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Unless otherwise noted, all submissions on this page were made by Patty Millich.
EBENSBURG ALLEGHANIAN
EBENSBURG, PA
July 1861
Thursday, July 4, 1861
Volume 2, Number 46
No newspaper was published on this date.
Thursday, July 11, 1861
Volume 2, Number 46
NEWS
The Three Months’ Men
Letters from the Pennsylvania volunteers, near the Maryland line and those in Baltimore enlisted for three months say that very few of these men will be disposed to remain when their term expires because of the manner in which they have been treated. The clothing of many of them is worn out and their food is not as good as they expected, or as might easily be furnished. If these matters were remedied in time, the writers think the soldiers would yet resolve to remain and certainly it would be to the advantage of the Government to have them do so, now that they have become familiar with arms and are properly disciplined.
Skirmish near Washington
Washington, July 1: Reports have reached the city from good authority, stating that a skirmish took place across river during last night between the Federal Zouaves and the rebels, in which four or five of the latter and two of the former were killed, and several wounded.
What Gov. Curtin Is Doing
In a late letter to Judge Smyser, Gov. Curtin says:
We have clothed almost entirely 23 regiments; much of the clothing is very good, some of it of indifferent quality, and that of the two Regiments referred to utterly unfit for use. This clothing is neither of the standard nor quality of the samples. Imposition and fraud have been practiced somewhere and as soon as I can get a little relief from the pressure now upon me, I will turn the industry and energy which, whether for good or evil, for more than a month, I have given to the service of my county, to the detection and punishment of the guilty, whether it may fall on officials, agents or contractors.”
The Washington correspondent for the Pittsburg POST in speaking of his visit to Harrisburg says:
“I arrived at Harrisburg on Friday morning and on Saturday called on the Governor, whom I found closeted with Attorney General Meredith. The Governor was very courteous and I understand that he intends to use every effort to have our volunteers clothed and equipped properly and he intends also to have the parties exposed and brought to justice who have so unmercifully robbed our brave volunteers and swindled our glorious old Commonwealth. The appointment of Meredith gives universal satisfaction, I understand, all over the State and the change is thought to be a very happy one, both for the Governor and the interest of the State. That the Governor intends to do his duty honestly and impartially I have no doubt; and I understand that Bucky Neal, Martin, A. K. McC., and gentlemen of the same cloth will have to seek some other interests than that of the State to take care of, as the Governor intends to spare neither friend nor foe, who has been guilty of fraudulent acts in regard to equipping our volunteers.
Government Resources for the War
The Secretary of War has informed the President that there are now 225,000 men enrolled in the service of the United States.
Commodore Vanderbilt has offered all the steamships of the Atlantic and Pacific Steamship Company to the Government, including the Vanderbilt, Ocean Queen, Ariel, Champion and Daniel Webster, to be paid for at such rates as any two commodores of the United States Navy and ex-commodore Stockton may decide upon as a proper valuation. If the Government is not willing to purchase the Vanderbilt on these terms, the Commodore expresses his readiness to hand her over to the country as a gift.
There are now in Washington and immediate vicinity at least sixty thousand troops. It is believed that Gen. Scott will increase this number to seventy thousand men before making any offensive movements.
The ten additional Massachusetts regiments which have been called for by the President will be in Virginia in less than forty days, armed and equipped with everything necessary for a campaign. Each regiment will have twenty five wagons, instead of fifteen, the usual number and those wagons are now being made at the rate of one hundred a week.
Local and Personal
Send a Stamp: We take this occasion of impressing upon those of our readers who correspond with any of the soldiers in camp the entire propriety of enclosing a stamp when you require an answer. The boys have not yet been granted the privilege of “franking,” and Uncle Sam pays but once a month, a state of affairs that may occasion some slight inconvenience now and then.
Yours &c.: We return our thanks to County Supt. James M. Swank for a copy of the Pennsylvania School Report for 1860.
At Last: On the 20th inst., the Third Pennsylvania Regiment received their supply of new clothing. It is said to be of good material.
P. M. Appointed and Name of P.O. Changed: By order of the Post Master General, the name of the Post Office heretofore known as “Pershing,” in this county, has been changed to “Conemaugh,” and A. G. Crooks appointed Post Master.
