NEWS: The Alleghanian; 9 Jul 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 Jul 1863 Volume 4, Number 41 Personal It is with unfeigned pleasure that we announce the convalescence of our friend, Ellis R. Williams, who, as we noticed some time since, was injured by being thrown from a horse. When he again becomes a votary of "the blind god," and starts in pursuit of "pleasure under difficulties," we hope he may meet with a more agreeable end to his visit. Local and Personal We are very sorry to learn that the small pox has made its appearance and is prevailing to a great extent in Carrolltown and vicinity. Thus far, however, we are cognizant of but one death resulting from that disease. On last Friday afternoon during the continuance of the heavy thunder shower that visited this vicinity, the barn of Mr. Thomas James, about two miles west of town was stuck by lightening. Mr. J., and two of his sons, who were within the building at the time were stunned by the electric fluid, but providentially sustained no further injury. Educational As the time for opening the country schools throughout the county for the winter term is approaching we would call the attention of Directors to a matter which has long needed reform. We refer to the serious obstacles which a teacher has to surmount in properly classifying his school. In some districts, we are aware, regular series of books have been adopted, but in very few instances has their introduction been effected – every pupil being permitted to use whatever books suits him, thereby subjecting the teacher to untold annoyance. Cannot some energetic Director in each district move in the matter and have a uniform series of text books introduced into every school room in the county. In this connection it may not be amiss to mention Mitchell's new School Geographies, comprising the Primary, Intermediate and High School works. We have examined these Geographies and also Goodrich's History of the United States and most cordially recommend them to Directors wishing to introduce good and reliable books into the schools under their care, while the merely nominal price charged, places them within reach of everyone. For further particulars we refer our readers to the Agent, D. W. Proctor, Huntingdon, Pa. Presentation We are requested to announce that the presentation of the Bible purchased by the members of the 133d Regt. Pa. Vols., for the Chaplain, Rev. A. J. Hartsock will take place in the Presbyterian church this (Thursday) evening. Rev. D. S. Harbison has been requested to represent the Regiment and present their gift and will be responded to by the recipient himself. The public are invited to be present. The Bible which is from the establishment of Wm. S. & Alfred Martien, 606 Chestnut st., Phila., presents a splendid appearance, reflecting great credit upon the firm from which it issues. The binding is of dark brown morocco, while the tablet with an inscription portraying the high respect and esteem entertained by the 133d for their Chaplain and also the clasps are of solid gold. It is indeed a fitting tribute to a worthy man. Since the above was put in type we have been informed that the selection of the Bible was entrusted to our fellow townsman, J. Patton Thompson and who displayed even more than his usual taste in purchasing the book. A Card Ebensburg, Pa., July 9, 1863 To My Friends: Having for the past two weeks been confined to my room on account of illness and, during that time, having received many tokens of care and attention, I wish to return my thanks to the loyal citizens of Ebensburg, more especially to the ladies and the members of Company F, for their uniform kindness and consideration. Mere words cannot express my gratitude but, dear friends, your courtesy and generosity shall never be forgotten. [Signed] Ellis R. Williams Letter from Our Soldiers Letter from Capt. Litzinger's Company "Change of Base" Militia in Line of Battle Grand Review at Bloody Run Bedford Springs The Fruits of Copperheadism, etc. etc. Since your correspondent wrote you last, the militia have made a "move." On Thursday, 30th ultimo, Pierce's command – formerly Milroy's – evacuated Bloody Run, coming hither, infantry, cavalry, artillery, baggage and all, and encamping on the plains adjacent to town. What this move indicates your correspondent is at a loss to know, unless indeed, Cumberland is to be the scene of future operations of the division. Yesterday and today the men composing the various regiments put in the time pleasantly by drawing new clothing so that they now present a neat as well as comfortable appearance. They are all, or soon will be, well clad and well shod. Subsequent to the departure of Pierce from Bloody Run, the militia also took their line of march, bringing up the rear of the forces. From this fact you may know that the retrogressive movement was well and ably covered. Our company, on arriving at their destination, took up their quarters in a neat and roomy barn, situated in the suburb of Bedford while Capt. Hughes' Wilmore company appropriated the Lutheran church near the centre of town. This morning we received orders from Col. Higgins, commanding the militia to report forthwith at Pattonsville, a small town in Morrison's Cove, Bedford county, some sixteen or twenty miles hence. Unless the order be countermanded, we leave for that point this afternoon. There are several hundred militia at Pattonsville already so the probabilities are we will be formed into a regiment upon our arrival