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Unless otherwise noted, all submissions on this page were made by Patty Millich.
EBENSBURG ALLEGHANIAN
EBENSBURG, PA
April 1861
Thursday, April 4, 1861
Volume 2, Number 33
The official census of the United States has just been compiled and shows a total population of thirty-one million, four hundred and twenty-nine thousand eight hundred and ninety-one (31,429,891). Of these three million, nine hundred and fifty-one thousand eight hundred and one are slaves.
Local and Personal
The Argument Court for the March term commenced yesterday.
Col. C. T. Frazer has been appointed Notary Public for Johnstown.
It is currently reported and generally believed that oil has been struck a few miles below Hollidaysburg.
The Post Master for this borough has not yet been named, but the general supposition is that Major John Thompson, of the Mountain House, will be the lucky appointee. He will make a good officer.
A man named Peter Shaeffer, who resides in Westmoreland county, was recently robbed of three hundred and sixty dollars, besides several notes and papers of value, on the open highway, by two men with blackened faces.
On a recent visit down over the mountain, we dropped in at the WHIG office where we had the pleasure of meeting our young friend, T. D. Litzinger. He is engaged as foremanager of that paper and fills the position with acceptance. Success.
What a climate is this of ours, to be sure! On last Wednesday it rained all day. Thursday and Friday were warm and pleasant. Saturday was wet and gloomy, Sunday was a beautiful and spring-like day, on Monday it snowed, sleeted and rained all day, and on Tuesday and Wednesday it thawed. The Doctors are about the only ones who enjoy this catarrhal, rheumatic weather.
The quarterly election of officers for the Ebensburg Division of Sons of Temperance was held on Saturday evening with the following result:
W. P. - A. A. Barker
W. A. - Lemuel Davis
R. S. - Ben F. Williams
A. R. S. - D. D. Pryce
F. S. - Samuel W. Davis
T. - A. Lewis
C. - John R. Smith
A. C. - R. E. Smith
I. S. - David Williams
O. S. - Lewis Rodgers
Chaplain - Robert Singer
Ed Flag - E. I. Evans
Love - Miss Elizabeth Roberts
Purity - Miss Jennie Evans
Fidelity - Miss Emily Roberts
The E. & C. R. R. Depot
The erection of this building, the contract for which was awarded to Mr. E. E. Evans, has been commenced. Its size is to be 80x35 feet, and the eastern end is to be on a direct line with the western boundary of Centre street. The terms of the contract require its completion on or before the first of June.
The First Instant
The usual or rather an unusual amount of "flitting" came off on Monday. Among those who have changed their locations are: Herr Foster, of the Arcade, who has gone into the Logan House; Isaac
Crawford of the Logan House, removed to the Arcade; C. R. Jones, boot and shoe store, removed to office one door east of D. J. Evan & Son's store; Blain, barber, removed to office, one door west of Dr. Bunn's drug store; E. J. Mills store removed to post office building.
Appointments by the M. E. Conference
The annual session of the Pittsburg Conference of the M. E. Church held at M'Connellsville, Ohio, closed on Monday evening, 25th ult., after a harmonious session of five days, Bishop Ames presiding. The following are the ministerial appointments for this district:
Presiding Elder: William Lynch
Blairsville: J. W. Shirer
Indiana: John C. High
Johnstown: D. P. Mitchel
Greensburg and Latrobe: W. W. Roup
Kittanning: R. Cunningham
Dayton: S. Burt
Elderton: F. D. Fast, J. D. Hill
Marchand: J. S. Lemon, D. W. Wampler
New Florence and Robinson: W. Long, A. P. Leonard
Mechanicsburg: J. D. Knox
Burrell and Apollo: W. A. Stewart, R. G. Heaton
New Derry: M. J. Montgomery
Ebensburg: S. F. Show, J. G. Gogley
Conemaugh: H. Mansell
Ligonier: J. S. Wakefield
Mt. Pleasant and West Newton: J. J. M'Illyer, I. A. Pearce
Saltsburg and Hopewell: J. Shane.
Advertisements
Dan C. Morris, Dealer in Fashionable Hats & Caps, Main Street, Opposite the Mansion Hotel, Johnstown, Pa.
Bowling Saloon. Something New in Ebensburg. The undersigned having opened a Bowling Saloon, connected with his Residence, in the basement of Myers' new Hall, respectfully requests all who wish good exercise to give him a call. Ale and Lager Beer of the most approved manufacture
constantly on hand. Thomas M'Brien.
Drugs! Drugs! Just opened and for sale by R. S. Bunn, M.D., a general assortment of Drugs, Medicines; Spices, Oils, Paints, Dye-Stuffs, Brandies, Wines, Gins, Fluid, Pocket Cutlery, Razors, Brushes, Combs, Stationary, Blank Books, Perfumery, Soaps, Tobacco, Sugars, Snuffs and other articles usually kept in Drug Stores. R. S. Bunn, M. D., Ebensburg.
