NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, October 16, 1862, 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, October 16, 1862 Volume 4, Number 3 Local Etchings Capt. William Linton, of the 12th Pa. cavalry, formerly of this place, is now in town on a visit. He looks as though sojering agreed with him. Success! Among the names of a lot of wounded who arrived at New York on the 9th inst., from Washington city we notice that of George W. Books, Co. A, 11th Penna. Reserves, wounded at Antietam. The company of the 54th Pennsylvania regiment recently captured by the Rebels at Paw Paw, Va., belong to Somerset county. No further particulars concerning them have transpired. A freight train while under full headway ran into the Ebensburg & Cresson passenger train one day last week, almost totally demolishing both the locomotive and passenger car of the latter. No one was hurt. Messrs. Thomas M. Jones, William D. Pryce, Richard Bennett and William Shenafelt, all of this vicinity who, with the editor of this paper, last week made a visit to the battleground of Antietam had the misfortune to be in Chambersburg on their return trip on the occasion of the recent raid of the Rebels thither. A truck belonging to the party, containing over a hundred letters from the soldiers to friends at home, together with other valuables, was destroyed by the burning of the Cumberland Valley Railroad depot building. Owing to the interruption of communication the party were obliged to foot it from here to Shippensburg, at which point they took the cars, arriving here on Sunday. Their impression concerning the "graybacks" is that they are an uncouth, ragged, but bold set of villains as a general thing, very hungry and always dirty and filthy in the extreme. They were possessed of no compunctions whatever against appropriating anything that might happen to be "lying around loose," and did pretty much as they please generally. Chivalry! - to what, base us &c. Assistant Assessors Thomas P. Campbell, Assessor for the 17th Assessor District of Pennsylvania, comprising the counties of Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon and Mifflin, gives notice that he has appointed his Assistants for Cambria county as follows: Division 16: John M. Bowman, Johnstown to Cambria City, Millvile and Conemaugh borough. Post Office, Johnstown. 17: Samuel Singer, Conemaugh, Yoder and Taylor townships. Post Office, Johnstown 18: Joseph Miller, Croyle, Richland and Summerhill townships and Wilmore borough. Post Office, Wilmore. 19: John Elder, White and Chest township. Post Office, Carrolltown. 20: Dr. G. W. Strohecker, Clearfield township and Chest Springs borough. Post office, Chest Springs. 21: Newton I. Roberts, Cambria township and Ebensburg borough. Post Office, Ebensburg. 22: James Conrad, Munster and Washington townships. Post Office, Hemlock. 23: Timothy R. Davis, Jackson and Blacklick townships. Post Office, Ebensburg. 24. Hugh M'Coy, Gallitzin, Loretto and Summit boroughs and Allegheny twp. Post Office, Loretto. 25: John Porter, Carroll and Susquehanna townships and Carrolltown boro. Post Office, Newman's Mills. The foregoing names and districts are made for the present assessments. Penna. Relief Association Washington, D. C. Oct. 1, 1862 The undersigned, a committee appointed by the Penna. Relief Association to visit Cliffburne Hospital acknowledge the receipt of six boxes of hospital stores, contributed by the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity, containing the following articles: 27 bottles Wine 2 bottles Cordial 2 bottles Catsup 139 cans Jellies and Fruit 6 jars Jellies and Preserves 8 packages & 2 boxes Soup 11 Pillows 1 ball Twine 6 rolls Muslin 2 rolls Linen 1 Pincushion 5 papers Corn Starch 1 jar Prunes 2 boxes Mustard 3 sacks Dried Fruit 15 Fans 1 package Paper & Envelopes 68 Towels 16 pairs Drawers 20 Pillow Cases 34 Handkerchiefs 12 Thumbstalls 27 pair Stockings 14 Muslin Shirts 6 Linen Shirts 2 Linen Tablecloths 1 package Nutmegs 1 package Prunes 15 Wrappers 1 lbs. Loaf Sugar 1 roll Calico 1 1/12 paper Pins Lot of Thread, Buttons and Tape Fervent and heartfelt were the thanks bestowed on the generous donors by the six hundred sick and wounded soldiers in the hospital, who had so nobly sacrificed all the endearments of home and friends to go forth and battle in defense of the outraged honor of the best government on earth and for the integrity and preservation of the union of these States. They desire us to express their lasting gratitude to the ladies and gentlemen contributing so munificent a gift - exceeding in amount that contributed by any other village or town in the State. We have to report that, with but slight exceptions, the articles were received in good order and that they have been applied solely to relieve the wants of the suffering soldiers. The sum of $18.71 in money was also received, $9.00 of which was applied to pay freight from Harrisburg here. When the balance of $9.71 has been expended, a statement will be published showing the manner in which it was disbursed. We desire to tender to the contributors our special thanks for the articles sent, knowing