NEWS: The Alleghanian; 7 Jan 1864; 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, 7 Jan 1864 Volume 5, Number 15 Local and Personal – Extracts [Snip] The Holidays passed off quietly here, with nothing of striking import to vary the usual monotony. People went on bargaining and making bargains, pretty much as though their all depended upon it. The birthday of the Savior we much fear was lost sight of in the rush and bustle of business or looked upon as a secondary consideration. Which seems to be human nature nowadays. On Christmas the sleighing was most excellent, a state of affairs which was made the most of. In fact, sleighs were to be seen flitting hither and thither incessantly, as long as a person could see anything, to the manifest enjoyment of the participants most intimately concerned. On New Year's the sleighing was also good but the weather unfortunately was so intensely frigid that it was next to impossible to enjoy the same. The thermometer during the day ranged at from 4 degrees to 6 degrees below zero and at night sank to 20 degrees below! Oh! but it was cold. Thick-ribbed overcoats for the time being were no protection whatever for the penetrating blast whistled through them as if they were only so much shoddy – fire was a failure for one part of a man's corporation would be likely to freeze while another was being subjected to the thawing-out process. Even now we shiver when we think of it. [Snip] From Our Soldiers Head Qrs. 1st Div., 14th A. C. Chattanooga, Tenn. Dec. 20, 1863 As you will have learned the result of the late battle (Chicamauga)(sic) long ere this gets to hand, it is unnecessary for me to enter into particulars covering the same. Suffice it to say that the rebels were totally routed and fled in dismay. The line of their retreat was covered with a large amount of the spoils of war, which fell into our hands. Being on provost duty at these headquarters, I have a good opportunity to know the feelings and sentiments of the rebel prisoners and deserters. With but few exceptions, they unite in saying that their army is greatly disheartened and demoralized. All rebel prisoners taken by our division and deserters coming to that portion of our line picketed by our division, are brought to these headquarters. The number of prisoners taken in the battle and deserters arriving here since amount to fourteen hundred, two hundred being deserters – men who have been fighting for their rights and have given up all hope of finding them in the pseudo Confederacy. They all express a willingness to take the oath of allegiance and return to the old government, wiser if not better men. Among the prisoners taken by our division was Lieut. Breckinridge, son the arch traitor, John C. Breckinridge. There is some speculation here among the soldiers as to who will be our next President. The almost unanimous choice, I may add, is "Father Abraham." With him as our standard bearer in the coming canvass, success would be certain as it was to the Union men of the old Keystone in October last, when Curtin so signally triumphed over his opponents. The health of the men in this department never was better than at present, and their spirits are correspondingly buoyant. There is no doubt that but the majority of soldiers would prefer civil to military life. They look upon the war, however, as a contract they have undertaken – a contract that must be finished up before they return home. Acting under this impression, a large proportion of the army are re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. The weather here now is such as you usually have in Cambria in the month of October. [Signed] Thomas Davis 2d Lieut., 19th U. S. Infantry Local Correspondence Johnstown, January 4, 1864 A serious conflagration occurred here on Christmas morning, involving the loss of Union Hall and the entire contents of the ladies' Catholic Fair which had been opened the preceding day. The fire originated in the heating room and was caused by the too close proximity of the heaters to the floor. The loss to the stockholders of the Hall amounts to $3,000 upon which is an insurance of $2,000. The loss to the Fair foots up about $1,100. After the fire the ladies connected with the Fair immediately dispatched one of our merchants to Philadelphia for a new supply of articles and on the Monday following, the Fair was re-opened in Odd Fellows' Hall, since which time it has been crowded day and night. The young ladies are succeeding even beyond their most sanguine expectations. If any of your readers design visiting Johnstown during the present week I would advise them to call and see the Fair. Petty larcenies are the order of the day or rather of the night in this place at present. The cellars of two prominent citizens were despoiled of their contents last week and two fine quarters of beef were stolen from the market rooms of Akers & Tesh. A laughable occurrence transpired here on Sunday evening. A music teacher and a hardware merchant in the course of conversation, "agreed to disagree," and high words, with terms more expressive than elegant were the result. Scorning the use the plebeian method of "rough and tumble," a challenge was sent and accepted, pistols, seconds and the ground chosen and as per agreement, the parties met a short distance from town on last evening to fight a veritable duel. The pistols were duly loaded with black sand, in the presence of the parties interested, the challenged party and one of the seconds being in the secret. Twelve paces were marked off and the word given. The caps snapped, but the pistols would not go off so the matter was amicably adjusted by the parties shaking hands and adjourning to a lager shop. Thus ended a bloodless duel. Christmas and New Year passed off quietly in our town and save for the presence of strangers and the holiday attire of our population, one would