NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, April 10, 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, April 10, 1862 Volume 3, Number 29 List of Letters Remaining List of letters remaining in the Post Office at Ebensburg up to Wednesday, April 19th, 1862: H. S. Adams Robt. B. Adams Elizabeth Byors H. Burkhart P. H. Birkey Dan'l. L. Brown Aug Barkley E. W. Culp Edward H. Davis Mrs. Ann Davis Patrick Driskoll Lewis Evans Rachel Evans Miss Elizb'th. E. Evans David R. Evans Henry Frieze Geo. Fox John Ford Miss E. Furguson Canles Firtache R. C. Graham Daniel Garman Isaac Gifford Andus Haney Susan Harkins William & Hughes Evan F. Jones Miss Marg't. Jones Mrs. Mary Jones Evan James, 2 E. P. Jones Mrs. J. R. Jones Mrs. Jane Jones Miss Ellen E. Jones Miss Ellen Kennedy, 3 James Kaine C. Lingafelt Thos. Machan Peter Machen, 3 Jos. M'Monan Miss E. M'Bride Miss Kate M'Avoy Miss Alice Moss Margaret Pringle David Price Mrs. Kate Pearson Thos. Reese M. D. Rummy Geo. Shearer G. W. Saskerd & Co. Mrs. M. Shoemaker, 2 Mrs. M. Shoemaker Wm. Selders Sam'l. Thomas C. A. Thompson Persons calling for any of the above named letters will please say they are advertised. John Thompson, P. M. Ebensburg, April 10, 1862 Half Cash Payments We forgot to notice last week that the Cambria Iron Company - which since the breaking out of the present war has been paying altogether in scrip - had announced that hereafter they will make half cash payments to their employees. This is certainly a liberal and well-timed move on the part of the Company. The iron business must be looking up in this State. Snow! We were treated to a refreshing streak of winter weather up here on ye mountain on Monday and Tuesday, and snow to the depth of a couple of inches was permitted to cover the ground. This is "Winter lingering in the lap of Spring" with a vengeance. M. E. Appointments The Pittsburg Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in session at Pittsburg a couple of weeks since made the following appointments for this District: Blairsville District: W. Lynch, Presiding Elder Blairsville, S. M'Leary Indiana, R. Morrow Johnstown, D. P. Mitchell Greensburg and Latrobe, W. W. Roup Kittanning, E. Hirgely Dayton, S. Bart Elderton, H. Mansol Marchand, J. S. Lemon Burrel and Apollo, W. A. Stewart, I. A. Pearce New Florence and Bolivar, P. G. Emmons Mechanicsburg, J. C. High New Derry, M. J. Montgomery Ebensburg, S. T. Show, W. Long Conemaugh, to be supplied Ligonier, J. S. Wakefield Mount Pleasant and West Newton, E. S. Weller, R. Cunningham Saltzburg and Hopewell, J. Shane It will be seen that Mr. Lynch remains Presiding Elder of the District and that Mr. Show is continued in this place for another year. Escape of Samuel Welsh This uninspired man who was convicted of rape at our recent Quarter Sessions and has been lying in our county jail ever since, awaiting the issue of an application for a new trial made his escape from that institution on Wednesday evening of last week. It is asserted that he was enabled to do this by the following modus operandi, first, manufactured a running board [the word board is partially blurred] out of portions of his bedding; with this he drew an iron poker from a stove in the hall into his cell; the padlock on his door was next easily pried open; and finally, Welsh walked boldly out of the jail at about the hour of dusk and immediately made himself so scarce that he has not since been heard of! At all events, Samuel Welsh has escaped again - for this is the second time he has thus successfully performed the task of cheating justice of its dues. He was peculiarly happy in the selection of this occasion for making his debut, moreover, for the Court to sit in judgment on him met the day following! Stirring News from Dixie A letter from Hilton, S. C., to a New York paper brings us the unwelcome intelligence that the rebels succeeded in cutting off and capturing recently, nearly an entire company belonging to the Fifty- fifth Pennsylvania regiment, Col. Dick White, commanding. The company was stationed at Little Edisto Island as picket at the time and strangely enough had neglected to guard the bridge between them and the main force. The enemy came down in force, burnt the bridge and surrounded the pickets, killing three, wounding a dozen and capturing about thirty of our men. The balance escaped to North Edisto. Since then there have been several skirmishes but with no decisive result. These are all the particulars that have yet transpired. The Fifty-fifth Penna. Regiment contains within its ranks a large proportion of Cambria county men and the Colonel himself is a native of Cambria. We, in common with a large number of