there. This, at least, is a consummation devoutly to be wished. On Monday evening 29th ult., our and Capt. Hughes' companies were formed in line of battle near Bloody Run to support a battery which had been planted on the Bedford Pike to repel an anticipated attack by Rebel cavalry. After a weary wait of about an hour, during which time the Rebels failed to make their appearance, we were ordered back to our quarters. Maj. Titus of the 12th Penna. Cavalry complimented us in high terms of praise for the readiness exhibited to meet the enemy. On Sunday, 28th ultimo, Pierce's forces had a grand review at Bloody Run in which we, the militia, had the honor of participating. Although as regards uniformity of apparel, we did not and could not be expected to cope with the volunteers, yet the various evolutions as performed by us, gave entire satisfaction to the Colonel commanding. To a civilian, uninterested in the performance except as a mere spectator a review may assume the proportions of a "big thing" but the soldiers unanimously vote them an infernal bore. Your correspondent and Capt. Litzinger's company in general are no exception to the rule. Several of our company paid a visit to Bedford Springs yesterday. They report the celebrated summer resort as being a rather pleasant sort of place - the water possessed of medicinal virtue warranted to cure anything from fits down, the woods luxuriant and shady, the natural surroundings romantic and the hills reasonable. In short, judging of their description, it must be a sort of second edition of your own Cresson Springs. Bedford Springs is one mile and a quarter north of town. There are but few visitors there at present. Your correspondent may be pardoned for mentioning as he passes along that Bedford Springs have obtained their chief notoriety from the association with the name of James Buchanan, that immaculate toughface and tory being in the invariable habit of passing the dog–days at this retreat. Per sequence, the spot should have peculiar attractions for -the Rebels! Bedford county apparently is peopled principally by Copperheads - fierce, virulent Copperheads, who would rather see the Rebels obtain a firm foothold inside their limits than that any of the measures of the Administration for the squelching of the Rebellion should succeed. In proof of this assertion, your correspondent begs leave to say that, although a border county, Bedford has not a single company in the field for the "Emergency!" Like base poltroons or else traitors they appear content to rest their hopes of safety upon the efforts of others. For his part, your correspondent is free to say he would have no particular objections to the enemy making a small raid in this direction, just to show the Bedfordites what they may expect should the Rebels obtain full sway in the North. In that even, Copperhead sentiment would fall below par, don't you think? The quota of Bedford county under the last call for militia is 540 - all of which, doubtless will have to be drafted. Draft men to defend their very homes and firesides, their wives and children – that sounds nice! We have heard with pleasure that another company to repel invasion is being formed in Ebensburg. Send them down here - their lines will fall in pleasant places; that is to say, they will fall among friends. Our boys are all well and enjoying themselves muchly. They seem to take to "sojering" as naturally as a duck takes to water. When the "emergency" is over, and they return to their respective homes, the folks there are confidently expected not to know them by reason of the great improvement in their personal appearance. Yours, etc. [Signed] "Jay" Letter from Vicksburg (We have been permitted to publish the following private letter, giving an account of the writer's share in the battles of the West, and which we think will prove of interest to his many friends in this neighborhood): Before Vicksburg, Miss. June 20, 1863 Dear Brother and Sister: Some time has elapsed since you have heard directly from me and indeed, I have had but few opportunities to write to any one during the last two months, for, as you are doubtless aware, Grant's army has been actively engaged since our advent into Mississippi. A brief sketch by a participant may be of some interest to you. On the 24th of April last our division (Logan's) with two others, comprising the 7th Army Corps, left Milliken's Bend, La., by land in the direction of Grand Gulf and after a severe march of five days we arrived opposite Bruinsburg, Miss. On the evening of the 30th, we landed on the "sacred soil" of the chief state in rebeldom, and at an early hour next morning we resumed the line of march for Port Gibson, a town of some importance about nine miles from the river. When within three miles of the town, we met the enemy in considerable force and after an obstinate engagement of about eight hours, we were masters of the field. The rebels suffered severely while our loss was comparatively light. Our regiment escaped remarkably; losing but one killed and six wounded. We captured two hundred prisoners and six cannon. We next met the rebels on the 12th of May, at Raymond, in much stronger force and better position than at Port Gibson. The rebels opened upon us with a heavy artillery fire, which was soon vigorously replied to by our own and for some time it was exclusively an artillery duel. The rebel guns, however, were ultimately silenced, when the rebels, as a last resort, attempted to carry our batteries at the point of the