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EBENSBURG ALLEGHANIAN
EBENSBURG, PA
AUGUST 1861
Thursday, August 1, 1861
Volume 2, Number 50
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
Gen. McClellan’s Command
By a general order just issued, Gen. McClellan’s command will include Gen. Manfield’s as well as Gen. McDowell’s department and two counties in Maryland as well. Also second, “All officers or volunteer regiments will be subject to examination by a Military board, to be appointed by this Department with the concurrence of the General in Chief, as to their fitness for the positions assigned. Those officers found to be incompetent will be rejected and the vacancies thus occasioned will be filled by the appointment of such persons as may have passed the examination of the Board.”
Death of Col. Cameron
Among the victims of the late battle was Colonel James Cameron, commander of the 79th (Scotch) regiment. Col. Cameron was a native of our State, and brother of the present Secretary of War, and was elected to take command of the regiment on account of the strong Scotch feeling which he possessed and his Cameronian sentiments. Col. Cameron was of splendid proportions, standing over six feet high and straight as an arrow, still in vigor, time having touched him lightly as he passed. Of most courteous demeanor and always considerate of the wants of his men, he was at the same time an admirable soldier, having commanded a Pennsylvania regiment for some years. Col. Elliott will take command of the regiment, which will in no manner suffer, beyond losing a loved officer.
Inducement to Volunteers
A Bounty for Re-Enlistment
In the hour of danger, the country is offering the very greatest inducements to the people to assist in its defense and we are proud to record the fact that the proportion of those who are re-enlisting is vastly larger than those who are returning to their homes. This is a credit to the men and argues well for the success of the cause in which they are engaged.
The inducements which the Government offers for recruits are as follows:
Where an entire regiment re-enlists, a bounty of fifty dollars will be paid to every man immediately after re-organization and mustering into service of the new regiment.
When a full company offers and is received and sworn into service a bounty of forty dollars is paid to each man.
To new recruits and individual enlistments thirty dollars are paid to each man.
With these great encouragements and the still greater inducements of danger to a county and laws which we still love and respect, we expect to see a great many regiments organized and on their return to the scene of the action in a very few days. [Harrisburg TELEGRAPH]
News of the Week
Retirement of Gen. Patterson
Headquarters, Dept. of Pa.
Harper’s Ferry, July 25, 1861
The term for which the troops from Pennsylvania were called into service having expired and nearly all of them having returned to their homes, the Commanding General by direction of the War Department, relinquishes the command of this Department at the expiration of his term of service. The Commanding General regrets to leave you, but he does so with the satisfaction that you have steadily advanced in the face of the enemy greatly superior in numbers and artillery and offered battle which they refused until protected by their strong entrenchments at Winchester.
You have done all that was possible and more than could have been expected, or was demanded; and if advantage has not been taken of your sacrifices, and if the fruits of your company have been lost, the fault cannot be imputed to you. To the members of the department staff, he tenders his thanks for their efficient aid and devotion to duty.
Signed: R. J. Paterson, Maj. Gen. Com.
The Reinforcements from Pennsylvania
On Sunday evening, 21st ult., a requisition was received by Gov. Curtin from the Secretary of War to forward to Washington as speedily as possible, all the reserve corps that were ready for action.
Immediately orders were issued and the movement commenced. The troops in camp at West Chester, Easton and Pittsburg immediately began to prepare for a movement to Camp Curtin, where they were fully equipped and armed and at once forwarded to Washington. Thus since Monday last, gathering the troops from these distant points, assembling them at Harrisburg and furnishing them with the necessary clothing and arms, nearly Eleven Thousand Men, in the very best order and discipline, have been forwarded to Washington city and are now in active service. Besides these ten regiments thus forwarded this week, there were five other regiments that had gone forward before these had started on the march, so that Pennsylvania has now some Sixteen Thousand fresh fighting men in the field.
In addition to these the War Department has made another requisite on the Governor for ten other new regiments to which we may add two more that are organizing independently of any requisition. These are filling up very fast from the returned men, the very best of whom are re-enlisting. When these are full and we predict their organization in less than a month, Pennsylvania will again at have at least Thirty Thousand Fighting Men in the field.
