NEWS: The Alleghanian; 23 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, 23 Apr 1863 Volume 4, Number 30 Personal Lieut. R. M. Jones of Co. A, 11th Penna. Reserves, at home on furlough for several weeks past, returned to hospital at Washington city on Friday. His wound, received at the second Bull Run battle is not entirely healed, but he confidently expects to be able to rejoin his company in a short time. Sergt. Charles Fagan of Co. A, 11th Penna. Reserves, David James of same company and regiment and Lewis Edwards of Co. F, 133d Penna. Vols., have arrived here. The former is on a ten days' furlough and the two latter have been honorably discharged. Lumber Item The recent heavy rains have swollen the various streams in this section to such an extent that the Susquehanna river is now in prime condition for rafting. A gentleman from the north of the county assures us that unusual actively prevails among the lumbermen of that region and that a vast amount of timber is being floated down to market. At Patchin's Mills, he counted no less than seventy-five rafts in one day on their "winding way," each one worth probably one thousand dollars. The aggregate value of this single lot would be seventy-five thousand dollars, from which may be gathered some slight estimate of the extent of the business done during "the season." Lumber never commanded a better sale than at present, and the indications are that the thrift and industry of the hardy pioneers of the forest during the winter will be amply rewarded. So mite it be! From Our Volunteers Letter from Co. F, 133d Penna. Vols. Forward March! Items of Interest Camp near Falmouth, Va. April 13, 1863 This week I have nothing of much importance to communicate. The men are still in winter quarters but I am of the opinion that ere long we will move out of them. The weather is pleasant and last night, we had just enough rain to lay the dust. The roads are in good condition for the transportation of trains and artillery and I do not see how we can remain inactive much longer. Lately our boys have been kept quite busy drilling, reviewing, &c. Wednesday we were reviewed in corps by the President, Gen. Hooker and the corps commanders of whom there were several present. Also I noticed upon the field several ladies – some in the saddle, but the greater portion comfortably seated in ambulances. It was an imposing sight, the vast army of men massed in long lines, with glittering arms and equipments, presenting to treason's foul face a solid front of honest flesh and blood and the heart of the chief of the Nation must have swelled with emotion, as he gazed upon the scene. First the President escorted by Gen. Hooker, the corps commanders, and a large and brilliant staff, rode before each column. The day was quite cool and all parties evidently felt the effects of the raw wind. After this part of the programme had been concluded, each regiment by division passed before the President. This is the most critical part of the review, and it is here the well trained soldier exhibits his good qualities. Among the regiments whose marching excited universal attentions was the 114th Penna. Vols., better known as Collis' Zouaves de Afrique. There were many more whose maneuverings were well executed, but I had no means of ascertaining names or numbers. Of course, modesty forbids my saying anything of the 133d. Mr. Lincoln's careworn features give sufficient evidence that, as the choice of a great nation, he feels and appreciates the difficulties and perils of his position. Yet I thought I could detect a faint smile playing around his mouth as he rode down the lines. I have no doubt it did his honest heart good to see us. May he be enabled by the blessing of God to conduct to a glorious termination this miserable and unholy rebellion is the prayer of every true patriot. Yesterday we were hurriedly drawn into line to be reviewed by Gen. Fogliardi, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of Switzerland. He was escorted by the regiments by Gen. Humphreys and staff. Gen. Fogliardi being unable to speak our language readily, the greater portion of the conversation on his part was by means of gestures. He is a fine looking officer, handsome in form and features, and is probably forty or forty-five years of age. For the information of your readers, I send you a list of our corps, division, brigade, regiment and company commanders. Maj. Gen. Meade commands the 5th Army corps to which our regiment is attached. Brig. Gen. Humphreys commands the division, consisting of Tyler's and Allabach's brigades. Col. P. H. Allabach of the 131st P. V., commands the brigade of which the 133d forms a part. Lieut. Col. Wm. A. M'Cartney is at present commander of the regiment and Lieut. Flanagan of Co. F. Last night after tattoo, we received orders to have our knapsacks packed and be ready to move at eight o'clock this morning, if not sooner. The command was not altogether unexpected for during the evening a dozen different rumors had been flying through camp and we were on the qui vive for something to occur. But although it is now five P. M., we have not yet started. The presumption is that a large force of Union cavalry has by this time crossed the river on a reconnaissance and the intention of the order was to have us in readiness to assist should our services be required. During the morning to the right of camp we could plainly see long lines of horses and men marching in the direction of the river. From the extent of the force engaged, I have no doubt important results will follow. No general engagement may occur but the supposition is not very plausible. The time since they left is too short to learn what they have accomplished. On the 10th of this month there was a general muster of the army for the purpose of ascertaining the real number of men in active service. By the muster the President will ascertain the number of men requisite to fill the three year regiments to the original complement and the number of men needed to take the places of the two year and nine month troops. The copperheads of the North tell you our army is demoralized, but this is not the truth – quite the contrary. Any man who reiterates the statement is a traitor and a liar. I have never seen the men in better spirits and trim than they are at present. They enjoy good health and are well fed – two most important items in the composition of a large force. Much praise is due Gen. Hooker of his untiring efforts to bring the army to its present effective condition. The General looks hale and hearty and seems well pleased with his men. He is winning a firm hold in their affections. Major. Gen. Meade is also a good officer and the corps is fortunate in having him as its commander. Later – This, Tuesday morning, we have had eight days rations issued to us and tomorrow we move – but to what point