bayonet. This of course, brought forward our infantry and the most terrific musketry fighting that I ever witnessed was kept up for about two hours. Our brigade stood the brunt of the action and our regiment was under fire for three hours. We had fired our last cartridge when two other regiments were sent to our support with the order to charge, which was done in handsome style and from that time until night, we pursed the retreating enemy, capturing trains, stragglers, guns &c. It was a most brilliant but a hard won victory. Our regiment lost in killed and wounded over 33 per cent of its number. Our Lt. Col. was killed, also five line officers and several severely wounded. My company lost six killed and ten wounded. A detail was left to bury the dead and collect the wounded while we pushed on. Although foot-sore and weary, we marched eighteen miles the day following in the direction of Jackson, the capital of the state, where we again expected to encounter the enemy and were not disappointed. Early on the morning of the 14th Grant's cannons were thundering at the portals of the capital and after a feeble resistance the rebels destroyed its army stores and fled in confusion, leaving the "mudsills" to reign supreme while the Stars and Stripes floated in triumph from the dome of the State Capitol. On the morning of the 15th we evacuated Jackson and commenced our march on Vicksburg and were met on the morning of the 16th, near Edwards station on the Jackson & Vicksburg RR., by Gen. Pemberton, commanding a force of thirty thousand. After another day's hard fighting the rebels were routed; with an immense loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. The rebel loss in the different engagements, since we have invaded Miss., may be summed up as follows: 6,000 killed and wounded, 12,000 prisoners, 80 pieces of artillery and about 30,000 stand of small arms besides a large amount of supplies, cattle, &c., and the entire rebel army of the Mississippi cooped up at Vicksburg. The rebel fortifications are formidable but Gen. Grant says he can take it and its garrison in the course of a few weeks. We are approaching the works by regular sieges. We have at least 300 cannon in position and if these fail to induce Gen. Pemberton to capitulate, I think the depleted state of his Commissary Department will bring about the desired effect. He has no means of receiving a pound of supplies or ammunition or any re-enforcements. The fall of the city is considered certain. I am happy to say that I have participated in all the battles during the campaign and aside from a slight wound in the left hand, received in the first assault upon the Vicksburg fortifications I have escaped untouched. * * * [Signed] Lieut. R. N. Evans News from Bedford (We copy the following letter of our correspondent, "Jay," from the Pittsburg DISPATCH of the 4th inst.) Bedford, Penna. Wednesday, July 1 As you have probably been informed by telegraph ere this, Gen. Milroy's army now commanded by Col. Pierce of the 12th Penna. Cavalry, broke up camp at Bloody Run yesterday and marched hither. From the fact that the artillery and baggage wagons followed it, as well as from various other indications, the movement is supposed to foreshadow an advance into Dixie by way of Cumberland. The "boys" are today drawing a complete outfit of clothing, so that, when they take up their line of march to retrieve the Winchester disaster, they go not as the "rag-tag- and-bob-tail" of creation but rather like unto "well dressed, prepossessing soldiers." The number of men left at Bloody Run to guard the Snake Spring Valley from invasion, it would be improper, of course, to estimate. Suffice it to say, however, it is amply sufficient for the service in view. At present there are only two companies of militia here – Capt. Litzinger's of Ebensburg and Capt. Hughes of Wilmore, both from Cambria county. Several companies from Blair county were here for a few days, apparently on "a spree," but when it was ascertained that the members in order to effect a thorough organization were required to be mustered in, with scarcely a single exception, mizzled, cut stick, vamoused – left for their homes, determine to "strike for their altars and their fires," at the rate of four or five miles an hour. Those on horseback, of course, were an exception to this rule. They probably effected ten or twelve miles in the same length of time. Bedford county, although a border county, has as yet not a single man in the field for the "emergency." The citizens of Bedford town held a public meeting last evening to make an endeavor to "do something" in the premises. Their quota under the last calls is 540. Hope the requisite number may be raised without drafting, but scarcely think it will, inasmuch as copperheads are both venomous and plenty hereabout. Don't you think Messieurs DISPATCH, that a county like Bedford, which refuses to raise an arm in its own defense, although a horde of rabid rebels are on its very confines, should, of right, be left to its own resources – to sink or swim, go up or go down as circumstances may determine? And is it not a burning shame on the name and fame of the aforesaid county that it is content to rest its hopes of political and personal salvation upon the strong right arms of the Cambria county yeomen? Colonel Higgins of Blair county is acting Colonel of the militia - two companies. He is a good man, but rather out of place; a Cambria county man should of right command Cambria county forces. [Signed] Jay