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EBENSBURG ALLEGHANIAN
EBENSBURG, PA
NOVEMBER 1861
Thursday, November 7, 1861
Volume 3, Number 7
Contributed by Patty Millich
**[No marriages were announced in this edition of the paper]
NEWS
Local and Personal
The Ladies’ Hose Association of Ebensburg has secured over one hundred pairs of stockings for the soldiers.
Changed
The Post Office at Belsano, this county, has been removed to Bethel Station, three miles in this direction, and Mr. Enoch Reese appointed Post Master.
Wounded
A citizen of this county, Mr. Peter Kaylor of Co. F., Col. Geary’s regiment was slightly wounded in the head in the recent skirmish near Harper’s Ferry. He was not much hurt.
State Treasurer
We notice that the Blair County WHIG is out of favor of our fellow townsman, A. C. Mullin, Esq., for State Treasurer. Nothing would give us more pleasure than to see Mr. M. elected, felling sure, as we do that he would prove an honor to the position. We have also heard the propriety of this movement discussed by prominent men in other quarters.
Promotions
Lt. Col. Porter of the 11th Penna. Reserves, having resigned on account of ill health, a change has necessarily been effected in the complexion of the field officers of that regiment. The former Major of the regiment, Jackson, is promoted to the position of Lieutenant Colonel and Capt. Litzinger of the Cambria Guards, takes his place as Major. We are not advised as to what other changes may have been made. Capt. Litzinger is an Ebensburg man and we feel proud of the honor conferred upon him in this instance. He will prove himself worthy of it.
Since writing the above, we learn that Andrew Lewis, former 1st Lieutenant of the Cambria Guards, has been promoted to the Captaincy; Robert A. McCoy former 2d Lieutenant to the 1st Lieutenancy; and James Burke, private, elected to the 2d Lieutenancy.
Register’s Notice
Notice is hereby given that the following Accounts have been passed and filed in the Register’s office in Ebensburg and will be presented to the Orphans’ Court of Cambria County for confirmation and allowance on Wednesday, the 4th day of December next, to wit:
The partial account of Joseph Miller, Esq., executor of Robert Flinn, deceased.
The account of Sarah Duncan, administrator of James Duncan, deceased.
The first and final account of Charles B. Ellis, administrator of John Curran, deceased.
The account of Rev. B. L. Agnew, administrator of Letitia Clinefelter, deceased.
The partial account of Morris J. Evans, administrator of David M. Evans, deceased.
The account of H. Kinkead, Esq., administrator of Philip D. George, deceased.
The account of William Kittell, executor of the last Will and Testament of Jacob Behe, deceased.
E. F. Lytle, Register, Register’s Office, Nov. 7, 1861
List of Causes
The following is the List of Causes, set down for trial at the Court of Common Pleas to be held at Ebensburg, Cambria county, commencing on Monday, the second day of December next:
First Week
Somerset & Johnstown Plank road Co. vs. Hamilton
Rainey vs. Shoemaker
Litzinger vs. Conrad
Pollard, for use vs. Driskell, et al.
Adams vs. Collins, et al
Hasson vs. Collins, et al
Linton vs. Fenlon
Wherry vs. Murray
Gerrity vs. Murray
Meeting of the Teachers’ Institute
Pursuant to previous notice, the Teachers of Ebensburg borough, together with a number from Cambria Township, met at the Union School House in Ebensburg on Saturday 2d inst., for the purpose of forming a Teachers’ Institute. An organization was effected by electing W. A. Scott, President, and Jno. F. Tibbot, Secretary.
The president offered a few remarks touching the object of the meeting. D. W. Evans, J. O. Brookbank and John Gittings also made a few remarks as to the best method of conducting a Teachers’ Institute. After which the Institute proceeded to the election of permanent officers, with the following result:
President: John F. Tibbott (sic)
Vice President: Alexander Jones
Secretary: W. A. Scott
Assistant Secretary: R. H. Smith
Treasurer: Wm. H. Davis
J. O. Brookbank, D. W. Evans and R. H. Singer were appointed a committee to prepare a Constitution for the Institute, and report the same at the next meeting.
The following programme of exercises for the next meeting was adopted:
1. Class in Written Arithmetic to be conducted by D. W. Evans.
2. Criticisms and remarks.
It was resolved that when this Institute adjourn, it adjourn to meet at this place on Saturday, 16th inst., at one o’clock P. M.
On motion, it was resolved that the Secretary be instructed to hand copies of the minutes of this meeting to the editors of the papers in this borough for publication.
On motion, adjourned
John F. Tibbott, Secretary
Indiana County Items
Mr. Adam Weir, the man who was recently ridden on a rail in Blairsville for supposed secession proclivities, publishes a card in the Blairsville RECORD in which he says he is and always has been a good Union man. Bully for him!
Cambria County
It gives us much pleasure to inform our readers that our former contributor, “Jonathan Oldbuck, of Monkbarns,” has consented to resume the production of his History of Cambria County for these columns. The subject will be taken up where it was broken off last spring and will probably be carried through to completion without another break for interruption. The publication of this series of papers on our local history at one time formed one of the most interesting features of our journal, and we are sure our readers will thank the talented author for their continuation. The next chapter will be forthcoming during the present month.
The Johnstown Counterfeiters
During the past couple of weeks, a considerable portion of the time of the U. S. District Court, now in session at Pittsburg, was occupied in the trial of the Johnstown counterfeiters. The case of Elijah Fuller consumed some three days and was brought to a conclusion on Thursday, when the jury returned a verdict of not guilty. The case of Daniel Goughenour who was found guilty at the last term but obtained a grant for a new trial was continued until next session. The only remaining case of the batch, that of Joseph Shoemaker, was indefinitely postponed, by reason of the fact that the Defendant is non est comeatible. He has enlisted in Capt. Williams’ company and is now probably in Indianapolis.
Larceny Extraordinary!
One night last week, some wicked individual, not having a due fear of the law before his eyes, did feloniously effect an entrance into the domicile of Mr. Richard Owens, a resident about one mile east of town. The circumstances would seem to indicate that booty was the article on which he was intent; but it also appears that he was very moderate in levying his forced contributions. The only valuables missed by Mr. O, comprise a quantity of County Orders, one pair of scissors and a clock key! We hardly thought there was a man in this section so intensely needy as to be obliged to steal, and especially to steal County Orders! The thief must certainly have been insane, and but a small modicum of method could have entered into the composition of his madness. No arrest has been made.
Local Military Matters
The several companies composing the Cambria County Regiment, now at Camp Curtin, are rapidly filling up and their full complements will soon be obtained. This regiment will be the first to receive marching orders from that point and those desiring to “see service” shortly should enlist in it forthwith. The field officers, Col. Campbell, Lt. Col. McDermitt and Maj. Linton are practical military men, the Colonel and Major having served in the three months’ campaign and the Lt. Colonel in the Mexican war. They are widely known throughout the entire county and possess in the fullest degree the respect and confidence of the people. The “Frosty Sons” could not possibly find a better field for the display of their patriotism than in the ranks of this regiment.
Company F of Col. Geary’s regiment is formed by the merging of two parts of companies, hailing respectively from Gallitzin, this county, and Allegheny county. The officers are as follows: Captain Jos. B. Copeland of Allegheny; First Lieutenant David Mills of Cambria; Second Lieutenant Caleb Greenwalt of Allegheny; First Sergeant Peter Kaylor of Cambria. At latest accounts they were stationed at Point of Rocks, Maryland.