Patronize Your Own! The Protection Mutual Fire Insurance Co., of Cambria County, located at Ebensburg, Pa. The above named Company, organized April 6th, 1857, will effect insurance on property at sale rates. Being particularly careful in the risks taken, this Company presents a reliable and cheap medium through which persons may secure themselves against probable losses by fire. Office on Centre Street, nearly opposite Thompson's "Mountain House." D. H. Roberts, Pres.; A. C. Mullin, Sec'y & Treas.; Joseph H. Campbell, Agent.
For Sale - One good new light double set of Wagon Harness by G. Huntley.
For Job Printing - Of All Kinds go to The Alleghanian Office.
R. H. Tudor, respectfully informs his old friends and the public generally that he is still to be found at his store room on High Street, adjoining Crawford's Hotel, where he is prepared at all times to furnish consumers with Groceries and Confections, Old Rye Whiskeys, Wines, Gins, Brandies, &c., &c. Feeling thankful to the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity for their former patronage, he solicits a continuance of the same, together with as much more as may be bestowed upon him.
For Rent - The large and commodious Store and Ware Rooms, formerly occupied by Wm. H. Gardner & Co., situated on Railroad Street, in the borough of Wilmore. Location for business is the best in town. Rented for one or more years. Terms moderate. Lloyd & Hill.
Thursday, April 11, 1861
Volume 2, Number 34
List of Post Office, Post Masters, Districts
Benn's Creek, Joseph Graham, Yoder
Bethel Station, Joseph S. Mardis, Blacklick
Carrolltown, Benjamin Wirtner, Carroll
Chess Springs, Danl. Litzinger, Chest
Cresson, John J. Troxell, Washington
Ebensburg, Mrs. H. M'Cague, Ebensburg
Fallen Timber, Isaac Thompson, White
Gallitzin, J. M. Christy, Gallitzin
Hemlock, Wm. M'Gough, Washington
Johnstown, H. A. Boggs, Johnstown
Loretto, Wm. Gwinn, Loretto
Mineral Point, E. Wissinger, Conemaugh
Munster, A. Durbin, Munster
Pershing, Francis Clement, Conemaugh
Plattsville, Andrew J. Ferral, Susquehanna
Roseland, G. W. Bowman, White
St. Augustine, Wm. Ryan Sr., Clearfield
Scalp Level, George Conrad, Richland
Sonman, B. M'Colgan, Washington
Summerhill, Wm. Murray, Croyle
Summit, Miss M. Gillespie, Washington
Wilmore, Andrew Beck, Summerhill
Railroad Schedule
Wilmore Station:
West - Express Train leaves at 9:30 A.M.
West - Fast Train leaves at 10:00 P.M.
West - Mail Train leaves at 3:16 P.M.
East - Express Train leaves at 8:10 P.M.
East - Fast Line leaves at 6:39 A.M.
East - Mail Train leaves at 10:04 A.M.
War News
The news from the Southern Confederacy during the past week has been quite warlike and it is altogether probable that hostilities between the Federal authorities and the Traitors cannot much longer be avoided.
On Monday General Beauregard issued an order and sent a special messenger to Major Anderson, giving him official notification that all intercourse between Fort Sumter and Charlestown with regard to postal facilities and supplies would be prohibited from that date. This is equivalent to a declaration of hostilities.
The sloop of war, Pawnee, sailed from Washington on Saturday with sealed orders. She carries ten heavy guns and two hundred men. Her destination is supposed to be Fort Pickens.
The revenue cutter Harriet Lane sailed from New York for the South on Monday morning.
Several other vessels are to follow shortly.
The New York TRIBUNE states authoritatively that Major Anderson is not to be withdrawn, but that he is to be provisioned.
The course of the Federal Government thus far has been calm but firm; nothing has been nor will be done rashly. The president has a thorough appreciation of the responsibilities that rest upon him and will shape his course accordingly. If war comes it will come from the traitors of the South. A few more days and we will know the worst.
Editorial Notings
Judge M'Lean of the United States Supreme Court died at Cincinnati on Thursday.
Orders have been given to the Commissioner of the Land Office and to the Pension officers, to hold no more official correspondence with persons residing in the seceded South.
Local and Personal
Mr. E. F. Lytle, our present efficient Register and Recorder, has removed with his family from Wilmore to this place. We give him welcome.
A man named Emanuel Lloyd was committed to our jail on Tuesday, charged with having feloniously appropriated a coat, vest, watch and the sum of twenty dollars from the Perry House, Johnstown. He was arrested at Duncannon.
