NEWS: The Alleghanian; 4 Jun 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, 4 Jun 1863 Volume 4, Number 36 Return of Our Nine Months Volunteers Enthusiastic Reception Friday of last week was a gala day in Ebensburg. The 133d regiment Penna. Volunteers which had been lying in Camp Curtin after the expiration of its term of service for about a week was paid on Thursday and the morning following the companies composing it started for their respective destinations. Our company – Co. F – arrived here at 10:30 A. M. They were met at the cars by a procession consisting of the entire population of town, men, women and children. After three times three had been given for the "boys," and the usual amount of hand shaking and greeting was had, the procession, headed by Chief Marshal D. O. Evans and the rear brought up by the company took up its line of march traversing High street to the west extreme and returning to the "Diamond." On the route a number of flags had been suspended across the street, for each of which the boys gave three rousing cheers. Three cheers were also given THE ALLEGHANIAN – a compliment we highly appreciate and feel proud of. At the residence of the late Adjutant Noon as also at the office formerly occupied by the lamented Captain Jones, both of which were draped in mourning, suitable tributes of respect were paid. Returning to the Diamond, a Welcome address was delivered by Mr. D. J. Jones, in substantially the following words: "Fellow Citizens and Soldiers of Co. F, 133d P.V.: With pleasure we hail your return and meet you this day to extend to you a friendly welcome. Nine months ago you left the peaceful avocations of life, exchanging the weapons of the arts of peace for those of war and promptly responded to your country's call to serve in the army of the Union. During that eventful period you have endured the hardships and privations incident to a soldier's life and passed through the ordeal of battle. You went forth strong in the righteousness of the cause in which you had enlisted – the preservation of our Government and the perpetuation of our free institutions. Faithfully and gallantly you performed your duty. Although not in all cases so successful as you desired, yet your devotion is none the less appreciated by a loyal people and you this day deserve and receive the praise and gratitude of all loyal citizens. But our joy this day is not unmixed with grief for we fail to discern in your thinned ranks, the bright and manly faces of brave comrades who departed with you. Where is your beloved Captain Jones, your respected and esteemed Lieut. Scott, your companions in arms, R. M. and John M. Jones, Humphreys, Morgan, Wiggins, Bracken and others with many of whom it was our privilege to associate from boyhood? And where is your worthy Adjutant J. C. Noon? – though not of your company yet of your regiment. Many of the pleasant hours of childhood we spent together. He was high in stature – high his hopes and aspirations – high in the estimation of his comrades – pure his patriotism – unsullied his integrity – generous and kind. They have all fallen and nobly fallen at the post of duty, fighting valiantly for the honor and integrity of their country. They sacrificed their lives upon their country's altar, sealing their love and zeal for the Union with their blood. They have fought their last fight and now calmly repose on the banks of the Rappahannock, while traitors' feet pollute the soil which contains their mouldering remains. But ere long we hope to visit their graves and pay that honor which their personal worth, courage and patriotism deserve. Now, my friends, on behalf of our common country, on behalf of our noble Commonwealth and on behalf of the loyal citizens of Ebensburg, I welcome you to your homes, your families and friends and may that God who shielded and protected you in battle preserve and prosper you through life." This was responded to on the part of the company in a neat and eloquent little speech by Lieut. Samuel W. Davis. Private Ellis R. Williams also delivered a short address; whereupon the order who given to "break ranks," and the soldiers dispersed to talk to the dear ones from whom they had been separated for so many weary months. Town was most tastefully decorated at many points with arches, wreaths, flags, etc. Among the most prominent of these we may mention the arches opposite Rev. Harbison's residence; opposite the Post Office at the Diamond, opposite R. Davis' house; opposite the Logan House and opposite M. S. Harr's; the wreath extending from the Union House to Mr. Kittel's residence and the mammoth flags extended across the street at Wm. Davis', Conductor Scott's and A. A. Barker's residences. Besides these, many private houses and buildings were tastefully decorated with evergreens, flags and mottoes. Altogether town presented a most fascinating aspect and reflected credit on the good taste and liberality of the citizens. At 2 P. M. the procession was reformed and proceeded to Lloyd's Grove a short distance below town where a most sumptuous repast had been gotten up by the patriotic ladies of Ebensburg. The board absolutely groaned with the choicest viands and those who went hungry came not away unsatisfied. After the cloth had been removed, Geo. M. Reed, Esq., was called up and favored the audience with