Honorable Discharge
The following document speaks for itself:
Camp Wright, June 16, 1861
I hereby certify that Benjamin Rodgers, George Williams, John Longenecker and Milton Hoffman have been honorably discharged from the Cambria Guards, in consequence of excess in the ranks of the company. Signed: Robt. Litzinger, Captain, Per R. A. McCoy, Lieut.
More Butter
Another firkin of butter was shipped to the soldiers at Camp Wright last week. By the way, the credit of those donations should be laid at the door of the patriotic farmers of the neighborhood instead of to the “good citizens of Ebensburg” as we stated last week. Honor to whom honor is due!
Loretto Exhibition
The public exhibition of the students in attendance at St. Francis’ Academy, Loretto, came off on Thursday of last week. The performances are highly spoken of by those who had the pleasure of being lookers on. Col. Anderson, who did the occasion the honor of being present, distributed the premiums at the close of the exercise.
The Planing Mill
Mr. B. F. Williams, with commendable energy, is making rapid headway toward the completion of his planing mill. He expects to have it in running order in a few days. The engine, which has been steamed up several times, is graced with a veritable whistle, the melodious toot! Toot! Too-o-o-o! of which sounds amazingly like business on the high pressure principle.
Ice Cream Saloon
Mr. George W. Wisegarver has opened out a saloon of the above description it the basement of Blair’s Union House where he is preparing to serve up the warm weather luxury to an unlimited number of customers. That he manufactures a No. 1 article is certain for we and a friend, by special request, tested a dish the other evening and found that it was what it should be. Give George a Call.
Military
Capt. Humphrey’s company, the Chess Springs Highlanders, has been disbanded. Capt. Mills’ (Gallitzin) company has been accepted and ordered to report at Philadelphia this week.
Northern Items
A friend in Carrolltown sends us the following items:
Last week a man name John Baum, of Susquehanna township, had his dwelling house burned to the ground. It took fire from the stovepipe. A portion of the furniture on the first floor was saved.
A man named Augustin Rohe, of Carroll township, was severely injured by the fall of a tree the other day. His lower extremities were completely paralyzed and it is thought he will not recover.
Blair County
A fireman on the Penna. Railroad, named Cryder, was severely injured on the 24th inst. Some portion of the machinery of his engine giving way, he became frightened and jumped off, breaking one of his arms in two or three places, and otherwise hurting himself.
The store of Mr. Carney, in Hollidaysburg, was broken into and robbed of a quantity of valuables on Monday night of last week.
The grand “Union” celebration to come off at Altoona today has fizzled out.
Letters from Our Volunteers
Camp Wright, June 30, 1861:
Nothing of material interest has occurred here lately. The discipline is much stricter in camp now than formerly, in consequence of some of the soldiers having taken too much outside liberty. The Cambria Guards got their full share of guard duty and, as I think, a little more. There are about forty companies here sworn into the three years’ service, three of which are detailed each day as camp guard. By this ratio our company should be called on only once in thirteen days; but instead of such being the case, we have been detailed twice during the same week. This is unfair and it is clearly the duty of the officers of the day to see that such occurrences do not again happen. The Cambria Guards were sworn in for three years, unless sooner discharged as last Tuesday. Benjamin Rodgers, George Williams, Milton Hoffman and John Longenecker were honorably discharged on account of there being an excess in our ranks. Another important duty was also performed the same day. The entire company, from the Captain down were marched to the hospital and then and there vaccinated. It is probable that we will be armed and uniformed by the 4th of July. Maj. Gen. McCall and staff visited our camp on Friday and reviewed the troops. We made quite a soldierly appearance.
Camp Wright, June 26, 1861:
Captain Litzinger arrived yesterday with a dozen as fine looking recruits as could be found in the State, all brimful of enthusiasm. The company were immediately called together and marched to headquarters to be “sworn in.” Upon counting noses we found that we numbered 81 men, four more than could be received. Lieut. Hall, the mustering officer sent here by the State, then read some of the “Articles of War,” assuring us that death was the penalty of desertion and requesting all those that did not wish to take the oath to step out of the ranks. No one moved. He then said, “Gentlemen, four of you must withdraw and you can now do so honorably and be passed to your homes free of expense. This last appeal had no effect whatever, unless to make the Guards stand firmer in their places. So Capt. L. was obliged to strike off the names of four whom he considered least able to endure the hardships of camp life, and had absolutely to order them from the ranks. The company then took the usual oath for three years after which we gave three times three and a tiger for the “Union and Constitution” and marched to our quarters.