A squad of some ten or twelve men left this place for Pittsburg on Monday to fill up the ranks of Capt. Williams’ 19th regular infantry company. They were all from this vicinity. This regiment is expected to be attached to Gen. Sherman’s (formerly Anderson’s) command in Kentucky.
The ranks of the “Silver Grays,” we understand have been almost filled to the maximum standard. We believe no definite time has been arraigned for the departure of the company for the field of glory.
Fremont Removed!
The latest news received yesterday indicates that Gen. John C. Fremont, commander of the Western Military Department, has received an unconditional order from Washington relieving him at once from his command. The intelligence created intense excitement and indignation among his officers and men, many of the former signifying their intention of resigning at once. His successor has not yet been designated.
Highway Robbery
On Thursday of last week an aggravated case of highway robbery was committed on the Ebensburg and Wilmore Plank Road, a few miles from this place under the following circumstances: Mr. Thomas Williams, a young man residing in Cambria Township, who was returning from Wilmore with an unloaded wagon, fell in with two strolling vagabonds a short distance below the Walton House. The men requested to be allowed to ride in the wagon, which request was cheerfully acceded to. While they were still talking, one of the travelers, taking advantage of him at an auspicious moment, dealt Mr. W., a severe blow on the head with a cane, prostrating him and rendering him entirely senseless for the time being. The ruffians then proceeded to rifle his pockets of their valuables, among which were two pocket-books containing a sum of money and papers, after which they decamped for parts unknown. The horses attached to the wagon then started homeward and Mr. W.’s feet having become entangled in the lines when he fell, he was dragged in that condition, still senseless to the Walton House where he was taken up and cared for. He was severely though not seriously injured by his several mishaps. A warrant was immediately issued for the arrest of the villains, but they have not yet been taken. It is to be hoped however that they may be nabbed and punished as they deserve.
DEATHS
Fatal Accident
A young boy named Lust, living near Hollidaysburg, was recently so severely injured by falling from a hickory tree which he had ascended in quest of the fruit that he died a few days thereafter.
Dead
Young Devinny of Blairsville, the shooting of whom by a Secessionist in Western Virginia we noticed some weeks since, died at Parkersburg on the 23d ult. His remains were brought home for interment. He was about 21 years of age.
Indiana County: On Sunday, 20th ult., a little daughter of John Pounds of White township, fell down a pair of stairs and fractured her skull. She died of her injuries on the following Monday.
Indiana County: Mr. John Rice, of White township, has recently buried three of his children within a space of five days. Their disease was diphtheria.
Killed in the Rolling Mill
A young man, a German, aged about 17 years, named Conrad Woolf, was killed in the Rolling Mill at Johnstown on Thursday night, the 24th ult., by being drawn between the Rolls. While in the act of reaching across the Rolls to obtain an oil can, a knit jacket which he wore caught in the machinery and before he could disengage it he was drawn through between the Rolls, by which he received such injury that he died in about an hour after. His head passed through at the coupling, a space of about eight inches, and was not much hurt, but the greater portion of his body passed obliquely between the Rolls and it was consequently terribly bruised and crushed. So says the Cambria TRIBUNE.
Thursday, November 14, 1861
Volume 3, Number 8
NEWS
Local and Personal
A Scarcity of Teachers
For the first time since the acceptance of the Common School System by the people of Cambria county, there has been this fall a scarcity of good teachers to supply as they are termed the “winter schools.” This scarcity is partly owning to the cutting down of teachers’ wages but mainly to the enlistment of so many of our best teachers in the ranks of the Federal Army. As one consequence of this scarcity, a greater proportion of females has been employed by directors than in any preceding year, at least one-third of the teachers of the county already employed being ladies. In this respect, at least, if not in all others, the girls of Cambria county have “gained by the war.” If they all devote themselves zealously to the performance of their responsible duties, and do not forget to improve their own mental qualifications while they are developing the minds of their pupils, they will do much this winter toward breaking down in some portions of the county an unjust prejudice which heretofore operated against their employment as instructors of youth. Girls, if you wish to secure situations next winter, do not fail to “quit yourselves like men” during the winter months that are before you.
Although all the public examinations have closed, there are still a few schools in the county that want teachers. One is wanted in Chest township; one in Richland; one in Yoder; one in Taylor; four in Jackson; one in Carroll; and we think, two in Clearfield. In most of these districts, $20 per month is offered by directors - board to range from $4 to $6 per month. Teachers who have not yet obtained situations are requested to make immediate application to the directors of the several districts mentioned or to the undersigned at his residence in Johnstown. Signed: James M. Swank, Co. Supt., Nov. 6, 1861.
List of Causes
The following is the List of Causes set down for trial at the December Term of our County Court:
First Week
Somerset & Johnstown Plank road Co. vs. Hamilton
Rainey vs. Shoemaker
Litzinger vs. Conrad
Pollard, for use vs. Driskell, et al.
Adams vs. Collins, et al
Hasson vs. Collins, et al
Linton vs. Fenlon
Wherry vs. Murray
Gerrity vs. Murray
Second Week
Stremel vs. Handshue
Hasson Guardian &c vs. Greves
Penna. Railroad Co. vs. Durbin
Paul vs. Riddle
Rex, Kemerer & Co. vs. Paul’s executor
Newkirk et al vs. King et al
Sink vs. Gretin
Williams vs. Rhey
Richardson vs. Hohman
Wm. Carr & Co. vs. Palmer et al
McCague vs. Same
W. William Jr. vs. Same
Paul vs. Plummer
Whittle & Hornick vs. Heslop
Lloyd & Hill vs. Palmer et al
Barndollar vs. Green
Murphy vs. Storm
Jones vs. Moore
Yeagley vs. Croyle’s Executors
Hollywood vs. Lycoming Ins. Co.
Moyers for use vs. Tiley
Bradley vs. Fenlon Sur. Par.
Divers vs. Scott
Same vs. same
Fronheiser vs. Gissford
Finnarty vs. Knott
Burgoon vs. Pennock
Moyers for use vs. Tiley
Darby vs. O’Hagan
Commonwealth vs. Roberts et al
Glass vs. Flinn’s Executors
Rose vs. Gageby
Sancher et al vs. McCormick
Moyers for use vs. Tiley
Moores use vs. Holliday
Directors of Poor of Blair Co. vs. Washington twp.
Kean vs. McGahey
Kerrigan vs. Kinkead
Griffith vs. Ross et al
Mullen vs. Glass
Noon vs. Dunmyre
Runnion vs. George
Matthews vs. Troxell
Noble et al vs. Same
Tiley vs. Moyers
Commonwealth vs. Moores
Burk vs. Burgoon
Pringle vs. Cooper
George vs. Conrad et al
Burgoon vs. Robinson
McGlade vs. Mullin
Moyers for use vs. Tiley
Same vs. Same
Moore et al vs. Nicholas
Steffey vs. Baum
Murray vs. Skelly
Our Railroad
We are happy to announce to our readers that weather permitting the Ebensburg & Cresson Railroad will be completed to the Township road in the extreme East Ward during the present week. From thence to its terminus, a distance of only about a half-mile, work will be pushed forward with all possible celerity. The erection of the depot building is also progressing rapidly. We may confidently expect to see the Road in out and out running order by the first of December.
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The weather for the past couple of days has more closely resembled Indian Summer than any we have been favored with during the present summer.
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Hacks
Under the new schedule the hacks to Wilmore make but one round trip per day, leaving here at 7 A. M. and returning at 1 P. M. The mails arrive and depart at those hours.
Good for the Ladies!
The “Ladies’ Hose Society,” of this place, last week shipped direct to the Cambria Guards at Washington, a box containing 101 pairs of stockings, the result of one month’s work. The stockings are of superior make and were donated “without money and without price.” All honor to the Ladies, say we, and such will be the ejaculation of the recipients of the gift, likewise, we are sure.
