NEWS: The Alleghanian; 13 Aug 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, 13 Aug 1863 Volume 4, Number 46 No Paper To allow us to make some necessary improvements no paper will be issued from this office next week. In Town We had recently the pleasure of greeting our friends, Dr. Jno. H. Clarke and family, formerly of this place, but latterly hailing from the "Smoky City," who were in town to pay a brief visit to their numerous friends in this vicinity. A few weeks rustication with the addition of our refreshing mountain breezes will, we doubt not, be beneficial to our friends, who may then carry back to their city home a grateful remembrance of Old Cambria. May the withering hand of Time ever rest lightly upon them as now. Mr. W. Linton of Johnstown, recently of the 12th Penna. Calvary, illumined our town with the light of his genial countenance on last Friday week. So far from his recent campaign proving deleterious to his health he presents even a better appearance than usual. Long may he wave! Thieves Around On Thursday evening, 6th inst., some scoundrel not having the fear of the law before his eyes, entered the stable connected with the Cresson Springs House and there from feloniously abstracted two horses with saddles, bridles and all the other necessary accoutrements. Although no traces of the perpetrators of this villainy have yet been discovered it is to be hoped that they may not always go "unwhipt of justice," but that they may receive their full deserts. Letter from Our Soldiers From Co. A, Emergency Battalion Hopewell to Harrisburg Company Mustered Out, Paid Off and Sent Home "Camp Curtin," Harrisburg August 8, 1863 In his last letter your correspondent left the "emergency" men sticking in the woods at Hopewell, Bedford county. On Saturday 1st inst., to our great relief, our battalion received orders to report forthwith at Huntingdon. Owing to the non-arrival of transportation however we were unable to do as required until Tuesday following. At 8 A. M., of that morning, we vacated "Camp Mullin," arriving at Hopewell at 9, where were joined by Maj. Crozier's battalion of "three months men." In an hour or so thereafter we all took the rail and after a journey of four hours arrived in Huntingdon. Here we were met by orders to the effect that the "emergency" men should proceed without change of cars to Harrisburg to be mustered out, while the "three months" men were to go into their old quarters at "Camp Juniata" near Huntingdon. It was here given out that our train would start eastward about 5 P. M., thus allowing the soldiers an hour and a half to canvass the town and procure something to eat. In spite of this assurance however the train moved off within thirty minutes after our arrival at Huntingdon, taking with it about half of the battalion, the other half being busily engaged at that particular juncture in circulation through all and singular the streets of "ye ancient village." Here was a dilemma to be sure! The fugitive train was immediately telegraphed to tie up at Mill Creek Station, four miles below town which reasonable request it saw fit to comply with, remaining in status quo until the arrival of another train, bringing the residue of the battalion at 7 P. M. Here the two parts were consolidated into a whole and the battalion proceeded en route. Not to weary your readers with details, your correspondent would simply say that, after a long and tiresome journey of thirteen hours, we arrived in Harrisburg next (Wednesday) morning at 8 o'clock. We immediately marched into Camp Curtin, where we pitched our tents upon almost the identical ground occupied by Captain Flanagan's Ebensburg company – Co. F., 133d Penna. Vols. – one year ago. Thursday being the President's day of general thanksgiving our company in a body attended public services at the big tent of the Christian Commission in camp. The sermon was a powerful effort, and no doubt productive of much good. Honor to those followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, who, leaving friends and the comforts of home, make the dreary camp the scene of their labors. Public service is held in the tent twice every day. Camp Curtain presents a reasonably busy appearance. Some three thousand soldiers are here, the majority of whom are State Militia being discharged. Our battalion comprises all the "emergency" men here. The 171st Penna. Drafted Militia were discharged and paid off a few days ago. A large number of Cambrians were attached to this regiment who have doubtless arrived home. Although the services of our battalion have never been puffed to any remarkable degree, still your correspondent has semi-official assurance for saying that the labor performed by us in the tented field is duly appreciated by the proper authorities. The Governor himself says that, although not called upon to engage in actual battle, we did all that was required of us, the will begin equivalent to the deed. With such recognition of our services, it is with pride we doff our martial trappings and subside into peaceful citizens. Since our arrival here it has been decided by Adjutant General Russell that our battalion (of five companies) is entitled to a Lieutenant Colonel instead of Major. Accordingly Maj. Litzinger has been promoted to the Lieutenant Colonelcy. Justice, though tardy, is always sure. It has been definitely determined that the order removing Col. M'Keage's command, ourselves among the number, from Huntingdon to Hopewell was a forgery, gotten up as a "goak" by some telegraph operator. It is said the latter individual has been arrested by order of Gen. Couch. If so, your correspondent would respectfully suggest that he be hung to the highest telegraph pole in his immediate neighborhood – as a retaliatory "goak." What