Distinguished Visitors at Cresson
Col. Anderson, the Fort Sumter hero, having accepted the invitation of Mr. G. Mullin, lessee of the Mountain House in Cresson, this county, to pass the heated summer with him, has arrived at that place and is in delicate health, but a few weeks amid the mountain scenery of the delightful region, where pure air and pure water are only part of the attractions, will probably speedily revigorate him and have him as “good as new.” He has sent for his family to join him at this place. Senator Rice, wife and family of Minnesota and Mr. Kramer of the Virginia Convention are also residing at the Mountain House.
The Army Oath
The following is the oath which all volunteers and regulars mustered into the service of the United States are required to take before their final enrollment into service: “I do solemnly swear that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America; that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all enemies or opposers whatsoever; that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and of the other officers appointed over me, according to the rules of the armies of the United States, so help me God.”
DEATHS
Died in this place on Tuesday, 2d inst., Katie Jane, daughter of Mrs. E. J. Stahl, aged 3 months and 23 days.
Blair County: Cornelius McConnell, of Newry, drowned himself in a stream near his residence on the 24th ult. His mind had been in a disturbed state for some time.
Fatal Casualty
The Johnstown TRIBUNE states as follows: A distressing casualty occurred on the premises of Mr. George Knable in Taylor township on Wednesday of last week. A number of Mr. K’s neighbors were assisting him in raising a barn and while some of them were adjusting a heavy piece of timber in place upon the frame, the stick, by a sudden and unexpected lurch or roll, slipped off at one corner and in falling struck Mr. A. B. Bowser, who was standing close in by the frame upon the shoulder, carrying him with it and under it to the ground, crushing his body in a shocking manner, and killing him instantly. Mr. Bowser was about 30 years of age and leaves a wife and three children to mourn his sudden and distressingly violent end.
Thursday, July 18, 1861
Volume 2, Number 48
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
Movement of the Pennsylvania Troops
We learn from the Harrisburg TELEGRAPH that in compliance with an order received from Gen. Scott, the two Pennsylvania regiments commanded respectively by Cols. Simmonds and Biddle, at Camp Mason and Dixon, marched into Maryland on Sunday last and are now in possession of Cumberland. The march was in all respects important.
Loco-Foco Nominations
The Loco-Foco County Convention convened at the Court House in this borough on Monday, 8th inst., and presented the following ticket:
Assembly -- Cyrus L. Pershing
Sheriff -- John Buck
Treasurer -- Thomas Callan
Commissioner -- Peter J. Little
Associate Judges -- George W. Easley, Henry C. Devine
Poor House Director -- George Delany
Auditor: E. R. Dunnegan, John S. Rhey
A kind of compromise between the belligerent wings of the party was patched up but whether it will hold water with the “rank and file” is remarkably doubtful. Our contemporary up street may be in “good humor with the world and the rest of mankind” owning to the result and our friend around the corner may be “too full for words” to express himself, from the same cause, but the “spontaneous combustion” dodge failed in a former issue and so it will in this. The above ticket cannot be elected.
The Revenue Laws
The Governor has appointed the following gentlemen as commissioners to revise the revenue laws of the State:
Gideon J. Ball, Erie County
Francis Jordan, Bedford County
Charles Gilpin, Philadelphia.
These gentlemen will at once enter on the performance of the labor assigned them by the Governor.
Capt. Doubleday of Fort Sumter celebrity and Lieut. Slemmer of Fort Pickens have been appointed Majors in the regular army.
Local and Personal
Chaplain: Rev. J. B. Pyatt formerly of this place has been appointed Chaplain of the 8th Regiment.
Camp Meeting: The United Brethren in Christ will hold a camp meeting on the premises of Mr. Hileman, near Mechanicsburg, Indiana county, commencing on Friday, August 16, 1861.
Third Regiment: The term of enlistment of the three months’ volunteers is about expiring and it is expected that the Third regiment, to which are attached three of the companies from this county, will disband on the 20th, inst.
Camp Wright: We see by the Pittsburg DISPATCH that the guns for Camp Wright were distributed on Monday. They are the old style flint lock muskets altered to percussion and the same authority says that considerable dissatisfaction existed among the men on ascertaining their quality.
