NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, 13 Jun 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. Thursday, 13 Jun 1861 Number 2, Volume 43 United States Mails Suspended in the Confederate States The United States mail service is suspended in all the Confederate revolted States, excepting those portions of Eastern Virginia occupied by United States troops and the loyal Western section of Virginia, the good people of which have refused to pass into the service of Moloch, and are as steadfast to the Union as the people of New York. The Confederate States have adopted an independent mail system, five to ten cents postages on letters but as we understand it, no letter to a party in a Confederate State, intended to be transferred from the United States to the Confederate mails at the boundary line, will be transmitted through the United States mails. Local and Personal The Cambria Guards Called Out. They are Ordered to Camp Wright. Their Departure From Our Midst On last Friday, after a tedious and tiresome delay, the requisition for the "Cambria Guards" was received. This company which was organized and tendered to the Government in response to the President's first call for volunteers was accepted by the State authorities several weeks since; but the official command to report at camp was so tardy in arriving that very many were inclined to believe that they would never be ordered into service. To such an extent did this impression receive credit, that a large number who had enlisted in the ranks, and who could brook no longer delay, attached themselves to other companies. All fears in the promises, however, were dissipated by the receipt of the requisition, ordering the company to report at Camp Wright on the following Wednesday. Recruiting was immediately begun and in a short time the complement was obtained. The "good men and true," who stepped forth to the defense of our Country in this her hour of deadly peril have shown themselves to be indeed men and patriots, worthy to wear the name of freedom. They are among our best citizens, the pride and flower of the Mountain County. With a willing heart and strong right arm go they to the fray and their hearts' best blood will be freely poured forth ere our glorious standard, the Stars and Stripes, shall be suffered to drag in dishonor beneath the heels of Traitors. Statement of Our Citizens On Tuesday evening a public meeting of our citizens was held in the Court House to give expression to the universal sentiment of respect and esteem entertained for the Guards, and to bid them, "God speed." The room was densely packed and a large number of fair ladies graced the occasion with their presence. That venerable patriot, John Williams, Esq., assisted by several Vice Presidents, presided. John Fenlon, R. L. Johnston and A. C. Mullin, Esquires, delivered eloquent addresses, telling the soldiers that next to their God their first obligation was to their country; that on them devolved a portion of the duty of perpetuating the institutions of the greatest and best government existing and bidding them all, "Be Brave." Departure of the Guards Everything being in preparation, yesterday (Wednesday) morning at about 5 o'clock, the Guards took their departure from our midst. They were conveyed to Wilmore by some of our citizens, where they took the Express train for Pittsburg. A very large assemblage of relatives and friends of the bold soldiers assembled, notwithstanding, the early hour to see them off and say, "Good Bye." The partings of near and dear friends is also sad, this was not an exception. Husbands and wives, fathers and sons, brothers and sisters, looked on each other perhaps for the last time on earth, and many bitter tears were shed. But amidst all the sorrow manifested it was pleasing to observe that no one sought to restrain another from going. While all bewailed the sad necessity that called for the sundering of social ties and pleasant relations, the sacrifice was fearfully, yet cheerfully made. They are gone, these friends and acquaintances of our everyday life. Gone to do battle in defense of the Union which our forefathers bequeathed to us as a sacred legacy, purchased with their blood. Theirs is a high mission, they will fulfill it nobly. And may the God of Battles guard and protect them all! Havelocks, &c. Prior to their departure, the Guards were presented by the ladies of Ebensburg with a large supply of Havelocks. These are a very useful article of head-gear, worn over the military cap, and so constructed as to shield the neck and head from the rays of the sun. When the dog star rages, the boys will often think kindly of the fair donors. Situation of Camp Wright Camp Wright is situated at Hulton Station on the Allegheny Valley Railroad, about ten miles from Pittsburg. It lies directly on the bank of the Allegheny river, which will afford the men every facility for bathing in pure water, a sanitary measure which cannot fail to have a most beneficial effect on their health. As excellent spring of water is available on the ground and altogether the location is said to be admirably suited to meet the requirements of a military camp. The Burglary Last Week In our last issue made a brief mention of an attempt made to rob the premises of Mr. David Pryce, an old and highly respected farmer residing about a mile from town. We have since received fuller particulars, from which it appears that a terrible fight, resulting in the complete overthrow of the midnight despoiler, was enacted. The bold villain, whoever he was, made his entrance into the house at about the hour of two in the morning. Mr. P., who was asleep at the time, soon became aware of the presence of somebody in his room and arose from bed. He was met by a stunning blow from a bludgeon in the hands of the burglar; which nearly prostrated him. Recovering himself, however, he seized a chair and then commenced a fierce struggle. Blows were given and received quite freely on both sides, but the burglar was at length obliged to give ground. Mrs. Pryce who came to the assistance of her husband at about this juncture with a lighted candle in her hand was prostrated by a blow from the assailant and the light put out. In the confusion which