NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, October 24, 1861, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa., Volume 3, Number 5, Thursday, October 24, 1861 Warm Boots It is said that the best boots to protect the feet from cold or dampness are made of calfskin tanned with the hair on. Of course when the boots are made, the hair is on the inside, and while it effectually protects the feet, it does not exclude the air as gum elastic does. To soldiers who may have to march or stand guard in inclement weather this is a secret worth knowing, for when the feet are well protected the whole body is preserved from many ailments. The Federal Force in Western Virginia Generals Rosecrans and Cox are at Mountain Cave, only thirteen miles from Gauley Bridge, with only six thousand troops who are able to perform active duty and are available. Between Gauley Bridge and Camp Lookout there were on Tuesday last one thousand six hundred and forty patients in the hospitals prostrated with the camp fever. At Cross Lanes, near Carnifax Ferry and about twenty-eight miles from Gauley Bridge, are one hundred and sixty patients. Gen. McClellan has detailed some six hundred lieutenants to serve as a signal corps in case of night marches. This will prevent collisions between our men. Handsome Union Victory Baltimore, Oct. 16, 1861 A gentleman from near Harper's Ferry furnishes the particulars of a fight between six companies, consisting of parts of the 28th Pennsylvania Regiment, the 3d Wisconsin and the 13th Massachusetts regiment, under command of Col. John W. Geary and 3,000 Rebels. Early yesterday morning the Rebels showed themselves on Bolivar Heights, at Harper's Ferry and commenced an attack with artillery upon three companies under Major J. P. Gould, stationed on the north side of the Potomac. A constant fire was kept up for some hours when three companies of the 3d Wisconsin Regiment crossed the river, formed into line and drove the enemy back, and succeeded in capturing one of their heavy guns. They were however, compelled to retreat, which they did in good order to the river. Here they were re-enforced by three other companies and they then, with Col. Geary at their head, marched upon the enemy and after hard fighting, drove them from their position and recaptured the a 32-punder, a columbiad. Our forces had but three pieces of artillery, and these were fired from this side of the river until the enemy retreated. The enemy had seven pieces of artillery and 500 cavalry, together with their infantry and were completely routed and driven back some three miles. Our loss in killed and wounded is not over seven, while that of the enemy is at least one hundred and fifty. Col. Ashby, who was at the head of the enemy, is among the rebels killed. Presentation of a Regimental Flag Pittsburg, Oct. 17, 1861 Gov. Curtin and suite arrived here in the midnight train and were escorted to the Monongahela Hotel by Gen. Negley and staff and Capt. McNulty's brigade. The object of the Governor's visit was the presentation of State regimental flags, which took place this afternoon in the presence of an immense concourse of people and was quite imposing. The Brigade, numbering about 3,000 hardy, well-disciplined and well equipped troops, marched from Camp Wilkins, through the principal streets to Allegheny Common, where the ceremonies took place. Gov. Curtin, in presenting the flags, made an appropriate and patriotic speech which was neatly responded to by Gen. Negley, after which there was a grand review. The Brigade left the same night on five steamers for the West. Local and Personal Financial Matters Cyrus L. Pershing Esq. of Johnstown has subscribed $300 toward the 7- 30 Government loan. Mr. P., having just succeeded in coming out of the recent exciting game for Assembly with a dull hand, does well in going it a loan. Man Shot We learn from the Blairsville papers that John Devinney Jr. of that place was shot and dangerously wounded by some rebels in Western Virginia a couple of weeks since. Mr. D. had an interest in some oil wells in that section and was attending to business connected therewith at the time. It appears that he fell in company with some Secessionists, and being a Union man himself, gave utterance to Union sentiments; whereupon, one of the ruffians drew a pistol and deliberately fired upon him. The ball took effect, below the left shoulder and passed out near the breast. At latest accounts he was doing well and was expected to recover. Completed The new tunnel, or rather the arching of the road way to prevent danger, &c., from the sides of the cut giving way, on the Pennsylvania Road near Carpenter's Station in Westmoreland county has just been completed. It is a well constructed, substantial piece of work, which is, however but characteristic of all done by this company. The abutments are all of stone range work and the arch, twenty-seven inches in thickness, is of brick. There are 6,000 yards of masonry in it and there were 800,000 brick used in building it. It is 550 feet in length and is said to have cost $20,000. The work has been under the more immediate charge of John S. Love, Esq., Resident Engineer of the Road on the Western Division and is a credit to his scientific skill, judgment and energy.