hardly suppose the Holidays were near. We can only sigh and exclaim: "The Year has gone, And with it many a glorious throng Of happy dreams." But may we not hope that with the dawn of a New Year, peace and prosperity may dawn upon a distracted country; that the discord and dissensions of today may cease to exist and our country once more take her place as the "queen of nations." Yours, [Signed] May Leon Masonic A. M. Lloyd of Hollidaysburg has been appointed D. D. G. High Priest of the counties of Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon and Mifflin for 1864. John Cresswell of Hollidaysburg is appointed D. D. Grand Master for the counties of Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Bedford and Fulton for 1864. Donation Party On Christmas evening, a large number of ladies and gentlemen comprising a majority of the members of his congregation paid a visit to Rev. D. Harbison, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of this place. Taking possession of the parsonage, they spread a bountiful supper which they had carried with them. After this feature had been fully discussed by all hands a purse containing a handsome donation was pressed in Mr. H.'s hands. A cheerful exchange of sentiment followed for an hour or two when the party separated, feeling that they had added at least a link to the bond of love which should always unite a pastor and people. St. John's Supper A very pleasant reunion of the Masonic fraternity of this section was had on Monday evening, 28th ult., at Foster's Arcade. About thirty of the brethren were in attendance and participated in the festivities. At 9 o'clock the entire party sat down to a sumptuous repast prepared by mine host of the arcade, to all of which ample and entire justice was done. Herr Foster, as a caterer, is deservedly famous, but on this occasion he even outdid himself. After the cloth had been removed a number of appropriate toasts were drank and responded by to by A. C. Mullin, John Cresswell, David J. Jones, William M. Jones, Henry Nutter and Henry Foster. All in all, the occasion was a most happy one and will long be remembered by the brethren of the "mystic tie" under whose auspices it was gotten up. Maj. Charles M'Dermit This gallant officer is at present the commandant of the United States military post at Fort Churchill, Nevada, Territory. We copy the following extract from a report of Gen. Wright, commanding the Department of the Pacific, made in September last. It is highly complimentary to one of Cambria's worthiest sons and will be gratifying to the numerous friends of Major M'D., in this section: "Major Charles M'Dermit, who commands this post (Fort Churchill), is an officer of great merit, irreproachable in his habits, industrious and careful of the interests of his government. In regard to the men, he says: A finer body of men I never saw, orderly, well behaved and undergoing a thorough course of instruction and discipline. The post I found in admirable order. I critically inspected all the departments and found the government property well taken care of and economically used. The officers by the example of their commander are zealous and attentive to their several and respective duties." Gettysburg Tree Trunks The trunks of two trees have been sent from the battlefield of Gettysburg for the Massachusetts and Pennsylvania Historical Societies. They will attest the fierceness of the contest there, one of them having 250 bullet holes in the space of twenty-one feet; and the other having 120 in the same space. Sad reminders they will be of the heroic deed. Brigham Young Brigham Young boasts that he can see more gold and silver from the door of his house than would equal the whole currency of the world. These mines are not allowed to be opened. The effect would be, according to Brigham's idea, to bring near the "city of saints" a large mining population which he would find exceedingly hard to rule. The Young Soldier Last evening at the Caledonian supper, General Rosecrans exhibited the photograph of a boy who he said was the youngest soldier in the Army of the Cumberland. His name is Johnny Clem, twelve years of age, a member of company C, 22d Michigan Infantry. His home is in Newark, Ohio. He first attracted Rosecrans' attention during a review at Nashville where he was acting as marker for his regiment. His extreme youth (he is quite small for his age) and intelligent appearance interested the General, and calling him out, he questioned him as to his name, age, regiment, &c. General Rosecrans spoke encouragingly to the young soldier and told him to come and see him whenever he came where he was. He saw no more of Clem until Saturday inst., when he went to his place of residence – the Burnet House – and found Johnny Clem sitting on his sofa, waiting to see him. Johnny had experienced some of the vicissitudes of war since last they met. He had been captured by Wheeler's cavalry near Bridgeport. His captors took him to Wheeler who saluted him, with, "What are you doing here, you d-—d little Yankee scoundrel?" Said Johnny Clem stoutly, "General Wheeler, I am no more a d—-d scoundrel than you are, Sir." Johnny said the rebels took about all that he had, including his pocket-book which contained only twenty five cents. "But I would not have cared for the rest," he added, "if they hadn't stolen my hat which had three bullet holes it received at Chickamauga." He was finally paroled and sent North. On Saturday he was on his way to Camp Chase to join his regiment, having been exchanged. Gen. Rosecrans observed that the young soldier had chevrons on his arm and asked the meaning of it. He said he was promoted to a corporal for shooting a rebel colonel at Chickamauga. The Colonel was mounted and stopped Johnny at some point on the field, crying, "Stop you little Yankee devil." Johnny halted, bringing his Austrian