NEWS: Items from The Alleghanian, February 6, 1862, Cambria County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Patty Millich <millich84@hotmail.com> Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cambria/ _________________________________________ The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, February 6, 1862 Volume 3, Number 20 Fifty-Fourth Penna. Vols. Camp Curtin, Jany. 29, 1862 A most consoling event has transpired in Camp Curtin today, tending somewhat to relive the monotony of camp life. One of Uncle Sam's agents has visited us and we are now reveling in the passion of numerous Treasury Notes. Did you ever witness a fox chase and see a pack of lean, lank hounds speeding after "Reynard" with loud howls of delight as they closed in upon their prey? If so you then can form a faint idea of the scene of excitement we witnessed here when the Pay Master made his long, wished-for appearance among us. It was, indeed amusing to see the various means the men took to show their delight. Some of the most laughable of antics were performed, not only by the beardless soldiers but old grey-headed men, whom one would think had seen enough of the world to be somewhat philosophical and sensible, joined in the sport. It seemed almost impossible for the vast majority of the men to wait patiently until their turn came to be paid. But at length the Pay Master concluded his labors and all the men have been paid up to the first day of January, 1862. The majority of the men in our Regiment have sent almost all of their money home, reserving but a small portion for themselves. No doubt this will be decidedly gratifying to the friends at home, who very likely need the cash. Harrisburg is now filled with soldiers who are spending a considerable quantity of their cash for liquors of various kinds, and, in anticipation of some of them getting a little obstreperous, Adjutant Jennings has detailed a large force from the good old 54th to keep down any noisy movement. You may depend upon it they will settle the obstreperous in "double quick." And, by the way, let me say that since our Regiment became known in this camp, we have invariably been called upon by Adjutant Jennings to settle any difficulty that has occurred. At one time a number of men belonging to a Regiment which has since left Camp Curtin, became incensed at the camp Sutler and determined to tear down his building and in fact, had congregated for that purpose; but a sergeant's guard of the 54th soon settled the matter. But for a long time, fearing there might be an outbreak, our boys stood guard over the building and no harm was done it. For the last three months, our men have been nightly detailed to do "patrol" and "picket" duty; and as an evidence of how well they attend to their duties, I merely mention the fact that no other Regiment has been called upon in a similar capacity since we have been here. Composed as our Regiment is, of stout, hearty mountaineers, and the vast majority of them possessing a very fair share of education and intelligence, our men have not only the muscle but the will and determination to execute all orders given them; they are to be trusted with the most responsible duties. I for one feel far more confidence in an intelligent and educated soldiery than in that class of men who simply perform their duty because they know nothing else. Soldiers in active service should be machines, but intelligent machines. The reasoning and observant soldier knows that success in war depends upon the perfect working of each and every part of the grand machinery of which an army is composed. He feels that he is a material potion of the army and that without his aid the officers can do nothing - that he is a co-worker with his officers and that it is his duty not to command but to obey. With the dull, stupid soldier, this is not the case. He obeys because he has been taught, perhaps by experience, that unless he does so he will be punished. Of the former class of men, the grand army of the North is composed and with such, our able generals must eventually conquer the dupes of Secession notwithstanding their masked batteries and boasted valor. Mingled with us are the lively, chivalrous Irishmen, who fight nobly, bravely, in any other but their own native land; the stern valiant Germans who are ever ready to strike a blow for Freedom; the self-reliant Englishman and the blythe Welshman. Combining, as we do, the impetuosity of the French with the stubborn valor of the English and German troops, I feel fully satisfied to venture my prediction that when the tug comes, the 54th will do its work with a will. Our Regiment is every day increasing in numbers, and we are now of the belief that we are soon to be filled up and sent to Philadelphia, to be brigaded and sent off to "Dixie" in an exclusively Pennsylvania expedition. Gov. Curtin is urging the adoption of this step on the War Department and we hope he may succeed. At all events, we feel