Local and Personal
Ebensburg and Wilmore Plank Road Co.
We are informed upon what we consider indisputable authority that the above company still continues to charge full toll rates over their road, notwithstanding the fact that the planks of which it is composed are almost entirely worn out and the road otherwise rendered nearly impassible. We hope not!
A Bully Fellow
During a recent visit to Altoona we had the pleasure of meeting our quondam friend, Hen McPike, formerly of the Johnstown ECHO. He is doing business as partner in a mercantile house in that borough under the name of Murphy and McPike. We wish him success in his new vocation and can assure the citizens of Altoona that they deal with gentlemen when they deal with him and his partner.
Indiana County
On Wednesday of last week, the oil refinery of Samuel Green, in Blairsville, took fire and was burned to the ground. Loss $1,100; insured for $300.
Take Particular Notice
The voters of the People’s Party in this borough will please remember at the Delegate Election on next Saturday, that those residing in the East Ward will vote at the Court House and those in the West Ward at the Town Hall.
Not True
The report which has prevailed in this place for some days past to the effect that Lt. John W. Short of Co. G., 10th regiment (from Hemlock, this county) had been killed in Virginia, is, we are happy to say, totally incorrect. He is not only alive and kicking but is now at Harrisburg with his company waiting to be paid off.
A Mistake, We Presume
The Indiana TRUE AMERICAN contradicts the statement we published last week to the effect that two soldiers belonging to the 11th Pa. regiment were killed on the railroad a few miles below Altoona, when on their route eastward. The editor says he has direct information that the boys all arrived safely at Harrisburg. Glad to hear it.
Doubts Arise
The Hollidaysburg papers of last week intimate pretty plainly that the cannonading at the battle of Bull’s Run, Va., on Sunday, 15th ult., was distinctly heard in some portions of Blair county. Now, as the distance between the two points, as near as we can come by in reference to the scale of miles on a map of the war, is one hundred and twenty five miles or so, it will be seen that this is a pretty big thing on auriculars. And no mistake. Under the circumstances, we believe we’ll take no more lemonade at present, thankee. What do you drink, friends?
Returning Soldiers
The 3d regiment to which three and the 10th regiment, to which two Cambria county companies belong, are now at Harrisburg being paid off. They will be home this week.
The Cambria Guards at Washington
The Cambria Guards, after leaving Camp Wright on Tuesday of last week, were taken through to Harrisburg the same evening, where they stayed over night. On Wednesday they got as far as Baltimore where they also encamped for the night; and on Thursday they arrived at Washington. They are all well and in excellent spirits and feel quite gratified at being called upon to assist in defending the National Capital.
Owing to the hurry and confusion incident to changing quarters, our regular correspondents have failed to come to time this week but in lieu of their jottings we subjoin a couple of extracts from private letter that may not be altogether uninteresting to our readers.
Speaking of some incidents of the trip, one of the Guards writes:
“I must put in a word here for the ladies of Huntingdon. They met us at the cars with a bountiful supper, more than sufficient to feed the twelve hundred men who were in the train, consisting of hot coffee and tea, bread and butter, warm biscuit, boiled eggs, pickles, and in fact everything else good to eat. Their kindness will never be forgotten.”
Long may the ladies of Huntingdon wave!
Another speaks in terms of highest praise of the liberality of the good people of Gallitzin, this county.
And still another, writing under the date of Washington, July 28th, says:
“Last night when the majority of us were in bed, our picket guard was heard firing the alarm and almost at the same instant the drums were heard to beat the call, “to arms!” The cry “the enemy is advancing on Washington!” was heard on all sides and all encamped in and about the glorious old capital were soon at their posts, ready and willing to spill their hearts best blood in defense of it. It was remarkable to see in what a short space of time the 11th (our regiment) was formed, and how eager they were for the fray. At first we thought the enemy were in our very midst, but more scouts were thrown out and it was ascertained they were ten miles distant. Our picket guard was fired at several times, but not injured. Our officers express the whispered opinion that an attack will be made at this point very soon. So the “bloody 11th,” as we are called will soon have a chance to be “in” and this is just what we desire.”
The Journey “through Baltimore,” thanks to Gen. Banks and the rest of the “live” Unionists in that unenviable nest of traitors was made in perfect safety.