rifle to an "order," thus throwing the colonel off his guard, cocked his piece, (which he could easily do, being so short) and suddenly bringing it to his shoulder, fired, the colonel falling dead with a bullet through his breast. The little fellow told his story simply and modestly and the General determined to honor his bravery. He gave him the badge of the "Roll of Honor," which Mrs. Saunders, wife of the host of the Burnet House, sewed upon Johnny's coat. His eyes glistened with pride as he looked upon the badge and little Johnny seemed to have grown an inch or two, he stood so erect. He left his photograph with Gen. Rosecrans, who exhibits it with pride. May we again hear from Johnny Clem, the youngest soldier in the Army of the Cumberland. [CIN. TIMES] [Transcriber's Note: John Lincoln Clem was born August 13, 1851 in Newark, Ohio and was an orphan when he enlisted as a musician in Co. C, 22d Michigan Infantry; serving from May 1, 1863 through Sept. 10, 1864. In historical records, he is noted as the original "Drummer Boy of Shiloh." He stayed in the military service throughout his life, retiring from active military service on April 29, 1916 as a Major General in the U. S. Army. He died on May 13, 1937 in San Antonio, Texas, at age 86 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D. C. He was married twice and had one daughter. P.M.] Jottings from Washington Washington City, Christmas Eve I have just been looking at life in Washington as exhibited out doors this glorious "night before Christmas." We have no snow, no sleigh bells; but the moon's rays are very bright, the air is bracing, there is no mud and everyone is on the qui vive. The principal thoroughfares are crowded with pedestrians of both sexes and all ages, men in overcoats with large brown bundles under their arms; ladies in furs, with numerous small "parcels" peeping out of their muffs; boys hauling wagons or slyly dropping a firecracker at the feet of some nervous passerby; and little girls affectionately hugging their inevitable gutta percha doll. An occasional pistol-shot or explosion of a Roman candle reminds you that the rowdy element is also about. Drawing rooms, brilliant with beauty and glaring with gas light, are opened to the public through their windows of plate glass; the theatres and other places of amusement are in full blast; the shops are crowded; everybody seems happy and all for the time feel rich. Surely this metropolis of the nation is merry tonight. It will be merrier tomorrow night and not nearly so sober. The war slights nothing here. It saddens but few hearts. Few here have lost by it; most have made money out of it. Hence these unchecked festivities, hence the "good time" everybody is wishing his neighbor and busily intent on finding for himself. Congress adjourned on Wednesday until Tuesday, the 5th of January. The unusual length of this adjournment is owing to two causes: first the desire of Members to visit their families during the Holidays – the exorbitant prices charged here for boarding prohibiting many from bringing their wives with them; and secondly, the necessity of giving to some of the more important committees the necessary time in which to prepare business for the Session. Few persons at a distance from the Capital fully realize the fact that the hardest work a Member of Congress performs is done in his committee room. Thus far, Congress has done but little. The only measure of any importance that has become a law is the bill appropriating twenty millions to pay the large bounties to volunteers offered some months ago by the Secretary of War – that is, $400 to veterans and $300 to all others. These large bounties are to cease on the 5th of January. After that all volunteers will receive only the old bounty of $100. Those who intend to dodge the draft by volunteering should do so now. There will certainly be a very large sized draft within a month. The debates in Congress on the bounty bill and the several propositions to repeal the $300 clause of the conscription act show a strong opposition to the repeal of the latter. The West, having more adventurous and unmarried spirits than the East, generally has less difficulty in filling any required quota and hence favors the repeal; the East is, in the main, in favor of retaining it. Senator Cowan of your State favors its retention and we believe Mr. M'Allister does. One opinion still is that the clause will stand. The two classes of enrolled citizens, it seems very probably, will be consolidated. This and other proposed changes in the law will most likely result in postponing the draft until the 20th of January. The weather has been intensely cold for a week but we have had no snow. When I last wrote the rain was pouring down and the mud was ankle deep. In a few days, we may have rain again. And this is a Washington winter. [Signed] J. M. S. Jottings from Washington Washington City, Dec. 31, 1863 Simultaneously almost with the transmission to the House of Representatives by the War Department of Gen. M'Clellan's voluminous report of his campaigns while in command of the Army of the Potomac, we hear from Philadelphia that a drawing room company of gentlemen, assembled in that city, has nominated the General for the Presidency. The Philadelphia nomination will be endorsed by the Democracy in a more formal manner ere many months have elapsed. That M'Clellan will be the standard bearer of the opponents of the Administration and the war is an event which the signs of the times have long foreshadowed. Abraham Lincoln, Edwin M. Stanton and other chiefs of the government, it is to be presumed, have observed those signs. And yet, to show their faith in the intelligence of the people and in the righteousness of the people's cause, they did not hesitate to give to the world General M'Clellan's elaborate defense of his Ball's Bluff and