The ECHO says that Johnstown is exceedingly unhealthy at the present time, and that a large number of deaths have occurred during the past ten days.
The following appointments of Postmasters for offices in Blair county have been made: For Hollidaysburg: James Bingham; For Altoona: Geo. W. Patton; For Williamsburg: W. J. Spencer; For Frankstown, H. J. Kephart.
J. A. Whissel, the up-town baker, has removed his establishment to the building formerly occupied by Geo. M'Cann, almost immediately opposite Geo. Huntley's tinware depot. His customers are requested to drop in and see him.
Mr. E. J. Mills has removed his Grocery store from the western end of town to the Post office building where he will still continue to furnish the public with everything in his line. Give him a call.
Persons having horses which they wish to dispose of can have an opportunity for doing so this month. Chas. Dahlman will be in Ebensburg from the 9th to the 13th of April and at Carrolltown from the 15th to the 17th of April, for the purpose of buying horses.
Contract Awarded
The contract for carrying the mails in Hollidaysburg has been awarded to Maj. Raymond of the WHIG, at a salary of $360 per annum. This is at it should be. We like to see printers, that hard working but ill repaid class of people remembered in the distribution of political prizes. Traught, of the STANDARD, the former incumbent of the office, subsides gracefully. May luck be with him in his retirement.
Appointed
Maj. John Thompson, Jr., mine host of the "Mountain House," has been appointed Post Master for Ebensburg. Mr. T. is eminently qualified for the position and will make an excellent public servant. The post office is to be removed in a day or two to the building one door east of the Mountain House.
So!
By the last DEM. & SENT., we see that our friend, Mr. James S. Todd, has become publisher of that paper. So you've gone and done, it, have you, Jeems? [sic] Well, we wish you success and hope that your fondest anticipations in the newspaper line may be realized.
Administrator's Notice
Letters of Administration on the Estate of Thomas Adams, late of Susquehanna township, Cambria county, deceased, having been duly granted by the Register of said county to the subscriber, notice is hereby given to all person indebted to said estate to make immediate payment, and those having claims against the same will present them, properly authenticated for settlement.
William Berkstresser, Adm'r.
March 14, 1861
Advertisement
Cabinet Ware-Room
R. Evans respectfully informs the citizens of Ebensburg and Cambria county generally that he has on hand and for sale, at his Ware-room, one square west of Blair's Hotel, a large and splendid assortment of Furniture which he will sell very cheap. Coffins made to order on the shortest notice at reasonable prices.
Thursday April 18, 1861
Volume 2, Number 35
Our Colors
The Star Spangled Banner, O! Long May it Wave,
O'er the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
WAR BEGUN!
The Traitors Fire the First Gun!
Fort Sumter Attacked!
Anderson Returns Fire!
Sumter's Wall Breached!
The Fort in Flames! - Its Guns Silenced!
Surrender of the Fort and Garrison!
Not a Life Lost in the Conflict.
Major Anderson and His Command Embark for New York
The Port of Charleston Blockaded
Fort Pickens Re-Enforced
The President's Proclamation
15,000 Volunteers Wanted!!
The War has been commenced! The blow which we have been awaiting, but which we would fain have averted has fallen! The so-called Southern Confederacy has plunged the country into a war that must be, indeed, terrible; for it will be the death struggle between Freedom and Slavery.
Hostilities have been precipitated by the Traitors, with them the dreadful responsibility will rest. But this war now thrust upon us must be prosecuted to a stern and definite conclusion. No Compromises nor Concessions will avail now. Stern Justice must be meted out to those who have incurred the penalty of Treason, which is death, by levying war against the Federal Government.
Union and Freedom is our battle-cry; Disunion and Slavery, the Traitors.
Fort Sumter has been lost, but Liberty is saved. The end is not yet!
Proclamation of the President
75,000 Volunteers Called For!
Special Meeting of Congress!
Washington City, April 14 - Whereas, the laws of the United States, have been, for some time past, and are now, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the Marshals by law,
Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, have thought fit to call forthwith, and hereby, do call forth the Militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of Seventy-five Thousand, in order to suppress the said combination and "cause the laws to be duly executed."
The details of this object will be immediately communicated to the State authorities, through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity and the existence of our National Union and the perpetuity of the popular Government and to redress the wrongs already too long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to Repossess the Forts, place and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event, the utmost care will be observed consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation of, or interference with the property or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the county. And I hereby command the persons composing the combination aforesaid to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, within twenty days from this date.
Deeming that the present conditions of public affairs presents an "extraordinary occasion," I do hereby convene both Houses of Congress. The Senators and Representatives are therefore summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at twelve o'clock noon on Thursday, THE FOURTH OF JULY NEXT, then and there to consider and determine such measures as, in their wisdom, the public safety and interest may seem to demand.