Blair County Items
The store of James M. Kinkead at Yellow Springs was destroyed by fire on the night of the 3d inst. The incendiary, a villainous negro, was arrested and committed to jail, making a narrow escape from being lynched by the indignant citizens.
Chimney Rock Furnace at Hollidaysburg owned by Messrs. Wood, Morrell & Co., of this county, for some time past remaining idle, is undergoing repairs and will be in blast again about the first of January.
Indiana County Items
The house of Mr. James McFeeters of Cherryhill township was burned to the ground on Sunday, 3d inst., while the family was attending divine service.
The carpenter shop of Joseph Custer in Indiana borough was entered and robbed of a number of tools a few nights ago.
The Great Flood
The freshet of Saturday week seems to have extended over almost the entire country, occasioning much injury to property. It was particularly severe in Johnstown. The water at that point attained the unprecedented height of fourteen feet above low water mark and completely submerged about one-half the town. The bridges across the Stony Creek and the Feeder Dam were both swept away. Beyond the flooding of the cellars and the carrying away of fences, lumber and the like, we have heard of no other damage in the county resulting from the storm.
To the Loyal Women of America
On our outside this week we publish an appeal from the Sanitary Commission of the War Department to the Loyal Women of America, urging upon the latter the propriety of forming societies for the purpose of supplying our sick and wounded soldiers with various needed articles of attire. This is a righteous and just cause and we confidently expect to see the Ladies of this county take hold of the matter in earnest and render efficient service. By the way, it has been suggested that the “Ladies’ Hose Society” of this place, an association which has already done much good and may do more, be metamorphosed into an organization to respond to the appeal of the Commission. We think this would be bad policy. The Government is just as greatly in need of stockings for the well soldiers as it is in want of blankets for the sick. Let the Hose Society go on its good way, prospering and to prosper; another society, in accordance with the requirements of the Sanitary Commission can and should be organized. Read the “appeal,” Ladies, and set as the spirit moves you.
The Appeal:
The following circular has been handed us by Maj. Thompson, Postmaster for this borough, with the request to lay it before the public through the medium of our columns:
Post Office Department
Washington, October 15, 1861
To the Postmaster of Ebensburg, Pa.
Sir:
You are requested to take measures to effect an organization, if none exists, among the women of your district to respond to the accompanying appeal of the Sanitary Commission.
The Executive Government here very much desires to obtain the active cooperation of the women of America for the holy cause of the Union in this appropriate mode and relies upon you to make known this wish to them and aid so far as possible in securing its accomplishment.
Yours, respectfully,
M. Blair, Postmaster General
Circular:
Washington, D. C., October 1861
Countrywomen:
In the extraordinary enlargement of the whole structure of our National Government, which has this year been forced upon us, the wants of the sick and wounded of the Army and Navy cannot at once be fully provided for by the ordinary means.
Whatever aid is to be given from without must, nevertheless, to be effective, be administered systematically, and in perfect subordination to the general system of administration of the government. To hold its agents in any degree responsible for the duties with which they are charged, government must protect them from the interference of irresponsible persons.
Hence, an intermediate agency becomes necessary, which, without taking any of the duties of the regular agents of government out of their hands, can, nevertheless, offer to them means of administering to the wants of the sick and wounded much beyond what could be obtained within the government and in strict accordance with the regulations necessary for maintaining a proper accountability to it.
The Sanitary Commission, a volunteer and unpaid bureau of the War Department, constitutes such an agency.
The Sanitary Commission has established its right to your confidence.
The President, Secretary of War, General Scott and General McClellan have each recently acknowledged, in the warmest terms, the advantages which have already resulted from its labors and the discretion and skill with which they have been directed. Its advice has been freely taken and in several important particulars acted upon favorably to the health of the army by the Government. There has scarcely been a company of volunteers in the field, with regard to which some special defect, error or negligence, endangering health, has not been pointed out by it agents and its removal or abatement effected. There has not been a single instance in which its services or advice, offered through all its various agencies have been repulsed; not a single complaint has been received of its embarrassing any officer in his duty or of its interfering with discipline in the slightest degree. Its labors have to this time been chiefly directed to induce precautions against a certain class of diseases which have scourged almost every modern European army which decimated our army in Mexico and which at one time, rendered nearly half of one of our armies in the war of 1812 unfit for service. It is a ground for national gratitude that our present armies have passed through the most trying season of the year wonderfully escaping this danger. That there are grander causes for this than the labors of the Commission cannot be doubted but that, among human agencies, a large share of the credit for it should be given to those labors it is neither arrogant nor unreasonable to assert. In this assurance what contribution that has hitherto been made to the treasury for the store of the Commission is not received back again ten fold in value?
After full and confidential conference with the Secretary of War, the Commander of the Army of the Potomac and the Quartermaster General, there is reason to ask with urgency for a large increase of the resources of the Commission, especially of that class of its resources upon which it must chiefly draw for the relief of the sick and wounded.
The experience of the Commission has so well acquainted it with the earnest desire of their loyal countrywomen to be allowed to work in the national cause, that it is deemed unnecessary to do more than announce that there is a real and immediate occasion for their best exertions, and to indicate convenient arrangements for the end in view.
It is therefore suggested that societies be at once formed in every neighborhood where they are not already established, and that existing societies of suitable organizations, as Dorcas Societies, Sewing Societies, Reading Clubs and Sociables, devote themselves, for a time, to the sacred service of their country; that energetic and respectable committees be appointed to call from house to house and store to store, to obtain contributions in materials suitable to be made up, or money for the purchase of such materials; that collections be made in churches and schools and factories and shops for the same purpose; that contribution boxes be placed in post offices, newspaper offices, railroad and telegraph offices, public houses, steamboats and ferry boats, and in all other suitable places, labeled, “For Our Sick and Wounded,” and that all loyal women meet at such convenient times and places as may be agreed upon in each neighborhood or social circle to work upon the material which shall be so procured.
Description of Articles Wanted
Blankets
Quilts, of cheap material, about seven feet long by fifty inches wide.
Woolen or Canton Flannel Bed Gowns, Wrappers, Undershirts and Drawers
Small Hair and Feather Pillows and Cushions for wounded limbs
Knit Woollen Socks
Slippers
All articles should be closely packed in wooden boxes or in very strongly wrapped bales and clearly directed. On the top of the contents of each box, under the cover, a list of what it contains should be placed; a duplicate of this list should be sent by mail. Arrangements for free transportation should be made or freight paid in advance. (The express companies will generally convey goods for this purpose at a reduction on the usual rates). Packages may be directed and sent, as in most economical, from any point to any of the addresses below (“For the U. S. Sanitary Commission”):
Office of the Women’s Central Relief Association, Cooper Union, No. 10, Third Avenue, New York.
Care of Samuel and William Welsh, No. 218 South Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia.
Care of Dr. S. G. Howe, 20 Bromfield st., Boston.
Care of Russell M. Larned, Providence, R. I.
Care of Dr. W. H. Mussey, Cincinnati.
Office of Soldiers’ Aid Society, 96 Bank St., Cleveland.
Care of Dr. C. D. Griswold, Wheeling, Va.
Care of Dr. J. V. Z. Blaney, Medial Purveyor, Chicago.
Care of F. L. Olmstead, 211 F street, Washington, D. C.
Acknowledgments will be made to all those who forward parcels and a final report to the Secretary of War will be published, recording the names of all contributors so far as they shall be known to the commission.
Signed: Henry W. Bellows, D. D., President and &c.