Chickahominy strategy – a defense which he and his friends rely upon to make him Honest Old Abe's successor. What an unusual spirit of magnanimity and fair dealing is here manifested! Unusual, we say, because we cannot recall any similar act in the history of any preceding administration which was performed with as little hesitation as this. The head of the War Department, if he had been so disposed, could have retained the defense in question under lock and key for an indefinite period. But he does nothing of the kind. He sends it to an "Abolition" Congress and that Congress hands it over to the public printer, voluminous as it is, to be printed, paid for, and circulated by the Government it so unjustly abuses. This is "Abolition tyranny" with a vengeance! This is the last specimen of the Persecution to which General M'Clellan has been subjected! Truly, he of all other men may well exclaim, "Save me from my friends and I will take care of my enemies." His enemies won't hurt him. On the contrary, they propose to furnish this Presidential beggar with the necessary old clothes in which to display his miserable mendicancy. The 6th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers arrived in the city this evening from the Army of the Potomac on its way home to recruit. Three- fourths of the regiment have re-enlisted for another term of three years, and, in addition to receiving a bounty of $400 per man they are entitled to a furlough of not less than thirty days. Several other regiments have recently gone North upon the same terms. It is estimated that at least one-half of the Army of the Potomac will re-enlist. The boys are eager to obtain the big bounty and a month's rest among home scenes and home faces. They are also very much influenced to re-enlist by the current opinion that one more campaign like that of 1863 will end the Rebellion. The news from the West and South concerning re-enlistments is equally cheering. It is now absolutely certain that, if the proper effort had been made to recruit our armies by volunteering under the last call of the President for 300,000 men, another draft would not have been necessary. This effort has not been made, especially in the large States of New York and Pennsylvania. If, then, the draft which is about to take place and which, by indifference or penuriousness or worse, has become absolutely necessary in some of the States, should bear heavily upon certain communities, let it be remembered that the people of those communities have had ample time in which to make arrangements for preventing the draft from coming their way. The President has piped unto them and they have not danced. Their country has mourned unto them and they have not wept. Christmas was really and truly a happy day for our soldiers in the hospitals of Washington and vicinity. In all of the hospitals, so far as I can learn, an old fashioned Christmas dinner was served to the patients and in most of them, speeches were made, songs were sung and woman was present. There was a time when our sick and wounded heroes fared badly enough in our hospitals, but that time has gone by. Now they have every needed attention from willing hands and hearts that feel, and, when a holiday comes around, they share its pleasures. Wm. H. Gardner, Esq., your readers will be interested to learn, has been promoted from a $1200 to a $1400 clerkship in the Third Auditor's Office. Frank Lytle, late Register and Recorder of your county is in the city. He leaves for home tomorrow. I must not forget the weather. It is raining pitchforks and mud is everywhere. No snow yet. [Signed] J. M. S. Exchange of Prisoners The oft-mooted question of exchange of prisoners is again on tapis. Intelligence from Fortress Monroe states that the flag-of-truce boat had arrived from City Point, bringing five hundred Union prisoners in exchange for those sent up by General Butler. The rebel Government do one or two queer things, in keeping, however, with their general character. They refuse any further exchanges unless all the questions about which our government have been exercised are given up and unless their laws in regard to officers and soldiers of the negro regiments be recognized. The rebel Government likewise keeps its back in constant elevation in regard to the "Beast Butler." They refuse to receive a flag of truce from General Butler; they refuse to negotiate with him on the subject of exchanges and they refer to Mr. Davis' proclamation of outlawry against him as the final reason. How expert these rebels are at whipping the devil round the stump! They are ready to be physicked by Butler, but the prescription which recommends an exchange of prisoners provides too bitter a pill for them to swallow. They will have to swallow bitterer pills than this, however, for all their wry faces. The rebel South has got her glasses on awry and sees everything obliquely. Peevish, morose, despairing, cursed by the leal (sic) of the land, the rebel South stands up for a God-forsaken creature and tries to bear herself brazen-faced through the story of obloquy. The trick will not answer. In every one of her relations she betrays a miserable incapacity. Numerous as her mistakes and ignorance have been, she has seldom seemed so lamentably ridiculous as in her action with respect to the exchange of prisoners. Impudence and ignorance, we are told, go hand in hand. They are Siamese twins, in the domains of the South and are, moreover, ubiquitous throughout that territory. All the questions of our Government on the subject must be cut dead; all of their Government must be recognized! If this were not on a par with other demands of the Confederacy, equally stupid and audacious, we might discover a latent sarcasm in this tone. As it is, we keep cool, look on serenely and pray most emphatically the rebel South may be brought to a better frame of mind.