a patriotic address. Lieut. Peter Kaylor, of Co. F, 28th Penna. Vols., who was wounded at the battle of Chancellorsville and is now at home on a short leave of absence, was also introduced and delivered a brief speech, replete with patriotism and common sense. In the evening the exercises were varied according to the tastes of those participating. A ball was given at the Arcade, at which many were present, while other forms of amusement were open so that all were enabled to enjoy themselves to the utmost. That they did so, without reservation, was a self- evident fact. Home again! How it filleth the heart with felicity unspeakable to know that our dear friends – those who left us nine months agone for the uncertain career of patriot-soldiers – are with us once more. Many of their original number there be who, in the campaign, have gone down to the quiet rest of a glorious martyrdom – while we sorrow and mourn that these have gone from us forever, let us not fail to rejoice that so many have returned, buoyant with life and hope to the bosoms of their families and friends. The memory of the fallen heroes will be cherished forever; while those who have been spared, what may we say of them, other than that they have done their duty and we are proud of them! The boys all appear in good condition, notwithstanding the arduous nature of the service they have been called upon to perform. They speak in glowing terms of Gen. Hooker and say he is the idol of the entire army. Their own officers, regimental and company, also come in for an unlimited share of praise while the officers in turn declare the men to be brave soldiers – heroes all. We subjoin a correct record of the company, showing its original construction, promotions, list of killed, wounded, missing, those who died of disease, &c. Captain: John M. Jones, killed at Fredericksburg Lieutenants: 1st: William A. Scott, killed at Fredericksburg 2d: Francis M. Flanagan, promoted to Capt. Mar. 25 '63 Sergeants: 1st: James J. Will 2d: J. O. Brookback 3rd: M. Nathan Bracken, missing since battle of Fredericksburg 4th: John N. Evans, wounded at Fredericksburg, discharged Feb. 14, 1863 5th: John O. Evans Corporals: Samuel W. Davis: promoted to Sergeant; to 2d Lieut. Nathan Sanders: wounded at Fredericksburg Meshach Thomas James M. Thompson Valentine S. Barker: detailed Adj. Clerk; reg. postmaster Hugh J. Humphreys: killed at Fredericksburg Joseph F. Stearus Peter Urban Musician: Andrew J. Litzinger Wagoner: John W. Griffith Privates: Aerhart, Peter Bennet, Richard J.: wounded at Fredericksburg Berkey, George W.: wounded at Fredericksburg Broombaugh, John Burns, Patrick A. Blanchard, Melville G. Burns, Patrick Conrad, Stephen Carland, Henry Davis, Wm. J.: discharged Feb. 7, 1863 Deveraux, Thomas T. Deveraux, Robert: wounded at Fredericksburg Davis, Thomas D. Evans, Hosea J. Evans, William M.: died of wounds received at Fredericksburg Evans, Andrew E. Evans, Thomas Evans, Hugh E.: wounded at Fredericksburg Evans, Elbridge, G.: taken prisoner at Fredericksburg and paroled Evans, David Edwards, Lewis R.: discharged Edleblute, James M. Frank, Cyrus H. Fox, John: killed at Fredericksburg Gibson, William D Gallagher, Wilson Gilsan, Samuel S.: discharged March 23, 1863 Hughes, John W. Horn, Henry P. Humphreys, Edward J. Jones, Richard M.: missing since battle of Fredericksburg Jones, Alexander Jones, Edward Jr. Jones, John M.: killed at Fredericksburg Jones, William W. Jones, Milton: wounded at Fredericksburg Jones, Evan E.: wounded at Fredericksburg Keith, Levi Keith, Peter: died March 18, 1863 Kinsel, Joseph Krise, Valentine W. Kimball, John Kallansee, Daniel L.: killed at Fredericksburg Long, Daniel: wounded at Fredericksburg Lewis, David D. Longwell, James M. Lamer, Samuel M'Closkey, Benj. F. G. M'Munagle, L. H. M'Dowell, Richard B. Mack, Joseph Michael, Evan J. Morgan, David: killed at Fredericksburg Moore, Levi: killed at Fredericksburg Makin, William: wounded at Fredericksburg Melhorn, Peter: wounded at Fredericksburg Howell, William W. Miller, Joseph, wounded at Fredericksburg; discharged Mar. 27, 1863 Powell, Daniel: died Dec. 28, 1862 Parker, Joseph W. Patterson, Edward, pro. to Corp. Mar. 1 '63 Roberts, Edwin E.: died Jan. 17, 1863 Singer, Robert H. Severance, Levi Severance, Albian A., taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and paroled Snyder, Tobias Snyder, Lewis Shinefelt, Christian: wounded at Fredericksburg; discharged Shoffner, Martin: wounded at Fredericksburg Sutton, Francis A. Stiles, Elbridge: pro. Corp, Nov. 1862 Thomas, David: discharged May 2, 1863 Thompson, John A.: pro to Com Sergeant Jan. 1, 1863 Tibbott, William R. Williams, Ellis R. Whitehead, James W. Weakland, Demetrious Wiggins, John F: died Dec. 31 of wounds received at Fredericksburg Waugheman, R. E. R. Local and Personal Cyrus Elder, Esq., has become assistant Editor of the Johnstown TRIBUNE. He is a chaste and vigorous writer and will no doubt do good service toward affording the people of the county a proper supply of sound orthodox Union pabulum. Success. A meeting of the Ebensburg Union League will be held in the Court House this (Wednesday) evening at lamp lighting. Eminent speakers will be present and address the meeting. Johnstown Soldiers Home Cos. A and B, 133d Pa. Vols., arrived at Johnstown on Friday and Co. K., 136th, on