think you? A grand ratification of Gov. Curtin's re-nomination was had in town on Thursday night. The first thing in order was a torchlight procession after which several speeches were delivered – among them one by the Governor. It was a splendid effort, was the latter, - eloquent, patriotic, convincing – but inasmuch as it has been published in full in the daily papers, your correspondent will not attempt even an abstract thereof. Several thousand persons were present in the Capitol grounds during the exercise and the most intense enthusiasm prevailed. The Governor is a universal favorite especially among the soldiers who will vote for him to a man. Your correspondent must not forget to mention that on Thursday morning on the reception of the news of his re-nomination, three rousing cheers were given for Gov. Curtin by Co. A. Writing in the midst of the confusion necessarily arising from the mustering out process, your correspondent must be pardoned for the many imperfections manifest in this screed. With a soldier, you know, the matter of mustering out is of paramount importance – corresponding, a secondary consideration. Yours, etc. [Signed] "Jay" Since the above was written, Co. A has returned. It was paid off Saturday evening and arrived here Monday evening. The members composing it, without a single exception, are in the best of health, and express themselves unqualifiedly satisfied with their sojering experience. The heroes of the two- months campaign - of an "emergency" the darkest our beloved State has ever known, during the existence of which the bloodiest battle of the war was fought and won, and upon our own soil – they are welcome home. May their laurels bloodless but dear-bought, always remain green and the willingness with which they confronted a desperate foe be long remembered to their honor. [Ed. ALLEGHANIAN] U. S. District Court In the case of the United States vs. Joseph Will, indicted for obstructing the enrollment, which was tried before Judge M'Candless, in Pittsburg, during the past week, the jury found the defendant guilty. A motion in arrest of judgment was made by defendant's counsel, M. D. Magehan, Esq., on the grounds that the statute under which the defendant was indicted imposed no penalty for resisting an enrolling officer. The matter will be argued at a future day. Misc.: There are fifty vacancies in West Point Academy. It is suggested they be filled with brigadier generals. A Great National Cemetery A grand and beautiful idea has been conceived by our patriotic citizens since the great battles of the 1st, 2d and 3d. It is the proposition to establish a National Cemetery upon the battlefield and gather into it the bodies of our heroes from all the States who fell fighting for Liberty and Law on the bloody field of Gettysburg. There has been two sites selected for this object and contracts entered into with the owners for the purchase of the land at $200 per acre. Which one of the two will be chosen has not yet been determined. The one is the high ground east of the Baltimore Pike and immediately opposite Evergreen Cemetery. The other is the ground adjoining the cemetery on the south west and the very spot where the enemy repeatedly attempted to turn what is known as the left centre of our line and failed with such immense slaughter. The first location from its elevated position would seem to be the most desirable spot of the two. Upon this eminence you command a full view of almost the entire battlefield. The other is not so prominent but has advantages which seem to point to it as the more appropriate spot. Being more secluded, besides a thickly wooded grove and upon the very ground where the hardest fighting occurred and where the tide of battle was turned in our favor and a glorious victory secured. Both locations are admirably adapted for the purpose. The plan has not been fully matured, but we conceive it to be this: In order to secure the success of this noble work, it is suggested that the people of the States to which the heroes who are buried at Gettysburg belong contribute to defray the expense of the enterprise and that Pennsylvania take the lead to secure success. The Governors of all the loyal States have been telegraphed to on the subject and so far as heard from, a favorable response has been received. Eight States have already united with Pennsylvania in this noble work. The grounds will be laid off and each State assigned a separate department. Into this will be gathered the bodies of the fallen from the respective States. They will be decently interred and their graves marked with a headstone and inscription. A list and directory will be prepared for the benefit of visitors and those who may come to seek after their friends. Another department will be assigned to those who cannot be recognized as belonging to any particular State and whose names may be unknown. These will be gathered into one enclosure and an appropriate monument created over their remains. We heartily commend this enterprise to the consideration of the patriotic people of the Union. The men who fell at Gettysburg will need no monument to commemorate their valor. Like the Spartans who fought at Thermopylae, those who struggled at Gettysburg in the cause of liberty, will be remembered while liberty has a friend on earth. But we owe it to future generations that we in some way prove our gratitude to the dead and show that those who survived to reap the reward of the victory at Gettysburg were not unmindful of what was due to their brethren and fellow citizens who fell in that fight. While this object is invested with its present interest, we trust, at least, that the conductors of the press of Pennsylvania will give it their hearty support and that the people will not rest