The Comet: This illustrious stranger, which as been the subject of so many speculations latterly is rapidly receding from view and will soon be lost sight of altogether. Notwithstanding this, C. R. Jones of the Ebensburg Boot and Shoe Store, still continues to sell hats and caps, boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, and &c., at the unparalleled prices of yore. Drop in and see his assortment of goods.
The Weather: The weather has been unusually cold hereabouts during the past week. In fact, so cold has it been that fires and overcoats have become rather commonplace commodities. The question now is, Has the comet anything to do with these atmospherical changes? If so, comet should be abated forthwith.
Johnstown Items
Our Johnstown correspondent, under date of July 9th, sent us the following items. They were intended for last week’s issue and though slightly out of date will still repay a perusal:
The glorious Fourth was appropriately celebrated in our town and neighborhood. The day was ushered in at about the time graveyards yawn by a grand salute from all the old pistols, shot guns and muskets that could be scared up and from that time until rosy dawn an incessant firing was kept up. At 9 A. M., the Home guards composed entirely of our German population paraded in the public square where a national salute was fired. After this they repaired to the rolling mill, where the Stars and Stripes were elevated to the top of the stack. A meeting was then organized and several eloquent and patriotic addresses delivered. The programme was varied and enlivened by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner and other national airs by Misses Emma Boggs, Jennie Crouse, and Jennie McCluskey, assisted by Capt. Smith and Col. Crouse. A picnic was also held at Jacoby’s Grove at which several speeches were delivered.
This morning about 3 o’clock out citizens were alarmed by a cry of “Fire.” The flames proceeded from a one and a half story frame house on Clinton street, owned by Messrs. Marbourg and occupied by Mr. Kinney as a cigar shop. The loss is slight. The fire is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary.
The Fourth at Wilmore
A correspondent, “Mikel,” writes that the good people of Wilmore celebrated the eighty-fifth anniversary of our National Independence in dashing style. A Sabbath School celebration was held in a grove adjoining town, at which a large number of the parents, teachers and children were present. The Wilmore Zouaves were also on the ground. Several patriotic addresses were delivered, after which a bountiful repast was served up. The balance of the day was consumed in various exercises and amusements and they returned to their homes in the evening well pleased with their observation of “The Day We Celebrate.”
The Glorious Fourth in Ebensburg: What was done and Vice versa.
The eighty-fifth anniversary of American Independence, the Great and Glorious Occasion, the Day we Celebrate, etc. etc., passed off very quietly in our midst. Indeed such a limited feast of reason and such a frugal flow of soul as was then and there put forth is seldom witnessed in a town embracing ten hundred and twenty five inhabitants and two wards. The reason of this was simply because our citizens, finding no amusement at home, went abroad in large numbers in quest of the article. Which was about the most sensible thing they could have done.
The Sons of Temperance had a pleasant reunion in Lloyd’s Grove in the afternoon. Prayer was delivered by several clergymen and addresses made by Messrs. D. J. Jones, I. C. Singer, Wm. Tibbott and A. A. Barker. The National airs were effectively rendered by some of the brothers and sisters. The whole affair was well planned and well executed and reflects credit on the patriotic and Union loving confraternity.
We noticed several attempts to celebrate the day after the vinous and bibulous manner but these were only sporadic attacks, the effervescing and bubbling over of a year’s patriotism in an occasional irresponsible individual and in no case did they cause any inconvenience or raise a disturbance.
And this is about all that can be said on the subject.
Accident to a Cambria Volunteer
George Sweigart, a member of Company G., Capt. Lapsley, Third Regiment Pa. Vols., had his arm dreadfully shattered by the accidental discharge of a musket, while on the march to Martinsburg, Va., on the 2d, inst. The AMERICAN UNION, a paper published at the above named place by the division of the American army under Major Gen. Patterson, gives the following particulars concerning the accident: Dr. Jackson, the Surgeon of the Regiment, without out a moment’s delay had the wounded man carried off the road and, under the shade of a tree, amputated the limb. The soldier stood the operation without wincing and after it was concluded was asked how he felt. “Bully,” answered, “but very hungry. Can’t somebody give me something to eat?” Such is the metal which composes the Union army, when can it be conquered?
Promoted
It gives us great pleasure to state that our young friend, John Roberts, who went with the Cambria Guards as a musician, has been appointed Drum Major of the 11th Regiment, P.R.C. John is a good fellow and in this instance is emphatically the right man in the right place.