our readers, will anxiously await further developments. Emancipation Measures [Extracts from this lengthy article] On Thursday last the Senate also passed the bill for the abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia, with pecuniary compensation to loyal owners. The announcement of the result was followed by much applause in the galleries. The final vote on the bill was as follows: YEAS Anthony, Rep. Browning, Rep. Chandler, Rep. Clark, Rep. Collamer, Rep. Dixon, Rep. Doolittle, Rep. Fesscuden, Rep. Foot, Rep. Foster, Rep. Grimes, Rep. Hale, Rep. Harlan, Rep. Harris, Rep. Howard, Rep. Howe, Rep. King, Rep. Lane, Rep., Ind. Lane, Rep., Kan. Morrill, Rep. Pomeroy, Rep. Sherman, Rep. Summer, Rep. Ten Eyck, Rep. Trumbull, Rep. Wade, Rep. Wilkinson, Rep. Wilmot, Rep. Wilson, R, Mass. NAYS Bayard, Dem. Carlisle, Union Davis, Union Henderson, Union Kennedy, Union Latham, Dem. McDougal, Dem. Nesmith, Dem. Powell, Dem. Saulsbury, Dem. Starke, Dem. Willey, Union Wilson, Union, Mo. Wright, Union This bill will secure the immediate emancipation of about fifteen hundred or two thousand negroes whom our law makers have already too long suffered to be held in bondage at the very portals of the Capital. Asking our readers to scan the vote, we express our heartfelt delight that not a solitary Republican Senator has permitted his name to be recorded against this humane and righteous measure. The nays, it will be seen, are composed wholly of Union men and Democrats. These latter very generally admitted that Congress has the exclusive right to legislate for the District of Columbia and admitted also the right to pass the bill in question, and yet, after all this, when the bill is put upon its passage, these gentlemen all manage to record their votes against it. Why is this? Is it because these gentlemen still cling to Slavery as one of the bulwarks of our free institutions? Or, are they only playing a hand in the big game now going on to rally the scattered fragments of democracy for the coming campaign? About Slavery There is a class of men who profess to be opposed to slavery but their opposition is of that delectably conservative character which opposes things corrupt by letting them alone to work on their own extinction. Thus, for instance, they assert that if we let slavery alone, it will abolish itself. Let it alone and the slave driver will give up his business because as these conservatives claim, almost every slaveholder in the border States is now heartily weary of his property and will get rid of it as soon as rapidly as possible, when he can do so without bankrupting himself. This is the argument of conservatism. But the facts in the case will not support the argument. This is illustrated in the manner with which the slaveholders of Washington City are treating the proposition to purchase their slave property, that the Capitol of the only free government in the world might be boasted as being itself also Free. The slaveholders of the District of Columbia are running their slaves into Maryland, rather than sell them to the government, that they may become free. They will not receive a fair price for their chattel, because the precedence of the transaction may affect the prestige of the institution. They claim, like their co- slaveholders all over the earth that slavery must be perpetuated, that its political franchises must be increased, and that in no particular can they recognize a law which has in view the present or the prospective abolition of slavery. In view of this conduct we ask whether freedom and religion should any longer be compelled to share the disgrace of American slavery? Are we to be pestered with its assumptions and threatened by its cabals for all time? Will the Union never be rid of its disgrace and dangers? Let the conservative Democracy answer these questions and let those who profess that slavery, if let alone, will extinguish itself, please inform all of us of the time when this event will occur. Letter from the Silver Grays Camp Curtin, April 2, 1862 Since I last wrote you there has been little or no change in the routine of events in camp, each day being a counterpart of its predecessor and a precursor of that which is to follow. As I have already informed you, this military post is now a regularly established depot for recruits who are first assembled here and then distributed to their respective commands. There is as a consequence, no fixedness of numbers, the recruiting officers in different portions of the State sending in large numbers daily and there being a regular depletion going on, in the way of forwarding the recruits to the Regiments in the field. Under the direction of Capt. Dodge, the