Letters or other documents to the soldiers to insure prompt delivery should be addressed thus:
Co. A., Capt. Litzinger
11th Regt., P. R. C., Col. Gallagher,
Washington, D. C.
MARRIAGES
Married on Thursday, 25th ult, by the Rev. Wm. Lloyd, Geo. W. Oatman, Esq., to Miss Priscilla Jane Tibbott, both of this place.
DEATHS
Indiana County: George McCune, a young man residing in Washington township, was recently so severely wounded by the accidental discharge of a gun as to cause his death in a short time.
Mr. G. W. Cochran of Pine township committed suicide on the evening of the 20th by hanging himself. No cause is assigned for the rash act.
A Pioneer Gone
Mr. Christopher Glass, aged eighty-six years, died on the 16th ult, at the residence of his son in Pine township, Indiana county. Mr. G. was one of the pioneers of Cambria county, having cleared the first land in the neighborhood of Munster. He was an honest, upright man, a good citizen and an excellent neighbor. So says the Indiana MESSENGER.
Thursday, August 8, 1861
Volume 2, Number 51
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
Strokes of the Sun
Sun stroke, which is becoming common at this season of the year, is due rather to the imprudence of the sufferers than to the malignant influences either of the fervid king of day or his reputed fellow laborer in midsummer, the dog star. It is occasioned by the action of the heat upon the system during some period of depression of the vital functions. Thus, recently a member of a regiment died while on his way to Baltimore, “The result of drinking copiously of ice water while over heated,” and the imbibers of ale and larger beer are particularly liable to the same risk. We approve of havelocks, cork installed in the hat, wet handkerchiefs, etc., but we insist also that the true protective against coup de soliel, “the heat,” &c., consists in the careful maintenance of general health. So long as the stomach is not debilitated and the heart can maintain its regular pulses there is hardly any amount of heat, even inside of an oven, which a man cannot withstand.
A Regiment of Scythes
Some Germans of New York are attempting the organization of a regiment to be armed with scythes. The organization of such a regiment would be completed at a very short notice, without much cost. It was stated by some of the speakers that a regiment of this kind would do a great deal of service; that if properly directed they could cause a great deal of havoc among the enemy. It would be better adapted than any other weapon now in use to attack the enemy’s cavalry with effect. That such troops could be made serviceable had been demonstrated in the Polish revolution in that of the Peasants in Germany when the regular troops very often fought with scythes.
Soldiers’ Letters
The following order has been made by the Post Office Department for the execution of the new law respecting soldiers’ letters:
“Postmasters at or near any camp or point occupied by the United States forces will mail without prepayment of postage any letter written by a soldier in the service of the United States and certified to be such by the Major or Acting Major of the Regiment to which the writer is attached. The envelope should have plainly stamped or written on its face the certificate “Soldiers’ letter,” signed in writing by the Major of Acting Major of the Regiment, describing his Regiment by his number and its State. The postage due on such letters will be collected at the office of delivery.
Commissioned officers will prepay their postage as heretofore.
John A. Kasson, First Assistant Post Master General
People’s County Nominations
Assembly -- A. Kopelin of Johnstown.
Sheriff -- James D. Hamilton of Wilmore
Treasurer -- Charles B. Ellis of Johnstown
Associate Judges -- Isaac Evans of Ebensburg; James Purse of Johnstown
Commissioner -- James Conrad of Washington twp.
Poor House Director -- Rees S. Lloyd of Cambria twp.
Auditor -- H. J. Roberts of Johnstown.
Local and Personal
Hemlock, August 5, 1861
The Washington Rifles (Co. G, 10th Regiment) arrived home safely on Saturday. They were received at the station by a large concourse of friends who had met to welcome them back. Capt. Behen’s Home Guards were to have acted as escorts, but through some misunderstanding this part of the programme was omitted.
The volunteers all look exceedingly well and say they never experienced better health in their lives. To judge from appearances, camp life suits them exactly; and a large number express their determination of re-enlisting “for the war.” They are determined to have a brush with the enemy and to use their own expression, would have had one before now only “the cowardly miscreants wouldn’t stand fire.”
