NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, 25 Apr 1861, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright August 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ ____________________________________________ The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 25 Apr 1861 Volume 2, Number 36 The Fort Sumter Heroes Maj. Anderson in New York New York, April 18 - The steamship Baltic, Capt. Fletcher, from Charleston bar, came up to the city and anchored off the Battery, at one o'clock this afternoon. The Baltic had flying from her main mast head the flag of Sumter and at her foremast head the flag from Moultrie. The Harriet Lane, Capt. Faunce, sailed in company with the Baltic; also the Pawnee, with her troops and the Pocahontas, for Norfolk. The Powhattan was not, nor has she been, at Charleston. The Pawnee did not arrive at Charleston until after the surrender of Fort Sumter. During the whole time, the fleet remained off the bar; the wind blew a gale from the southeast, rendering the fleet useless as far as Sumter was concerned. Maj. Anderson landed at the Battery and was received by an immense crowd. His carriage was surrounded by the people, who expressed in cheers and other demonstrations their congratulations. Capt. Doubleday's statement was as follows: The demand to surrender at Sumter was made on the 11th inst., and refused, not only by Major Anderson, but by the unanimous force under his command. On Friday morning, at three o'clock the rebels sent word that their fire would be opened in an hour, and at four o'clock a fire was opened on us from every direction, including a hidden battery. The fire opened with a volley of seventeen mortars, firing ten-inch shells, and shot from thirty-three guns, columbiads. We took breakfast however, very leisurely. The command was then divided into their watches, each under direction of the officers. After breakfast they immediately went to the guns and opened a fire on Moultrie, Cummings' Point and Sullivan's Island. The iron battery at Cummings' Point was of immense strength, and most of our shots glanced off. Maj. Anderson refused to allow his men to work their guns on the parapet on account of such a terrific fire being directed against that point. There was scarcely a room in Fort Moultrie left inhabitable. Several shots went through the floating battery, though it was but little damaged. Two guns on the iron battery were dismounted. A man was stationed, who cried shot or shell when the rebels fired, and the garrison were thus enabled to dodge it. The barracks caught fire several times on Friday, the flames were extinguished. On Saturday, the officers' quarters caught fire from shell and the main gates were burned. The magazine was surrounded by fire and ninety barrels of powder were taken out and thrown into the sea. When the magazine was encircled by fire, all our materials were cut off and we had eaten our last biscuit two days before. The men had to lay on the ground with wet handkerchiefs on their faces to prevent their smothering and a variable eddy of wind was all that saved our lives. Our cartridge bags gave out and five men were employed to manufacture them out of our shirts, sheets, blankets, &c. It will take half a million dollars to repair the interior of Fort Sumter. Most of the enemy's shot was aimed at our flag. The Legislature of Pennsylvania Convened A Proclamation Whereas, An armed rebellion exists in a portion of the States of this Union threatening the destruction of the National Government, periling public and private property, endangering the peace and security of this Commonwealth, and inviting systemic piracy upon our commerce; and Whereas, Adequate provision does not exist by law to enable the Executive to make the Military power of the State as available and efficient as it should be for the common defense of the State and the General Government, and Whereas, An occasion so extraordinary requires a prompt exercise of the Legislative power of the "the State," therefore, I, Andrew G. Curtin, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution do hereby convene the General Assembly of the Commonwealth, and require the members of the Senate and House of Representatives to meet in their respective Houses in the Capitol at Harrisburg on TUESDAY, THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL A. D., one thousand and eight hundred and sixty-one, at twelve o'clock noon of that day, then and there to take into consideration and adopt such measures in the premises as the exigency may seem to them in their wisdom to demand. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed at Harrisburg, this twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one and of the Independence of the United States, the eighty-sixth. By the Governor Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth. The War News in Ebensburg The news of the attack on Fort Sumter created the most intense excitement in this place. Although the tidings had been momentarily expected for months past, still they were hardly credited when they did arrive - it was scarcely believed that the Traitors would have the hardihood to systematically attack our Starry Ensign. But the sequel proved that the report was only too true. Then did everyone know that the long dreaded Crisis in the history of our beloved country had arrived; then was it felt that War in all its hideous deformity had burst upon us. And every true patriot determined to meet and roll back the advancing tide of Treason. On Wednesday evening a public meeting of the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity, irrespective of party was held in the Court House, and the sentiment of the "Frosty Sons of Thunder" put on record. See particulars elsewhere. On Friday evening an informal meeting was held at the Court House to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a military company to be tendered to the Government for the suppression of Treason. Thirty-three names were immediately enrolled, and the meeting was adjourned over until Monday evening. On Monday evening the largest and most patriotic mass of citizens that ever assembled in this borough, perhaps, met at the Court House. The ladies turned out en masse and graced the occasion with their presence. Patriotic speeches were delivered by Messrs. R. L. Johnston, P. S. Noon, John Williams, Andrew Lewis, C. Fagan, Daniel Jones, William Leavy, R. M. Jones and others. An excellent band of music was present and the "Star Spangled Banner" was sung in fine style by Messrs. J. L. P. M'Alister, Hugh H. Hughes and A. A. Barker. The complement of the company was soon filled. It is composed of some of our best citizens, who go not through enthusiasm, but because they consider it to be a solemn duty to fight, and if needs be, to die in the cause of Union and Liberty. God bless them all! The company tendered their services to the Governor on Tuesday, are accepted and notified to be in readiness to march at an hour's warning. The company is called the "Cambria Guards." An election for officers was held on Tuesday evening and the following result was had: Captain, Robert Litzinger 1st Lieutenant, Andrew Lewis 2nd Lieutenant, R. A. McCoy 3rd Lieutenant, Jno. Scanlon We will publish the entire muster roll next week. All honor to our citizen soldiery! R. L. Johnston, Esq., on behalf of John Williams, Esq. and others, stated that arrangements would be perfected by which the families of those volunteering would be secured from want. This is the noble spirit! [We may state, by way of parenthesis, that no military company has had an organization in this place for a number of years. This company is entirely newly-formed and gotten up expressly in obedience to the demand of the President.] Johnstown Last week was a busy week in Johnstown. The news of the commencement of hostilities between the Government and the Traitors created the most intense excitement and business was suspended for the time being. On Tuesday morning, the requisition for the military companies (three in number) was received. Recruiting immediately was begun and in a short time the companies had received their several complements. On Wednesday, the Johnstown Infantry and the Zouave Cadets left for Harrisburg and on Thursday the Citizen's Guards took up their line of march to the same point. The Johnstown Infantry numbers 81 men: Captain, Thomas H. Lapsley; First Lieutenant, Jacob M. Campbell; First Sergeant, Robert P. Robison; Second Sergeant, John J. Mills; Third Sergeant, James Moore. The Zouaves number sixty-seven men: Captain, John M. Power; First Lieut., John P. Suter; Second Lieut., A. K. Babock; First Sergeant, John Downey; Second Sergeant, D. N. Jones; Third Sergeant, J. E. Fry; First Corporal, J. H. Gageby. The Citizen's Guards numbers ___ men: Captain, John P. Linton; First Lieut., Hugh Bradley; Second Lieut., James C. Noon; Third Lieut., John Cox. Besides these, three or four other companies are rapidly being organized. One of them, commanded by Judge Easly, we understand, left for Harrisburg on Tuesday. The Johnstown Troops after being duly armed and equipped at Harrisburg, took the cars for Washington city on Sunday morning where they arrived safely and are now on duty. They passed through Baltimore without any trouble. Hemlock The Washington Rifles, numbering 60 men, and commanded by Capt. Dick White, took the cars for Harrisburg on Saturday morning, where they arrived the same day. They are quartered at "Camp Curtin." This is said to be an excellent company and will doubtless do good service. Wilmore A military company is being organized in Wilmore, and we understand that the ranks are rapidly filling up. Summit Capt. Humphreys is speedily organizing a company at this place. Gallitzin A company is being formed at this place. Military Appointments The following is a complete list of the military officers of this Commonwealth, as officially announced, viz.: Senior Major General and Commander of the Forces: Gen. Robert Patterson of Philadelphia. Major General: Wm. H. Keim of