NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, May 29, 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, May 29, 1862 Volume 3, Number 36 Hospital We are informed that the Loretto Springs property, this county, a summer resort of considerable note, has been leased to the United States Government as a hospital for sick and wounded army soldiers. It will prove an admirable location. Resigned Rev. B. L. Agnew, of Johnstown, by advice of his physician and in deference to the earnest protestations of a large number of his congregation, the Presbyterian, has finally determined not to return to the army and will therefore resign his position as Chaplain to the 76th Penna. Regiment, Col. Power. Protracted Meeting We are requested to announce that Elder Waugh, the eloquent preacher whose discourses in Johnstown recently were received with so many manifestations of favor will deliver a series of sermons in the Disciples Church, in this place, commencing tomorrow (Friday) evening at 7 o'clock. The public is invited to attend. Steam Saw Mill The new steam saw mill of Messrs. Robinson & Barker, located in the eastern end of town, directly on the line of the railroad was "blown in" a couple of weeks since and is now in the full tide of successful operation. The machinery seems to work admirably and large quantities of lumber are being sawed in a superior manner, daily. We wish the enterprise abundant success. List of Jurors, June 1, 1862 Grand Jurors: Wm. Russell, Washington Twp., Foreman John Beers, White Twp., Farmer Geo. Berkbile, Richland Twp., Farmer Joseph Burket, Jackson Twp, Farmer Patrick Carroll, Conemaugh Boro, Laborer David Costlaw, Richland Twp., Farmer Jas. Delozier, Chest Twp., Farmer John W. Davis, Johnstown, Smith Patrick Farren, Cambria Twp., Farmer Henry Fisher, Johnstown, Saddler Ed Farren, Munster Twp., Farmer Lawrence Fix, Johnstown, Laborer Wm. Hamilton, Conemaugh Boro, Laborer John Holland, White Twp., Farmer Edward Irvin, Yoder Twp., Farmer M. Kline, Washington Twp., Farmer Luke Myers, Chest Springs, Laborer D. McDonald, Yoder Twp., Innkeeper Daniel Noon, Conemaugh Twp., Farmer John Noon, Richland Twp., Farmer Daniel Skelly, Washington Twp., Farmer Josiah Slater, Conemaugh Boro, Laborer S. Stutzman, Yoder Twp., Farmer Perry Troxell, White twp., Farmer Traverse Jurors - First Week Thos. J. Adams, Clearfield Twp., Farmer Wm. Adams, Conemaugh Twp., Laborer John Arthurs, Johnstown, Gentleman Jas. Bracken, Blacklick Twp., Farmer Valentine Bishop, Allegheny Twp., Farmer Wm. Brand, Clearfield Twp., Farmer M. Brawley, Washington Twp, Farmer Josiah Brown, Blacklick Twp., Farmer Jos. Cramer, Alleghany Twp., Farmer Wash Douglass, Alleghany Twp., Farmer Joseph Daily, Alleghany Twp., Farmer Jas. Doran, Summerhill Twp., Farmer Wm. C. Dever, Munster Twp., Farmer Cornelius Dever, Munster Twp., Smith J. Eichenseir, Conemaugh Boro, Inn keeper John Finnegan, Conemaugh Twp., Farmer Caleb Frazer, Johnstown, Druggist Geo. Farabaugh, Carroll Twp., Farmer D. T. Gorden, Conemaugh Boro, Clerk John Hildebrand, Conemaugh Twp., Farmer Henry Hopple, Carroll Twp., Farmer Henry Hedrick, Johnstown, Butcher David J. Jones, Ebensburg, Clerk Samuel Kinley, Johnstown, Smith Samuel Krouse, Johnstown, Carpenter Matthew Kean, White Twp., Farmer John J. Kaylor, Munster Twp., Farmer John Knepper, Croyle Twp., Farmer David Leidy, Jackson Twp., Farmer Jacob Levergood, Johnstown, Tanner Geo. Litzinger, Loretto Boro, Gentleman Jas. Litzinger, Clearfield Twp., Farmer Jas. M'Cartney, White Twp., Farmer Michael M'Guire, Allegheny Twp., Farmer A. M'Crery, Taylor Twp., Farmer Jos. Miller, Wilmore Boro, Justice Henry Nutter, Chest Springs, Merchant Charles Owens, Ebensburg, Smith Isaac A. Pisel, Richland Twp., Farmer Jas. S. Ramsey, Johnstown, Merchant Samuel J. Royer, Johnstown, Clerk John P. Strayer, Yoder Twp., Farmer Daniel Stroup, Johnstown, Bricklayer Geo. Stutzman, Millville, Carpenter John Sibert, Conemaugh, Merchant Isaac Sills, Croyle Twp., Farmer John Shriver, Conemaugh Twp., Farmer Geo. Yinger, Loretto, Shoemaker Traverse Jurors - Second Week Daniel Ash, Richland Twp., Farmer Robert Brady, Munster Twp., Farmer Wm. Byers, Jackson Twp, Farmer Wm. Berkstresser, Susquehanna, Farmer Wm. Coshong, Conemaugh Boro, Mason Samuel Croyle, Croyle Twp., Farmer John Cogan, Conemaugh Boro, Carpenter Demetrius Clark, Clearfield Twp., Carpenter James Davis, Johnstown, Miner John