In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this fifteen day of April, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-fifth.
Abraham Lincoln, President
Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of State
The following are the requisitions of the President upon the governors of the several States for military to act in the maintenance of the Union: New York, seventeen regiments; Pennsylvania, sixteen;Illinois, six; Indiana, six; Missouri, four; Kentucky, four; Ohio, thirteen; Tennessee, two; Massachusetts, two; Wisconsin, one; Minnesota, one; Iowa, one; Connecticut, one; Rhode Island, one; Vermont, one; Maine, one. In all 75 regiments of 1000 men each.
The War Bill Passed - Pennsylvania True to the Union!
Five Hundred Thousand Dollars Appropriated to Arm the State!
On last Wednesday, Gov. Curtin sent a special message to the State Legislature on the subject of our national difficulties. He strongly urged that an appropriation be made for the arming of the State. The message was immediately referred to a joint committee of both Houses, who reported the following bill. It passed both branches of the Legislature, and has been signed by the Governor. Pennsylvania will come nobly to the rescue. IT reads:
AN ACT for the better organization of the militia of the Commonwealth:
SECTION 1. Be it enacted, &c., That the grand staff of the militia of this Commonwealth shall in addition to the commander-in-chief, who shall have one aid for each division, to be appointed and commissioned by him during his term of office, consist of one adjutant general, who, until otherwise ordered, shall act a as paymaster general, inspector general and judge advocate; one commissary general and one quartermaster general who shall be appointed by the Governor by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate, upon the passage of this act, and to hold their commissions during his pleasure.
SEC. 2. That the Adjutant General shall receive a salary of five hundred dollars per annum and in addition three dollars per day when actually engaged in the service of the State; the Quartermaster General and Commissary General shall each receive five dollars per day when actually engaged in the service of the State; it shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Commonwealth to prepare the room formerly occupied by the Canal Commissioners in the Capitol for the use of the officers before named, who shall be allowed one clerk at a salary of one thousand dollars per annum, to be appointed by the Adjutant General.
SEC. 3. It shall be the duty of the officers before named to proceed at once to a thorough organization of the militia of the State and the Adjutant General shall keep a current record of all the organized volunteer companies of the State, including the number of efficient men in each, and the number and quality of their arms and equipments, and the returns of the same to the adjutant General. And should the President of the United States at any time make a requisition for part of the military of this State for the public service, the Adjutant General shall take most prompt measures for supplying the number of men required, and having then marched to the place of rendezvous, and shall call them by divisions, brigades, regiments or single companies, as directed by the commander-in-chief.
SEC. 4. That for the purpose of organizing, equipping and arming the militia of the State, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars or so much thereof as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act, be and the same is hereby appropriated to be paid by the State Treasurer out of any money not otherwise appropriated.
SEC. 5. That should the ordinary revenues of the State not be realized in time to meet the expenditures that may be incurred under the provisions of this Act, the Governor is hereby authorized and empowered to anticipate the excess receipts to the treasury above the ordinary expenditures, including the interest on the public debt by temporary loans based on the faith of the Commonwealth at a rate of interest not exceeding six per cent. Such loan shall be negotiated by the Governor at such times and in such amounts (not to exceed the amount appropriated), as the objects and purposes hereinbefore stated shall require. The Certificates of loan shall be signed by the State Treasurer and countersigned by the Governor and shall not extend beyond the close of the next fiscal year, to which period the excess receipts above the ordinary expenditures are hereby pledged for the payment of such loans.
SEC. 6. That the Adjutant General Quartermaster General shall expend such amounts of the money hereby appropriated as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act. All such expenditures shall be made under the direction and by the advice and consent of the Governor and no bill shall be paid without being endorsed by him, and afterwards settled in the usual manner by the Auditor General and State Treasurer, when the Auditor General shall draw his warrant on the State Treasurer for the same.
SEC. 7. That so much of any laws as may be supplied by, or conflict with, the provisions of this Act, be and the same are hereby repealed.
Local and Personal
We are informed that a Military Company will be formed in this borough on next Friday evening, 19th inst. The Government calls for volunteers - let the "Frosty Sons" respond. We must be brief when traitors brave the field."
Beatty's station on the Pennsylvania Railroad six miles east of Greensburg was totally destroyed by fire last week.
George Raymond, editor of the Hollidaysburg WHIG has been appointed Consul resident at Singapore, British India. This is authentic.
The Hollidaysburg Fencibles, the Altoona Rifles, the Altoona Guards and the Juniata Rifles of Blair county have tendered their services to Gov. Curtin, under the call of the President, and have been accepted.
George W. N. Bolsinger, our former partner in the publishing of this paper has enlisted in one of the Pittsburg military companies and intends to do service in the struggle between Union and Disunion. Good for George!
