor Curtin that they were full, and ready for service. He immediately ordered them to assemble at Harrisburg, the State capital. They were all there on the evening of the 17th, but