Commissioner under authority of the Sec’y of War.
The Sanitary commission is doing a work of great humanity and of direct practical value to the nation, in this time of its trial. It is entitled to the gratitude and the confidence of the people and I trust it will be generously supported. There is no agency through which voluntary offerings of patriotism can be more effectively made. Signed: A. Lincoln. Winfield Scott, Washington, September 30, 1861
War News of the Week
Fortress Monroe, Nov. 7
By a flag of truce just from Norfolk we have news of the fleet but provokingly meager, as the only person who came down was bound by parole to reveal no particulars.
The Steamer, Union, with a cargo of horses and stores and another transport, whose name is not given, were lost during the gale, one at Kill Devil Shoal and the other on Rogue’s Beach, on the coast of North Carolina. The crews of both vessels, 73 in number are now prisoners at Raleigh, N. C. It is not known whether any were lost. But 15 horses were saved.
The executive officer of the Minnesota states upon information received by the flag, that the fleet was bombarding Port Royal and meeting with a warm reception, the Rebels, having for some time been preparing for them.
Fortress Monroe, Nov. 10
The steam, Spaulding, arrived from Hatteras Inlet this morning with the Twentieth Indiana Regiment.
A deserter who reached the inlet in a small boat stated that the news had been received at the main land of the taking of the Confederate forts at Port Royal and the landing of a large Federal force. Beaufort has also been taken by our troops.
No particulars have arrived but the main fact corresponds with news received a few hours since from Norfolk by a flag of truce.
From the same source we have a rumor that the Railroad above Beaufort has fallen into the possession of our troops and with an immense amount of stores.
Five deserters who reached Newport News this evening state that the rebels above James’ river are in consternation and also bring an improbable rumor that our troops had advanced up the railroad as far as Charleston.
Baltimore, Nov. 11
It is rumored that Charleston has been bombarded by our troops, but the report is not credited here. Nothing has been received here by the Old Point boat to warrant it, except an outside report that at the last accounts our troops had advanced to within twelve miles of Charleston.
The Capture of Beaufort, S. C.
Speaking of the above event, the New York TRIBUNE says: If the capture of Beaufort has really been achieved, it will be the most important event of the war to the present time. The harbor is a splendid one, with an easy approach, thus insuring a safe and commodious rendezvous for our fleet. The town lying almost midway between Charleston and Savannah, within a few miles of the railroad uniting these two cities, forms a grand base of offensive operations against them, and in fact its possession supported by a proper force surely precedes the capture of the capitals of Georgia and South Carolina. A most important cotton port would, moreover, by this blow be opened.
Thus, then, at a glance the value of the success the National arms have probably achieved may be seen. Our great fleet holds a superior harbor; a powerful army is established upon the land; a rendezvous is opened for the gathering of Union men and contrabands; the strongholds of the rebellion are menaced in the rear; the attention of the rebel army on the Potomac is distracted; and a most favorable field is gained for Winter operations. It is as earnestly to be hoped as it is firmly to be believed, that the news we must within a few hours receive may be decisive in favor of the National cause on the Southern Coast.
Shocking Casualty
A fearful occurrence transpired a few days since in Furguson township, Clearfield county. A man named Nicholas Tubbs and his wife started to a school house in the neighborhood for the purpose of attending religious service, taking with them their youngest child and leaving the balance of the family at home. Shortly after reaching the school house the frightful intelligence reached them that their dwelling was on fire. The distracted parents hurried home as quick as possible but the rafters had commenced falling in and the rescue of the inmates was found impossible. Four children, two boys and two girls, perished in the flames. The oldest was eleven and the youngest three years of age. The bodies of two of them were entirely consumed and of the other two their limbs were burned off and the balance of their remains reduced to a shapeless mass. The origin of the fire is unknown but it is believed that the children had retired to bed and that falling to sleep the flames were communicated in some way from the candle. The calamity was a most appalling one and the parents of the unfortunate children are almost distracted by their tragic end.
Letters from Our Volunteers
Camp Pierpoint, November 4, 1861
Time wears away tediously, nothing occurring to break the monotony of camp life. We are under the strictest discipline, the army regulations being enforced in every instance. We are seldom allowed to leave camp and it requires an extra amount of shrewdness to enable one to procure a pass outside the lines. The following is the modus operandi: In the first place you apply to your captain, stating business and length of absence required; then, if you are fortunate enough to secure a pass from him, you take it to the colonel for his countersign; and last but not least, the colonel being agreeable, you repair to the General commanding the brigade for his signature, which is forthcoming provided that respectable personage be in a good humor and has pen and ink handy; otherwise it is not. A great deal depends however on the nature and urgency of the business of the applicants. This little matter of ceremony, you will see, is no small item; but were it different, the officers would be pestered almost to death.
An order has been issued by Gen. McClellan to the effect that all soldiers wear their knapsacks while on drill. This idea is not particularly admired by the boys, from the fact that, when “double quicking” is the programme, the knapsacks are a perfect abomination. It is all for the best, however, as it will habituate the men in their duty and make their future marches less laborious.
The daily routine of our camp is about this: Roll call at sunrise and drill in the manual of arms immediately after; breakfast at seven o’clock; police duty at eight; company drill at nine; dinner at twelve; battalion drill at two; dress parade at half past four; guard mounting at five; supper at half past five; roll call at eight; taps for retiring at nine when all lights are to be extinguished and silence observed throughout the camp.
The boys amuse themselves after various manners but dancing appears to be the prevailing pastime. Carney, our fiddler, as in days of yore, still continues to furnish us with superior melody for such occasions. We experienced a little difficulty at first in distinguishing the “ladies” from the gentlemen, but that defect was easily remedied by the former going bareheaded!
We have had several reviews and inspections during the past week. His excellency, Governor Curtin, was present at a review on Tuesday and appeared highly pleased with the appearance of his Reserve. Our regiment was inspected on Wednesday by a regular officer, preparatory to being paid off. The inspection was conducted in the strictest manner especially that part appertaining to the fire arms and accoutrements. If a gun is condemned on account of the carelessness of its possessor he is “docked” of a sufficient portion of his pay to cover damages.
In consequence of delicate health, Lieut. Col. Porter last week resigned his commission. Maj. Jackson was unanimously chosen to fill the vacancy thus occasioned, until Capt. Litzinger was elected Major by a large majority. First Lieut. Lewis was then elected Captain of our company by acclamation; Second Lieut. McCoy was elected to the First Lieutenancy; and Corporal James Burke was chosen to be Second Lieutenant. Success to them all!
Another member of Co. E died last week of typhoid fever. Our boys, as a general thing, enjoy good health.
Signed: E.
County Matter
List of Jurors, December 7, 1861
Grand Jurors
Jno. Flanagan -- Foreman -- Johnstown Auc.