A bill has passed the Legislature dividing the borough of Ebensburg into two wards. The East Ward comprises all of said borough, east of Centre street; elections for which to be held in the Court House. The West Ward comprises all of the borough west of Centre street; elections to be held in the Town Hall. The East Ward is strongly Republican; the West Ward is Democratic.
Johnstown in a Blaze of Excitement - April 16:
The day has been one of intense excitement here. Flags are flying, drums beating and our citizen soldiers are preparing to leave for the scene of battle. Two full companies will leave tomorrow evening, and a third on Thursday. They embrace many of our best citizens. The feeling is universal now that the blow has been first given by the South and that the government must be sustained. A mass meeting will be held tomorrow.
Allegheny County
An immense mass meeting of the Union-loving citizens of Pittsburg, without regard to politics or party, was held at the City Hall on Monday night Resolutions were adopted and speeches were delivered, upholding the notion of the National Government. Allegheny is patriotic to the core.
Warlike Speech
April 13 - President Davis and the Secretary of War were serenaded last night. The latter was called out and in his speech said that the confederate flag would soon be waving over Fort Sumter, and the federal capitol at Washington, if their independence was not acknowledged and hostilities should continue.
Gov. Curtin's Opinion
New York, April 14 - A private letter from Governor Curtin states that Pennsylvania can furnish one hundred thousand men and have them in Washington in forty-eight hours if required.
Washington City
April 16 - Washington City is being fortified. Twenty tons of shells and grape shot were removed from the Washington Navy Yard to Georgetown today, in view of a possible attack on the former city from that direction. Several additional companies were mustered into service
today.
Thursday, April 25, 1861
Volume 2, Number 36
The Fort Sumter Heroes
Maj. Anderson in New York
New York, April 18 - The steamship Baltic, Capt. Fletcher, from Charleston bar, came up to the city and anchored off the Battery, at one o'clock this afternoon. The Baltic had flying from her main mast head the flag of Sumter and at her foremast head the flag from Moultrie. The Harriet Lane, Capt. Faunce, sailed in company with the Baltic; also the Pawnee, with her troops and the Pocahontas, for Norfolk. The Powhattan was not, nor has she been, at Charleston. The Pawnee did not arrive at Charleston until after the surrender of Fort Sumter. During the whole time, the fleet remained off the bar; the wind blew a gale from the southeast, rendering the fleet useless as far as Sumter was concerned.
Maj. Anderson landed at the Battery and was received by an immense crowd. His carriage was surrounded by the people, who expressed in cheers and other demonstrations their congratulations.
Capt. Doubleday's statement was as follows: The demand to surrender at Sumter was made on the 11th inst., and refused, not only by Major Anderson, but by the unanimous force under his command. On Friday morning, at three o'clock the rebels sent word that their fire would be opened in an hour, and at four o'clock a fire was opened on us from every direction, including a hidden battery.
The fire opened with a volley of seventeen mortars, firing ten-inch shells, and shot from thirty-three guns, columbiads. We took breakfast however, very leisurely. The command was then divided into their watches, each under direction of the officers. After breakfast they
immediately went to the guns and opened a fire on Moultrie, Cummings' Point and Sullivan's Island. The iron battery at Cummings' Point was of immense strength, and most of our shots glanced off. Maj. Anderson refused to allow his men to work their guns on the parapet on account of such a terrific fire being directed against that point. There was scarcely a room in Fort Moultrie left inhabitable.
Several shots went through the floating battery, though it was but little damaged. Two guns on the iron battery were dismounted. A man was stationed, who cried shot or shell when the rebels fired, and the garrison were thus enabled to dodge it.
The barracks caught fire several times on Friday, the flames were extinguished. On Saturday, the officers' quarters caught fire from shell and the main gates were burned. The magazine was surrounded by fire and ninety barrels of powder were taken out and thrown into the sea. When the magazine was encircled by fire, all our materials were cut off and we had eaten our last biscuit two days before.
The men had to lay on the ground with wet handkerchiefs on their faces to prevent their smothering and a variable eddy of wind was all that saved our lives. Our cartridge bags gave out and five men were employed to manufacture them out of our shirts, sheets, blankets, &c. It will take half a million dollars to repair the interior of Fort Sumter. Most of the enemy's shot was aimed at our flag.