Eagan, Conemaugh, Sawyer John Evans, (Beulah) Cambria Twp., Farmer Jacob Fend, Johnstown, Baker Edward Glass, Ebensburg, Founder Wm. Gearhart, Conemaugh Boro, Laborer John Gillan, Jr., Blacklick Twp., Farmer Wm. Hudson, Croyle Twp., Carpenter Wm. R. Hughes, Wilmore, Merchant Samuel Hushberger, Yoder Twp., Farmer Joseph Hildebrand, Jackson Twp., Farmer David R. Jones, Cambria Twp., Tanner George Kring, Croyle Twp., Farmer John Kerr, Wilmore, Miller Michael Skelly, Alleghany Twp., Farmer G. J. Lloyd, Cambria Twp., Farmer Peter Layman, Richland Twp., Farmer John Mannion, Susquehanna Twp., Farmer George M'Clane, Johnstown, Gentleman Peter M'Coy, Alleghany Twp., Farmer Sam'l McGough, Washington Twp., Farmer Henry Miller, Susquehanna Twp., Farmer James P. Murray, Ebensburg, Grocer Cornelius Morris, Clearfield Twp., Farmer George W. Osborn, Yoder Twp., Farmer Henry O'Haro, Munster Twp., Farmer John Philips, Johnstown, Miner John Pergrin, Jackson Twp., Farmer Isaac Paul, Croyle Twp., Farmer James Purac, Conemaugh, Esquire Henry Prichard, Johnstown, Merchant P. H. Shields, Loretto, Merchant Jacob Stineman, Richland Twp., Farmer Jacob Stiffler, Croyle Twp., Farmer George Shaffer, Taylor Twp., Farmer M. D. Wagner, Chest Springs, Justice John Wagner, Alleghany Twp., Farmer George Walters, White Twp., Merchant James Cunningham, Carroll Twp., Farmer Peter Kean, Carroll Twp., Farmer General War News The following intelligence from the army of Gen. M'Clellan is furnished by the correspondent of the Associated Press: The driving of the rebels from the vicinity of New Bridge by our artillery on Friday was followed up today (Saturday) by a movement wholly unexpected to our adversaries. A reconnaissance composed of the Fourth Michigan Regiment and a portion of the Second Cavalry was made which is worthy of mention. Five companies of the Fourth Michigan, under Lieut. Bowen of the Typographical Engineers and Lieut. Carter of the Fifth Cavalry acting with Typographical corps, crossed the Chickahominy a short distance above New Bridge. This small command succeeded in getting between four companies of the Fifth Louisiana regiment who were out on picket duty at the Bridge and a brigade of the enemy who were supporting them. In the meantime the balance of the regiment and a squadron of cavalry approached the bridge from this side, thus attracting the attention of the four Louisiana companies and the first knowledge the rebels had of the presence of an enemy, was the firing into them of a destructive volley of musketry at short pistol range, making sad havoc with their ranks and causing a serious panic, while the main body advanced and opened a deadly fire. The result was that thirty-one of the enemy were taken prisoners, fifteen wounded and between sixty and seventy left dead on the field. Our loss was two killed and six wounded. Lieut. Bowen had his horse shot under him during the skirmish. The brigades of Generals Stoneman and Davidson of Gen. Smith's division today advanced from New Bridge up the Chickahominy to Ellisons' Mills on Bell's Creek. Here they encountered four regiments of the enemy's infantry with nine pieces of artillery and a command of cavalry. Of these, two regiments of infantry and three pieces of artillery were on the opposite side of the creek. The balance of the infantry was composed of two Georgia regiments under Gen. Howell Cobb which beat a hasty retreat on the approach of the Union forces. From the army before Corinth the following news relating to Gen. Halleck's army and also late news from the South derived from deserters is received: During the last two days nothing has transpired except picket skirmishing and that quite light. It is positively known that Beauregard intended making a general attack but feared our left was too strong. Memphis deserters unite in saying that he had his whole force outside of his entrenchments. He had ordered a forward movement but very suddenly countermanded it. Two deserters from Natchez say that on the 17th of May, two schooners and our gunboats anchored in the river opposite that place. The gunboats sent a yawl with a flag of truce bearing a demand for the surrender of the city. As the yawl landed a number of people had gathered to witness the proceedings and the men from the boats requested that some one in the crowd should take the dispatches and deliver them to the Mayor but no one was willing to accommodate them until at