NEWS: Alleghanian; 23 Jun 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, 23 Jun 1864 Volume 5, Number 39 Etchings The press, type and fixtures of the old EBENSBURG MOUNTAINEER printing establishment, which have been lying here unused for two or three years past were boxed up last week and shipped to Philadelphia to be sold as old metal. The drafted men of this county will report for examination at Ebensburg, commencing on Monday next. So we are informed by Commissioner Harr. Local Correspondence Johnstown, June 19, 1864 Adjt. W. H. Rose, accompanied by private George Duncan of the 54th Pa. Vols., arrived here last week, the former with a severe wound in the hip received in the late skirmish at Piedmont. Capt. W. B. Bonaker, reported mortally wounded at New Market, also made his appearance here this morning. A bullet passed through his body in the vicinity of the heart and close to the spinal column, but escaping the vital parts. He is already almost as good as new again. These officers bring the gratifying intelligence that Capt. Graham (reported killed) is also living, but a prisoner in the hands of the rebels. The loss of the 54th in the engagement is reported to be two killed and twenty-nine wounded. Lieut. Col. Linton of the 54th leaves for his regiment tomorrow. His wound is pretty well healed up but the ball still remains in his thigh. John M'Manamy of the 54th, wounded in the arm at New Market, died in hospital at Cumberland last week. His body was brought to this place for interment. A few weeks ago I noticed in this correspondence the court martial of William M'Lane of the 54th P. V. for desertion, and stated that he had been found guilty and sent to the Tortugas. My information was derived from what I considered a reliable source; but I now learn from a member of his regiment that the court marital acquitted him of the charge preferred and returned him to the regiment. I am most happy to make this public correction of the mistake. [Signed] May Leon Lieut.-Col. Robt. A. M'Coy This gallant officer of the 11th Pa. Reserves who was unable through press of regimental business to return home with Co. A on Wednesday night, arrived here Friday. He was met by a host of friends who bestowed on him every manifestation of honor and applause. The record of Lieut.-Col. M'C is one of which any man might be proud. Starting out as Second Lieut. of Co. A, he was subsequently promoted to be Adjutant of the regiment, then to be Major and then to be Lieut.-Col. and A. A. G. to Gen. Crawford, commanding the division. These several promotions, we may add, were not due to "good luck" or the efforts of influential friends, but to the high appreciation in which his military abilities were held by his comrades in arms. He fought valiantly and well in all the battles participated in by his regiment and was once wounded and once taken prisoner. Returning home again, after a three years' absence where "dogged war bristles his angry crest," and with escutcheon bright and untarnished, may he reap the full measure of reward of his gallantry and devotion to country! Home Again! Co. A, 11th Penna. Reserves, the glorious remnant of a gallant organization, arrived here according to expectation on Wednesday evening last. They were met at the depot by a delegation consisting of at least three-fourths of all the people of town and preceded by a band of martial music, were escorted to the Town Hall, where a magnificent banquet had been spread for them by the ladies. After full and entire justice had been done this feature, the "boys" were formally welcomed home in a neat speech by Mr. Samuel Singleton, wherein he referred in words of burning eloquence to the eminent services performed in the field by the division of which they composed part and parcel, eulogized those who had lived to return and dropped a tear to the memory of the dead. This was happily responded to on the part of the company by Major James C. Burke and Adjt. Thomas D. Litzinger. Whereupon a late hour having arrived, after ongratulations and a general interchange of sentiment, the concourse dispersed – some filled with joy unspeakable that their dear ones had come back, others sad and sorrowful that their dear ones would come back never more, but all thankful that even this moiety of Co. A had been spared to return, to center in themselves the undying love and gratitude of a patriotic people. When it is remembered that these men were participants in every campaign of the Army of the Potomac since Bull Run the first, - in all M'Clellan's campaigns - in Pope's campaign – in Burnside's campaigns – in Hooker's campaign – in Meade's campaigns - and in Grant's present campaign up to June 1st – when this is remembered, it will not be wondered at that only fifteen out of over one hundred