Monday following. We presume they met with a cordial reception. The Cambria county nine months men have all now reached their homes. Court The attendance at Court this week is unusually large and the indications are that a large amount of business will be transacted. We will give an abstract of the most important cases in our next issue. Late War News No movement of Gen. Hooker's army has yet taken place. Late news seem to indicate that General Lee is making a movement northward and from various reasons it is inferred that he contemplates threatening Ohio with invasion, although as yet this cannot be definitely determined. Large columns of the enemy were traced on Friday by the lines of dust in the rear of their river front moving in the direction of Kelly's Ford and Culpepper. The rebel infantry guard at Bank's and United States fords has been considerably increased within the past day or two which is construed in some quarters as a ruse to cover the movement of a raid by Stuart's cavalry via Culpepper and Rappahannock Station. In Washington it was believed that Hooker's line was soon to be attacked. Government on Southern Deserters and Refugees The Government has begun to put in force a new rule by which effectually to prevent pretended deserters and refugees from the Rebel army from returning South with information for the enemy which they have acquired while wearing the mask of suffering loyalty and enjoying the freedom of parole. It has been determined that all who call themselves deserters shall be sent, as soon as they arrive within our lines, to Philadelphia, where the oath of allegiance will be administered to them, and an additional oath by which they bind themselves not to go further South than Philadelphia, under the penalty of being treated as spies. Forty were sent yesterday to Philadelphia and thirty more go tomorrow. Vicksburg The War Department has dispatches from Gen. Grant as late as Monday last. They represent the siege as progressing satisfactorily and that Gen. Grant was abundantly able to keep up his investment of the town and repel any attack upon the rear of his army. We have some unofficial reports from the West, said to have been brought by a boat which left Vicksburg on Monday. These reports are to this effect: "On Friday the Union troops were repulsed. Gen. Grant, however, had captured every rebel redoubt. At once place it was necessary, owing to the steepness of the hill, to scale it with ladders. Gen. Hovey led the assault. The Rebels rolled their shells down the hill at the Unionists, which exploded among them, making fearful havoc. The Union losses are said to be very heavy." This we presume refers to Friday's fighting. Another dispatch, dated Saturday, say: "There has been no fighting today. The troops are resting from yesterday's assault. Our repulse was complete in all parts of the line. No discouragement seed be entertained of our final success. We are entrenching ourselves and building rifle pits. Cavalry have been sent out towards Canton to ascertain the whereabouts of Gen. Johnston's forces. Our loss yesterday was not far from 1,000." About 4,500 rebel prisoners taken by Gen. Grant at Memphis yesterday; also the first boat-load of wounded. The facts of the situation at Vicksburg are thus summed up by high authority. Gen. Grant has step by step driven the Rebels into their interior entrenchments, turning the others against them. They, however, have troops to relieve each other as often as may be desired in defending that line of their works. But he is continuing without serious, if any, molestation from Johnston so far to assail successfully but gradually, in order to take as much care as he should take of the lives of this troops engaged in the desperate fighting of such a siege. The Prospect of Rebel Invasion For the past two or three weeks there have been various significant intimations that the rebel General Lee seriously contemplates a repetition of his former disastrous attempt to invade Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Richmond papers have not only advocated such a movement, but one of them has hinted that necessary preparations are now being made. We do not regard it as at all improbable. It is known that nearly all the rebel troops that could be spared from North and South Carolina have lately been hurried to Virginia and the army of General Lee is doubtless stronger by fifty thousand men than it was in the recent battles. It is known that it is General Lee's invariable plan, previous to making any important movements, thoroughly to reconnoiter the country with his cavalry; and the late raid of Imboden would seem to have been in the nature of a reconnaissance. These are the only positive facts at present in our possession from which the probability of an invasion may be inferred; but there are quite a number of reasons why the rebels should desire to make such a movement. The army under Lee cannot maintain its present position of defense and remain inactive through the weary summer months; nothing could be more destructive to the morale of the rebel troops, or more disheartening in its influence upon Southern people. The belief that the Army of the Potomac was badly crippled in the recent battles has been sedulously inculcated by the newspaper press of the South, and the impression is doubtless