T. Brookbank -- Washington -- Carpenter
Paul Cobaugh -- Jackson -- Farmer
Samuel Dillon -- Susquehanna -- Farmer
Wm. Disert -- Johnstown -- Painter
James Douglass -- Carroll -- Farmer
Evan E. Evans -- Ebensburg -- Grocer
John J. Evans -- Cambria -- Carpenter
John Good Jr. -- Taylor -- Farmer
Samuel D. Gougenour -- Jackson -- Farmer
John Gillan Jr. -- Blacklick -- Farmer
John E. Hare -- Croyle -- Tanner
Jacob Hoover -- Taylor -- Contractor
John Heslop -- Conemaugh -- Miner
David J. James -- Ebensburg -- Pumpmaker
Samuel Kring -- Richland -- Farmer
John McBride -- Cambria -- Farmer
Jac. Pringle (of Geo.) -- Summerhill -- Farmer
John Park -- Johnstown -- Marble Cutter
Jos. L. Parker -- Chest Springs -- Shoemaker
Rees E. Rees -- Cambria -- Farmer
James M. Riffle -- Summitville -- Innkeeper
Wm. Tibbott -- Cambria -- Justice
Benj. Wertner -- Carrolltown -- Farmer
Traverse Jurors – First Week
Henry Anstead -- Jackson -- Farmer
M. M. Adams -- Washington -- Farmer
D. Berkstresser -- Susquehanna -- Farmer
Ansalem Bradley -- Allegheny -- Farmer
Robt. G. Bryant -- Chest Springs -- Laborer
Samuel Black -- Conemaugh -- Teamster
Samuel Baxter -- Ebensburg -- Carpenter
Samuel Cain -- Taylor -- Farmer
Francis Cooper -- Alleghany -- Farmer
Thos. J. Davis -- Ebensburg -- Carpenter
James Duncan -- Blacklick -- Farmer
Daniel Davis -- Ebensburg -- Shoemaker
Patrick Donoughe -- Washington -- Farmer
J. Eichensicher -- Conemaugh -- Shoemaker
Adam Fockler -- Johnstown -- Merchant
John J. Farren -- Cambria -- Farmer
John Flick -- Carroll -- Farmer
Henry Fisher -- Johnstown -- Saddler
Simon Fagan -- Allegheny -- Farmer
Jacob J. Goughenour -- Conemaugh -- Farmer
James Griffin -- Conemaugh -- Contractor
James Glasgow -- White -- Farmer
Hiram Hays -- Richland -- Sawyer
Jacob Holsopple -- Richland -- Teacher
Wm. M. Jones -- Carrolltown -- Clerk
Benjamin James -- Cambria -- Farmer
Griffith J. Jones -- Cambria -- Farmer
George Kohlar -- Johnstown -- Grocer
D. Litzinger -- Chest Springs -- Innkeeper
Sylvester Little -- Loretto -- Founder
A. R. Longenecker -- Blacklick -- Farmer
James McCoy -- Carroll -- Farmer
Patrick Moran -- Loretto -- Blacksmith
James Mardis -- Blacklick -- Farmer
James McKeever -- Johnstown -- Bricklayer
George Mitchell -- Yoder -- Farmer
John McGough Jr. -- Washington -- Farmer
John B. Miller -- Carroll -- Farmer
James Paul -- Jackson -- Farmer
Sylvester Parrish -- Allegheny -- Carpenter
Thos. Powell -- White -- Farmer
Cyrus Reilly -- Johnstown -- Shoemaker
Samuel J. Royer -- Johnstown -- Clerk
John Swegler Sr. -- Johnstown -- Gardener
Geo. W. Stalb -- Carroll -- Farmer
Wm. Slick Jr. -- Richland -- Surveyor
John F. Tibbott -- Cambria -- Farmer
Jos. Wentz -- Carroll -- Farmer
Traverse Jurors – Second Week
John Q. Adams, Esq. -- Blacklick -- Justice
Richard Adams -- Clearfield -- Farmer
Francis Bearer -- Susquehanna -- Farmer
Joseph Bender -- Carroll -- Farmer
John Behe -- Washington -- Farmer
John Coshong -- Conemaugh -- Farmer
Henry Delozier -- Clearfield -- Farmer
Cornelius Dever Jr. -- Munster -- Blacksmith
Benjamin Edwards -- Yoder -- Farmer
Evan J. Evans -- Cambria -- Sawyer
John Edmiston -- Carroll -- Farmer
David Farner -- Taylor -- Farmer
Jacob Grumbling Jr. -- Richland -- Farmer
Wm. A Glass -- Susquehanna -- Farmer
David Hamilton -- Johnstown -- Carpenter
Lewis Hoover -- Ebensburg -- Painter
John Homer Jr. -- Taylor -- Farmer
Josiah R. Hite -- Johnstown -- Gentleman
Jacob Hamilton -- Johnstown -- Clerk
Michael Kline -- Washington -- Laborer
Jacob Levergood -- Johnstown -- Tanner
Wm. Litzinger -- Loretto -- Merchant
Joseph Layton -- Johnstown -- Blacksmith
David R. Lucas -- Conemaugh -- Wagon Maker
Simon Litzinger -- Carroll -- Miller
Sam’l. Long -- Washington -- Laborer
Geo. Mack -- Cambria -- Farmer
E. C. McMullen -- Allegheny -- Farmer
Alex McIntosh -- Washington -- Grocer
Sam’l J. Metz -- Taylor -- Farmer
Luke McGuire -- Clearfield -- Farmer
Geo. Mickey -- Yoder -- Farmer
John Nipps -- Blacklick -- Farmer
Geo. W. Osborne -- Yoder -- Farmer
Constantine O’Niell -- Munster -- Farmer
Newton J. Roberts -- Ebensburg -- Carpenter
Michael Rutch -- Carroll -- Farmer
Jos. Reynolds -- Richland -- Farmer
Jacob R. Stall -- Richland -- Farmer
Aaron Sherbine -- Croyle -- Farmer
John Steetham -- Yoder -- Farmer
Jacob Sharbaugh -- Carroll -- Farmer
Wm. Simons -- Blacklick -- Teamster
Jacob Wirtz -- Conemaugh -- Farmer
Wm. Weakland -- Carroll -- Farmer
Augustine Walters -- Allegheny -- Farmer
David Younkin -- White -- Farmer
DEATHS
A German, named John Fat, while attempting to cross a stream near Newry on Saturday night week, fell into the water and was drowned. He was intoxicated at the time.
Indiana County: Five of Mr. James Campbell’s family near Armagh, ranging in age from twelve to twenty years have died within the past two weeks of diphtheria.
Indiana County: On Sunday week, the lifeless body of a full grown female child was discovered in a cess-pool on the premises of Mr. McCandlass in Indiana borough. A jury was summoned and a post mortem examination made; when a verdict was rendered that the infant came to its death from neglect and exposure “that it was born alive and that one Nancy Galbreath is the mother of the same.”
Distressing Fatality
The entire family of Mr. James Conrad of Washington township, this county, was prostrated by typhoid fever during the month of October past and three deaths occurred from the disease, namely: Peter, aged nineteen, on the 3d; Mary, aged seventeen, on the 4th; and Caroline, aged fifteen, on the 27th. Mr. C. himself is just recovering from a severe visitation of the same scourge. To add to his afflictions, the tail-race to his mill, which had been destroyed a month previous, was again swept away by the recent freshet. Truly Mr. Conrad’s troubles have not come singly.
Man Killed
We learn from the Cambria TRIBUNE that a Welshman named Daniel J. Rees, engaged in the coal mines of the Cambria Iron Company was instantly killed in the drift in which he was working on the 7th inst., by the falling upon him of a mass of coal. An inquest was held and a verdict of accidental death returned in accordance with facts. The deceased was about forty-five years of age and leaves a wife and four children.
Thursday, November 21, 1861
Volume 3, Number 9
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
Local and Personal
Local Military Matters
A telegraph to the associated press, dated Harrisburg, Monday, Nov. 18, reads thus~
“This afternoon the 66th regiment, Col. J. M. Power and the 56th regiment,**[probably means 55th regiment since that was Richard White’s command] Col. Richard White were presented with the State flags by Governor Curtin. The regiments were drawn up in the rear of the Capitol and presented a fine appearance. The Governor’s presentation speech received the most enthusiastic applause particularly when he referred to the scene of the future operations of these regiments in South Carolina whither they are ordered. Colonel Power will leave tonight and Colonel White tomorrow.”