who originally went forth with Co. A returned with the organization! This naked fact speaks in praise of their heroism and unparalleled devotion, louder and more effectively than anything we could hope to say or write. It is their glorious record – we will not stultify ourself by attempting to enhance its brightness by one work of laudation, for words are tame and insignificant when called up to describe or do justice to deeds such as theirs. The returning veterans are all in excellent health and sprits. They look not as if soldiering had disagreed with them, but rather as though it had done them much good, physically and otherwise. We may add that they unite, one and all, in the expression of the conviction that the rebellion must be put down, in the hope that it be put down speedily and in the belief that Grant, as Lieutenant General of our armies, is the man above all others to put it down. We welcome home these survivors of a three years' carnival of death with shouts of joy and rejoicing. They have bravely fought for and nobly won the laurel wreath of victory, which we place on their brow, binding ourselves ever to keep it green and growing. Our Boys Lieut. Charles A. Fagan of Co. A, 11th Pa. Reserves, who has been missing ever since the battle of the Wilderness has been heard from. He is in Lynchburg, Va., a prisoner in the hands of the rebels and unhurt. Several of other members of the company whose names we did not learn are keeping him company. Joseph Owens, of Co. A, 11th Pa. Reserves, wounded in the hand in one of the Spotsylvania fights, is in hospital in Philadelphia and doing well. Joseph Wherry of Co. A, 55th Penna. Vols., wounded in one of Butler's James river battles, is also in hospital in Philadelphia. Wm. Connell, of Co. E, 149th Penna. Vols., shot through the arm in the Wilderness is at home here on furlough. He is doing well. War News Gen. Grant, by another successful left flank movement, has placed his army on the South side of the James River and formed a junction with Butler and now threatens Richmond from the direction of Petersburg, placing the rebel army in an exceedingly perilous position The defenses of the latter city have been assailed by our forces, but beyond the carrying of some of their lines of entrenchments and the taking of several guns and many prisoners, no result has been arrived at. Lee is reported to have crossed the James to interpose his army between Grant and Richmond. A great battle cannot much longer be delayed. In one Rhode Island regiment are fourteen brothers named Postly. Four of them are twins. Their average height is six feet two inches. The Status of Our Generals The War Department in response to a resolution of the Senate has given information concerning our field officers since the commencement of the rebellion, from which it appear that in the regular army, Generals Scott, Harney, Wool, Anderson and Ripley have retired. Sumner, Mansfield and Totten have died and Twiggs dismissed. Of Major Generals in the volunteer corps, Blair resigned, and resignation revoked; Wm. F. Smith and Schofield's appointments expired by constitutional limitation and they re-appointed; Horatio S. Wright, rejected by the Senate and since appointed, now in command of Sedgwick's corps. The resignations are Cassius M. Clay, James A. Garfield, Schuyler Hamilton, C. S. Hamilton, E. D. Keyes, E. D. Morgan, B. M. Prentiss and R. C. Schenck. One Major General and one Brigadier General have declined the appointment. Buford, Cox and Morrell's commissions expired by constitutional limits. The nominations of N. T. H. Brooks and John Newton were withdrawn. W. H. French mustered out; Fitz John Porter cashiered. Of the Brigadiers General of volunteers, Benham's appointment was revoked. Ten ceased to be officers by constitutional limitation and were re-appointed. Thomas F. Meagher resigned, and his resignation was revoked. Eighteen declined appointment as Major Generals, including Bramlette, the present Governor of Kentucky and Charles P. Stone. Nineteen appointments expired by constitutional limit. Of eleven rejections by the Senate, one was re-appointed, namely Gen. Sickles. Another was restored to the army, one was canceled, two were revoked, Blenker was discharged, Revere dismissed. The total number of Generals in the regular army since the commencement of the war is 29: one Lieutenant General, six Major Generals, 22 Brigadier Generals and 18 of all grades are now in the service, namely; one Lieutenant General, three Major Generals, fourteen Brigadiers. In the volunteer force 133 have been appointed Major Generals, including the promotion of 91 Brigadier Generals and 477 have been appointed Brigadier Generals, of whom 257 are now acting as such. There are 70 Major Generals at this time in the service.