Superintendent of the recruiting service in Pennsylvania, the quarters for the men have undergone a complete overhauling. These have been thoroughly renovated and improved. Distinct apartments have been arranged for cooking, eating and sleeping, which separation has conduced much to the comfort of life in camp. The gentlemanly Superintendent has likewise made provisions for having all the officers connected with the post, quartered within the camp. Buildings are being erected for their accommodation. In a few days each officer will have his own little home of "snuggery," in which he may practice in the domestic accomplishments connected with housekeeping, without fear of being annoyed or treated to a curtain lecture for any and every violation of strict propriety. I have no doubt that our mess will be distinguished as THE mess of the camp - noted for the neatness of its apartment and the hospitality of its members. That you may be safe in endorsing this assertion, suppose you "come along," by way of a visit and then judge for yourself. The new order of things here has been followed by new associations. A number of officers who had been detailed for the recruiting service in Philadelphia and elsewhere, have been ordered to this camp. A more agreeable open-hearted out-spoken and chivalrous body of gentlemen can not be found anywhere. My brief acquaintance has already attached me to them, one and all. I will very much regret our separation when the time shall have arrived for saying adieu. The last week has been one of mingled rejoicing and sorrowing - rejoicing at the contemplation of the distinguished victory achieved by the Federal army at Winchester - sorrowing for the death of the noble, heroic martyrs for Liberty, whose blood attested their devotion to their country and flag. When the news was received here of the engagement of Shields' command with the rebel forces under Jackson, the most intense anxiety was manifested to hear of the result. Quietly upon the heels of the first reports, came the news of victory and death. The intelligence of the participation of the gallant 84th in the hottest of the fight was accompanied by the sad announcement that its valiant Colonel had fallen upon the field of battle. How can I describe to you the gloom and evidence of desolation of heart, which at once seized upon the community in which the hero and martyr had been known from his boyhood Old and young gave bent to the feelings of deep sorrow that came up from their heart of hearts - the sympathy whose depth like the stream's current, is known by its stillness was whispered into the ear of the Mother and the Sisters, the Representatives of the People, the Executive of the State, the Heads of Departments, those who had been companions of the deceased in the halcyon days of youth, vied with each other in giving testimony to their appreciation of the worth, virtue and patriotism of him whose corpse spoke his love for his county and his devotion to the Union. But why mourn a death, such as was that of William Gray Murray? It was such as one as he himself would have chosen. Had he not been prevented by circumstances over which he had no control, he would have drawn his sword in the defense of the "Stars and Stripes" at the very onset of the war against rebellion. Death freed the sword to his iron grasp and death has glorified it in victory. What was life to such a man when duty beckoned "onward." There is every evidence that he reckoned its value at a less figure than that which he had set upon the performance of his obligations to the land of his birth. He gave it up as a willing sacrifice upon the altar of Liberty. When in the agonies of dissolution, when his noble soul was about leaving the tenement of clay, to go to its reward beyond the skies, he even then forgot self and ordered "to the charge-" There are incidents connected with the death of Col. Murray which stamp him as having been "born to command." I have not space to speak of more than one but that one is of itself sufficient to establish a character for coolness in conflict, thoughtfulness in the adoption of causes for efforts and indifference to personal danger which may be envied by those who were his compeers. It is this: - "In the death struggle with the foe, when the bullets whistled wildly around, overhead and through the ranks - when the columns were being thinned out by the fire of the enemy, numbered two to one - when victory hovered between the contending hosts - at that moment, the brave, Murray turned to his men, at whose head he was, crying out in a voice that arose above the roar of artillery, "Men, falter not - if you feel like withering, look upon that