The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, January 7, 1864 Volume 5, Number 15 NEWS Local and Personal – Extracts [Snip] The Holidays passed off quietly here, with nothing of striking import to vary the usual monotony. People went on bargaining and making bargains, pretty much as though their all depended upon it. The birthday of the Savior we much fear was lost sight of in the rush and bustle of business or looked upon as a secondary consideration. Which seems to be human nature nowadays. On Christmas the sleighing was most excellent, a state of affairs which was made the most of. In fact, sleighs were to be seen flitting hither and thither incessantly, as long as a person could see anything, to the manifest enjoyment of the participants most intimately concerned. On New Year’s the sleighing was also good but the weather unfortunately was so intensely frigid that it was next to impossible to enjoy the same. The thermometer during the day ranged at from 4 degrees to 6 degrees below zero and at night sank to 20 degrees below! Oh! but it was cold. Thick-ribbed overcoats for the time being were no protection whatever for the penetrating blast whistled through them as if they were only so much shoddy – fire was a failure for one part of a man’s corporation would be likely to freeze while another was being subjected to the thawing-out process. Even now we shiver when we think of it. [Snip] >From Our Soldiers Head Qrs. 1st Div., 14th A. C. Chattanooga, Tenn. Dec. 20, 1863 As you will have learned the result of the late battle (Chicamauga)(sic) long ere this gets to hand, it is unnecessary for me to enter into particulars covering the same. Suffice it to say that the rebels were totally routed and fled in dismay. The line of their retreat was covered with a large amount of the spoils of war, which fell into our hands. Being on provost duty at these headquarters, I have a good opportunity to know the feelings and sentiments of the rebel prisoners and deserters. With but few exceptions, they unite in saying that their army is greatly disheartened and demoralized. All rebel prisoners taken by our division and deserters coming to that portion of our line picketed by our division, are brought to these headquarters. The number of prisoners taken in the battle and deserters arriving here since amount to fourteen hundred, two hundred being deserters – men who have been fighting for their rights and have given up all hope of finding them in the pseudo Confederacy. They all express a willingness to take the oath of allegiance and return to the old government, wiser if not better men. Among the prisoners taken by our division was Lieut. Breckinridge, son the arch traitor, John C. Breckinridge. There is some speculation here among the soldiers as to who will be our next President. The almost unanimous choice, I may add, is “Father Abraham.” With him as our standard bearer in the coming canvass, success would be certain as it was to the Union men of the old Keystone in October last, when Curtin so signally triumphed over his opponents. The health of the men in this department never was better than at present, and their spirits are correspondingly buoyant. There is no doubt that but the majority of soldiers would prefer civil to military life. They look upon the war, however, as a contract they have undertaken – a contract that must be finished up before they return home. Acting under this impression, a large proportion of the army are re-enlisted as veteran volunteers. The weather here now is such as you usually have in Cambria in the month of October. [Signed] Thomas Davis 2d Lieut., 19th U. S. Infantry Local Correspondence Johnstown, January 4, 1864 A serious conflagration occurred here on Christmas morning, involving the loss of Union Hall and the entire contents of the ladies’ Catholic Fair which had been opened the preceding day. The fire originated in the heating room and was caused by the too close proximity of the heaters to the floor. The loss to the stockholders of the Hall amounts to $3,000 upon which is an insurance of $2,000. The loss to the Fair foots up about $1,100. After the fire the ladies connected with the Fair immediately dispatched one of our merchants to Philadelphia for a new supply of articles and on the Monday following, the Fair was re-opened in Odd Fellows’ Hall, since which time it has been crowded day and night. The young ladies are succeeding even beyond their most sanguine expectations. If any of your readers design visiting Johnstown during the present week I would advise them to call and see the Fair. Petty larcenies are the order of the day or rather of the night in this place at present. The cellars of two prominent citizens were despoiled of their contents last week and two fine quarters of beef were stolen from the market rooms of Akers & Tesh. A laughable occurrence transpired here on Sunday evening. A music teacher and a hardware merchant in the course of conversation, “agreed to disagree,” and high words, with terms more expressive than elegant were the result. Scorning the use the plebeian method of “rough and tumble,” a challenge was sent and accepted, pistols, seconds and the ground chosen and as per agreement, the parties met a short distance from town on last evening to fight a veritable duel. The pistols were duly loaded with black sand, in the presence of the parties interested, the challenged party and one of the seconds being in the secret. Twelve paces were marked off and the word given. The caps snapped, but the pistols would not go off so the matter was amicably adjusted by the parties shaking hands and adjourning to a lager shop. Thus ended a bloodless duel. Christmas and New Year passed off quietly in our town and save for the presence of strangers and the holiday attire of our population, one would hardly suppose the Holidays were near. We can only sigh and exclaim: “The Year has gone, And with it many a glorious throng Of happy dreams.” But may we not hope that with the dawn of a New Year, peace and prosperity may dawn upon a distracted country; that the discord and dissensions of today may cease to exist and our country once more take her place as the “queen of nations.” Yours, [Signed] May Leon Masonic A. M. Lloyd of Hollidaysburg has been appointed D. D. G. High Priest of the counties of Blair, Cambria, Huntingdon and Mifflin for 1864. John Cresswell of Hollidaysburg is appointed D. D. Grand Master for the counties of Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Bedford and Fulton for 1864. Donation Party On Christmas evening, a large number of ladies and gentlemen comprising a majority of the members of his congregation paid a visit to Rev. D. Harbison, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of this place. Taking possession of the parsonage, they spread a bountiful supper which they had carried with them. After this feature had been fully discussed by all hands a purse containing a handsome donation was pressed in Mr. H.’s hands. A cheerful exchange of sentiment followed for an hour or two when the party separated, feeling that they had added at least a link to the bond of love which should always unite a pastor and people. St. John’s Supper A very pleasant reunion of the Masonic fraternity of this section was had on Monday evening, 28th ult., at Foster’s Arcade. About thirty of the brethren were in attendance and participated in the festivities. At 9 o’clock the entire party sat down to a sumptuous repast prepared by mine host of the arcade, to all of which ample and entire justice was done. Herr Foster, as a caterer, is deservedly famous, but on this occasion he even outdid himself. After the cloth had been removed a number of appropriate toasts were drank and responded by to by A. C. Mullin, John Cresswell, David J. Jones, William M. Jones, Henry Nutter and Henry Foster. All in all, the occasion was a most happy one and will long be remembered by the brethren of the “mystic tie” under whose auspices it was gotten up. _________________________________________________________________ Windows Live™ Hotmail®:…more than just e-mail. http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_t2_hm_justgotbetter_explore_022009