certain we will soon leave this place and the sooner the better. What the good citizens of Harrisburg will do when we are gone, I know not, and where Adjutant Jennings will find men to take the place of the 54th for extra guard we can't imagine; but we hope he will be generous enough to admit our worth, and say that the noble spirits of which our various companies are composed are fit for a higher duty than "chicken coop guarding." Our companies are as follows: Co. A., Captain J. P. Suter - 98 men Co. B., Captain John Hite - 101 men Co. C., Captain E. D. Utzy - 101 men Co. D., T. H. Lapsly - 73 men Co. E., Captain T. Graham - 93 men Co. F., Captain G. W. Davis - 83 men Co. G., Captain F. B. Long - 61 men Co. I., Captain W. Bonacker - 96 men Leaving companies H and K yet to be supplied. Two of our companies are, you will perceive, under the minimum, but they will soon be filled and this, with companies H and K will give us more men than any Regiment that has left camp since we have been here. We have also the very finest Brass Band that has ever been in this camp. The men to fill us out, we understand, are in Camp Curtin at present and but a few days will intervene until I write you a full detail of our organization. [Signed] Horace Nineteenth Regular Infantry Indianapolis, Jany. 27, 1862 Our company - Co. C., 19th regular infantry - is in tip-top condition. We are progressing rapidly in matters appertaining to the drill and enjoy excellent health. We have had as yet no hardships to endure. We are better paid, better fed, better clothed and better treated than are the soldiers of any other nation; and all we now desire is to be afforded an opportunity to make a dash at the enemy to prove our love for our generous and beneficent government. I observe that among your correspondents you have none belonging to the regular army. I - as a representative of this latter class-beg leave to say a few words to dispel an erroneous idea which is, however, fast becoming obsolete. I refer to the manner in which discipline is administered in the regular service. Before enlisting we were told that the officers exercised undue authority over their men that they tyrannized over them and in fact, did with them pretty much as they pleased. When our company was being organized many of us preferred joining the volunteers, but after weighing matters and things we concluded to try fighting under West Point officers. Since doing so, we have found that we acted wisely. Our officers are the best and kindest hearted men that could possibly be found, in no way approximating to "tyrants." The fact is, if a man sets like a man he is treated as a man, here as well as elsewhere. Our company idolizes Capt. Williams. He is considered the finest officer in our regiment. He possess an eminent degree that peculiar Napoleonic power of commanding the love and respect of all with whom he comes in contact. His subordinates, Lieuts. Snyder and Hays, are splendid fellows who do their duty nobly and faithfully. As regards, Sergt. Tom Davis, it is wonderful how soon he has jumped into the traces. He almost worships Capt. Williams and the Capt. is of opinion that there is not Tom's equal on God's Earth. He is certainly one of the best orderlies in the service, and the boys love him as a father. Last week we were paid off. The greater portion of our wages was sent to the loved ones at home. This is an advantage we possess over the volunteers - we never have to wait for our pay. Do not imagine, however, that we set any store by this fact. We are here to fight, not to make money. Today our company presented Capt. Williams with a pair of magnificent silver-mounted pistols, as a slight manifestation of the esteem in which he is regarded by rank and file. He responded in a few happy remarks, thanking the donors. The victory of Somerset, Ky., has set us in a blaze of excitement. We expect marching thither shortly. I will let you hear from us again in due course of time. [Signed] Keystone Letter from the Silver Grays Camp Curtin, Feby. 3, 1862 The Paymaster has been among us, scattering broadcast over the Camp the very welcome promises of Uncle Samuel to pay his defenders for services which have been rendered, or for the time occupied in the preparation to properly discharge the duties which belong to a solder's career. The "Silver Grays," altho' they have not been here for so long a time as some others, received a share of the pile. The Government has done the thing handsomely, so far as the privates are concerned, having paid them from the day of enrollment. The commissioned officers have not fared so well. The General Government fixes the date from which payment is calculated at the time such officers were mustered into the service of the United States. It is to be hoped that the Legislature, now in session, will make an appropriation to pay the officers for the time between the dates of enrollment and mustering in. This would be but just to a class of men who have