The Legislature of Pennsylvania Convened
A Proclamation
Whereas, An armed rebellion exists in a portion of the States of this Union threatening the destruction of the National Government, periling public and private property, endangering the peace and security of this Commonwealth, and inviting systemic piracy upon our commerce; and
Whereas, Adequate provision does not exist by law to enable the Executive to make the Military power of the State as available and efficient as it should be for the common defense of the State and the General Government, and
Whereas, An occasion so extraordinary requires a prompt exercise of the Legislative power of the "the State," therefore,
I, Andrew G. Curtin, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution do hereby convene the General Assembly of the Commonwealth, and require the members of the Senate and House of Representatives to meet in their respective Houses in the Capitol at Harrisburg on TUESDAY, THE THIRTIETH DAY OF APRIL A. D., one thousand and eight hundred and sixty-one, at twelve o'clock noon of that day, then and there to take into consideration and
adopt such measures in the premises as the exigency may seem to them in their wisdom to demand.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed at Harrisburg, this twentieth day of April in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one and of the Independence of the United States, the eighty-sixth.
By the Governor
Eli Slifer, Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The War News in Ebensburg
The news of the attack on Fort Sumter created the most intense excitement in this place. Although the tidings had been momentarily expected for months past, still they were hardly credited when they did arrive - it was scarcely believed that the Traitors would have the hardihood to systematically attack our Starry Ensign. But the sequel proved that the report was only too true. Then did everyone know that the long dreaded Crisis in the history of our beloved country had
arrived; then was it felt that War in all its hideous deformity had burst upon us. And every true patriot determined to meet and roll back the advancing tide of Treason.
On Wednesday evening a public meeting of the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity, irrespective of party was held in the Court House, and the sentiment of the "Frosty Sons of Thunder" put on record. See particulars elsewhere.
On Friday evening an informal meeting was held at the Court House to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a military company to be tendered to the Government for the suppression of Treason. Thirty-three names were immediately enrolled, and the meeting was adjourned over until Monday evening. On Monday evening the largest and most patriotic mass of citizens that ever assembled in this borough, perhaps, met at the Court House. The ladies turned out en masse and
graced the occasion with their presence. Patriotic speeches were delivered by Messrs. R. L. Johnston, P. S. Noon, John Williams, Andrew Lewis, C. Fagan, Daniel Jones, William Leavy, R. M. Jones and others. An excellent band of music was present and the "Star Spangled Banner" was sung in fine style by Messrs. J. L. P. M'Alister, Hugh H. Hughes and A. A. Barker. The complement of the company was soon filled. It is composed of some of our best citizens, who go not through enthusiasm, but because they consider it to be a solemn duty to fight, and if needs be, to die in the cause of Union and Liberty. God bless them all!
The company tendered their services to the Governor on Tuesday, are accepted and notified to be in readiness to march at an hour's warning.
The company is called the "Cambria Guards." An election for officers was held on Tuesday evening and the following result was had:
Captain, Robert Litzinger
1st Lieutenant, Andrew Lewis
2nd Lieutenant, R. A. McCoy
3rd Lieutenant, Jno. Scanlon
We will publish the entire muster roll next week.
All honor to our citizen soldiery!
R. L. Johnston, Esq., on behalf of John Williams, Esq. and others, stated that arrangements would be perfected by which the families of those volunteering would be secured from want. This is the noble spirit!
[We may state, by way of parenthesis, that no military company has had an organization in this place for a number of years. This company is entirely newly-formed and gotten up expressly in obedience to the demand of the President.]
Johnstown
Last week was a busy week in Johnstown. The news of the commencement of hostilities between the Government and the Traitors created the most intense excitement and business was suspended for the time being. On Tuesday morning, the requisition for the military companies (three in number) was received. Recruiting immediately was begun and in a short time the companies had received their several complements. On Wednesday, the Johnstown Infantry and the Zouave Cadets left for
Harrisburg and on Thursday the Citizen's Guards took up their line of march to the same point. The Johnstown Infantry numbers 81 men:
Captain, Thomas H. Lapsley;
First Lieutenant, Jacob M. Campbell;
First Sergeant, Robert P. Robison;
Second Sergeant, John J. Mills; Third
Sergeant, James Moore.
The Zouaves number sixty-seven men:
Captain, John M. Power;
First Lieut., John P. Suter;
Second Lieut., A. K. Babock;
First Sergeant, John Downey;
Second Sergeant, D. N. Jones;
Third Sergeant, J. E. Fry;
First Corporal, J. H. Gageby.
The Citizen's Guards numbers ___ men:
Captain, John P. Linton;
First Lieut., Hugh Bradley;
Second Lieut., James C. Noon;
Third Lieut., John Cox.
Besides these, three or four other companies are rapidly being organized. One of them, commanded by Judge Easly, we understand, left for Harrisburg on Tuesday.
The Johnstown Troops after being duly armed and equipped at Harrisburg, took the cars for Washington city on Sunday morning where they arrived safely and are now on duty. They passed through Baltimore without any trouble.
