NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, October 17, 1861, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa., Volume 3, Number 4, Thursday, October 17, 1861 Pennsylvania Reserve The regiments of the Pennsylvania reserve force are now formed into a division and will be known as "McCall's Division." The division is divided into three brigades and each of these made up as follows: First or Reynolds's Brigade - First Calvary, Fifth, First, Second and Eighth Infantry regiments, commanded by Brigadier General John H. Reynolds. Second or Mead's Brigade - Kane's Rifles, Third, Fourth, Seventh and Eleventh infantry regiments, commanded by Brigadier General George G. Mead. Third Brigade - Tenth, Sixth, Ninth and Twelfth Infantry regiments. Some of the regiments have already received their new suits and really look quite capable in them. The First regiment a few days ago received new arms, eight of the companies, the plain rifle musket and the two flank companies, the same with raised sights for a distance of nine hundred yards. The Fourth regiment (Mead's Brigade) is said to have the Belgian rifle. Gen. McCall's Division Shows Its Teeth Washington, Oct. 12. During today the rebels advanced in large force in the direction of Prospect Hill, driving in our pickets to that point. The result was that the division of Gen. McCall was soon formed into line of battle, with orders to advance. It was supported by cavalry and artillery. Several shots were fired by the rebel batteries but being out of range, no injury was sustained by our troops. The divisions of Gens. Smith, Porter and McDowell were also soon prepared for any apprehended emergency but nothing further, in addition to what is already stated, occurred to induce an adverse hostile movement. Dickens "Great Expectations" has passed to its fourth edition in England. Visits to Volunteers in the Army For the information of many persons who come at a great sacrifice of time, money and personal comfort to Washington for the purpose of visiting their relatives in the army on the Virginia side of the Potomac, it is proper to state that, as Gen. McClellan considers such visits inconsistent with the good of the soldiers, as well as prejudicial to the success of the army, generally he has, by positive orders, refused passes. The constant communication of families with their brothers, husbands and sons is prevented by the refusal, which in many instances is the occasion of much painful embarrassment to the officer in charge as well as to those who, after reaching Washington, are without the means of providing for their comforts. Many visit the city merely through curiosity but they incur needless expense as it cannot be gratified. No passes are granted excepting in extreme cases, where it is positively necessary. Local and Personal Nuts The yield of chestnuts in this section will be immense this fall. Large quantities of the article are being gathered and either put up for home consumption or shipped abroad. They retail at the rate of six cents per quart. Eldersridge Academy The winter session of this institution will open under the superintendence of Rev. A. Donaldson and Prof. S. J. Craigheud on Tuesday, 5th proximo. The academy bears an enviable reputation and we recommend it to the favorable consideration of those of our readers who may desire to secure for themselves or their sons a thorough education. For terms, etc., see advertisement in another column. Fires in Blair County On Thursday before last, the steam grist mill of Mr. John Allison and the steam planing mill of Mr. Thomas McAuley, adjoining each other in Altoona were entirely consumed by fire, together with the contents. The fire is supposed to have originated from sparks falling from the stack of one of the mills. Loss to Mr. Allison, $5,000; insured for $2,300. Loss to Mr. McAuley, $4,000; insured for $1,500. On Friday afternoon succeeding, the casting house, bridge over the railroad and two dwelling houses at Blair Furnace were destroyed by fire. Origin of fire and loss unknown. All Honor to the Ladies! The "Blanket and Stocking" move is flourishing luxuriantly and will soon bear its own good fruit. In accordance with the call published in our last issue, the patriotic Maids and Matrons of the Mountain met at the Union School House in this borough on Friday eve and formed an association. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a large attendance was present. The following permanent officers were chosen: President - Miss Lizzie M. Hutchinson Vice President - Mrs. Wm. K. Piper Secretary - Miss Emily Roberts Treasurer - A. A. Barker We may now confidently expect to see some considerable knitting performed. Knitting will probably be the prevailing employment for a season. And as each fair lady's fingers chase one another with increasing rapidity around the circle of stitches, may the possessor thereof be cheered by the gratification of knowing that she is responding to the call of Patriotism and Liberty. We understand it is the intention of the association to furnish the articles they may manufacture to the Government at the selling price and establish a fund for the relief of the needy families of our volunteers with the proceeds. A knowledge of this fact may possibly relieve the mind of many a brave solder from misgivings, as to the bodily welfare and comfort of the "dear ones at home." Will not the ladies, one and all, join heartily in this labor of love? Here is a call for another meeting of the association - To the Editors of The Alleghanian - Please announce that another meeting of the Ladies' Association will be held at the Union school house on Friday Eve next 18th inst., at the hour of 7 P. M. The Ladies of Ebensburg and vicinity are respectfully invited to attend. Military Capt. Williams, of the regular infantry, together with the company he has recruited in this county, left for Indianapolis the latter part of last week. Some twenty men from this immediate neighborhood went with him. Cowardly Outrage On Saturday evening, the 5th inst., while County Superintendent Swank was on his way to the station at Wilmore, where he had been holding an examination of teachers during the day, he was struck on the head with a stone thrown by some person concealed in a fence corner at the road side. The missile took effect over the left eye and although it did not knock him down, it staggered him considerably and inflected a painful wound. Upon recovering he saw his assailant running from his concealment and identified him as a young man named Dimond, who had been before him for examination as a teacher, but to whom the Superintendent had refused a certificate for want of sufficient scholarship. The failure to obtain a certificate is supposed to have been the cause of his cowardly and murderous assault upon Mr. Swank, as no other motive can be assigned. A warrant was promptly taken out for the arrest of the fellow and it is to be hoped he will be speedily arrested and severely punished as he justly deserves. So says the Cambria TRIBUNE. Interesting Occurrence On last Thursday evening, Hon. Geo. Taylor, President Judge-elect for this Judicial District, was serenaded at Thompson's Mountain House by the Calithumplan Band. After several appropriate airs, Gen. Jos. McDonald introduced Judge T. and in a neat and patriotic speech extended him the congratulations of the People of Cambria county in the result of the issue just decided at the ballot box. The Judge responded, thanking the band for the compliment done him. He said that he was rejoiced to be afforded the opportunity of returning his sincerest thanks to the People of Cambria for the efficient manner in which they had supported him. He had been elected as an Independent Candidate, apart from politics or political preferences, and the honor was duly appreciated. They had reposed almost unlimited confidence in him and he hoped to prove himself worthy of the trust. In conclusion he assured them that the recollection of the unanimity and concord with which he had been sustained would linger with him until his latest moments as one of the most pleasing episodes of his life. Judge Taylor is deservedly popular in this District. He has filled the office of President Judge for twelve years, and, without opposition, is now re-elected to the same high station for another term. The "Frosty Sons" delight to honor such men. Letters from Our Volunteers Camp in Virginia, October 11, 1861 On Monday we started for Great Falls, fifteen miles from Tennallytown, on the Potomac, to do ten day's picket duty. We started from our camp at about 2 o'clock P. M. and arrived there at 6. This is considered pretty steep marching. On arriving there, twenty-four men were detailed from each company to do guard duty some six miles further up the river and I had the misfortune to be one of that number. We were very much fatigued when we arrived at our destination and to make matters worse, we had neither blankets nor overcoats along, and were also without supper. The night was very cold and the dew very heavy and in consequence we had a disagreeable time of it. Our line of pickets was stationed between the river and canal, which in some places are not a hundred feet apart. We