They had many stirring stores to tell concerning events that transpired during their sojourn in the enemy’s country, none of which surprised me more than the report that the ladies in that section are all opposed to Union!
Our quiet little town, as you may well imagine, was in a high state of excitement until about 10 o’clock in the evening when the crowd dispersed, our citizens to dream of friends and relatives returned and the soldiers to enjoy the luxury of a feather bed once more.
By the way, our friend, “the clerk,” is on hand again, looking well as usual. He will enter upon the duties of his arduous and responsible office immediately, I believe.
I understand that Major White arrived home on Saturday morning, but I have not yet seen him. He has not enjoyed very good health for some time. Signed: XX
Music
Prof. Huey, the music teacher, is now at Johnstown giving a course of lessons. We hope he may find it convenient to call around this way again, as the musical education of the rising generation has been sadly neglected latterly.
Chaplain
Rev. A. Torrence, pastor of the Presbyterian church at New Alexandria, Westmoreland county, has volunteered to act as Chaplain of the 11th regiment Pennsylvania Reserves for a few weeks. He is now with the regiment at Washington.
Returned Volunteers
On Wednesday last, three of the companies from this county, comprising the Zouave Cadets, Johnstown Infantry and the Citizen Guards, returned to their homes in Johnstown, this county. They were received by the German Home Guards and a large concourse of relatives and friends. Capt. Easley’s company also returned last week, being the last of the three months’ men who were absent from this county.
Returned Soldiers
On Saturday, Lieut. Wm. Linton, George W. Brown, Samuel Goodwin, Joseph Wherry, Thomas Jones, Robert Marlett and John C. Murray, all of whom belonged to various companies of the three months’ volunteers and who were discharged and paid off at Harrisburg last week, arrived at their homes in this place. They all look hale and hearty and give it as their unanimous opinion that “sojering’ is decidedly the thing for these degenerate times. Their only regret is that being in General Patterson’s division they were not enabled to measure strength with the Traitors.
Adjutant J. C. Noon, of the 3d regiment also arrived home on Thursday. Since his return we are sorry to say, he has been prostrated by an attack of sickness from which we hope he may soon recover.
We forgot to notice last week that our friend, Peter L. Linton, who was also connected with Gen. Patterson’s division, had returned. He looks well as ever.
Welcome back, all.
We learn that Lieut. Wm. Linton intends returning to Harrisburg almost immediately to organize a company for the war. We wish him every success in his patriotic undertaking.
Gov. Curtin has pardoned Captain Rogers, recently convicted at Pittsburg, of manslaughter in killing J. H. Vandegrift.
How to Act should Your Dress Catch Fire
Ladies should, whenever they are so unfortunate as to have their dress upon them take fire, fall prostrate and roll upon the flame. An assistant then can smother it with a tablecloth, a piece of carpet or even with any kind of clothing which may be at hand. If the lady stand erect, the flame will ascend rapidly and encircle her face and head and she will breathe in the flames to the destruction of her lungs and life. In such cases, it is almost useless to battle with the fire with the hands.
Ferocious Customer
On Monday evening a fellow name Thomas Gordon who holds forth in Johnstown, after putting himself outside of a large and well selected load of boomerang whisky, became riproarious and pugnacious. Following the inclination of the spirit (no pun intended) he smashed in several taverns, committed a number of aggravated assaults and batteries and ended by being knocked down and dragged off to the lockup. On the following Wednesday Constable Gageby started with the prisoner for this place to commit him to jail but he succeeded in escaping on the road. A reward of ten dollars is offered for his re-arrest. Mr. Gordon should be locked up, by all means.
Caution to Mothers
It is a very common thing to see mothers and servant girls pushing along the sidewalks the little carriages in which they are giving infants an airing on pleasant days. An exchange remarks that the practice is a very dangerous one and is liable to do great and permanent injury to the child. The position of a child riding backward instead of forward is an unnatural one and directly affects the brain. Some grown person even cannot ride backward in a railroad car without experiencing a sense of faintness and to expect a child to do what a strong adult cannot is unreasonable to say the least. It is believed by medical writers that infants have died from diseases produced from being ridden backward.
