By Rich MacAlpine
As Gleaned from the Yates County Chronicle, July 31, 1862
“The War Meeting – The meeting last Saturday at the Court House was one of the most inspiriting ever held in the county for any purpose. The number present was large, exceeding all expectations considering the pressing condition of farm work. A fine display was made by the Penn Yan Firemen and the Society of St. Patrick, with their regalia and banners.” Patriotic speeches were delivered to the crowd and afterwards resolutions were passed calling upon everyone, regardless of party, to rally behind the cause and ‘urge upon the President immediately to issue the order which will take from the enemy their great sources of strength, while it will diminish their army by calling to the defense of their homes large numbers of rebel officers and men.” A call was made for volunteers and “a number enrolled themselves.” The quota for Yates County was 220 volunteers and that was broken down for each of the towns based on population.
War Meetings were also held in Torrey and Italy Hollow.
Twelve young men from the town of Jerusalem marched into Penn Yan to volunteer. Noting that Jerusalem had already contributed 75 men, this was an addition contribution to “Father Abraham’s Three Hundred Thousand More…. If these Jerusalem boys get within reach of Jeff’s insolent, treacherous barbarian fiends, may his Satanic Majesty be prepared to receive his rebel friends. The first five leave wives and children and all leave profitable employment, pleasant homes and hosts of friends. All honor to them for their noble spirit. Let no man impudently assume that he has sent these men to war. They are self-sent.“
“Our fellow citizen, Amzi Bruen, has given five dollars each to two new recruits and has induced a large number more to give each a Five for the same purpose. Who says the Abolitionists will do nothing to aid the war? Let that slander be silenced.”
