WASHINGTON — Terrorists left their mark on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, but the emotional burn of the unprecedented attack also spread across the country.

        In Southwest Ohio, hundreds of people appealed to their lawmakers to respond quickly to the violence. Some wanted to know what they could to do to help the victims in New York and Washington. Some demanded cold and swift revenge.

        “I am writing to ask you to do your best to make sure that every drop of American blood that spilled yesterday is revenged,” one person from Middletown wrote Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio.

        Another, in Hamilton, asked for deadly force — not an arrest or trial — if those responsible for the attack are found. “Americans should not have to sacrifice their freedoms for the likes of criminals.”

        Mr. Boehner, trying to soothe raw feelings back home, sent an e-mail to about 1,000 constituents assuring them that despite the damage and loss of life “the American spirit and resolve remain strong and are getting stronger with each passing minute.”

        On Capitol Hill, lawmakers attended intelligence briefings Wednesday and drafted a joint resolution that condemned the terrorist attacks, extended condolences to the victims and praised rescue workers.

        Lawmakers agreed to support more resources to combat terrorism and work with President Bush to find and punish the terrorists involved.

        “Americans stand together today. A people united, a spirit unbroken,” said Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence.

        Rep. Ken Lucas, D-Ky., compared the orchestrated strike Tuesday to Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He asked his constituents in Northern Kentucky to display the American flag.

        Mr. Boehner directed constituents interested in giving blood to the American Red Cross, while Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, asked that people who wanted to aid in rescue contact the United Way and the Salvation Army.

        Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind., a member of the House Armed Services Committee and an oversight panel on terrorism, said he was sickened by the attack. “But I am also angry,” he said. “These were attacks against our freedom and our safety.”

At a glance
Attacks are topic No. 1 in classrooms
Body recovery part of work of NYC crews
Constituents' emotions unmitigated
Different faiths, all drawn to pray
Family clings to details of missing woman's fate
Jews seek normalcy
Local firefighters on task force joining rescue efforts
Muslims urged to give aid
No date, time for nation's air travel to resume
Notebook
Outpouring of donations keeps blood supply steady
Relatives wait for word, pray
Stranded travelers find help in Florence
Tightened air security will be norm
Travelers wait, pray in deserted airport
Work resumes, but life is different
Wright-Patterson medical personnel join effort
PULFER: Cell phones
RADEL: Tristate sprouts flying flags
Reports bring sweep of river
Court upholds stay for Byrd
Luken suggests raises for cadets
Luken unused to second place
Primary results
Council halts bid for road-extension vote
Superintendent's contract extended
Tristate A.M. Report
Woman shot outside school as it lets out