Letters from Our Volunteers
Camp Wright, July 8, 1861:
Another regiment was organized here on Tuesday out of the remaining unattached companies in camp. It is called the 11th Regiment, P.R.C. The following are the companies composing it: Cambria Guards, Ebensburg, Capt. Litzinger; Independent Blues, Armstrong, Capt. Jackson; Indiana National Guard, Indiana, Capt. Porter; Dickson Guards, Butler, Capt. Louden; Washington Blues, Westmoreland, Capt. Spires; Brady Guards, Jefferson, Capt. Brady; Union Volunteers, Fayette, Capt. Bierer; Westmoreland Blues, Westmoreland, Capt. Kistler; Washington Blues, Blairsville, Capt. Nesbit; Conoquenessing Rangers, Butler, Capt. Stewart. The election for field officers resulted as follows: Colonel: Thomas F. Gallagher, Westmoreland; Lieut. Colonel: J. R. Porter, Indiana; Major: S. M. Jackson, Armstrong. Lieut. P. A. Johns, Fayette, is appointed Adjutant.
The Cambria Guards are designated as Co. A., the post of honor in the Regiment. That they will prove themselves worthy of the trust reposed in them is, I think, altogether certain.
A large delegation of friends from home visited us on the 4th. It is estimated that, including soldiers, there were seven thousand persons in camp that day. The occasion will be long remembered. Signed: K
[Extract from a private letter dated Camp Wright, July 6, 1861
Col. Hayes’ regiment left for Camp Wilkins early on Monday morning and Col. McCalmont’s regiment came up in the evening to take their place. In the meantime the Cambria Guards, who had been living in tents some two or three weeks, concluded to try barracks awhile. Accordingly, without asking the Captain or saying a word to anybody we quietly took possession. After we were fixed all right, Lieut. McCoy went to the Colonel in command and requested permission to move which was refused. “But,” said Lieut. M., “The men have already done so without orders.” So the Colonel after giving it as his opinion that “We’d do,” said that we might as well remain.
A Day at Camp Wright
Having nothing particular to do last week, and more than a sufficiency of time to do it in, we paid a brief visit to our “sojer boys,” at Camp Wright. We found them all enjoying themselves hugely, and looking haler and heartier than when they left home. Good health was a perfect drug with them, inasmuch as not a single man was afflicted with the slightest indisposition. A happy faculty of being able to accommodate themselves to any circumstance was also observable about them as they appeared as much at home in their “quarters” as if they had lived there for years. Without a single exception they expressed their entire satisfaction with their new mode of life and their willingness to remain in it until Rebellion is completely wiped out. They are a jolly good set of fellows, officers and men, are the Guards, and rank high in the esteem of their fellow soldiers. As proof of this, witness their designation as Co. A. in the Eleventh Regiment, the post of honor. Co. A. is a rifle company and the skirmishers of the regiment. We ate with the Guards and had ocular demonstration of the fact that they receive plenty of the [word unclear]; we slept with the Guards, and know that we could put in fifteen of the twenty-four hours each day with similar accommodations; and we dodged the sentries along the lines with the Guards, and felt almost positive that we could do it as well as any of them after a little practice. The camp is situated on gently sloping ground which successfully prevents the formation of mud puddles within it. Trees are scattered throughout and around the enclosure, affording a grateful and luscious shade from the heat of the sun. The strictest cleanliness is required as to the camp and surroundings and no intoxicating liquor is allowed within gun shot. Altogether Camp Wright appears to be a modern military rendezvous and we congratulate our soldiery on having securing such comfortable accommodations.
The Guards expect to be ordered into actual service ere long, but what destination is as yet unknown.
