The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, December 10, 1863 Volume 5, Number 11 NEWS Local Correspondence Johnstown, Dec. 6, 1863 A man named Charles Wilson was killed on the railroad about eight miles east of this place on Saturday morning. He was performing the duties of watchman at the time and whilst signaling the Express train coming east, was run over by the Stock express west. Deceased leaves a wife and family, the former of whom has been in delicate health since the death of her son, a bright and promising young man, who died at Sharpsburg, Md., while in the nine months’ service. A lecture was delivered in Union Hall on Saturday by Mr. B. H. Childs, a speaker of considerable merit. His subject was, “The Cares and Comicalities of Camp Life,” and although I had not the pleasure of hearing it, yet persons who were present pronounce it as having been a treat. For several days we have been enjoying excellent skating. Our advantages of water are rather superior to those of most towns and as a consequence when hard freezing commences we manage to be “on top of the ice.” [Signed] May Leon Promoted It gives us pleasure to learn that Orderly Sergeant Thomas Davis of Co C., 19th U. S. Infantry has been appointed 2d Lieutenant in the Regular Army. Tom is a native Cambrian – was born and bred in Jackson township – and his promotion is alike an honor conferred upon a worthy man and soldier and a fitting recognition of the eminent services performed by Cambrians upon almost every battlefield during the present war. Successful and Unsuccessful Two inmates of our county jail, hailing from Johnstown effected their escape from that institution on Sunday night last, but were recaptured before leaving town. A young man named Benjamin Rodgers has been locked up for aiding in their liberation. Army of the Potomac The brief campaign of the Army of the Potomac is over. Having successfully crossed the Rapidan, driven Lee aback upon the Orange and Alexandria road, fought one brisk battle on the left wing, and nearly used up their limited supply of rations and forage, a council of war was held at which it was concluded that a return to the old camping ground was dictated by every aspect of the case. The main reasons for this course are these: Short rations and difficulty of bringing up more; the enemy strongly entrenched in a position which could not be carried in any event without great loss; very cold weather, making it certain that our wounded in case of an assault would suffer and die by hundreds before they could be cared for. These facts led to the order for retreat. There was no fighting – not even a skirmish; and the entire army re-crossed the river with all its trains intact. Notes from Philadelphia Philadelphia, Dec. 1, 1863 Correspondence to THE ALLEGHANIAN Thanksgiving with all its attendant pleasantries is over. Taking it altogether, it was well observed. The day was clear and beautiful - the sun shone forth brilliantly – the air, although chilly in the early morning, became genial by noon. The joys of the day were enhanced by the glorious tiding of victory from the West. In honor of this event, flags and banners were thrown to the breeze and it was with more than usual admiration that many a sparkling eye fondly gazed upon the expressive colors. The various churches were well attended and hearts swelling with joy and thanksgiving praised Him for the many mercies vouchsafed unto us. At the general hospitals in and around the city, the hearts of many sick and wounded soldiers were gladdened by the untiring energies of the fair ones in their behalf. The hospitals were all tastily decorated and at the Turner’s Lane, M’Clellan and a number of others, sumptuous repasts were served up for the inmates. There was also the usual fun and frolic. One manner in which the soldiers in camp amused themselves was by participating in a pig chase. The pig, weighing from fifty to seventy-five pounds, was put in proper trim by having its tail shaved and well-greased or soft-soaped. Whoever could then catch the animal by the tail and lift it from the ground was the lucky man and the winner of an X. It was well attended, very animated, but unsuccessful so far as catching the pig was concerned. On Thursday morning last, Mr. Levi B. Short, a resident of this city died after a few hours illness. He was the inventor of the celebrated “Greek Fire,” which of late has been such an unwelcome visitor to the people of Charleston. He had made many improvements in the terrible agent since its first introduction but failed to entirely meet the expectations of its inventor and supporters. The memory of Mr. S., however, as a citizen and patriot, will long live in the hearts of his countrymen and some genius may yet perfect that which he commenced. On Wednesday, the 2d regiment U. S. Colored infantry from Washington passed through this city, en route for Texas. Strength, 1010. They made a decidedly fine appearance and looked as though they might be able to stop bullets quite as well as white men. The 8th regiment, U. S. colored troops is filling up rapidly and requires but sixty men to complete the quota. This regiment was organized and recruited in this city. The rebel ram, Atlanta, which has been for some time on exhibition here for the benefit of the Union Volunteer Refreshment Saloon, has been removed from the Washington street wharf and placed upon the dry dock for repairs. As one views the dark and silent monster, it is with deep indignation he thinks of the much boasted but fallacious promises of English neutrality. He is also reminded of the devotion of the mislead women of Savannah, whose enthusiasm caused them to give their gold and jewels to purchase the armor for the vessel – a vessel whose mission it should be to dispense the federal blockading fleet, capture the monitors and destroy Philadelphia and New York. Alas for their hopes – the Atlanta was itself captured by the Wechawken. The detachments from the different Penna. Regiments here at present are under the command of Brig.