ensued the burglar succeeded in making his escape through a window, in his haste, carrying sash and all with him. He left behind his cap, a sort of depreciated "skull cover" which is the only clue to his identity. Mr. Pryce was severely cut up about the head and shoulders and Mrs. Pryce received a heavy blow above the left eye. Their injuries were promptly dressed, however and they are now recovering. As the burglar probably received many shrewd licks in the encounter and as he secured no booty whatever he has only his labor and bruises for his pains. We hope he may be arrested and punished as he deserves. Court The causes set down for trial this week were continued by consent of the counsel and Court was not convened. The proceedings of last week's Quarter Sessions were of an uninteresting nature. For the Dog Days The hotels of Cresson, this county, have been leased for a term of five years by G. W. Mullin, formerly of the St. Lawrence Hotel, Philadelphia. They will be opened for the reception of visitors on the 20th inst. One of the hotels will hereafter be kept open during the winter. Painful Accident One day last week, a soldier going eastward with his company on the Penn. Railroad, had his arm fractured at Wilmore station by its coming in contact with a projecting stick of wood while the cars where in motion. Changed The schedule of the Pennsylvania Railroad was changed on Monday last. Both mails are now carried in the morning, and are due here at 12 o'clock. Information to Captains For the information of Captains forming companies for the three year service, we state by authority of S. G. Simmons, U. S. army mustering officer here, that a company must consist as follows- Infantry - One Captain; one first Lieutenant; one 2d Lieutenant; one Orderly Sergeant; four Sergeants; eight Corporals; two Musicians; one Wagoner; eighty-two privates; making an aggregate of company 101, and of the regiment of 1046. Cavalry - one Captain; one Lieutenant; one 2d Lieutenant; One Orderly Sergeant; one Quarter Master Sergeant; four Sergeants; eight Corporals; two Buglers; two Farriers and Blacksmiths; one Saddler; one Waggoner; Seventy-two privates. Aggregate ninety-five men. Two companies form a squadron and six squadrons form a regiment. Aggregate numbers of regiment, 1,163. A Military Diploma It has been determined says the Washington STAR, by the Government to give to every man (of whatever rank) serving in the Army or Navy of the United States in defense of the Union, a diploma on parchment of fine parchment paper. The design of the embellishment is by Lentz, and is one of the most beautiful artistic achievements we ever saw. Underneath it is to be the following certificate, viz:- Washington, _______, 1861_____ A. B. has been enrolled as a __________ in the _______forces Of the United States for the defense of the Constitution and the maintenance of the Union. Abraham Lincoln By the President- ________ _________, Secretary of State ________ _________, Secretary of the Treasury ________ _________, Secretary of War ________ _________, Secretary of the Navy ________ _________, Secretary of the Interior ________ _________, Postmaster General ________ _________, Attorney General The Balloon in Warfare John LaMountain, the aeronaut, has offered his services to the general government in the capacity of a scout. He proposes to inflate his balloon, and, accompanied by an engineer, to ascend to any desirable elevation taking notes of the country, the situation and strength of the enemy, etc. This idea is by no means novel. It occurred to the first Napoleon when the art of ballooning was but little understood. During the Crimean war the allies frequently made use of those instrumentalities to ascertain the preparations made by the enemy. But it was on the great plain of Northern Italy in the campaign of 1850 that their utility of became most apparent. Before the battles of Magenta and Solferino, Louis Napoleon had employed aeronauts to survey the grounds; and while the Austrians were in retreat every motion made by them was noticed by these genii of the upper atmosphere, and reported to the victorious allies. A Chance for Crack Marksmen H. Berdan, considered the crack shot in America, has published a card addressed to the sharp shooters of the loyal States. He says he is getting up a regiment, to be composed entirely of first class rifle shots at long distance and that he is receiving daily applications. He proposes that all good shots, wishing to aid their country, should send their names to him, with an affidavit showing the best shooting they have done at two hundred yards or more. As soon as the necessary arrangement are made for equipments, &c., notice will be given to all those whose applications are approved. No application will be considered in which the average of ten consecutive shots exceeds five inches from the centre of the target or the centre of the ball at two hundred yards. Prodigious efficiency of detachments of such sharpshooters, armed with our Northern patent target rifles, needs only to be alluded to be recognized at once by all who have any knowledge of the subject. Telegraphic Intelligence Beauregard at Manassas Junction Washington, June 6- There is no doubt that the Traitors are concentrating in great force at the Manassas Junction of the Manassas Gap Railroad with the Orance and Alexandria Railroad. General Scott received intelligence last evening of the arrival at that point of the long lost and much discussed General Beauregard. The information on this point is positive. Beauregard stated that he does not expect to remain at Manassas Junction more than two or three days, which may contemplate an advance upon Alexandria, distant about forty-five miles or a retreat should he be attacked by the column under General John McDowell. Attack Upon a Rebel Battery Fortress Monroe, June 6- This morning the Harriet Lane exchanged about fifty shots with the Pig Point Battery, nearly opposite Newport News on James river. She received two shots, wounding five men, one of them severely. The Harriet Lane was about three fourths of a mile from the batter, the seven embrasures of which disclosed heavy pieces. Two the Harriet Lane's shells burst immediately over them.