Hemlock
The Washington Rifles, numbering 60 men, and commanded by Capt. Dick White, took the cars for Harrisburg on Saturday morning, where they arrived the same day. They are quartered at "Camp Curtin." This is said to be an excellent company and will doubtless do good service.
Wilmore
A military company is being organized in Wilmore, and we understand that the ranks are rapidly filling up.
Summit
Capt. Humphreys is speedily organizing a company at this place.
Gallitzin
A company is being formed at this place.
Military Appointments
The following is a complete list of the military officers of this Commonwealth, as officially announced, viz.:
Senior Major General and Commander of the Forces: Gen. Robert Patterson of Philadelphia.
Major General: Wm. H. Keim of Reading.
First Brigadier General: Geo. W. Cadwallader of Philadelphia.
Second Brigadier General: George Wynkoop of Schuylkill county.
Third Brigadier General: Jas. S. Negley of Allegheny.
Fourth Brigadier General: Edward C. Williams of Dauphin county.
Major Bartram A. Shaeffer, aid to Major Gen. Keim of Lancaster county.
Capt. John M. Westbrook, aid to Brig. Gen. Wynkoop.
Capt. John J. Patterson, aid to Gen. Williams.
Surgeons: Jacob C. Ludlow, M. D. of Northampton county; Jacob Dobbins, M. D. of Centre county; Dr. King of Allegheny; Joshua Owen, M. D., of Delaware.
Samuel B. Thomas of Delaware county to be an aid to the Governor with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Little Cambria in Motion - The Voice of Her People
On Wednesday evening, an impromptu public meeting of the citizens of Ebensburg and vicinity was held at the Court House to give utterance to their sentiment as regards the National Crisis, through which we are now passing. Although but brief notice of the meeting was given, the room was packed full, and the patriotic enthusiasm there displayed we have never seen equaled. All - ALL - were desirous of proving their loyalty to that Government to which they owe so much, and of testifying their devotion to the cause of Freedom. Little Cambria is fully aroused and the glorious Stars and Stripes will find many and brave protectors from among the gallant "Frosty Sons of Thunder."
The meeting was called to order by electing R. L. Johnston, President.
Daniel O. Evans, H. Kinkead, Esq.; Maj. John Thompson, P. Collins, William Wherry, Reese J. Lloyd, D. H. Roberts, Esq.; Hon. R. Jones Jr., Maj. Gideon Marlett, Col. Wm. K. Piper, John Williams, Esq.; Andrew Lewis were appointed Vice Presidents.
John E. Scanlan, D. C. Zahm, John H. Evans, Rowland M. Jones, R. A. M'Coy and John Lloyd, Secretaries.
R. L. Johnston, Esq., on taking the chair, stated the object of the meeting in a brief but thrilling address.
The meeting was then eloquently addressed by Phil. S. Noon, C. D. Murray, R. A. M'Coy and A. A. Barker, Esquires.
On Motion, Phil S. Noon, George M. Reed, A. A. Barker, Robert Davis and Ezekiel Hughes were appointed a committee on resolutions.
During the absence of the committee, the meeting was addressed by M. Hasson.
The committee, through their Chairman, offered the following preamble and resolutions, which, on motion, were unanimously adopted:
Whereas, A state of things now exist in the our beloved country which appeals to the patriotism of every true friend of our Institutions, to raise his voice and if need be, his hand, in defense of our Government and its constituted authorities; therefore, be it
Resolved, That the acts of those who are in open rebellion against the Government of the United States, in attacking and forcibly taking United States property and waging war against the best and happiest government on the face of the earth, and seeking to destroy the lives of her people, renders it the imperative duty of every true American to boldly step forward in defense of the honored flag of the county and sustain the Constitution at all hazards.
Resolved, That Cambria county, who in her infancy, sent her soldiers to encounter the enemies of her country, in the war with Great Britain, who decimated her population in the war with Mexico, will not be backward when "traitors take the field" at home and whilst we cheerfully tender to the South all her rights, as we have heretofore done, we are entirely unwilling to sustain her in resistance to the Federal Government.
George M. Reed and John Williams, Esq.'s, also responded to the call and made eloquent addresses.
Other gentleman being called upon, excused themselves, but stated that they endorsed in full the proceedings of the meeting.
The greatest of enthusiasm was manifested during the meeting. The meeting then adjourned with nine cheers for the American flag, the Constitution and the Union.
Local and Personal
Hemlock, April 22, 1861
Old Washington is strongly for the Union! As soon as the news reached here that the President had issued his Proclamation, calling on the militia, the Washington Rifles, numbering some sixty men, offered their services to defend their country in the hour of need, and were accepted. They left here on Friday morning for Wilmore to recruit, where they were joined by some of the Frosty Sons of that borough and vicinity, who were desirous also of doing battle for their country in
time of need.