Reading. First Brigadier General: Geo. W. Cadwallader of Philadelphia. Second Brigadier General: George Wynkoop of Schuylkill county. Third Brigadier General: Jas. S. Negley of Allegheny. Fourth Brigadier General: Edward C. Williams of Dauphin county. Major Bartram A. Shaeffer, aid to Major Gen. Keim of Lancaster county. Capt. John M. Westbrook, aid to Brig. Gen. Wynkoop. Capt. John J. Patterson, aid to Gen. Williams. Surgeons: Jacob C. Ludlow, M. D. of Northampton county; Jacob Dobbins, M. D. of Centre county; Dr. King of Allegheny; Joshua Owen, M. D., of Delaware. Samuel B. Thomas of Delaware county to be an aid to the Governor with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Little Cambria in Motion - The Voice of Her People On Wednesday evening, an impromptu public meeting of the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity was held at the Court House to give utterance to their sentiment as regards the National Crisis, through which we are now passing. Although but brief notice of the meeting was given, the room was packed full, and the patriotic enthusiasm there displayed we have never seen equaled. All - ALL - were desirous of proving their loyalty to that Government to which they owe so much, and of testifying their devotion to the cause of Freedom. Little Cambria is fully aroused and the glorious Stars and Stripes will find many and brave protectors from among the gallant "Frosty Sons of Thunder." The meeting was called to order by electing R. L. Johnston, President. Daniel O. Evans, H. Kinkead, Esq.; Maj. John Thompson, P. Collins, William Wherry, Reese J. Lloyd, D. H. Roberts, Esq.; Hon. R. Jones Jr., Maj. Gideon Marlett, Col. Wm. K. Piper, John Williams, Esq.; Andrew Lewis were appointed Vice Presidents. John E. Scanlan, D. C. Zahm, John H. Evans, Rowland M. Jones, R. A. M'Coy and John Lloyd, Secretaries. R. L. Johnston, Esq., on taking the chair, stated the object of the meeting in a brief but thrilling address. The meeting was then eloquently addressed by Phil. S. Noon, C. D. Murray, R. A. M'Coy and A. A. Barker, Esquires. On Motion, Phil S. Noon, George M. Reed, A. A. Barker, Robert Davis and Ezekiel Hughes were appointed a committee on resolutions. During the absence of the committee, the meeting was addressed by M. Hasson. The committee, through their Chairman, offered the following preamble and resolutions, which, on motion, were unanimously adopted: Whereas, A state of things now exist in the our beloved country which appeals to the patriotism of every true friend of our Institutions, to raise his voice and if need be, his hand, in defense of our Government and its constituted authorities; therefore, be it Resolved, That the acts of those who are in open rebellion against the Government of the United States, in attacking and forcibly taking United States property and waging war against the best and happiest government on the face of the earth, and seeking to destroy the lives of her people, renders it the imperative duty of every true American to boldly step forward in defense of the honored flag of the county and sustain the Constitution at all hazards. Resolved, That Cambria county, who in her infancy, sent her soldiers to encounter the enemies of her country, in the war with Great Britain, who decimated her population in the war with Mexico, will not be backward when "traitors take the field" at home and whilst we cheerfully tender to the South all her rights, as we have heretofore done, we are entirely unwilling to sustain her in resistance to the Federal Government. George M. Reed and John Williams, Esq.'s, also responded to the call and made eloquent addresses. Other gentleman being called upon, excused themselves, but stated that they endorsed in full the proceedings of the meeting. The greatest of enthusiasm was manifested during the meeting. The meeting then adjourned with nine cheers for the American flag, the Constitution and the Union. Local and Personal Hemlock, April 22, 1861 Old Washington is strongly for the Union! As soon as the news reached here that the President had issued his Proclamation, calling on the militia, the Washington Rifles, numbering some sixty men, offered their services to defend their country in the hour of need, and were accepted. They left here on Friday morning for Wilmore to recruit, where they were joined by some of the Frosty Sons of that borough and vicinity, who were desirous also of doing battle for their country in time of need. The officers at Capt. R. White; Lieutenant Jno. W. Short, and Orderly Sergeant Jno. Wilkins, these being the only old officers that were here to go. Their friends have the consolation of knowing that they will do honor to themselves and to their country. The company left Wilmore on Saturday at 3 o'clock A. M. Carrolltown, April 22, 1861 A large and enthusiastic Union meeting was held in this borough on Saturday last, and a beautiful pole was raised. From its top floats the much loved but now insulted flag of our country. The meeting was called to order by the election of