Flag, it will nerve you up; - on - on." The ashes of the fallen Hero will rest at the base of your mountains. His memory will live in the hearts of the inhabitants of that region in which Liberty delights to dwell. His virtues will be spoken of in terms of praise by the old, who will point to them as worthy of emulation by the young. His fame will outlive his Country's travail. His children and his children's children will revere his memory while seeking, at his tomb, the inspiration to do right. The time has arrived, "Let his epitaph be written." [Signed] High Private Capture of Island No. 10! We have just received the glorious intelligence that, at midnight on Monday, the rebels at Island No. 10 surrendered their position, men, guns, transports and all to Commodore Foote. Gen. Pope captured three generals, six thousand prisoners, one hundred siege guns, several field batteries, small arms, tents, etc. General War News From Island No. 10 to which point great attention is paid by Commodore Foote we have the intelligence that the rebels have erected an entrenched camp on the bend of the Mississippi, directly opposite our gunboats, an embankment having been thrown up along the shore of a distance of half a mile. Several of their batteries are visible, but many others, being masked, we have no means of ascertaining their effectiveness. The entrenchments extend from the center of the bend to the upper extremity of the Island and are constantly being fortified. Our mortars fire at intervals of fifteen minutes, the shells all being thrown upon the Island. Significant movements of our forces have taken place in that quarter lately. Several boats have been sent down to General Pope at New Madrid, with which he is expected to cross the river and cut off the retreat of the rebels by land. Their retreat by water is an impossibility so long as our troops hold possession of New Madrid and Point Pleasant. On Friday last three of our gunboats and three mortar boats opened fire on the rebel floating battery. After an hour's bombardment, the battery broke loose from its mooring and floated down the river considerably injured. Commodore Foote is confident that he can, in three hours, drive the rebels from all their batteries as soon as the proper time shall arrive. Everything betokens a desperate conflict at Island No. 10 and any moment may bring us news of another Federal victory. From Kentucky we have news of another victory by the Federals. Col. Buford accompanied by two regiments of infantry and a detachment of cavalry and artillery made a descent upon Union City, and after a forced march of thirty miles, fell upon a rebel encampment at seven o'clock in the morning. They dispersed the entire force stationed there under Clay King, both cavalry and infantry. The rebels fled in every direction, several being killed and a number taken prisoners. A large amount of spoils was captured, including 150 horses, commissary and quartermaster stores, etc. Our loss was one killed from an explosion in a burning tent. The rebel force numbered 700 infantry and between 700 and 800 cavalry. Late news from Gen. Bank's division shows that he is bravely finishing the work which has been assigned to him. Since the victory at Winchester he has pursued the rebels as far as Woodstock. When approaching the town, Col. Ashby, with his cavalry supported by a force of infantry and a battery, disputed the passage of the United States forces, but our troops passed onward through the town, the rebels frequently stopping and throwing shells to which the United States forces responded with effect. A beautiful gray stallion said by contrabands to belong to Col. Ashby was shot near the town of Woodstock. The ball must have wounded the rider in the thigh. The report, however, that Ashby was killed is not credited at headquarters. An intercepted letter of a recent date from a rebel line officer speaks significantly of an anticipated open rebellion in Maryland, but this is regarded as one of the means resorted to by the Secession leaders to dupe their followers into continued resistance. From information received from Fortress Monroe the following intelligence concerning the injuries which the Merrimac received in the ever memorable encounter with the monitor can be relied on: When she ran for Norfolk on Sunday March 9th, in the evening, she had seven feet of water in her hold. One shot from the Cumberland had riddled her and one shot from the Monitor thro' her port hole, dismounted two guns. The Monitor put a ball through the Patrick Henry which killed two men and seriously wounded many others. The telegraph from Fortress Monroe reports important movements of troops towards