were relieved early next morning and we rode back to the Falls on a boat. The scenery at the Falls is most grand, the towering rocks, the deep roaring river and the high mountains upon the Virginia shore presenting a very picturesque appearance. But the grandest sight is the "Falls" themselves. The water dashes down over the rocks in some places more than one hundred feet and creates a terrible sound as it falls upon the rocks below. Picketing was very interesting there, as we had an opportunity of conversing with the secession pickets. As you are aware, an agreement was made between Gen. McClellan and the rebel commander to the effect that no more firing should be done between the pickets. This was very comfortable inasmuch as the lives of the pickets would not be endangered. The second day I was on duty I had quite a long and interesting confab with some of the celebrated "Black Horse Cavalry," of the Bull Run notoriety who talked with all the familiarity of friends. Most of those with whom we were talking appeared like respectable men and seemed to regret they were compelled to be our enemies. They do not like the New England Boys, nor the Zouaves, but can "go" Pennsylvanians. Some of our boys even went across the river and talked with them and drank some of their whiskey. They are not very well uniformed, it being a rusty, ugly cloth and apparently quite well worn. This state of familiarity did not last long, however. They broke the league on Monday morning by shooting one of our pickets without the least cause or provocation. When this became known in our camp one of the field officers with thirty men repaired to the place where the picket had been shot and showered a few charges among their pickets, killing three of them. Immediately after our men commenced firing, the rebels planted seven cannon on the hill opposite our quarters about a mile distant and without any ado, commenced shelling us effectually, sending their shells and cannon balls whizzing through the old houses in which we were quartered and compelling us to vacate forthwith. They fired in all 112 shots but fortunately for us, only two or three shells exploded. One man was struck on the shoulder with a piece of shell and another had his gun bent double by a cannon ball while in the act of capping it. In consequence of our artillery being a mile distant we could not return the iron compliment. After we did get our guns into position, however, we gave them ten shells, which scattered them in every direction. We were relieved on Wednesday and arrived home late in the evening. We held an election on Tuesday, each party receiving about an equal number of votes. The boys do not appear much concerned about the result of elections now. On Wednesday we received marching orders and in the afternoon the whole division crossed the Chain Bridge into Virginia, and advanced six miles on the Leesburg road, where we are now encamped. We are within one mile of Lewinsville, eight miles from Fairfax Court House and fifteen from Leesburg. The enemy's pickets were, on last Tuesday, at the same place we are now. Signed - E Cambria Cavalry Company The following is the Muster Roll of the cavalry company recruited in this county and now in camp near Washington City, under command of Capt. James A. Skelly of this place. The company is designated as Co. G., 4th Regt. Penna. Cavalry - Captain - James A. Skelly Lieutenants - 1st - A. H. D. Williams 2d - J. D. Gonts Sergeants - 1st - J. C. Murray 2d - W. C. Barbour S. Wilson J. A. Skelly Wm. Penrod R. E. Banks Corporals - 1st - Cyrus Thompson 2d - T. Elder 3d - Samuel Arentrue 4th Wm. H. Russel 5th D. Pittman 6th A. Burket 7th J. A. Shue 8th E. Porter Buglers - C. Rhoads W. Powell Furrier - J. Holder Blacksmith - T. Leaman Teamster - D. A. Skelly Saddler - Wm. Sirr Privates - M. Allen T. J. Ake J. Brazil S. J. Breath J. Butler D. Butler E. J. Brookbank J. H. Bryan S. Byer H. Crum J. Creed B. Collins D. T. Carr S. Claycome A. Driscol J. Dugan J. Dell W. Dively J. F. Davis J. Emigh J. H. Edwards W. Estright W. Exline G. W. Faroner R. E. Flinn C. C. Headrick J. Himes B. Hurley J. H. Hads D. Hengst J. Horner F. J. Jones T. Jenks D. M. Kimmel J. Little P. Leahy H. Lane J. A. Lane A. Loudestines J. Ling B. F. Mechling S. Mullin P. Mullin J. Mullin J. Moses T. Mooney J. M. McCauley J. M. McCreary P. B. McMullin J. A. McMullin L. McKinney P. McKenna J. A. McDevitt J. Murray J. Middleton A. Morrow G. Mangus J. H. Patterson A. Penrod H. Penrod M. Quirk B. Rupert J. Richardson E. B. Roberts H. Room J. B. Stalb S. Shipp J. Shiner W. H. Shirley J. Slonghenhaup D. Stine R. G. Thompson