MARRIAGES
Married at the residence of the bride’s father, on the morning of July 4, by the Rev. R. A. Carden, Mr. Ben P. Thompson, formerly of Ebensburg to Miss Ellen, daughter of Price I. Patton of Philadelphia,
Thursday, July 25, 1861
Volume 2, Number 49
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
The Battle of Bull’s Run
From the Harrisburg Telegraph
The news of the battle of Bulls’ Run is of a character to excite the utmost anxiety and most intense excitement. General McDowell had driven the enemy from their position at Bull’s Run and had pursued them three miles beyond, unmasking and capturing their concealed batteries and completely defeating their entire force in that direction, when the insurgents were reinforced by the arrival of Gen. Johnston’s wing, which at once turned the tide of battle. The rebel force with Johnston’s addition was too great to withstand, and Gen. McDowell therefore fell back on his entrenchments at Alexandria. The juncture of Beauregard and Johnston was effected by a movement on the part of the latter, which completely outwitted and hoodwinked Gen. Patterson. We do not desire to blame Gen. Patterson in advance of an official explanation of his neglect or inability or unwillingness to prevent this juncture, as he now stands in the most critical and embarrassing position that a man every occupied before a people whose hearts and pride have been wounded by a disaster that alike affects both their personal affections and national humor. Had Gen. Patterson pursued and engaged Gen. Johnston, today the Stars and Stripes would have been floating over Manassas Junction, and the occupation of Richmond become nothing more than the result of the time it would have required to effect a juncture with the other columns of our army. The reason of this is simply in the fact that the rebels themselves are the most easily panicked of all the other people in this country and the consternation which was infused into our ranks by the confusion and dismay of a few drunken teamsters, would have been beaten into the rebels themselves by the pursing forces of Gen. McDowell.
From any point that we can possibly view the result of the battle of Bull’s Run, we are forced to regard it as a disaster and not a defeat. Our troops acted nobly, firmly and boldly, until appearances became so conclusively against them by the arrival of a fresh and animated force from a quarter not expected, that they could not withstand an encounter or pursuit with any show of success. And even in the face of this disadvantage the line would not have been broken had not a panic been created by the confusion of the teamsters. Altogether, then, we cannot regard this battle as anymore than a disaster, superinduced by the conduct of Gen. Patterson and hastened to its conclusion by the confusion produced by a party of deranged and frantic teamsters. The country will demand an explanation at the hand of Gen. Patterson while the arms of the Union will be promptly vindicated in another battle that must speedily take place in the same locality. In the meantime the veteran Scott will fully develop his grand plan of the defeat of the rebels in Virginia. We have abiding faith in the valor of the men who compose the army. They are true as steel and as devoted as love, patriotism and religion can make them. Give them time, with an open field and a fair fight and they will conquer all the rebels between Manassas Gap and the gates of hell.
Washington, July 22:
The rebels did not follow our retreating forces after they passed Bull’s Run.
Col. Einstein of the 26th Pennsylvania regiment returned to the field of battle at 11 o’clock on Sunday night and brought off six pieces of artillery which he delivered to the commanding officer on the Potomac yesterday evening. Col. Einstein reports that the field was then clear and not an enemy in sight.
The President and Secretary of War are at work reorganizing a powerful army. Within the last twenty-four hours over 60,000 fresh troops with a number of batteries have offered their services and been accepted. A number of regiments have arrived and every day will bring immense reinforcements to Washington. Ten new regiments will be in Baltimore en route for Washington by evening. The response from every quarter has been most gratifying and patriotic.
The loss of the rebels in the field at Manassas is estimated at 3,000. [Our loss about five hundred]
Col. Cameron, brother of the Secretary of War was killed in the fight.
Col. Farnham is reported killed.
Col. Hunter was wounded.
Washington, July 22:
Gen. McCellan has been summoned by the Government from Western Virginia to repair to Washington to take command of the Army of the Potomac. General Rosencrantz takes his place in command of the army of Western Virginia. The corps de armie at Washington is to be instantly reorganized and increased. The orders have already been given to officers or regiments already raised and being raised that they will be accepted with such rapidity as to insure that this will be accomplished in a few days.
The Lesson: From the New York TRIBUNE:
The defeat of the National Army at Bull’s Run on Sunday evening is a sore lesson. All can see that it ought not to have been incurred. Yet it amounts, so far as our troops are concerned, simply to this: that Forty Thousand patriots were worsted by Sixty to Seventy Thousand rebels as was to be apprehended. Of the One Hundred Thousand rebels in arms on the line of the Potomac, three fourths were present under Beauregard at Manassas; while of the One Hundred Thousand patriots confronting them on that line, Fifty Thousand in all were under the command of Gen. McDowell and many of them out of reach of the battlefield. That tells the whole story. It is easy to say now that we ought to have had, might have had, a much larger force there; that Gen. Patterson’s column should have followed up Gen. Johnston closely from Martinsburg and either routed him or joined Gen. McDowell as soon as Johnston joined Beauregard, that an unaccountable panic broke out among the teamsters and spectators in the rear of our army which extended to our overmatched and exhausted soldiers in front, that this, that and the other ought to have been just as it was not. The sum and substance of it all is that we are outmaneuvered and outnumbered and that Forty Thousand patriots in our advance proved too few to beat the Seventy Thousand rebels who confronted them after Johnston joined Beauregard.