Burglary
On Thursday night the store of Mr. William Davis in the eastern part of town was burglariously [as typed in the paper] entered by some person or persons unknown and loose specie [as typed in the paper] to the amount of about four dollars abstracted there from. The entrance was effected by prying open the doors.
Letters from Our Volunteers
Camp near Washington City, Sunday, August 4, 1861
We have now been here a little more than a week and it seems almost as much like home to us as Camp Wright did tho’ we have been obliged to dispense with many of the comforts and conveniences of our former abode. In the woods here no one has any boards that we can “take” to floor our tents with. Then we have no stoves, but do all our cooking over regular camp fires, which is all very nice, when it don’t rain. And last, but not least, we must eat our dry bread without the aid of mountain butter.
I believe it is arranged that the whole Reserve Corps of Pennsylvania (fifteen Regiments) will be kept together; they will be formed into Brigades and the command given to Gen. McCall. He is now here, attending to getting improved arms, &c. The flanking companies of the 11th regiment, A and K, marched to the arsenal yesterday morning for the purpose of getting rifles, but were disappointed as Gen. McCall would not allow his men to be armed with the rifles left there by the three months’ men until they were thoroughly overhauled and put in good order.
The State is paying off the Reserve Corps as fast as the paymaster can do it and we expect our turn this week.
We find it difficult to get the news. The Washington papers are bought out every morning and sold at three cents per copy. They contain about one-fourth as much reading matter and news as the Pittsburg “penny papers.” We occasionally get hold of New York Heralds or Tribunes, which are always read until there is nothing left of them.
Gen. McClellan is very strict with the officers and soldiers about here. They are not allowed to visit in Washington without a pass from the Col. commanding, stating their business. All officers or soldiers found about the streets, hotels or public buildings without such passes are arrested and put in the guard house.
We do not yet know when we will be moved from here. The 15 Regiments P. R. C. are to be placed in a camp by themselves soon. I believe the place chosen is about five miles up the Potomac.
With the exception of a few cases of measles, the Cambria Guards are in good fighting order.
Locals are awful scarce. Hope to be able next week or soon to give you an account of a ‘brush” with the enemy. Signed: Ever, &c., J.
DEATHS
A teamster hailing from Westmoreland county who was present at the battle of Bull Run died in Altoona last week from wounds received by being run over when the Federal forces were retreating.
Thursday, August 15, 1861
Volume 2, Number 52
Contributed by Patty Millich
NEWS
To Our Patrons, Greeting:
With the present number, Volume Second, of The Alleghanian expires. While we are duly thankful to our friends for the patronage which has been extended us, for the countenance and support that have greeted our efforts to instruct and please, we beg leave to set forth as follows:
During the two years that have just expired a large array of sums varying in amounts from Two Dollars to Five Dollars have accumulated on our books. That these be liquidated immediately is indispensably necessary to our comfort and convenience and we hereby urgently invite our subscribers to come forward and liquidate forthwith. Those who have take the paper since the commencement will owe $4.00 and for one year, $2.00.
We have also a considerable amount due us for Advertising and Job Work: this must be “settled” likewise, the sooner the better.
Court convenes in a couple of weeks, when a splendid opportunity will be afforded our friends to call and take a receipt.
Come one! Come all! And Pay the Printer.
Letters from Our Volunteers
Camp Tennelly, August 11, 1861
Within the past few weeks the Cambria Guards have dispensed with their Camp Wright pastimes and amusements and are beginning to play the soldier in dead earnest. We are now encamped about six miles from Washington, up the Potomac river on an open, elevated piece of ground. The location is quite a pleasant one. A small stream of water meanders by in close proximity furnishing us with the wherewithal to do our washing, etc. We are also blessed with excellent drinking water.
It is extremely warm here but by no means unhealthy. The effect of the heat in this climate is altogether different from that on the mountain; for I find that the hotter the weather the healthier it is.
The 11th regiment has had its turn on picket. We started out on Friday evening and returned to camp at 8 P. M. on Saturday. Co. A guarded about a mile and half of a road. None of the pickets were in any wise disturbed, and we returned without even a sight of a secesher.
We are frequently aroused from our soft sandy beds by reports of advancing foes, and placed under arms for an hour or two, but they never amount to anything and we resign ourselves to our blankets again and dream of the fierce fighting we didn’t do.