that many a poor fellow's heart was made light and happy through your generosity. Very respectfully, R. J. Brady A. J. Riley, Committee Co. A, 11th Penna. Reserves Following is a correct list of this splendid old company, together with the present condition and location of its several members: Present: Bolewine, William Beaden, Nathaniel J. Boartman, Joseph Boring, Jacob S. Cram, William S. Deetz, John Davis, William Davis, George Davis, William Elder, William Teeter, John Judy, Samuel M'Creery, James S. M'Allister, Nelson M'Bride, John Stevens, John M. Skelly, Michael A. Shoffner, Casper Powell, William Sergt. C. A. Fagan Sick at Different Hospitals: Evan D. James S. C. J. Bradley Edward Davis Edward I. Evans Fred J. Evans Elisha Foultz John Gillespie Edward Gillespie Lawrence Holman Philip Jones Daniel Krise F. A. Leavy D. W. Luke William Miller Powers Woodford Wounded and at Different Hospitals: Lt. R. M. Jones Sergt. J. E. Scanlan Sergt. Daniel D. Jones Sergt. Wm. A. Leavy Corp. G. W. Books Evan Abrams Thompson Carney Thomas P. Dumm Richard R. Davis Edgar Evans Thomas D. Jones David T. James Henry G. Krise James A. Orr Robert Patterson W. W. Wagner H. H. Wareham Thomas Williams Paroled Prisoners at Annapolis, Md.: William H. Sechler John M'Feely George W. Brown Charles B. Litzinger Thomas D. Litzinger John W. Moore Detached as Hospital Guard at Craney Island: William W. Evans John L. Camp Davis S. Carbaugh John Keough Aaron Leff John O. M'Creery Henry M'Broom Joseph Owens William E. Brown Harry Settlemoyer Andrew Woodford Recruiting: John Roberts On Ambulance Corps: Sergt. James B. Pyatte On Gunboat Service: John J. Story Total number of men, 72. Twenty-eight men are needed to fill up the company. Twenty-four men, officers and privates, have been killed and died of disease since leaving Ebensburg. Truly the "Cambria Guards" have seen service! Letter from the 133d Regiment Camp near Sharpsburg, Md. October 8, 1862 Two months ago on the eve of departure from home to take part in a desperate struggle for a nation's existence, I gave you a promise that I would, from time to time, through your columns, post the "friends at home" in regard to our movements. At that time none of us had the least idea that help was so sorely needed that, within two short weeks from the time we were sworn into the service of the U. S., we would be encamped on the "sacred soil " of Virginia and form part and parcel of the "Grand Army of the Potomac." Yet such was the case and while we all felt the need of that state of discipline which only time and determined perseverance on the part of both officers and privates can produce we all had enough confidence in "the powers that be" to believe that the necessity was very pressing and accordingly cheerfully acquiesced. Since we arrived in Virginia our movements have been so frequent that I have until now, been unable to find time to fulfill my promise to you. The letters of your correspondent, "Cambrian," have kept you posted during most of our sojourn in Dixie, but it may not be uninteresting to your readers to give them an account of our march from "Camp near Fort Ward" - where his last letter was dated - to this place. On Friday, Sept. 12, we received orders to pack up, strike tents and have everything ready to move in an hour and about 11 a.m. the brigade filed out of camp and took the road leading toward Arlington Heights. About 2 p.m. we reached Fort Albany - opposite Washington and about one mile from the long bridge - where we lay until dark, then moved up the river, crossed at the Georgetown viaduct and encamped for the night at the head of 11th st., Washington. On Saturday we received orders to dispose of everything in the shape of superfluous clothing. Accordingly all or nearly all the dress coats, together with many blankets and overcoats were packed and given in care of a gentleman living near camp. Shelter tents, one half of one of which each man carries with him and two days rations were furnished. In the afternoon we marched to the arsenal and exchanged our Austrian rifles for Springfield muskets. We got back to camp at about 8 p. m. and after cooking and eating our suppers and receiving each man forty rounds of "huck and ball" cartridge, we laid ourselves on the ground and slept. By sunrise on Sunday morning we were en route for Frederick, Md., and after three days' hard marching, arrived on Tuesday evening at Monocacy Junction, three miles from Frederick. Here we saw, in the ruins of the splendid bridge that once spanned the Monocacy, the first evidence of Jackson's raid into Maryland. Here, too, we first heard of the surrender of Harper's Ferry and the next morning had the mortification to see some ten thousand of Miles' men who had been paroled pass by us on the road to Washington. Soon after some twelve or thirteen hundred "graybacks" passed up the same road and a harder, dirtier, and more independent looking set of wretches it would be impossible to imagine. We have seen plenty of them since and they are all alike. The poorest beggar that walks the streets of our Northern cities would think himself disgraced by wearing the clothes that