that venerable pioneer of our county, Richard Ashcraft, as President, who, in a few opening remarks, during the time of which the tears rolled down his cheeks and his tottering limbs seemed scare able to bear him up, said, that in youth that flag had taught him all he knew of love of his country, and even now were he able he would be only too happy to end a long life in avenging the insult to his revered county. Patriotic addresses were also delivered by several other gentlemen. Mr. Charles Fagan delivered a stirring appeal to his friends to join with him in putting down Rebellion in our beloved country. The meeting was then adjourned by giving three cheers for the "Red, White and Blue." Gallitzin, April 20, 1861 A large and enthusiastic meeting was held at this place on Friday evening last, for the purpose of raising a volunteer company. The meeting was organized by appointing Daniel M'Laughlin, President, and N. W. Greel and Matthew Kelly, secretaries. Speeches were made by Major David Mills and Daniel McLaughlin (sic). Every single man in the vicinity with a few exceptions were enrolled and also several married men who have large, helpless families. On motion of Mr. Gilson, Supervisor of P. R. R., for this division, a committee of fifteen were appointed to make arrangements for the support of the families of those who enlisted. The company will hold a meeting on Monday evening for the purpose of electing officers and will hold itself in readiness to march as soon as orders are received. The meeting adjourned with three cheers for the Constitution, the Union and the Stars and Stripes. Johnstown, April 22, 1861 The past week has been one of intense excitement in our midst. Business is nearly suspended, and anxiety rests upon every countenance. Three companies have already left us, and some three or four more are rapidly recruiting. The stars and stripes are proudly waving and drums are beating in all directions. The companies that have left us are the Zouave Cadets, the Johnstown Infantry and the Citizens' Guards. Each company, before leaving, was presented by the patriotic ladies of Johnstown with a beautiful stand of colors. The presentation speeches were made of D. J. Merrell and the reception speeches by Col. Jacob M. Campbell on behalf of the Zouaves, and John P. Linton, Esq., on behalf of the Citizens' Guards. Not less than fifteen hundred people witnessed these intensely interesting ceremonies and cheers and shouts of applause of the Star Spangled Banner made the everlasting hills around us echo back the rejoicings of a free people over a flag that has ever been an emblem of Liberty. Our brave citizen soldiers departed with a fixed determination that they would: "Forever float that standard sheet,/Where breathes the foe, but fall before us; /With Freedom's soil beneath our feet,/And Freedom's Flag a waving o'er us." I learn that our companies form part of the Third Regiment Penna. Volunteers, the officers of which are as follows: ___ Minier, Colonel; J. M. Power, Lieutenant Colonel; Mayberry Irwin, Major; J. M. Campbell, Adjutant. This regiment and ten others left Harrisburg on Saturday evening for Washington city. As an instance of the enthusiasm prevalent here, take the following: A young man from Richland township was sent to town by his parents on Wednesday to sell a basket of eggs; he arrived here; disposed of his eggs; enlisted in the Infantry; and by the time his parents were expecting him home, he was on his way to Harrisburg! The intense patriotic feeling of our citizen will not permit Treason to show its hydra head among us. A man was stoned, knocked down and otherwise roughly dealt with for his supposed succession proclivities. Another was very quietly but earnestly admonished to leave town for the same cause; and it is needless to say that he complied with the request. Isaac E. Chandler, Esq., has been officially notified of his appointment as Post Master of this place. Mr. Boggs made a capable and attentive public officer and he retires with the good wishes of the entire community. The rolling mill continues in operation and it is the intention of Mr. Morrell, the patriotic manager here, to run it while a dollar of money is to be obtained for that purpose. Steps are being taken to provide for the families of those who have gone forth in the service of our common country. To this end District Committees have been formed and the following General Trustees are appointed: D. J. Morrell, S. H. Smith, Lewis Plitt. The Post Office So it appears that we were all wrong with regard to the Postmastership of this borough. It was currently reported and generally believed until within a week past that Maj. John Thompson was to be our Postmaster, indeed, it was stated that he had received official notification to that effect; but on Saturday, M. S. Harr, Esq., received a notification that he was to be the man. We understand that Mr. H. has filled out and returned the requisite bonds to the P. O. Department and it is probable that his commission will shortly arrive.