last a fisherman was prevailed upon to carry them. When he delivered the documents &c., they were found to contain a demand for the surrender of the city, which was flatly refused. A crowd of exasperated citizens took the fisherman and hung him and the gunboats gave the authorities till ten o'clock next day to determine what they should do. Advices from Cairo state that a Vicksburg paper had been received there and which contains a dispatch stating that "five Yankee gunboats arrived within range of our batteries on the 18th inst. The Commander sent a flag of truce bearing a demand for the surrender of the city. He was answered, 'if you want the city, come and take it.' The fleet then communicated with the Confederate authorities demanding the surrender of our forts, just below Vicksburg, which was promptly and pointedly refused. After this, the gunboats weighed anchor and dropped down the river to bring up the rest of the gunboats for the purpose of opening the bombardment. The women and children are being removed from the city by the advice of General Smith in view of the approaching conflict with the enemy." Dispatches from Colonel Daniels of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, dated Camp Legrange, Dunklin Co., Arkansas, contain accounts of the capture of the rebel steamer, Daniel E. Miller, on the St. Francis river, in that State, laden with stores and provisions and a number of troops for Memphis. The Colonel captured the pickets of the boat and came upon the boat itself before it was out of rifle shot distance. In response to a command to lay to, the enemy sent a volley of musketry. We then brought a brass six-pounder to bear upon them which, after sending one shot through her hull and another through her wheel house, killing Lieut. Col. Lewis and one private and wounding three others, caused the streamer to surrender. About sixty prisoners were taken, including one Colonel. No loss on the Federal side. The news from Gen. Banks' army is that he has been attacked by a superior force of the enemy, compelled to fall back and the enemy pursing him towards Maryland, intending to enter that State and make a demonstration against the Capital. The following dispatch from Gen. Banks dated Martinsburg, May 25, 2:40 p.m., gives the particulars: "The rebels attacked us this morning at day break in great force. Their number was estimated at 15,000 consisting of Ewell's and Jackson's divisions. The fire of the pickets began with daylight and was followed by the artillery until the lines were fully under fire on both sides. The left wing stood firmly, holding its ground well and the right did the same for some time, until two regiments broke the lines, under the fire of the enemy. The right wing fell back. We were ordered to withdraw and the troops passed through the town in considerable confusion. They were quickly reformed on the other side and continued their march in good order to Martinsburg, where they arrived at 2:40 p. m., a distance of 22 miles. Our trains are in advance and will cross the river in safety. Our entire force engaged was less than four thousand, consisting of Gordon's and Donnelly's brigades with two regiments of cavalry, under Gen. Hatch, and two batteries of artillery. Our loss is considerable as was that of the enemy, but cannot now be stated. We were reinforced by the Tenth Maine which did good service and a regiment of cavalry. A prisoner captured this evening says that the rebel force in our rear is to be strengthened; that their purpose is to enter Maryland at two points, Harper's Ferry and Williamsport. He confirms all we have heard in regard to the rebel force here. We all cross the Potomac tonight safe, men, trains, and all I think, making a march of thirty-five miles." The city of Baltimore has again been the scene of considerable excitement, growing out of the reported death of Col. Kenley, a resident of that city. A dispatch says: The announcement that Col. Kenley had not been killed it the rebel attack on Front Royal was received with shouts of applause by the Union men who thronged the newspaper bulletins on Sunday morning. The secessionist having been imprudent enough to exult over the defeat of Colonel Kenley and his probable death, produced an intense excitement among the Union men. The intense felling is explained by the fact that Colonel Kenley's regiment, which is reported to have suffered so severely, belongs