There is nothing in all this that should discourage any patriot. We have more men that the Rebels have and can call out two men to their one. We cannot beat them at enormous odds and should not attempt it. But let us call men enough into the field and be sure that we have them where they are wanted. If a battle is to be fought in one State, it avails nothing that we have forty regiments standing idle in another. If our men are to carry masked batteries and storm strong entrenchments, we must have them at hand to do it. We can beat the Rebels with equal numbers on even ground and this advantage will compel them to come out of their skulking places and meet the Unionists in the open field. They cannot pursue their cautious policy any longer without incurring even their own contempt. Now let the Union forces be concentrated, the enemy met and beaten, as they are and will be whenever the full strength of the patriots is pitted against each other in fair encounter. Be sure that this reverse is not a calamity but a repulse and that it must lead to a speedy and signal triumph.
How to Distinguish the Rank of Officers
By observing the shoulder straps worn by officers of the army, their rank can be readily ascertained. A major general is distinguished by two silver stars on his shoulder straps; a brigadier general has but one star; a colonel has a silver embroidered spread eagle; a lieutenant colonel has a silver embroidered leaf; a captain is known by two gold embroidered bars; a first lieutenant has but one gold bar on the strap.; a second lieutenant, none at all. The cloth of the strap is as follows: staff officers, dark blue; artillery, scarlet; infantry, light (or sky) blue; riflemen, medium (or emerald) green; cavalry, orange color.
What is an Ambulance?
An ambulance is a light carriage, the body being mounted upon two wheels and supported by very elastic, light springs. It is a little over six feet in length. There are cots for two inside, with beds, head pillows &c. The top is covered with black oil cloth, but the body and running gear are painted red. The ambulance is intended for one horse with a seat for the driver in front, and being very light, though strongly built, can be driven along very rapidly without injury to the wounded.
Pennsylvania Volunteers
Baltimore, July 20: The Pennsylvania regiments in Baltimore have all been re-clothed at the expense of the State, and paid off by the General Government and are also re-enlisted and accepted by the War Department for three years or the war.
Local and Personal
Cresson Springs Company
Those interested will take notice that an election for seven managers for the above company will be held at Cresson, this county, on Monday, 5th proximo.
Havelocks are said to be a failure, from the fact that the white material of which they are manufactured renders them conspicuous marks for the enemy to fire at. Therefore ladies, use muslin of a darker shade in your labor or love.
Camp Wright
Since the departure eastward of the 9th and 11th regiments, on Tuesday last, this camp has ceased to be the centre of attraction. There are now no soldiers there whatever, and the once busy “quarters” present pretty much the appearance of a “banquet hall deserted.”
Indiana County
The house of Mrs. Houston in Indiana borough was struck by lightning during a recent rain storm. No great damage was done.
Two prisoners confined in the county jail effected their escape the other night through the chimney of that edifice. The sheriff offers a reward of twenty dollars for their re-arrest.
The managers of the Indiana County Agricultural Society have decided to hold a fair as usual the coming autumn.
The crops in this county are very good and the yield will be abundant.
Appointed
We are glad to announce that Col. Wm. K. Piper of this place has been tendered the appointment of Major in a cavalry regiment recently organized in Philadelphia. He has accepted the position and departed last week to enter upon its duties. The Colonel, we mean to say, Major, will make an excellent officer and we expect to hear a good account of his exploits in the tented field.
It is reported that two men belonging to the 11th regiment were killed at a bridge a few miles below Altoona on Tuesday. They were riding on the top of one of the cars at the time and the bridge being rather low, they were either crushed or knocked off.
James E. Gifflin, of Altoona, is about commencing to write a history of the Pennsylvania Railroad. The subject is of a highly interesting nature to the people of this State and if properly treated, will make a valuable volume.
Lt. McCoy of the Cambria Guards who was in town two or three days last week as recruiting officer succeeded in obtaining six or eight men who departed eastward with the company on Tuesday. We are unable to give their names.