Colonels Power and White are both residents of this county and their regiments contain a large proportion of Cambrians. We congratulate them upon the privilege of being allowed to bear a hand in bearding the monster Sesesh in his very den and feel assured that they will be “in at the death,” should that desirable event not transpire until their arrival at their proposed destination.
A squad of eight or ten men left this place on Monday for Indianapolis to recruit the ranks of Capt. Williams’ 19th regular infantry company. Some addition was expected to be made in the number in the lower section of this county.
Capt. Palmer informs us that he confidently anticipates to be able to leave for camp with his company, the far-famed “Silver Grays,” within the next ten days.
Not True
Some weeks since we published a statement from another paper to the effect that Capt. Spires of Co. I, 11th Regiment P. R. C. had been court-martialed for sleeping on his post. The Captain has written a letter to a Greensburg paper emphatically denying the charge, in the course of which he takes occasion to say:
“I was not found sleeping on my post, neither was I court-martialed. Unless my reason has failed me, I am sure I am yet Captain of the Bairdstown Blues; and with the help of God, intend to remain such, unless removed by disease or I fall by the shafts of the enemies of our once happy but now distracted country.”
Bully for Captain Spires!
Accident
A man named James Merther residing in Conemaugh Borough was recently seriously injured on the railroad near New Florence by attempting to jump from a freight train while under full headway. He failed to clear the track and suffered a terrible laceration of the right arm by having it caught under one of the wheels. He was brought back to Johnstown when it was found necessary to have the injured arm amputated at the elbow. So we learn from the TRIBUNE.
Appointed
It is rumored that Col. James M. Swank of Johnstown, the present efficient incumbent of the County Superintendency of this county has received the appointment of a clerkship in one of the departments at Washington Hope it is true for there is no man who deserves the honor more highly than the Col.
Snow
The peaks of the mountains in this section were covered with a mantle of snow on Saturday and Sunday. Winter is about here and no mistake.
Letter from Kentucky
Camp Nevin, Ky., Nov. 6, 1861
The Cherry Tree Guards, a military company not altogether unknown to many of your readers, especially in the northern portion of your county, left Cherry Tree Boro for Kittanning on Wednesday morning, 24th September, accompanied by the Cherry Tree Band and an escort of citizens on horseback. A pleasant day’s ride brought us to Indiana where we were received by a committee of citizens and assigned places for the night. The next day at noon we resumed our march and arrived at Kittanning on Friday evening.
We marched into Camp Orr on Saturday morning and were sworn into the service of the United States under Col. Wm. Sirwell. We were drilled by that popular and efficient officer in camp until Monday, 14th October, when we were ordered to Pittsburg. On arriving there our regiment, the “Columbia Cadets,” was placed in the Col. Negley’s brigade and became the 78th regiment P. V. Here we received our uniforms, arms, equipments and tents.
On the Thursday following the brigade was marched to Allegheny City where a stand of colors was presented to each regiment by Gov. Curtin. In the course of his remarks, Gov. C. announced that by an order of the War Department the destination of our brigade had been changed from Missouri to Kentucky.
The next afternoon we embarked on board steam boats for this latter point. The boats, six in number, steamed out soon after sundown. Nothing of interest occurred on our way down the Ohio with the exception that salutes in our honor were fired at Wheeling and several other places.
We steamed up to the wharf at Louisville on Monday evening but remained in our boats over night. Next morning we disembarked and formed in line of battle on the wharf. Shortly after, we marched through the principal streets of the city and thence to Camp Oakland, one and half miles south. Before bedtime we were under marching orders again. An accident on the railroad however detained us until Thursday morning when we took the cars on the Louisville and Nashville RR and soon after found ourselves at Nolin, a railroad station in Hardin county, fifty-two miles south of Louisville where we are now encamped.
We have not yet been gratified by the sight of an armed rebel but have reason to believe that we are surrounded by those who entertain sesesh sentiments and would avow the same were it not for the restraint imposed by the presence of Union troops. Our brigade expects to move soon, perhaps towards Bowling Green.
When anything of interest occurs you may hear from me again. Signed: Boanerger
Capture of Mason and Slidell
The entire country was electrified on Monday by the intelligence that Messrs. J. M. Mason and John Slidell, envoys of Jeff Davis to England and France, respectively, had been captured in the Bermuda Channel by the U. S. frigate, San Jacinto, Capt. Wilkes. They had embarked on board an English steamer. They are probably now in New York.
The Great Naval Expedition
A Glorious Victory!
Capture of Beaufort Confirmed
We last week gave all the news that had come into our possession up to the hour of going to press concerning the success of the Great Naval Expedition on the Southern coast. Herewith we append full and minute particulars of the glorious engagement at Port Royal by which it will be seen that the federal forces have achieved an overwhelming victory and struck Treason a deadly blow near its very birthplace. An important harbor is in our possession, Forts Walker and Beauregard are successfully reduced and our Flag now floats triumphantly o’er the town of Beaufort! This is certainly glory enough for one day.
The first official intelligence of our success was brought by the steam, Bienville, which was detailed from the Fleet for that service and arrived at Fortress Monroe on Tuesday 12th inst. She left Port Royal on the Sunday previous.
The gale encountered by the fleet was very severe. The Union and Osceola went ashore and were lost as previously reported. The Governor foundered at sea, but the Isaac T. Smith succeeded in saving her crew.
The fleet arrived at Port Royal on Monday, the 4th inst. On Tuesday the smaller gunboats rounded and buoyed out the channel, under a fire from the forts, which did no damage. On Wednesday the weather prevented active operations, but on Thursday morning the 7th inst., the men of war and the gun boats advanced to the attack. The action commenced at ten a.m. and was hotly carried out on both sides and lasted about four hours, at the end of which time the rebels were compelled by the shower of shells to abandon their works and beat a hasty retreat. Our loss was eight men and officers, the chief engineer of the Mohican killed and about twenty wounded. The rebel loss is not known. Fifty-two bodies were found by our men and buried. All their wounded, except two were carried off.
Two forts were captured ~ Fort Walker on Hilton Head, mounting twenty-three guns, and Fort Beauregard on Bay Point, mounting nineteen guns. The guns were of heavy caliber. The forts were both new and splendid. The earthworks were of great strength, constructed in the highest type of military science and pronounced by our Engineers as impregnable against any assault of land forces.
The final retreat of the rebels was a perfect rout. They left everything, arms and equipments of all kinds, even to the officers’ swords and commissions; all the letters and papers, both public and private; order books and documents were left in their flight and fell into our hands affording our officers much valuable information.
Among the papers was a telegram from Jeff Davis to the commander of the post, informing him of the sailing of the fleet and that he knew their destination to be Port Royal.
The whole surrounding country was seized with a perfect panic. The day after the fight the Seneca and two other gunboats, under the command of Lieutenant Ammon proceeded up to Beaufort and found but one white man in the town, and he drunk, and the plantations up the river seemed to be deserted except by the negroes, who were seen in great numbers and who, as the boats passed came down to the shore with bundles in their hands, as if expected to be taken off. They seized all the letters in the post office at Beaufort.
After the capture of the forts the whole army ~ about 15,000 men ~ were safely landed and established on shore. The forts were but little injured but the rebels could not stand the explosion of our big shells.
The force of the enemy as ascertained from their papers was from three to four thousand men under Gen. Drayton of South Carolina. Our victory is complete ~ the enemy leaving everything but their lives, which they saved by running.
The boats from the Wabash were the first to land after the fight and Captain John Rodgers was the first man on shore. The boats returned loaded with valuable trophies of all kinds.
