NEWS: The Alleghanian; 18 Aug 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, 18 Aug 1864 Volume 5, Number 47 Etchings A portion of the Union officers some months since placed in confinement in Charleston S. C. under the fire of our blockading squadron have just been exchanged and among the number is Col. Dick White of the 55th Pa. Vols., of this county. We congratulate this gallant officer upon his escape from a further familiarity with the tender mercies of our "misguided Southern brethren." Passing by Wilmore on the railroad on Saturday we noticed that the bridge across the Conemaugh at that point, for a long time the most rickety affair, had given way to the precipitation, of about one-half the structure, into the stream below. Communication between the town and the depot is thus practically cut off for the time being. Five companies are being organized in Altoona for State defenses. The Hollidaysburg STANDARD is authorized to say that Hon. A. M'Allister will be candidate for re-nomination for Congress by the Democratic Conference of this district. Local Correspondence Johnstown, August 15, 1864 A railroad accident occurred at South Fork, a few miles east of this place one day last week, resulting in the instant death of a fireman name Colie, and the destruction of at least one locomotive and a large number of freight cars. It appears that two freight trains were running in the same direction and in close proximity to each other. The first of these was somewhat behind time and when slowly rounding the curve at South Fork, was run into the by the rear train which was coming at a high rate of speed. The engine of the second train and several cars were thus thrown off the track and down an embankment. The engineer jumped for his life and escaped unhurt, but the fireman remained at his post and went down with the engine. He was inextricably buried underneath the wreck, to which fire was in a few moments communicated from the locomotive. Horrible as the tale may read, the unfortunate man was literally burned to a cinder - reduced to ashes with the debris of the luckless train! That portion of his remains which was recognizable was gathered up and taken to Altoona where his mother and a couple of brothers reside, and interred. There was quite a lively time here on Saturday evening, growing out of a "free fight" between some of the veterans of the 54th P. V. and a number of persons from the rural districts. In the melee several of the latter were badly used up. I did not ascertain the cause of the quarrel. Subsequently some of the soldiers broke in the door of Mr. Luckhardt's store but before any other damage could be done, Col. Linton (of the 54th) appeared upon the scene and dispersed the rioters. A general closing up for the time being of places of business on Main street was the result of these obstreperous demonstrations. A picnic gotten up for the especial benefit of the returned soldiers of the 54th was held at Ninevah a few days since. Everything is said to have passed off greatly to the enjoyment of all concerned. Four regiments of 100-days men passed west on Friday. Their destination is Chicago, Rock Island and Indianapolis. Three of them were Pennsylvania regiments and one Massachusetts and each numbered about 1,200 men. The feeder and canal at this point, better known in conjunction probably as "the ditch" are now being filled up. One good result of this process will consist in the fact that a straight street will thereby be established from near the corner of Franklin and Canal streets eastward to the bridge across the Conemaugh. Ex-Senator Maj. Harry White This gentleman, who has been a prisoner in the hands of the rebels for over a year past, escaped a few days since, with three other Union officers while being conveyed in the cars from Richmond to Saulsbury, N. C. He was ultimately recaptured however and is now confined in Columbia, S. C. This is his second unsuccessful attempt at escape. A letter received by his father, Judge White of Indiana, from Maj. W., states that much suffering is being experienced by our prisoners thro' want of proper food and clothing. War News Since Gen. Sheridan has assumed command of the upper Potomac Department, things begin to wear a brighter aspect therealong. The rebel raiders have not only been frightened from the borders of our State and Maryland, but they have been pushed away back into Virginia, until now our forces occupy Strasburg. Early is straining every nerve to escape down the valley with his stolen plunder, but we have the assurance that Sheridan will use his utmost endeavors to prevent this. From the Army of the Potomac we have the news that General Burnside has been relived from the command of the 9th corps, and General Wilcox temporarily assigned thereunto. The responsibility of the failure of the late attack upon Petersburg seems to have been settled upon Gen. Burnside by a court martial, hence his removal. Everything is quiet in front of Petersburg. A battle may occur soon, however. No particular news from Sherman or the Southwest. DEATHS Lieut. J. C. Grant, nephew of Gen. Grant, was killed in the late repulse before Petersburg.