NEWS: The Alleghanian; 7 Apr 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 Apr 1864 Volume 5, Number 28 Local Etchings Butter is about as scarce here as honest Democratic politicians and commands a premium equally steep with gold. April is here, but instead of her accustomed flowers and showers, she is vouchsafing us in cold blasts and blasted colds – in the head. The house of Mr. William H. Lake of Loretto, this county, was discovered to be on fire on Wednesday of last week. The flames were subdued however before any damage had been done excepting the destruction of a portion of the roof. Mr. Legislator Pershing's bill increasing the pay of jurors in Cambria county to $1.50 per day and of witnesses to $1.00 per day has passed both houses of the Legislature and is therefore a law. This was a much needed amendment. Capt. Rolla Evans of Co. I, 20th Ills. Infantry, an Ebensburgher by birth and "broughting up," but for nine years past a resident of Bloomington, Illinois, has been here on a visit for several days. We find him the same Rolla he used to be in days gone by – genial, whole- souled and good looking. He has already achieved an enviable reputation "out West," and we know the honors with which he has been invested are not unmerited or misplaced. Our Soldiers Last week we announced the promotion of Major Robert A. M'Coy to the Lieutenant Colonelcy of the 11th Pa. Reserves, vice Lieut. Col. Porter, resigned. This week it gives us much pleasure to be able to announce the further promotions in the same regiment of Capt. James C. Burke, of Co. A to be Major and 1st Lieut. Dan D. Jones to be Captain of Co. A. These are good men and true, brave soldiers and patriots and our citizens will rejoice to hear of their advancement. John M'Bride and James B. Pyatte, of Co. A have reenlisted as veterans. Lieut. (now Captain) Dan. D. Jones has been quite ill of late, but is now convalescing. (We, in common with a majority of our readers, entertain a kindly interest in the welfare of Co. A – cannot some of its members make it convenient to write us a letter weekly, with news of where they are, what they are doing and how getting along?) Robbery On Tuesday night three men, names unknown, residents of Carroll township, were committed to our county jail, charged with the crime of relieving the pocket book of Mr. David Rowland, of Cambria township, of greenbacks to the amount of $80. Local Correspondence Johnstown, April 3, 1864 A young soldier named James Sweeny, son of a widow who resides in Conemaugh borough, was killed at Somerville station, on the Camden & Amboy Railroad on Monday night last by falling from the cars while they were in motion. The deceased had been in the service nearly three years, having enlisted with the "Friend Rifles" of Pittsburg. His company was attached to Sickles' famous "Excelsior Brigade," and with it he participated in nearly all of the battles of the war. A short time ago he re-enlisted, crediting himself to New York and after a brief visit home was returning to that State to secure his bounty, when he met his death as above stated. A kind son, and a truly brave soldier, his death is generally lamented and his afflicted mother receives the sympathy of all who know her. Another son, now the sole prop of her declining years, is a member of the 54th P. V. The body of the deceased will be brought here tomorrow evening for interment. About two weeks ago, three children of a family named Fisher died of typhoid fever within about twenty-four hours of each other. Last week, the remains of their mother was followed to the tomb. Death is at all times an unwelcome visitant but in this case the little family which she had reared, swept from her sight by the fell hand of disease, proved a blow too severe for the mother and her spirit gave way beneath the bereavement. "Died of a broken heart" is the simple inscription her tombstone requires. None but a mother can realize the deep meaning conveyed in those words. The bereaved husband enters the army, the refuge of the friendless and homeless, doubtless to seek amid the red glare of battle a reunion with the loved ones gone before. Another grand row came off last week at one of the low groggeries in this place. A dance, patronized by all the profligates who could be gathered in the neighborhood, was in progress when a dispute arose between a soldier and citizen. The former drew a revolver on the latter when it was forcibly taken from him and he afterward very badly used up. The continuation of the fight between the same parties occurred on Friday evening at a saloon on Main street where the soldier was again worsted. His face was beaten almost to a jelly and he otherwise badly injured. The notoriously quarrelsome disposition of the soldier is so well known that the verdict of all who are aware of the circumstances is, "served him right." Our entire quota under the different calls of the President is now filled and our city can congratulate herself on being cleared of the draft. Forty-two men were required under the last call. Capt. M'Donald secured about thirty recruits for his company in this neighborhood. They were forwarded to Hagerstown, the rendezvous for his regiment. Capt. Butland, late of Co. B, 133d nine months regiment and E. M. Shrock, Major of the same, procured about sixty recruits here for a new cavalry company, with the understanding that the former should be Captain and the latter First Lieutenant of the same. The Major started for Harrisburg the beginning of last week, with about thirty of the men and a few days afterward, Capt. Butland started with a like number. Arriving in that city he found that the Major had entered into a co-partnership arrangement with somebody else and he was compelled to return with his men. If I understand the matter correctly, Major Shrock has acted a very small part in the transaction. The Presbyterian church has been torn down, preparatory to erecting a new edifice on its site. As soon as I arrive at a knowledge of the plans, style, &c., of this and other new churches which are about being built, I will notice them at length. John W. Wehn, an old and well known merchant of this town, has removed to Philadelphia. He is engaged in the mercantile business on Market street. While in Philadelphia recently I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bracken and Mr. Bell, both formerly of this place and well known. Their friends will be glad to know that they are well and doing well. It is estimated that at least one fourth of our population changed residence on the 1st of April. Such a continuous string of wagons, loaded with household furniture, was never seen here before. Yours, [Signed] May Leon The Rebel Commissioner at Fortress Monroe Col. Robert Ould, the Rebel Commissioner of Exchange, paid a visit to Gen. Butler at Fortress Monroe a few days since in pursuance of an arrangement made when the General was at City Point. Col. O. came down the James River on Thursday on the little steamer, Roanoke, and at Newport News was taken on board the federal steamer, Union. A correspondent says: It was not generally known that Col. Ould was on board and only on Major Mulford mentioning the fact to several did the news spread and the crowd became very much interested to see the man, who as Commissioner of Exchange and Judge Advocate of the Confederacy, plays so important a role. An ambulance belong to the Hygeia Hotel was placed at the disposal of the visitors and taken to headquarters with an immense amount of papers and books. The appearance of Colonel Ould to a person who knew him prior to the breaking out of this wicked Rebellion, is one of great change. In size the Rebel Commissioner is about six feet and rather rotund. His face is covered with a grayish grizzly beard and altogether he looks like a man who has the burden of a "kingdom" to bear on his shoulders. Colonel Ould wore a civilian's suit – brown overcoat, fashionable several years back and a slouch hat. His companion, Captain Hatch, was attired in a grey uniform, full dress, sash and belt but wore no sword. The object of his mission can only be guessed at, but relates to the future plan of exchanges. It is understood and in fact, was published in the Richmond papers that if General Butler would come to the Rebel capital to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate exchanges, he should receive full and ample protection. General Butler and Colonel Ould met on friendly terms and up to the moment of my closing this, the two Commissioners are engaged in their humane and laudable undertaking. The visit of Colonel Ould may last two or three days, judging by the immense pile of papers brought by him on his arrival. War News A fight occurred at Charleston, Illinois, on Monday of last week between some soldiers and a body of armed Copperheads, resulting in the killing and wounding of several on both sides. The attack was made by the Copperheads and was totally unprovoked. They have been dispersed and several arrested. Gen. Grant has begun his work in the army by establishing his headquarters eight or ten miles nearer the enemy than Gen. Meade ever has done.