it is impossible to tell. We may cross the river for the purpose of engaging the enemy at some point and another surmise is that we start for home by way of White Plains and Harper's Ferry. Time alone will unfold the facts but we all feel certain that a long tramp is in store for us. We will have a heavy load to march under for I assure you eight days food for a soldier is not little affair in addition to knapsack, blankets, overcoat, gun, equipment, &c. [Signed] Cambria Military Matters in the West Headquarters Pioneer Brigade Army of the Cumberland Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 6, 1863 It has been a long time since your ever welcome journal has been received, owing probably to the fact of my not informing you that I have been detached and am now in the Pioneer Brigade. This brigade is composed of detachments from each regiment in this department, each detachment consisting of one commissioned and two non- commissioned officers and twenty-one privates. It numbers in all (including Pontoniers Pack Mule Train and Construction Train) over three thousand three hundred men and is commanded by Brig. Gen. J. St. C. Morton of the Engineer Corps of the regular army – an efficient officer. There are also attached to the brigade two batteries, one known as the "Board of Trade," from Chicago and the other as "Bridge's Battery." Today Gen. Van Cleve's division returned from a five days scout in the direction of Liberty. They were out a distance of forty miles from here. They captured fifteen or twenty prisoners and brought in a large quantity of forage. During the trip the rebels captured two of our men, but fearing a recapture, they lashed them to a tree and shot them, killing one instantly and wounding the other. The wounded man extricated himself and was brought into camp with the division. The bullet lodged in the fleshy part of his neck, but was removed by the surgeons. A man, representing himself as hailing from the eastern part of Maine and calling himself by name of Locke and who had been in this department over a month, selling songs to the soldiers was arrested today just outside the lines. He was taken to Gen. Negley's headquarters and afterward placed in confinement in the guard house with ball and chain appendages attached. A drawing and plan of the earthworks, fortifications, &c., were found on his person. Subsequently while the sentinel was asleep on his post, Locke attempted to make his escape and by so doing awakened the cavalryman, who, picking up the sentinel's gun started in pursuit, crying, "halt!" But Locke paid not the least attention to him; and the cavalryman discharged his weapon, the ball taking effect in the fugitive's leg. This brought him to a stand but only for a moment. Determined to make good his escape Locke started again, when the cavalryman fired the second time, the ball taking effect in his breast, killing him almost instantly. On the 10th inst., a private of the 26th O. V. I. will be shot for deserting in the face of the enemy on the 31st of last December. A private of the 6th Ky. Inf., will also be shot on the 14th inst., for being absent without leave for more than a year. Rosecrans is keeping the rebels on a move all the time. He is as watchful of their movements as a general can possibly be. They do not get a chance to mass a force in front of him without his knowing. He is not to be caught napping. On the contrary he is willing and anxious to receive them at all hours and at all times. The army is in good condition and do not complain of anything, except it be of Northern "Copperheads," the course of whom they abhor and despise. Vallandigham and his clique of compromise shrickers are in bad odor here. The boys aver that they are traitors of the deepest dye, and should receive the doom of traitors. I concur with them. Spring has set in and everything looks green and beautiful. The peach trees have been in bloom here for over two weeks. [Signed] Space-Driver From St. Augustine [Extracts from lengthy article] A friend sends us the particulars of a Copperhead meeting held at St. Augustine, this county, on the 13th inst., from which we glean the following information. Joseph Moyers was elected to preside over the deliberations of the assemblage, assisted by a number of Vice Presidents, &c. Daniel Litzinger was first requested to address the meeting but failed to respond. R. L. Johnston, Esq., was thereupon invited to come forward and un-bosom himself. This he did in his stereotyped style. He denounced the Administration in good set terms, averring that it and not the South had brought on the war; condemned the Conscript act as unconstitutional; had a few words to offer concerning the Crittenden Compromise and vehemently cautioned his hearers against turning a listening ear to the allurement of Union Leagues. In the speaker's estimation, they were nothing but the "Dark Lantern" organization revived under a new name. This extraordinary statement occurs in our correspondent's epitome of Mr. J's remarks: "This war is a crusade again the South, to supplant her white population with the negro or Yankee - not much difference which." Comment on this would be superfluous! P. S. Noon was the next speaker. He was quite severe on the Administration, neither did he spare the Conscription act. Speaking to this latter measure, he said "it is unconstitutional and he was ready to stand up with one and all at home to oppose it to the bitter end." Come one, come all! this rock shall fly from its firm base as soon as I – or any other man! This was about all. It amounted to nothing more nor less than a meeting of the "Ebensburg Democratic Club" held at St. Augustine. The same dogmas were proclaimed there, by the same men, that we have theretofore noticed as emanating from our Town Hall. [Snip] One thing is certain, however, these disaffected gatherings in this end of the county, are the sole work of a few political harpies of the Loco-Foco persuasion, who, from the cavernsome depths of the Town Hall, aspire to shape the course of their party to suit their own selfish ends. By them are the meetings called, and by them engineered through their devious windings. As a matter of course, the "rank and file" – and who don't know exactly what the rank and file of the Loco-Focoism means! – chime in to a greater or lesser extent. [Snip] The "Ebensburg Democratic Club" and its leaders are sowing the wind. They need not be surprised if, in the course of time, they reap the whirlwind. Union Meeting The Union meeting at Wilmore on Saturday was, we understand, both large and patriotic. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. Hunt and Brown of Johnstown, Daniel W. Evans of Ebensburg, Wm. A. Leavy of Loretto and Rev. Kuhlman of Wilmore. The greatest enthusiasm was manifest and everything conduced favorably toward the true interests of the Country.