The rebels set a trap but it missed fire. When our brave fellows landed to take possession of the Forts, they found the rebel flag at the Fort in Hilton Head still flying and just as one of our men pulled at the halyards to draw down the traitorous banner an explosion took place in the house just vacated by the rebel officers but doing little damage and injuring none.
It was found on examination that the rebels had before evacuating the place arranged what they thought would prove a deadly trap to the victors. Mines had been laid and matches so arranged that when the halyards of the flag should be drawn down the mines would be sprung, firing the magazines and blowing up the whole works and involve the victors in a common ruin; but it did not go off and soon the brave old flag, the stars and stripes, waved in triumph from the rebel flagstaff.
DEATHS
Man Killed
On Thursday last the evening train on the Indiana branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad ran over a man named James Beatty near Reed’s Station killing him instantly. The deceased had been in Indiana during the early part of the day and becoming intoxicated he attempted to walk between the rails of the road to his home, a distance of three miles. As the engineer neared the station, he blew the whistle and looked back to get the signal from the conductor. On turning around he discovered the man lying on the track within about thirty rods of the engine. He immediately whistled down breaks, and reversed the engine, but it was too late! The train passed over the unfortunate man, literally cutting him to pieces and strewing the road with his mangled remains. Another sad warning!
Thursday, November 28, 1861
Volume 3, Number 10
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
Local and Personal
Letters from Our Volunteers
Camp Pierpoint, Va., Nov. 22, 1861
Nothing of interest has transpired since my last letter, barring the grand review at Munson’s Hill on Wednesday. The review ground is some eight or nine miles from camp and in order to reach it at the specified time - twelve o’clock - we were in line at six A.M. On our road thither we passed through “Bailey Cross Roads” and “Falls Church,” both points somewhat celebrated as being the scene of skirmishes during the present struggle. The former derives its name from the fact that three roads cross and intersect each other there. The latter is a small village of perhaps a score of houses, the principal building being a church which has been converted into a commissary by the Government. It is now nearly deserted, only some two or three families remaining. Munson’s Hill is about one mile from Falls Church and has been strongly fortified since falling into our possession. An observatory having been erected here by the Government, a magnificent view of Washington and Georgetown and also of the country for miles around is obtained. The review took place a short distance from Munson’s Hill in several large, level fields, embracing about four miles of an area.
The review itself was indescribably grand. There were seven divisions of the army present, viz: Gens. McCall’s, Heintzelman’s, Smith’s, Franklin’s, Blenker’s, Porter’s and McDowell’s; in all eighty- five regiments of infantry, twenty batteries of artillery,- one hundred pieces - and nine regiments of cavalry forming a grand total of nearly eighty thousand men!
The different divisions were so formed as to describe a circle of four miles in extent. Gen. McClellan and staff accompanied by President Lincoln, secretaries Cameron and Seward and a large number of other distinguished personages, rode along the whole line and were loudly cheered by each regiment. Subsequently they returned to the centre and occupying a prominent position, the different divisions passed in review by battalions, McCall’s taking the lead. They were four hours passing. All the details of the review were admirably arranged and everything passed off smoothly and without confusion. To guard against any surprise from the enemy the pickets were strengthened all along and every man had one day’s rations in his haversack and forty rounds of cartridge.
No passes were required during the day over the different bridges from the capital and it is estimated that between twenty and thirty thousand persons took advantage of this fact to become spectators of the grandest review that has ever taken place on this continent. Dr. Russell of the London TIMES and all the Foreign Ministers were present. We returned to camp in the evening, after having been on our feet for nearly twelve hours.
The 11th regiment was paid off on Tuesday. Each man received two month’s pay or twenty-six dollars. A large proportion of this amount will be sent home. Co. A alone is remitting nearly one thousand dollars! We were paid partly in gold and silver and partly in Treasury notes.
We have very agreeable weather here at present, much resembling Indian summer. Signed: E
Military
We see it stated that the 4th Penna. Cavalry, Col. Harlan, has been ordered to Annapolis to embark in the naval expedition to sail from thence for parts unknown shortly, under command of Gen. Butler. Capt. Jim Skelly’s Cambria county cavalry company forms Co. G of this regiment.
Accompanying the 76th Penna. Regiment, Col. Power, which left Harrisburg for Annapolis en route to South Carolina last week is Rev. B. L. Agnew of Johnstown as chaplain.
Dr. R. M. S. Jackson of Cresson this county has also departed for the same destination as Surgeon of the 11th Penna. Regiment, Col. Coulter.
Personal
Col. James M. Swank, of Johnstown, having obtained the appointment of a clerkship in the Treasury Department at Washington has resigned the office of Superintendent of the Common Schools of this county, which position he had acceptably filled since February last. We heard the names of Messrs. Henry Ely, and S. B. McCormick of Johnstown and Daniel McLaughlin of Gallitzin mentioned in connection with the vacancy but are not advised as to who has the inside track.
A Cambrian Dangerously Wounded
Many of our readers will probably recollect the battles at Cross Lanes in Western Virginia on or about the 27th of August last in which the 7th Ohio regiment was repulsed with terrible loss by a vastly superior force of Rebels. Co. C of this regiment was composed principally of students from Oberlin College, Ohio, among the number of whom was Lewis J. Jones, a young man of twenty-three or twenty-four years of age, son of Mr. John O. Jones and resident about one mile north of this place.
Lewis took part with his company in the battle and in the thickest of the fight was seriously, and for a time, it was thought, mortally wounded. Being unable to leave the field in the retreat, he was taken prisoner by the Rebels. He remained with his captors for over two weeks, during which period but faint hopes were entertained of his recovery. At about this juncture and when the Rebels were at Gauley Bridge, Gen. Rosecrans made his sudden appearance thereabout. The Rebels, doubtless thinking discretion the better part of valor, immediately destroyed the bridge and executed that celebrated retrogressive movement which has become part and parcel of history, leaving behind only a small squad to guard the prisoners. This squad ultimately followed suit and “skedaddled,” after which the prisoners to the number of about twenty-five, erected a raft and crossed to the other shore, where they regained the protection of Union troops. Lewis, who was among the number that thus escaped, was immediately ordered to Cincinnati to undergo treatment for his injury. He is still an inmate of the hospital in that city. His wound, which was caused by a musket ball is located in the region of the right breast and was exceedingly dangerous. Thanks to a naturally hard constitution and kind, efficient treatment, however, he is recovering as rapidly as circumstances will admit and will be able to rejoin his regiment in the course of a few weeks.
Letter from Johnstown
Johnstown, Nov. 26, 1861
The recruiting service has received a fresh impulse in our midst in consequence of Lieut. Hugh Kelly arriving here and opening an office for the enrollment of names for a company for Col. Thomas F. Meagher’s regiment. Quite an enthusiastic meeting was held at Zouave Hall on Friday evening and the prospect is cheering for a goodly number of recruits for the Regiment of this noble patriot.
Col. J. M. Power’s regiment has left Camp Cameron and is now at Fortress Monroe, Va. It is said to be the finest Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers now in the field.
Col. J. M. Campbell’s Regiment now at Camp Curtin, is nearly full and they are expecting marching orders daily. It is understood that the following are the staff and field officers of this Regiment:
Colonel -- J. M. Campbell
Lt. Colonel -- B. McDermitt
Major -- John P. Linton
Chaplain -- Rev. Groft M. Pile
Adjutant -- Wm. Linton
Quartermaster -- D. F. Gordon
Sutler -- Jos. A. Garman
- - - - -
Mr. Charles Gahegan was run over by the local freight train on the Penna. RR., on Monday morning and seriously if not fatally injured. The injured man was in the employ of the railroad company, and in attempting to pass from one part of the train to the other, he lost his footing and two trucks of the train passed over him, crushing him severely.