The officers at Capt. R. White; Lieutenant Jno. W. Short, and Orderly Sergeant Jno. Wilkins, these being the only old officers that were here to go.
Their friends have the consolation of knowing that they will do honor to themselves and to their country.
The company left Wilmore on Saturday at 3 o'clock A. M.
Carrolltown, April 22, 1861
A large and enthusiastic Union meeting was held in this borough on Saturday last, and a beautiful pole was raised. From its top floats the much loved but now insulted flag of our country.
The meeting was called to order by the election of that venerable pioneer of our county, Richard Ashcraft, as President, who, in a few opening remarks, during the time of which the tears rolled down his cheeks and his tottering limbs seemed scare able to bear him up, said, that in youth that flag had taught him all he knew of love of his country, and even now were he able he would be only too happy to end a long life in avenging the insult to his revered county. Patriotic addresses were also delivered by several other gentlemen. Mr. Charles Fagan delivered a stirring appeal to his friends to join with him in putting down Rebellion in our beloved country. The meeting was then
adjourned by giving three cheers for the "Red, White and Blue."
Gallitzin, April 20, 1861
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held at this place on Friday evening last, for the purpose of raising a volunteer company. The meeting was organized by appointing Daniel M'Laughlin, President, and N. W. Greel and Matthew Kelly, secretaries.
Speeches were made by Major David Mills and Daniel McLaughlin (sic). Every single man in the vicinity with a few exceptions were enrolled and also several married men who have large, helpless families.
On motion of Mr. Gilson, Supervisor of P. R. R., for this division, a committee of fifteen were appointed to make arrangements for the support of the families of those who enlisted.
The company will hold a meeting on Monday evening for the purpose of electing officers and will hold itself in readiness to march as soon as orders are received.
The meeting adjourned with three cheers for the Constitution, the Union and the Stars and Stripes.
Johnstown, April 22, 1861
The past week has been one of intense excitement in our midst. Business is nearly suspended, and anxiety rests upon every countenance. Three companies have already left us, and some three or four more are rapidly recruiting. The stars and stripes are proudly waving and drums are beating in all directions.
The companies that have left us are the Zouave Cadets, the Johnstown Infantry and the Citizens' Guards. Each company, before leaving, was presented by the patriotic ladies of Johnstown with a beautiful stand of colors. The presentation speeches were made of D. J. Merrell and the reception speeches by Col. Jacob M. Campbell on behalf of the Zouaves, and John P. Linton, Esq., on behalf of the Citizens' Guards. Not less than fifteen hundred people witnessed these intensely interesting ceremonies and cheers and shouts of applause of the Star Spangled Banner made the everlasting hills around us echo back the rejoicings of a free people over a flag that has ever been an emblem of
Liberty. Our brave citizen soldiers departed with a fixed determination that they would: "Forever float that standard sheet,/Where breathes the foe, but fall before us; /With Freedom's soil
beneath our feet,/And Freedom's Flag a waving o'er us."
I learn that our companies form part of the Third Regiment Penna. Volunteers, the officers of which are as follows: ___ Minier, Colonel; J. M. Power, Lieutenant Colonel; Mayberry Irwin, Major; J. M. Campbell, Adjutant. This regiment and ten others left Harrisburg on Saturday evening for Washington city.
As an instance of the enthusiasm prevalent here, take the following: A young man from Richland township was sent to town by his parents on Wednesday to sell a basket of eggs; he arrived here; disposed of his eggs; enlisted in the Infantry; and by the time his parents were expecting him home, he was on his way to Harrisburg!
The intense patriotic feeling of our citizen will not permit Treason to show its hydra head among us. A man was stoned, knocked down and otherwise roughly dealt with for his supposed succession proclivities. Another was very quietly but earnestly admonished to leave town for the same cause; and it is needless to say that he complied with the request.
Isaac E. Chandler, Esq., has been officially notified of his appointment as Post Master of this place. Mr. Boggs made a capable and attentive public officer and he retires with the good wishes of the entire community.
The rolling mill continues in operation and it is the intention of Mr. Morrell, the patriotic manager here, to run it while a dollar of money is to be obtained for that purpose.
Steps are being taken to provide for the families of those who have gone forth in the service of our common country. To this end District Committees have been formed and the following General Trustees are appointed: D. J. Morrell, S. H. Smith, Lewis Plitt.
The Post Office
So it appears that we were all wrong with regard to the Postmastership of this borough. It was currently reported and generally believed until within a week past that Maj. John Thompson was to be our Postmaster, indeed, it was stated that he had received official notification to that effect; but on Saturday, M. S. Harr, Esq., received a notification that he was to be the man. We understand that Mr. H. has filled out and returned the requisite bonds to the P. O.
Department and it is probable that his commission will shortly arrive.
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