Yorktown and there is every indication of an impeding conflict between the two contending forces. As yet there are no signs of the Merrimac. Every preparation has been made to give her a warm reception and no doubts are entertained but that the Monitor will come off victorious. From South Carolina we have the intelligence of the surprise and capture of a company on picket duty belonging to the Fifty-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, Col. White. It appears that while the company was guarding Little Edisto Island, they were surrounded by the rebels who commanded them to surrender. This they refused to do, were upon the rebels fired upon them, killing five and wounding twelve. The balance, seeing the overwhelming force of their opponents, threw down their arms and surrendered. It is but a few days since that the Lieut. Col. (Bennett), of this regiment was taken prisoner along with a companion while taking a buggy ride late into the country. News from the advancing columns of Generals Buell and Grant confirm the report of their being within a few hours march of the enemy, who is strongly entrenched at Corinth. The rebels are congregating there in great numbers and their available fighting force is estimated at between 60,000 and 70,000. The force that will be brought against them is deemed adequate for the achievement of the most glorious and decisive victory of the campaign. Advices from Western Virginia state that the rebels are abandoning that country and retreating to Stanton from which they can escape by railroad. Anniversary of Fort Sumter The Charlestonians, it seems, are looking forward with fearful forebodings to the 15th of April, the anniversary of the rebel assault on Fort Sumter. They have come to the conclusion that the National Power is reserving till that day the taking of its revenge on the original home of the secession treason. Accordingly the valiant sons of chivalry, born, "insensible to fear," according to the last account we had from there were making preparations for a vigorous - flight, in what direction it shall be, however, is really difficult to see. Their favorite haunts among the sea islands of Port Royal are now in the hands of the hated Yankees; Savannah is immediately menaced by a great military and naval force. Northward, their avenue is stopped by Burnside; while the hills of East Tennessee are in the possession of the armies of the Union. What General Hunter's purposes may be in regard to this matter we do not know, but the anticipations of the Charlestonians prompted by their consciousness of guilt may not be altogether unfounded. It would certainly be fitting and just that the flag should be proudly restored to Fort Sumter on the very anniversary of the day on which it was ignominiously lowered to armed traitors. Soldier's Letters The Post Office Department deems it advisable that all letters addressed to the officers and soldiers of the army of the Potomac whether now at Washington or moving South, should be mailed to Washington City. From that office they will be properly forwarded in separate packages to the respective corps and divisions and their delivery facilitated. Commanders of divisions are requested as movements occur to cause notice to be given to the postmaster at Washington to what convenient point such packages destined to the regiments under their command shall be sent. Maj. Wm. W. Ivory Two weeks ago we printed in these columns an extract from the special war correspondence of the New York HERALD in which it was presented that Maj. Wm. W. Ivory, formerly of this county, had been killed at the battle of Paris, Tennessee. Subsequent events seem to totally disprove the statement inasmuch as letters have been received by friends in this section from Maj. I., bearing date since the period of his supposed demise. We are glad to make the correction and place on record the hope that the gallant Major may live long after the glorious cause he is now engaged in assisting to vindicate may have emerged untarnished from its baptism of fire and smoke. The DEMOCRAT & SENTINEL affects to discredit our authority for making the announcement of Maj. Ivory's death as we did and adds: "The paragraph purporting to be a verbatim extract from the New York HERALD never appeared in that paper but was manufactured in this neck of woods," &c., &c." This is maliciously false. Our attention was first directed to the paragraph in question by a friend, at whose instigation we "made a note on 't." It was copied into our columns, moreover, word for work, with the single exception that whereas the HERALD gave the name of Maj. John Ivory - a palpable error - we printed it Maj. Wm. W. Ivory.