exerted themselves with all the energy with which they are gifted to recruit and bring into the field a body of citizen soldiers that are a credit to the Keystone State. The volunteers encamped here have been paid up to the 1st day of the present year. In the beginning of March they will be paid for the months of January and February. It is most gratifying fact that the greater part of the funds received by the men has been remitted home. Indeed there is little need for money in camp beyond the trifling amount required for necessary incidentals. The Government provides all the substantials in eating as well as comfortable clothing. If luxuries are to be enjoyed they must be supplied at the expense of him who may have the benefit of them and not from the public store room. Much speculation is now afloat as to the future movements of the soldiers in this camp. It is generally credited that Governor Curtin has made a proposition to the War Department, offering twelve Regiments, full and complete, for any Southern enterprise that may be within the programme of the General Government. The only condition connected with this tender is that these Regiments may be kept together throughout the campaign and that it may be recognized as a Pennsylvania Division. This proffer is highly creditable to the wise head and patriotic heart of the Governor. Loyal as he is to the country as a whole he does not lose sight of the honor and pride of our good old Commonwealth. As a Pennsylvanian, though humble I may be, I thank him for his manifestation of watchful care over those who have chosen him as the Executive of the State. It is evidently his design to adopt in this matter, the policy which so opportunely called the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps into existence. That was a most wise forethought which discerned in the distance the urgent demand for a prompt supply of volunteers to take the place made vacant by the expiration of the term of enlistment of the three months men. The Administration of Washington, having already had so strong proof of Governor Curtin's prudence will undoubtedly give his latter offer a favorable consideration. Some penny-a-liner from Washington to the New York press has made a grossly false statement in relation to the volunteers stationed in this camp. He promulgates a deliberately concocted lie by stating that the soldiers here had engaged in riot and revolt in consequence of the non- payment of their respective claims against the Government. Prior to the appearance of the Paymaster on Monday last, there was not the least appearance of outbreak. After the distribution had been made, there ran through the camp a perfect "buzz" of satisfaction, indicating that the men appreciated the "manner" as well as the "matter" of payment. Camp Curtin is under the immediate command of Col. Meridith and Lieut. Col. Hoffman than whom there are not more gallant and courteous officers in the volunteer service. Prompt in the condemnation and punishment of flagrant violations of the Rules and Regulations of the camp, they are equally ready to discerning and approving merit, wherever and upon whomever found. The "Silver Grays" have heard of the approbation expressed by these officers, and let me assure you, they can and do fully appreciate the compliment and respect the source whence it emanated. In my previous letters, I have confined myself in the main to "matters and things" in which the "Silver Grays" are interested. I must plead guilty to the charge of selfishness, in thus restricting my "remarks" to our own circle while our good, whole-souled and soldierly Countrymen forming a part of Col. J. M. Campbell's Regiment are quartered within a stone's throw of our barracks. This Regiment is officered by men of sterling worth in whose present and future the People of Cambria County feel great interest. I propose in my succeeding correspondence to "extend myself" beyond our own quarters and look into those of our Cambria neighbors. I feel well assured that neither Col. Campbell, Lieut. Col. McDermitt, Major Linton, Adj. Rosen nor Captains Bonaker, Suter, Lapsley and Graham will charge me with being impertinent if I refer to them, collectively and individually, in my "paper messages" in THE ALLEGHANIAN. I am reminded after scanning the proceeding paragraph that our County volunteers have a kind of "button-hole" connection with another company in this camp. I allude to Capt. Wm. B. Sprague's company, from the adjacent county of Bedford. Of this corps, D. W. Mullin is 1st Lieut. and J. Conley, 2d Lieut. Lieutenant Mullin in a Brother of your most esteemed townsman, A. C. Mullin, Esq. Captain Sprague's company is attached to the 101st Regiment (Col. Wilson) which is now under marching orders. It is really one of the finest in camp and does much credit to the County from which it hails. It is natural that next to our own, we must feel solicitous for the honor and welfare of our neighboring Counties. In