here, and the friends and relatives of the men are stung to madness by the exultings of the rebel sympathizers. All who utter disloyal sentiments are knocked down without the slightest scruple. The crowd is demanding the display of Union flags from all the prominent buildings. The prominent secessionists have all disappeared from the streets. The military, however, have taken no part in these movements. It will be seen by the following order from Gen. Meigs, that the President has taken possession of all the railroads in the United States: "By virtue of the authority vested by the act of Congress, the President takes military possession of all the railroads in the United States from and after May 25th until further order and directs that the respective railroad companies, their officers and servants shall hold themselves in readiness for the transportation of troops and munitions of war as may be ordered by the military authorities to the exclusion of all other business. By the order of the Secretary of War." Pennsylvanians in the Field Pennsylvania has now one hundred and fifteen regiments enrolled of which all but one are in active service. The latter is nearly full and will be ready to take the field in a few days. The total number in the service of the State is given at one hundred and thirteen thousand, of which, however, it is safe to say there are not more than one hundred thousand now on duty, if indeed, there be quite so many. The condition of the Pennsylvania troops is all that could be desired. They are in a high state of discipline and are provided with everything essential to their comfort and efficiency. Besides the immense force which the State has equipped and put in the field, the artillery arm of the service has been greatly strengthened, until now we doubt if there be a State in the Union that can, in this respect, compare with us. All the old guns have been remounted and fitted for service and as they stand ranged in front of the armory, present quite a formidable appearance. It is the intention to send these guns to Philadelphia, where they will be kept until such time as the State may need their service. From Our Volunteers, Co. C, Capt. Williams, 19th Regular Infantry Camp near Corinth, Miss. 19th Inf., U.S.A., May 13, 1862 We are now on the "sacred soil" of Mississippi and with the exception that just in this region it is deuced mean soil we find nothing in it different from other portions of Mother Earth. Our camp is located in a beautiful wood where the heather is charming and the climate delightful and we now luxuriate in all the beauties of spring in the balmy South. We received a day or two since, THE ALLEGHANIAN containing the extract from the Philadelphia PRESS complimenting Co. C for their bravery. It was read by the boys with glowing cheeks and dimmed eyes for they felt that their heroism had been appreciated and their friends and relatives at home had reason to be proud of them. But "fair play is a jewel," and it should be remarked here that it was not Co. C alone that charged upon those batteries through that deadly fire. The charge was made by twenty-one companies of regulars composed of battalions of the 15th, 16th and 19th regiments Infantry. It was a glorious movement! Capt. Williams is one of the most reckless officers I ever saw and by some means has infused the same spirit into Co. C. If he were to tell them he intended leading them to certain destruction and then entered them forward, I verily believe every man would follow! He clapped his company right into the blazing fire when the charge had been sounded by the buglers and the boys, in spite of the solid shot and canister rained on them, charged home on Secesh with a yell. Our battalion was badly cut up at Shiloh, owing to the fact that the regulars were placed in the advance and the fire of the enemy concentrated on us. Our brigade, we were subsequently informed by wounded and captured Seceshers, had fought Gen. John C. Breckinridge's brigade, composed of Kentuckians and Tennesseans. We went at them at about nine A. M. and fought until twelve, when they caved. Then went up one of those wild exultant huzzas which only men can give who have whipped their foe. I need not explain to you what men who have picked squirrels off trees in little Cambria can do when called upon to pick off rebels at a hundred yards with rifled Springfields. Suffice it to say