Capt. Litzinger, Lieut. McCoy, Lieut. Lewis, J. E. Scanlan and T. D. Litzinger of the Cambria Guards were in town on a brief visit on Monday.
The Cambria county companies belonging to the old regiment have not yet returned. They are expected this week.
Departure of the Cambria Guards from Camp Wright
On Tuesday the Eleventh Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserves, which had been stationed at Camp Wright and to which the Cambria Guards belong, passed over the Pennsylvania Railroad eastward. Their ultimate destination was not known, but it was supposed that they were to be led into actual service immediately.
A large number of our citizens were at Wilmore to welcome the Guards and to bid them God speed. The train stopped but a few minutes, scarce long enough to allow any interchange of greetings, and again sped on its way with its precious burden of noble souls going to do or die for their [??]
We had the pleasure of accompanying “our boys” on a portion of their journey and were afforded the opportunity of seeing and conversing with a majority of them. They were all in the very best health and appeared delighted with the prospect of having a small brush with Jeff Davis’ cohorts of traitors.
We feel entirely satisfied, from an inspection of the troops composing it, that, should the Eleventh Regiment ever be brought face to face with the enemies of our country they will not be found wanting. And the Cambria Guards will do nothing unworthy of the Eleventh Regiment.
The entire regiment had been fully armed and uniformed prior to leaving Camp Wright.
The following are the different companies composing the Eleventh:
Colonel -- T. R. Gallagher
Lieut. Colonel -- J. R. Porter
Major -- S. M. Jackson
Co. A. -- Cambria Guards, Capt. Litzinger
Co. B. -- Indiana National Guards, Capt. Porter
Co. C. -- Dickson Guards, Capt. Louden
Co. D. -- Conoquenessing Rangers, Capt. Stewart
Co. E. -- Washington Blues (of Blairsville), Capt. Nesbit
Co. F. -- Independent Blues, Capt. Speer
Co. G. -- Union Volunteers, Capt. Birer
Co. H. -- Westmoreland Guards, Capt. Kisler
Co. I. -- Washington Blues, Capt. Spires
Co. K. -- Brady Guards, Capt. Brady.
Is It So?
We find the following interesting item in an army letter (dated Martinsburg, Va., July 4) in an exchange:
“A Johnstown man, belonging to Co. F., Capt. Linton, Third Regiment, killed a picket guard last night who was coming in from picketing. The latter was a member of Co. [unclear], Capt. Neff, Blair county. I suppose the Johnstown man will be shot today as the General has given orders to that effect. The guard must halt a man three times ere he is allowed to fire and this the Johnstown man failed to do.”
Summer Resorts
The number of visitors at the summer resorts in this county is said to be much smaller this year than usual. Whether this state of affairs is owing to the frigidity of the atmosphere thus far or to the more potent influence of a scarcity of spondulix we are not prepared to say, but so it is. Gen. Anderson is still rusticating at Cresson with many good results as to his corporeal system.
Talking of watering places, invalids and pleasure seekers should come to Ebensburg. For it is a fact conceded on all hands that we are blessed with a brighter sky and a cooler breeze, with clearer water and taller trees, with higher mountains and deeper vales, lovelier walks in romantic dales, with purer air and steeper hills and better hotels that charge smaller bills, than any other spot in the universal American continent.
Besides the above attractions, we may add that there is always an abundance of game in the forest, trout in the streams, whiskey in the calabash, blackberries and other berries in the jungles, pretty girls in the neighborhood and amusement of all sorts lying around loose in packages to suit every capacity and only needing to be stirred up and shook out to furnish gay old times for an unlimited number.
We might also pin on here the remark that snakes and mosquitoes are about as few and as far between in this vicinity as Seceshers or gorillas.
Therefore, oh, seeker after pleasure or repose and invalided individual, come to Ebensburg, etc. etc. And bring your families with you.
MARRIAGES
Married on Thursday, 11th inst., at the residence of the bride’s father, in Jackson township, by Joseph W. Meyers, Esq., Mr. Samuel Dillen to Miss Elizabeth Paul.
DEATHS
W. H. Baer, a member of Capt. Szink’s company, Altoona, died in the hospital at Hagerstown, on Friday last of dysentery. His remains were interred at Hagerstown.
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