Old Boreas with his icy reign is upon us and we all expect a merry time going to Ebensburg on Monday next whether it be in sleighs or by your railroad.
Sheriff’s Sales
The following is an abstract of the real estate advertised to be exposed to public sale by the Sheriff of Cambria county on Monday, the second day of December next:
Francis K. Herlinger, Croyle township, 49 acres, 3 acres cleared with two story frame or plank house and grist mill.
Daniel T. Jones, Cambria township, 118 acres, 45 cleared with frame tavern house, stable and outbuildings.
Daniel T. Jones, Cambria township, 60 acres, 50 acres cleared with frame dwelling house, frame barn and saw mill.
Andrew Kopp, Clearfield township, 64 acres, 50 acres cleared, with one and a half story hewed log house and double barn.
Thomas Kaylor, Allegheny township, 50 acres, 30 acres cleared, with log house and cabin barn.
Casper Smith and Lawrence Smith, Jr., Carroll township, 100 acres, 20 acres cleared, with log house, log barn and log blacksmith shop.
John S. Rhey, Ebensburg, half lot ground, with two story frame house and stable.
Eri Bickford, Wilmore, lot of ground with two story plank dwelling house, two story plank store house and small frame stable.
James Myers, Johnstown, lot of ground with two story plank house and small stable.
John Thompson Jr., Ebensburg, lot of ground with large two story brick tavern house, frame stable and outbuildings.
Augustine McGuire (one of the Defendants) Clearfield township, 108 acres, 20 acres cleared, with two story plank house and small board stable.
Thomas Moreland, Hemlock, lot of ground with shoemaker shop and one and a half story plank house.
Allegheny Railroad and Coal Company, Allegheny township, 10 acres, unimproved. Also, the right of mining coal in a tract of land in same township, containing 245 acres, unimproved.
Thomas Yorkey, Millville, lot of ground with small frame house.
James G. Dimond, Munster township, 170 acres, 100 acres cleared with plank house, small log house with two log barns.
Dominick Dimond, Munster township, 170 acres, 100 acres cleared, with plank house, small log house and two log barns.
John J. Skelly, Summerhill township, 209 acres, 100 acres cleared with two story frame house, one and a half story plank house, log barn and saw mill.
Margaret O’Donnell, Munster township, one plank dwelling house,fronting on north side of Huntingdon, Cambria and Indiana turnpike Road.
Stephen Kerns and Philip Kerns, Summerhill township, parcel of land with appurtenances.
Andrew Sutton, Susquehanna township, 80 acres, and 414 perches of land with appurtenances.
William Henderson Moore (one of Defendants), Allegheny township, 90 acres, 50 acres cleared with two story plank house and log barn.
Pennsylvanians in the Field
A careful estimate, lately presented to our readers, represented the whole loyal population of the United States to be about twenty-one million. Of this number 2,900,000 are Pennsylvanians. It has just been officially announced that the whole volunteer force in the service of the United States is about 600,000. Pennsylvania alone has furnished about 100,000 men or fully one-sixth of the whole number, while the proportion she could properly be asked for is only about 83,000.
Regiments from Pennsylvania are now serving in Kentucky, in Maryland, in Northwestern Virginia, in Southeastern Virginia, in North Carolina and in South Carolina. Probably before long, other regiments may be sent to the Mississippi and the gulf of Mexico. The artillery and cavalry force supplied by Pennsylvania is not equaled by that sent from any other State. The infantry, too, are uncommonly well officered, equipped and disciplined. [Phil. BULLETIN]
Blair County Soldier Shot
We learn from the Phila. PRESS that a soldier from Altoona, Blair county, named Sybil in Capt. Rodier’s company, District volunteers, was dangerously wounded near Washington on last Friday night under the following circumstances:
“He was in his camp asleep when a private, in liquor, a real Baltimore Plug-ugly, was brought into the camp in irons. He, however, got his hands through the handcuffs and commenced pulling bricks out of the fire place and throwing them violently at the guard. Presently he seized a musket and aimed it at Lieut. Colonel Towers, who escaped the charge, which was lodged in the thigh of private Sybil, then lying asleep. The limb is horribly mangled and cannot be saved, and the recovery of the man is doubtful. Sybil is from Altoona, Blair county, Pa., where he has a wife to whom a few days ago, he sent twenty-five dollars, out of twenty-six dollars received as his dues up to 1st of November.
- - - - -
A dispatch from Augusta, Georgia, dated the 11th says: The report has been current here for the past day or two that black flags have been hoisted at Savannah, Charleston and other places on the coast, which indicates that “no quarter will be given to the invaders, and no quarter will be asked.”
- - - - -
The XXXVII Congress convenes at Washington for its first regular session on Monday next, and every Member who is not detained by physical inability should be present as a failure to form a quorum would be called decay of the Government.
Cambria County
Johnstown – continued
Having furnished thirty-two papers under the above caption, circumstances beyond my control caused me to suspend my labors for a time; but a polite request of the editor of THE ALLEGHANIAN has induced a resume of my history. And asking the indulgence of the courteous readers for the hiatus of nine months in this veritable history I shall proceed to continue and finish my labors.
In the progress of my “history,” I stopped right in the middle of Johnstown, and no wonder that I delayed, for it is a pleasant place to sojourn. And if I should be guilty of repetition, or fail to render full justice to this growing metropolis, my excuse is that my former papers are not now before me.
I believe I have stated that Johnstown was rapidly “coming to a point,” or, in other words, extending towards the junction of Stony Creek and Conemaugh. In this part of the town the streets have been handsomely graded. Here, too, a majority of the finest private dwellings have been erected. Indeed we rarely see a more refined taste than is here displayed in the style of the buildings and in the gardens, terraces and shrubberies surrounding them.
If, however, we concede her citizens the need of praise for “palatial” residences, they certainly cannot boast public edifices worthy a place of the growth and commercial importance of Johnstown.
True, they have an abundance of churches, but scarcely any of them creditable to the place. Houses of worship at which weekly service is held, belonging to the Methodist, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists, Disciples and United Brethren while the Catholics worship in a church on the hill above Conemaugh Borough.
There is a fine brick building in a central part of the town devoted to the Common Schools - much too small to accommodate all the children. I am informed however that auxiliary buildings have been employed. I might state in passing that perhaps there is no portion of Pennsylvania where the Common School System is carried out with more spirit and success than here.
A fine bridge spans the Conemaugh, connecting the town with Millville Borough and Taylor Township, while a bridge, rather inferior, but about to be supplanted by a new one performs the same office in regard to Kernville or Fifth Ward, and Yoder Township, crossing Stony Creek, some two hundred yards above the junction.
One English newspaper (the TRIBUNE), and one German paper (the BEOBACHTER), are published weekly in the Borough.
In patriotism during the late crisis, Johnstown and her suburbs stand unrivalled, having furnished more soldiers than any equal population in Pennsylvania. There are now two full regiments in the service, whose commanders are citizens of Johnstown; one of the regiments composed almost entirely of citizens of Johnstown; while her citizens may be found in almost every regiment of volunteers from Pennsylvania as well as in the regular army.
Signed: Jonathan Oldbuck
Monkbarns
November 28, 1861.
MARRIAGES
Married on Thursday morning the 21st inst., at the residence of the bride’s parents by the Rev. D. Harbison, Mr. Ranson E. Smith, formerly of Maine, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Roberts of Ebensburg.
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