the company of which I am writing, I recognize trusty champions of old Bedford. The incident to which I alluded at the close of my last letter, took place in this company. Without authority I may be pardoned for making brief mention of it. As I have stated, the 1st Lieut. and A. C. Mullin are brothers. The latter, during a recent visit, compelled by that fraternal love which, when displayed, honors our common nature, presented in a private, though formal manner a beautifully embellished sword, as a token of brotherly affection. The donor and recipient were alike moved by the ceremonies of the occasion. But who can dive into the human soul and look upon its workings when incited by a love implanted there by the Great Author of our being? There is on such occasions a mutuality of sentiment that some may experience but none describe. For Lieutenant Mullin, your correspondent entertains a regard commensurate with his acknowledged worth as a gentleman and a soldier. May the "token" received from his brother be used in punishing the enemies of his country and be only sheathed when victory shall have perched upon the "Stars and Stripes." This is the sincere prison (sic) of a... [end of letter but it was not cut off] [Signed] High Private Military Capt. Wm. Linton's cavalry company, we understand, is rapidly filling up and no doubts are entertained that the requisite complement of men will speedily be obtained. A squad of some forty men are to be sent to camp, near Philadelphia, during the present week. The company, when full, will be attached to Col. Frishmuth's 12th Pennsylvania cavalry. Personal Capt. A. Lewis, of Co. A., 11th regiment, P. R. C., Col. Gallagher, is in town on a brief furlough. He looks remarkably well and reports his command as being in a flourishing condition. Discontinued The publication of the Blairsville RECORD has been discontinued, the editor, Mr. James F. Campbell, having become one of the editors of the Greensburg REPUBLICAN. We wish him success in his new posish. Register's Notice Notice is hereby given that the following Accounts have been passed and filed in the Register's Office at Ebensburg and will be presented to the Orphan's Court of Cambria County for confirmation and allowance on Wednesday, the fifth day of March next, to wit: The account of Christian Weaver, guardian of Catherine Keim, a minor child of Peter Keim, late of said county, dec'd. The account of David Benshoff, one of the Administrators of Jacob Benshoff, dec.d The account of John Shoffner, Administrator of Casper Shoffner, late of Clearfield township, dec.d. The partial account of Wm. Kittell, Trustee, to sell the real estate of Thomas Jackson, dec.'d. The partial account of Charles B. Ellis, Administrator of Daniel Huber, Sr., dec'd. The account of Charles B. Ellis, Administrator of Daniel Huber, Jr., dec'd. The account of E. J. Waters, Administrator of Daniel W. Williams, dec'd. The account of John Dibert, Administrator of John Dibert, dec'd. The final account of Henry Yeagley, Guardian of Elizabeth Dibert, one of the heirs of John Dibert, dec'd. The supplemental account of Dominick Dimond and Henry Sopper, Administrators of John Trotter, dec.d. The account of E. J. Waters, Executor of Elizabeth Relyea, dec'd. The partial account of Paul George, Administrator of Thomas H. Porter, dec'd. The account of E. J. Waters, Administrator of the Rev. Richard Roberts, dec'd. The final account of James Kirkpatrick, Executor of Archibald Kirkpatrick, dec'd. The account of Milton Jones, Administrator of Thomas Jones of Jackson township, dec'd. The partial account of Christiana D. William, Administratrix of David Williams, dec'd. The first account of Joseph Miller, Guardian of Woodburn Benson. The first and final account of Joseph Miller, Guardian of Emeline Benson, now deceased. E. F. Lytle, Register Register's Office, Feb'y. 6, 1862 Sleighing During the last few days the denizens of the "Mountain Village" have enjoyed most excellent sleighing. The snow is about one foot in depth, with a very good prospect of a steady increase. The young folks are enjoying themselves hugely and we have heard of several sleighing parties on the taps. National Foundry The Cambria TRIBUNE says that the latest reports indicate that the chances of Johnstown in regard to the matter of the location of the National Foundry are "as good as those of any other place." This is cheering. Fire We learn from the Hollidaysburg STANDARD that the house of William Ake, in Tuckahoe Valley, Blair county, was totally destroyed by fire on Sunday night week, the family barely escaping with their lives. Election The election of officers for Ebensburg borough will be held on Friday, 21st inst. Those residing in the East Ward will vote at the Court House; those in the West Ward at the Town Hall. Candlemas Day Sunday was Candlemas Day and if legendary lore can be relied on, we are to be favored with a cold snap of six weeks or thereabout before the breaking up of winter.