some of them have; and yet, in spite of this, and the half-starved condition in which they frequently are, they fight as well as our own troops. Whatever opinion our soldiers may have had of the fighting qualities of the Rebels before meeting them in the field, they will now, every man of them, acknowledge that be the cause they fight for as it may, they fight splendidly. But to continue: We lay at Monocacy until 4 o'clock of Wednesday when we took the road again, passing thro' Fredrick and moving up the Hagerstown turnpike. About 10 p.m. we halted and cooked supper and received twenty additional rounds of cartridge - then moved until 8 next morning when we halted for breakfast, two miles from Boonsboro. After breakfast we again pushed on until at 11 a.m. we reached the termination of our journey - the battleground of Antietam. Here, we learned for the first time that the fight was over and that we were too late to be entitled to any part in the honors of the dearly bought victory of the day before. The next day - Friday - we crossed the Antietam and marching across the battlefield of Wednesday, formed in line of battle just above Sharpsburg. In the afternoon, we moved about a mile further and encamped for the night. On Sunday we came into our present camp and have remained here ever since. How long we shall further stay it is impossible to tell. Marching orders may come at any moment or they may be delayed for weeks. In the meantime we are hard at work, perfecting ourselves in company and battalion drill four to five hours of each day being spent in this manner. The majority of our company - Co. F - are in good health. Some few are unwell but none seriously and I think all will be able to do duty in a few days. I will write again soon and unless our movements in the future should be too much hurried, you may expect letters at least semi-occasionally. [Signed] Waltham The 125th Penna. Volunteers in the Battle of Antietam Camp on Maryland Heights September 23, 1862 At daylight on Wednesday, 17th September, General Crawford ordered Col. Higgins to advance our regiment in close column through the fields to a piece of woods covering the enemy who were firing briskly at the time. The movement was promptly made in part when the order was given to fall back to the first position, throw out skirmishers and advance cautiously through the woods with the entire regiment and deploy in line of battle on the opposite side. During this movement the men were exposed to a terrific fire of musketry and shell, through which they gallantly pressed on, regardless of the death dealing missiles which were cutting down their brave comrades until the crest of the hill they were ordered to hold had been gained. At this moment some Colonel (whose name I did not learn) rode up to Col. Higgins and told him his men were falling back for want of ammunition and asked him to come at once to his support. Col. Higgins immediately reported the fact to General Crawford who ordered him to advance his regiment forthwith to the spot. The moment the command was given, the men moved forward with a yell, driving the enemy from his sheltered position, gaining full possession of the woods and capturing a number of prisoners. Remaining here a short time the regiment was ordered forward to support a battery. At this juncture the gallant and lamented Mansfield fell and was carried off the field by two men from Co. K, our regiment. The enemy ceased firing for a short time, expecting the sharpshooters who were endeavoring to pick off our officers. While the regiment was advancing, General Hooker rode up to Col. Higgins and inquired whether there were any troops in his front. The Colonel replied, "None but Rebels." During this conversation the General's horse was shot by a sharpshooter. Col. Higgins remarked to him, "General, your horse is shot." "So I see!" was the cool reply as the latter rode off. In a short time another order was given to advance, which was executed in splendid style, we driving before us South Carolina and Georgia troops, whose wounded afterwards admitted they had never before been compelled to fall back. The regiment now halted on the outskirt of a strip of woods into which the enemy had retreated and Capt. M'Keage of Co. G. was ordered to deploy his company as skirmishers. By this time the regiment had gained a position so as to be left without support, which was soon discovered by Col. Higgins, who bravely kept his position with his men. Dismounting, he gave his horse to Lieut. Higgins, of Co. B. with instructions to report his situation to the commanding General and ask support in order to maintain his position. Capt. M'Keage again deployed his skirmishers and the whole regiment advanced to the top of a small hill, where the skirmishers were soon engaged with the advancing front of the enemy. The command was given the regiment to fire. A destructive and well-directed volley caused the enemy to halt, when an effort was made by him to flank our right while the brigade charged in front. At this critical period the color bearer, George N. Simpson, fell, shot through the head. No support having yet arrived, the