NEWS: The Alleghanian; 9 Apr 1863; Ebensburg, Cambria Cnty., PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, 9 Apr 1863 Volume 4, Number 28 Capt. F. M. Flanagan We have heretofore neglected noticing the promotion of this gentleman, formerly Second Lieutenant of Co. F, 133d Penna. Vols., to the Captaincy of same company. He has, we believe, been duly commissioned and is now in the field in performance of the duties of his office. Capt. F. is exceedingly popular with his command and was their unanimous choice for the position he now fills. That he is worthy of the confidence reposed in him and that under his care and direction Co. F will lose none of the laurels it has so nobly won, we are morally certain. Success! Unfortunate Accident We are sorry to learn that Lieut. R. M. Jones of Co. A, 11th Pa. Reserves who was severely wounded at the second battle of Bull Run and had just become able to walk without crutches was considerably injured one day last week by being thrown from a horse. He had intended returning to his company on Monday, but the mishap will probably prevent his so doing for some time. We wish him a speedy convalescence. Save the Pieces Dr. Thompson pays cash for old blank books, old books, pamphlets, newspapers &c., at the Post Office. Fetch 'em along! From Our Volunteers Letter from Co. F, 133d Penna. Vols. Regimental War Meeting Death Reinstatement and Promotion of Lieut. Flanagan, &c. Camp Near Falmouth, Va. April 2, 1863 There is little of special importance to communicate at this writing. The spring season is rapidly advancing upon us and until lately the roads had dried up to such an extent under the influence of the blustering March winds that we began to confidently anticipate active operations. But "man proposes and God disposes," and for nearly a week we have had a delightful succession of rainy and snowy weather, mostly at night, completely spoiling our calculations as to a forward move. The climate here is so fickle that it cannot be depended upon for twenty-four hours at a time. Last year the most severe snow storm of the winter occurred in March after the advance had been made upon Manassas. Today may be clear and pleasant; at night a storm may gather and burst upon us and tomorrow we are enveloped in mud. Such is life on the "sacred soil!" Under the circumstances, military movements are in a beautiful state of uncertainty just now. From certain indications which are being developed around us, however, you need not be surprised to hear of stirring events at an early hour. In pursuance of a call made by several privates of this regiment, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held on Wednesday evening, 25th ult., to give expression to the soldiers' disqualified disapprobation of the course of those at home who are withholding their support from or are opposing the Administration, as also to pass resolutions approving the formation of Union Leagues. The meeting was called exclusively for the privates and non- commissioned officers, in order to give refutation to the oft-repeated assertion that the sentiment of regimental war meetings is always moulded to suit the peculiar view of the staff and line officers. By the private soldiers was it called and by them and them alone engineered to a successful termination. Several eloquent speeches were delivered by gentlemen of conflicting political opinion, among whom I may mention Sergt. Heyer, Joseph M. Horton and Wm. R. Jones, all of your county. That these favored the stern and vigorous prosecution of the war until Traitors unconditionally throw down their arms and submit, and were unalterably opposed to all dishonorable and unmanly compromises, it were almost unnecessary for me to state. Resolutions expressive of the sense of the assemblage were adopted amidst the wildest enthusiasm. The 133d is for war to the knife against Rebels in arms and toward those unholy miscreants in the North who are endeavoring by every means in their power to embarrass the Administration and retard the progress of our armies to victory, they cherish a deep seated and almost incontrollable feeling of animosity. [See full proceedings of this meeting on first page of today's pager – [Ed. ALLEGH.] We learn with sincere regret of the death of another of our number – Peter Keith, a faithful soldier who a couple of weeks since died in hospital at Frederick, Md. It was not his fate to meet death, nor wounds which cause death, on the field of contest, yet his blood is none the less upon the skirts of those who are seeking the country's overthrow. Thus, of that band of men, who, a few months since, left their mountain homes to set their part in preserving the integrity of that government which had fostered and protected them, one after another has passed away until now the names of fifteen brave heroes can be traced on the list of martyrs in a just cause. Our revered Captain Jones; the lamented Lieut. Scott; generous, high-toned Richard M. Jones – but why harass the spirit by dwelling on their names! They have fallen nobly, albeit victims to miserable treason. And, yet there are men to be found, our very neighbors who cry out, Peace! Compromise! let the precious blood of the fallen brave go for nought! Oh! - Hardest of all to bear! You have probably heard ere this of the reinstatement of Lieut. F. M. Flanagan, and his promotion to the Captaincy of our company. We were in great want of commissioned officers and his appearance amongst us was hailed with delight. The Captain is a universal favorite with his command and his promotion is considered a simple act of justice to a deserving man. C. T. Roberts, R. Litzinger and R. H. Thompson, of our town paid us a brief visit within the past few days. We were glad to see them. [Signed] E. R. W. Anti-War Meeting Washington Twp. On the Rampage For confirmation of the fact that "sum annix" may be found in Washington Township – of blessed memory! – read: Hemlock, March 30, 1863 To the Editor of the Alleghanian: On Saturday evening, 28th inst., the Breckinridge Democracy of this section met at the school house at No. 4, Washington township for the purpose of counseling together as to the manifold troubles that now afflict the nation and to compare views on the abominable Conscription Bill, &c. After the requisite number of officers had been appointed, M. M. Adams (the man who wanted to be Senator, but couldn't make the landing) was called upon to relieve himself of a speech. This he did in his usual style. He made a number of heartrending charges against the Administration which didn't amount to anything, and wound up by averring that he was willing to fight for the Union in case the President would only recall that horrid Emancipation Proclamation of his and Congress repeal the Conscription Act. The President should be advised – of this decision of Mr. A – it might exercise a most potent influence on the future destines of the Republic! Next appeared on the carpet Professor Mac, who is not so great a man in dimensions as his predecessor, but infinitely larger upon the question of politics – at least in pretensions. He was opposed to pretty much everything – Abolitionists, Emancipationists, Conscriptionists and Republicans. He satisfactorily demonstrated that he was a loyal man, with sound Union principals, by reason that some ten or twelve years ago, when in the whisky-selling business he reared a sign on which was inscribed: UNION in glaring capitals. Couldn't see it in that light – couldn't your humble correspondent! Several Douglas Democrats were then invited to say something but they invariably declined. Richard Detling, Esq., was called upon to address the Germans present in their native tongue but he, possibly recollecting the advice of the lamented Douglas that every good citizen should give a hearty support to the General Government - he wasn't thar (sic) either. So, for lack of material to prolong it, the meeting ingloriously fizzled out. [Signed] Washington