–Gen. Gibbon, who was severely wounded at Gettysburg and has not sufficiently recovered for field service. There were upwards of three hundred drafted men and “subs” sent from here within the present week to Meade and Gilmore, leaving about sixty in the barracks. It was quite a relief to have them sent to the front. After a number of them have been together for a time, their plans are so nicely arranged that it is almost impossible to prevent escape To give you an idea of the vigilance required, I shall relate the particulars of one of the many plots resorted to which occurred last week: One of the subs with a most entreating countenance applied to Major Falls, commanding depot, for permission to go under guard. A few squares to see a sister who was about dying, he said. He also had a lady go to the Major’s headquarters and interceded for him. The Major, although an old soldier of the Mexican and Florida wars, could not refuse so humane a privilege, so a guard accompanied the sub to a house on the banks of the Schuylkill. On returning and just after reaching the pavement, they were met by a party of half dozen citizens who without ceremony disarmed the guard, threw his gun into the river and gave him a jolly old beating. They then left, taking with them the sub, who has not been heard of since. Of course, the Major, upon hearing the facts connected with the case became deeply enraged and he forthwith sent a guard to the house to arrest the offenders which was found to be inhabited by a couple of aged women only. It turned out rather a good joke on the Major, for a few days previous he had placed a party of officers under arrest for allowing eight subs to escape, all of whom were, on the third day following, found concealed in the cellar, waiting an opportunity to make tracks. [Signed] X President’s Health The President has been suddenly taken quite ill again. The Net Bonnet Le Beau Monde describes as follows a new fashion in ladies’ bonnets: Perhaps one of the most remarkable bonnets which have been brought under the observation of the fashionable world is that shape which has been published within the last two or three weeks, and which the inventor calls the “resill,” (in English, the net shape). The application of this name will be felt true when we say that in each case a fancy and decorated net is attached to the bonnet, in the place of the curtain, and so conveniently that the hair can be immediately placed in it and released upon taking the bonnet off. Doubtless this bonnet has been suggested by the flowing styles of wearing the hair which are coming into fashion and which are inconvenient for out door wear. ---------------------------------------------------------------- MARRIAGES M’Allaster-Clapp Married on Tuesday, 1st inst., at the residence of the bride’s father by the Rev. R. Clapp, Mr. J. L. P. M’Allaster of Ebensburg to Miss Caroline Clapp of Resident, Venango county, Penna. Wonders never cease! We had tho’t our friend James too intimately wedded to one idea and that idea Single Blessedness, to go and wed another idea and that idea – a woman! But so it is. He has become divorced from the one to be happily united to the other. Such being the case, we congratulate him upon the exchange or metamorphosis or whatever you choose to call it. In this new relation, may he experience all manner of prosperity and happiness – may his brightest dreams of wedded bliss be more than realized – may he live a hundred years. In short may he prove a happy husband, and she an affectionate wife. ---------------------------------------------------------------- DEATHS Gen. John C. Breckinridge Gen. John C. Breckinridge is reported killed in the late battle at Chattanooga. It is to be hoped he has gone to heaven. Charles Wilson >From Local Correspondence, Johnstown, Dec. 6, 1863 A man named Charles Wilson was killed on the railroad about eight miles east of this place on Saturday morning. He was performing the duties of watchman at the time and whilst signaling the Express train coming east, was run over by the Stock express west. Deceased leaves a wife and family, the former of whom has been in delicate health since the death of her son, a bright and promising young man, who died at Sharpsburg, Md., while in the nine months service. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®…more than just e-mail. http://windowslive.com/howitworks?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_hm_justgotbetter_howitworks_012009