certainty of being surrounded by an overpowering force compelled us to fall back to the rear of the first line of batteries. While here an artillery officer rode up, saying his battery was unsupported and asking the regiment to come to his assistance which was done immediately. After the regiment had taken position, General Franklin came dashing up and inquired of Col. Higgins, the number of his regiment. The reply was, "The 125th Pennsylvania Volunteers." The General returned, "Colonel, you are in the right place; I am glad you are here." During the engagement in the afternoon, Adjt. R. M. Johnston, who was acting Major in the absence of Major Lawrence in the hospital, fell mortally wounded. He conducted himself gallantly during the whole fight. He has since died and been conveyed to his home in Williamsburg, Blair county, Pa. The officers and men of the entire regiment behaved with the utmost bravery and are well deserving the praise of their superior officers. This has been tendered in an official order. The total casualties in the regiment are as follows: Killed, 29; since died, 4; wounded, 13; missing, 4. [Signed] B The Rebel Raid into Pennsylvania [extracts from lengthy article] Following are pretty full particulars concerning the raid of the rebel Gen. Stewart into Pennsylvania, together with the announcement of his escape back into Virginia, laden with spoils of every description. It appears that he, with two to three thousand cavalry, crossed the Potomac at Hancock, where the Chesapeake canal terminates and took a day's ride into the Cumberland valley, the towns along his route capitulating on his approach. At Chambersburg they pillaged private property, captured a lot of army stores and destroyed the depot and other property of the Cumberland Valley Railroad. Thence they left in the direction of Gettysburg, striking off, however to the southward before they reached that point, passing close to Frederick, Md., and re-crossing the Potomac at Nolin's Ferry, thus making a complete circle around M'Clellan's army and escaping almost scot (sic) free to the main body of the Rebel army. Gen. Pleasanton with a force of cavalry attempted to cut off his retreat, but the bold Rebel got the start of him and kept it, the Federal forces coming up with the enemy, just after the latter had crossed the river. That a fearful responsibility rests upon somebody's shoulders for the non-performance of duty in failing to take measures for the prevention of Rebel outrage on our borders is a matter patent to all, and a full investigation should be demanded. Pennsylvania will not soon recover from the disgrace of this blow. [snip] Hanover, Oct. 12 - 10:05 A.M. We heard a message from Gen. Emory to Gen. Woolread, stating that the rebels from two to three thousand strong passed through Woodboro, Liberty, New Market and Urbana and then made for the river. They came from the direction of Gettysburg, destroying small portions of track at New Market. General Pleasanton, with about twenty-five hundred cavalry, passed through Frederick this morning in pursuit. Later - From official dispatches received here last evening we learn that the rebels succeeded in escaping. They crossed the Potomac near the mouth of the Monocracy, having made a march of ninety miles in less than twenty four hours. Gen. Pleasanton's forces arrived at the crossing just as they had finished and engaged their artillery, but nothing is known of the result. His forces marched seventy-eight miles during the last twenty-four hours. Frederick, Md., Oct. 13 - A special dispatch to the Baltimore AMERICAN says: "The escape of the rebel cavalry across the Potomac is fully confirmed. After being driven from Adams' Ferry they divided and crossed the river in small parties. Two farmers taken prisoners at Mercersburg, Pa., and paroled at the river, arrived here today. They report that Gens. Stuart and Hampton were both with the expedition. The cavalry consisted of detachments from Virginia and South Carolina regiments. They seized no horses in Maryland but swept the parts of Pennsylvania through which they passed of every horse worth taking." Qualifications of Sharpshooters Orders have been given that no person shall be mustered into the service of the United States as a member of the corps of sharpshooters unless he shall produce the certificate of some person duly authorized by the Governor of the State in which the company is raised that he has in five consecutive shots at two hundred yards at rest, made a string not over twenty five inches, on the same string, off hand, at one hundred yards, the certificate to be written on the target used as the test. Humor The following is a postscript to an Irish letter: "Dear Mike - If you don't get this letter at all, write and let us know it and I will raise the devil with the postmaster." An apothecary's boy was lately sent to leave at one house a box of pills and at another six live fowls. Confused on the way, he left the pills where the fowls should have gone and the fowls at the pill place. The folks who received the fowls were astonished at reading the accompanying direction: "Swallow one every two hours."