Knowing the destructive capabilities of the Northwestern Brigade but not its intentions , Major General Darius N. Couch ( commanding the Department of the Susquehanna ) requested Colonel Higgins to raise a regiment .
Governor Andrew Curtin assigned Major General command of militia in southcentral Pennsylvania on June 16 .
Knowing the destructive capabilities of the Northwestern Brigade but not its intentions , Major General Darius N. Couch ( commanding the Department of the Susquehanna ) requested Colonel Higgins to raise a regiment and Governor Andrew Curtin assigned him command of militia in southcentral Pennsylvania on June 16 .