general that it would be powerless to oppose a rebel advance. The enemy are well aware that in some few of the interior counties of this State, a latent sentiment of disloyalty exists which seeks no better pretext for asserting itself than a favorable opportunity. They see that unless the theatre of war is transferred at once to the old battle ground of Manassas or still farther north, another conflict must decide the downfall of the capital. Invasion, though it should yield them no material advantages, might be attended with serious results to us, and would give their cause an added prestige abroad. The mere fact that it had been attempted would inspire the Southern people, temporarily, and infuse new energy into their arms. The army of General Lee is now so strong that probably from fifty to seventy-five or even one hundred thousand men could be detached for the purpose of carrying out the scheme, without abandoning the position of Fredericksburg or leaving Richmond dangerously exposed. Such being the situation, it is highly probable that a second invasion of the free States will be attempted. The duty of the authorities is plain. Their responsibilities are weighty; and both, we rejoice to see, have been accepted in their fullest sense. The telegraph has already informed us that a council of war has been held to consider the subject and that General Hooker is not disposed to underrate its importance. We have likewise been told that Governor Curtin and Major General Schenck have been in consultation with the authorities at Washington with the view of providing for the defense of the State. Timely precautions may avert the threatened danger. When we were menaced in the same way eight months ago, we made it a subject of merriment. We have grown wise in these months; we have learned that we do not avoid an evil because we shut our eyes to it; and if we would combat it successfully, we must stare it full in the face. This is what the authorities now seem to be doing and therefore we entertain but little apprehension for the future. The Riot in Harrisburg The riot which broke out in Harrisburg on Monday evening between the soldiers from Camp Curtin and the negroes of the "Bull Run" quarter, renewed some of its violence on Tuesday night. The riot grew originally from a quarrel between a colored liquor dealer and some soldiers whom he alleged refused to pay him after drinking though the soldiers assert the contrary. A collision occurred and the negro had some of the party arrested. The news reached Camp Curtin and soon a whole regiment appeared who commenced a savage attack upon the residence of the liquor dealer, Toop. An exasperated negro says a correspondent of the INQUIRER, firing at the soldiers from a concealed place, shot one of them, a member of the 136th Regiment through the hand. In returning the fire, the soldier by accident hit a comrade of the 134th, the ball passing through his left side, inflicting a painful though not dangerous wound. The scene then became wild and tumultuous. Still more infuriated, the soldiers proceeded to the centre of the negro quarters and with yells and shouts battered the windows and gutted houses for squares. On Tuesday evening says the Harrisburg TELEGRAPH disturbances recommenced by an unearthly shrieking and screaming in the locality known as "Bull Run," formerly called "Judystown," at the lower end of Third street. The soldiers had commenced an attack on the dwellings occupied by the colored people in this vicinity and made sad havoc while their sport lasted, compelling the inmates of the houses to fly to another locality, and breaking the windows, doors and furniture in a reckless and dastardly manner. Their triumph was exceedingly short lived after the police heard of the disturbance and their early arrival on the ground, slackened the operations of the mob and compelled them to retreat to the alleys in the vicinity, by which all of them, except one, effected their escape. Nine shots were fired at the fugitives without effect, causing them to retreat and scatter in every direction. Barney Campbell conveyed his prisoner to the Mayor's office where he was committed to prison and immediately locked up. This victory by the police had the effect of quieting the lower section of the city for the night but only increased the depredations of the soldiers elsewhere, until a squad of fourteen were arrested on Ridge road by the provost guard, who were patrolling the vicinity. The prisoners had an escort assigned to them and were marched down to the jail in Walnut street in which the provost guard thought the prisoners would surely be confined. What was their surprise however when the Mayor appeared, addressed a few remarks to the prisoners and ordered their release. Some of the guard protested against this command, stating it was no encouragement to march through the streets until midnight after unlawful and roving depredators and then, when these same depredators are caught, to release them without even a hearing. This had no effect on the Mayor however; he persisted in this order, and the men were released. From that time until morning no further disturbance was noticed and today there is but one person under arrest to answer the call of justice for the numerous and devilish deeds done in this city the past two days by a lawless mob.