There are eight regiments encamped here, almost within rifle shot of each other and all Pennsylvanians.
This is a delightful climate to live in. Enough rain falls to keep up a good supply of water and fruit of all kinds is abundant.
The company, as a general thing, enjoys good health. Provisions are plenty and of a good quality.
I trust your readers will not cease to remember us and write to us because we have left the State. Direct all letters and other documents to Washington city, as heretofore, and they will be forwarded after the regiment. Signed: K
Camp Tennelly, August 11, 1861
Gen. McCall commands all the Pennsylvania troops and I understand that it is his intention to concentrate the Reserves at this point, preparatory to moving into Virginia.
On last Tuesday our company was paid off by the State and the balance of the regiment was paid the day following. Each private received $15.03. We will be paid off by Uncle Sam on the 22d inst.
Our company and company K received the long expected and greatly wished for rifles on Wednesday. They are the Minie rifled musket, the best arm in the American service. The rest of the regiment will be furnished with the best improved Springfield musket.
I think we will have a battle ‘ere a great while, in which the Pennsylvanians expect to do their whole duty. Signed: E
Local and Personal
The Potato Crop
This crop bids fair to be a highly valuable one in this section the present season. The tubers are of good size and quality and no signs of rot are yet apparent.
Struck by Lightning
During the heavy storm on Friday last, a majestic spruce tree in the western part of town was struck by lightning and knocked into smithereens. Beyond this no damage was done by the freak of the electric fluid.
Dragoon Company
Col. Freadman, who has been commissioned by the Secretary of War to raise a regiment of dragoons, has authorized Col. Wm. K. Piper, of this place, to enlist one hundred men to compose one company of said regiment. We understand that Col. P. is succeeding famously in recruiting and that he will soon have secured his full complement. Those wishing to enlist will report themselves at Ebensburg, at the Foster House in Johnstown, or at the Exchange Hotel in Hollidaysburg. Col. Freadman’s regiment is now encamped near Philadelphia.
Cambria County Regiment
An effort is now being made to organize a regiment in this county, to be composed entirely of Cambria County men and commanded by Cambria county officers. Six companies that we know of are already being recruited for it. We think this idea is a good one and have not the least doubt of the ultimate success of the experiment.
Col. J. M. Campbell of Johnstown (formerly Quartermaster of the 3d regiment) has been empowered to raise the regiment and will be Colonel; Capt. B. McDermitt will be Lieutenant Colonel; and Capt. John Linton, Major.
Butter
This popular article of diet, which has been exceedingly plenty all summer has suddenly grown very scarce in this neck o’timber. Perhaps the low price at which it is quoted in market, 10 cents per pound, accounts for the milk in the cocoa.
Patriotic
On Saturday afternoon last a large Star Spangled Banner was raised opposite the hotel of Joseph Cole, in Carrolltown, after which an impromptu meeting was organized and several patriotic speeches delivered. The occasion is said to have been an interesting one.
Ecclesiastical
We clip the following item from the PRESBYTERIAN BANNER: Rev. Benjamin L. Agnew, of Johnstown, Pa., has, we are informed, declined a call to the Alexander church, Philadelphia.
Appointed
Wm. M. Jones has been appointed Post Master for Carrolltown, this county. A merited compliment to a deserving man.
Register’s Notice
Notice is hereby given that the following Accounts have been passed and filed in the Register’s office in Ebensburg and will be presented to the Orphans’ Court of Cambria county for confirmation and allowance on Wednesday, the 5th day of September next, to wit:
The final account of Henry Buck, surviving executor of Adam Stoltz, deceased.
The account of Moses Yoder, administrator of the estate of Samuel Ream, deceased.
The first and final account of Soloman Benshoof, executor of Lewis Benshoof, deceased.
The final account of Charles B. Ellis, executor of William H. Hamilton, deceased.
The second partial account of Enos M. Mullin, executor of John Glass, deceased.
The final account of John Dunmeyer, administrator of Susan Paul, deceased.
The account of A. C. Mullin, trustee for the sale of the real estate of John Paul, deceased.