that when the enemy brought their cannons to play upon us, we soon disabled them to such an extent as to prevent their taking them from the field. Cannoniers and horses were laid low in all directions. You have read accounts from all quarters of the battle so I will not bore you with mine. I would merely remark that the firing was most terrific. I could hear the trees crashing all around us as the solid shot and shell flew over us and sometimes into us and the canister whizzed here and there. In return we would pour showers of minis into the rebels to let them know that we were "still there." All that day we fought, determined to do or die. We knew if were we were beaten, there was no retreat, so we whipped them and whipped them well. When we were ordered to take the battery, the woods were so thick and the smoke so dense that the command became somewhat separated. Our Major, a graduate of West Point, and who has seen over twenty years' service, rode along the lines to where Co. C's position, in centre, was and roared out, "Where are those fighting Cambrians?" ""D-d if I know, Sir," answered the Sergeant Major, "they are away ahead hellward - somewhere!!" The boys had become excited and being of good bottom, found themselves right in among the six-pounders before they were aware of it. Double quick was too slow for them! So much for Shiloh. By the official reports some 18,780 are reported killed, wounded and missing. Pennsylvania has reason to be proud of her sons who held her honor in their hands on that bloody battlefield. Our present position is in the centre of the whole army. Pope's army forms our left wing and is commanded by Major General Pope in person. Buell's army is in the center and is commanded in the field by Major General Buell. Grant's army forms the right, commanded not by Gen. Grant since the surprise of the 6th but by Major General Thomas. I do not think we will have a battle for some time. The enemy is reported to be 200,000 strong behind entrenchments of a formidable nature at Corinth. If such is the case we hardly dare go at them, but rather, draw them out and then flog them. I am pained to announce that one of the bravest of our company, Ceylon Ward, of Jackson township, died on the 4th inst. He was a splendid fellow and the manner in which he handled his rifle at Shiloh stamped him a hero. His disease was congestion of the brain. I close for the present with the hope that I may shortly chronicle a victory for our side whose proportions will exceed the wildest anticipations of a - [Signed] - Regular Muster Roll of Co. A., Fifty-Fifth Pa. Vols. Below will be found a list of the officers and men of Capt. James Carroll's company, recruited principally in this county. The list was furnished us by a friend and would have been published sooner but for the fact that it was for several weeks mislaid: Commissioned Officers: Captain: James Carroll First Lieutenant: David W. Fox Second Lieutenant: John Porter Non-Commissioned Officers: First Sergeant: Abraham Alstead Sergeants: Patrick F. Hodge Wm. J. Hammond Harry Marlett Samuel Herter Corporals: Samuel Brindle John Orner Richard Sharp Celestine M'Mullen Robert M'Combie John M'Laughlin Michael Short John Harlin Musicians: Franklin Billinger Charles Fetter Privates: E. Bender G. P. Barnacle H. Bennett George Delany Michael Cawley B. Delany John Donelson James Driskel George Dunmire Robert Dougherty Lawrence Delger Andrew Dougherty Patrick Daisy Elias Edmiston James J. Flick Casper Flaugh James Fagan Aug Flanagan John Flenner William Gallagher Joseph Gross Patrick F. Hughes Samuel Hartman Robert H. Hainey William Johnston W. G. Krise Robert Kaylor Charles Kaylor Michael A. Kline James Kline Michael Kerrigan James Litzinger Abraham Lingafelt Aaron Lingafelt Thomas M'Connell Robert M'Kim John D. Moreland James Mills Felix J. M'Guire John P. M'Guire Richard P. M'Guire Peter M'Guire Bernard M'Tamany [son of Mary Bradley & Hugh McTamany, Washington Twp] John M'Dowell Hugh M'Tamany [son of Mary Bradley & Hugh McTamany, Washington Twp] A. J. M'Mullen Alfred Martz John N. Nagle Daniel Reneger William R. Rainey Thomas Robinson James Riley Jacob B. Reneger John A. Storm Robert Scott Joseph Storm Peter Shoffner John Varley Aug Wilt Joseph Wherry James H. Wagner James A. Wharton Peter Wible Paul Wible Augustin Zerbee At last accounts, the Fifty-Fifth regiment was stationed at Edisto Island, South Carolina.