satisfied until all who fell at Gettysburg and whose bones are stills scattered over and bleaching on the vast battlefield are gathered into one enclosure, over which shall rise a monument as proud as their deeds to commemorate their valor and to point as a signal to the blessed abode of the heroes in heaven. [Source: GETTYSBURG SENTINEL] Ebensburg as Seen by a Stranger's Eyes (The following letter written by a gentleman now adjourning in town, which we clip from the Philadelphia INQUIRER, of the 8th inst., may serve to give our readers a faint idea of "ourselves as others see us." That part of it referring to the Copperheads is particularly recommended to the observations of every one – especially those accepting the repulsive cognomen as the most befitting which could be applied to them – and may the perusal of it open their eyes and enlighten their understanding): Ebensburg, Penna. August 3d, 1863 Your valued journal being one of the few dailies having any extensive circulation in these parts and as your "Specials" in these war time know little and write less of these peaceful mountains, it occurred to me, as a traveler, to jot down two or three observations which might not be without interest to ramblers like myself, who read the INQUIRER. You must know that this spot is ten miles west of Cresson on the Pennsylvania Railroad, by rail, the cars running twice daily. It is situated somewhat higher than the mountain at Cresson, upon the top of an arm running southwest of the main crest of the Allegheny Mountain; two and-a-half miles west of the springs flowing into the Susquehanna. It is the county seat of Cambria and is chiefly remarkable for longevity, health and good mutton. This place is well supplied with comfortable inns, where one cannot help feeling perfectly at home. The citizens are plain, honest, hard working with but few very rich men among them. The land is well adapted to stock-raising, whilst the mountain abounds in mineral wealth, as yet but partially discovered, such as coal, iron, ore, &c. The springs of water are very cold and of the purest freestone, whilst the air is clear and pure, common in altitudes of twenty-four hundred feet above the ocean and similar to that breathed at the Catskill Mountain House. The thermometer scarcely ever rises above eighty degrees in the shade in midsummer and the nights are always cool enough to sleep under a blanket. Seven miles north and by east is the little town of Loretto, the residence of the late Father Gallitzin, a man of learning and piety, and whose history is familiar to most Pennsylvanian. Here there are excellent springs and baths, comfortable hotels, &c., established quite recently. Some of the Copperhead papers find their way here and instill their poison into the minds of the simple-hearted. I can perceive in my talks with many that they are led to the consideration of false issues by those who call themselves Democratic but who are in reality Copperheads and accept of that cognomen without feeling it to be a term of reproach. Lawyers do much abound here - intelligent, well-educated men – but, I am sorry to say it, the most part of them are of the Vallandigham stamp, rigid constructionists, believing the present Administration to be a military despotism and express themselves as more favorable to the Government of Jeff Davis than to the Union. How the minds of those who rank here as the judicious should be poisoned by the heresy (Secession) totally bereft of every particle of that Amor Patrice, the distinguishing characteristic of the Celtic race is more than I can comprehend. We can only conclude that these poisonous doctrines are inculcated by the devil and Dr. Faustus, a corrupt press working under the stolen name of Democracy. Ye gods, how horrible will it be when these poor benighted dupes behold the hideousness of this veiled prophet when the veil is lifted by Secession and they are told in the language of Tom Moore – "Look, ye, wise saints, behold your light, your star, Ye would be dupes and victims, and ye'are." Do now, however, understand me as saying that all here are thus. I mean to say there are many more than I expected to find and some of the leaders are doing all they can to obstruct the draft. This county, when the war broke out, was truly loyal and sent more than its quota of volunteer soldiers in the war and many of them were killed on the Peninsula and at Fredericksburg. I hope the brave fellows from this county who survive will rebuke on their return home the dastardly Copperheads who are discouraging enlistments and resisting the draft as they did in Illinois, Indiana, &c. I must close with the devout wish that some more healthy political literature may be sent here by some kind Union League, than much that now finds its way here and is, alas, too much read. Hoping we may yet take Canada and blow the bloody British pirates off the sea, I subscribe myself. The Draft The Draft for the XVIIth District, composed of the counties of Mifflin, Huntingdon, Blair and Cambria will be drawn at Huntingdon borough commencing on next Monday, 17th inst. Cambria county will be drawn on Thursday, 20th. The quota to be furnished by the District is set down at 1,984. Respectable citizens are specially invited to be present and inspect the drawing which will be made publicly. No disturbance is anticipated and of course none will occur. Curtin's Nomination in Harrisburg Governor Curtin's nomination was made the occasion for a grand demonstration at Harrisburg in which the great mass of the people took part. Able speeches were made on the occasion by the Governor and others and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The proceedings terminated with a salute of one hundred guns in honor of the Governor's re-nomination.