E. F. Lytle, Register
Register’s Office, August 8, 1861
Battle of Bull Run
Gen. McDowell’s official report of the battle of Bull Run furnished the following full list of the killed and wounded:
19 -- Officers killed
64 -- Officers wounded
83 -- Total
Non-com officers and privates
462 -- Killed
947 -- Wounded
1409 -- Total
592 -- Total Killed Officers and Non-Com Officers and Privates
1011 -- Total Wounded Officers and Non-Com Officers and Privates
1492 -- Total
The actual number of missing cannot yet be stated as every day soldiers heretofore reported as missing are making their appearance. The number is roughly estimated at 1,216.
President Lincoln has appointed the last Thursday in September as a day of National Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer. Let it be observed.
How They are Trained at West Point
At West Point the cadets are daily trained to shoot at a target with the musket or rifle. They fire ten shots in squads of ten, at as many iron targets the size and form of a man. Each squad is arranged in lines so that each cadet fires at his own target, which has its number painted upon it. The shooting of each cadet and each squad is recorded so that the qualities of each marksman are well known to the instructor.
While on a visit to this famous military school last summer, we paid close attention to the rifle shooting of the cadets. It was what may be called in general, loose firing; yet we could not fail to notice how some of the cadets appeared to be born marksmen, while others appeared to be naturally incapable of learning the art.
One cadet, whom we watched, tried in vain to hit his target at a very moderate distance. Not believing the fault was in himself he complained it must be in the rifle. He was soon convinced of his error by the instructor taking up his rifle and planting a bullet right in the “bulls’ eye.” We made some inquires of the instructor respecting the qualities of the cadets in learning to shoot, when he told us that the youth of whom we have just referred to could not make a marksmen.
Chapman, in his book called “The American Rifle,” states that all men dodge in firing, some before and others just after the shot is fired. The latter class may learn to be marksmen, the former never. In learning to shoot with a rifle a person should endeavor to acquire a steady cool demeanor with a true quick eye and nimble finger. Practice and nothing but practice can make a good marksman. At the same time mere firing is not the only practice necessary.
MARRIAGES
Married at the residence of the bride’s parents on Wednesday evening, 14th inst., by the Rev. S. T. Snow, Mr. Clinton R. Jones, of this place to Miss Emma Nutter of Gallitzin, Cambria county.
Married on Sunday, 4th inst., at Freeburg, by the Rev. C. Erlenmeyer, Mr. John B. Stoll to Miss Mary Ann Snyder, both of Middleburg, Snyder county.
Mr. Stoll was formerly a resident of this county and for a time published the Johnstown BEOBACHTER. At present he is connected with the Middleburg VOLKSFREUND. He has our best wishes for his future prosperity.
Married at the residence of the bride’s parents on Thursday, 8th inst., by the Rev. David Harbison, Mr. Thomas Lloyd to Miss Maggie Hughes, both of this place.
Our friend Thomas and his estimable bride have our warmest wishes for their happiness and prosperity in the path of the life they have marked out for themselves.
DEATHS
Drowned: Two interesting little boys, sons of John Cox, Esq., and Mr. Geo. A. Jacobs, were drowned in the canal at Hollidaysburg on Monday of last week. They had gone into the water to bathe and getting beyond their depth, they sank to rise no more. They were both between the ages of seven and eight years.
Rebecca P. Smith
Died at the residence of her husband, Dr. Wm. A. Smith, in Philadelphia on Monday, 5th inst., Mrs. Rebecca P. Smith, aged about 45 years.
The deceased was well known in this town. She was a most estimable wife and mother and her many virtues endeared her to her friends and acquaintances. She has gone to her reward.
Laura Myers
Died in this place on Tuesday, 13th inst., of diphtheria, Laura, daughter of James and Mary Myers, in the eighth year of her age.
Gone in her childish purity,
Out from her golden day;
Fading away in the light so sweet,
Where the silver stars and the sunbeams meet,
Paving a path for her silent feet,
Over the silent way.
Over her bosom tenderly,
The pearl white hands are pressed;
The lashes lie on her cheeks so thin,
Where the softened blush of the rose hath been,
Shutting the blue of her eyes within
The pure lids closed in rest.
August 22, 1861 -- No newspaper printed this week.
August 29, 1861 -- No newspaper printed this week.
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