The Alleghanian, Ebensburg, Pa. Thursday, November 14, 1861 Volume 3, Number 8 Shocking Casualty A fearful occurrence transpired a few days since in Furguson township, Clearfield county. A man named Nicholas Tubbs and his wife started to a school house in the neighborhood for the purpose of attending religious service, taking with them their youngest child and leaving the balance of the family at home. Shortly after reaching the school house the frightful intelligence reached them that their dwelling was on fire. The distracted parents hurried home as quick as possible but the rafters had commenced falling in and the rescue of the inmates was found impossible. Four children, two boys and two girls, perished in the flames. The oldest was eleven and the youngest three years of age. The bodies of two of them were entirely consumed and of the other two their limbs were burned off and the balance of their remains reduced to a shapeless mass. The origin of the fire is unknown but it is believed that the children had retired to bed and that falling to sleep the flames were communicated in some way from the candle. The calamity was a most appalling one and the parents of the unfortunate children are almost distracted by their tragic end. Letters from Our Volunteers Camp Pierpoint, November 4, 1861 Time wears away tediously, nothing occurring to break the monotony of camp life. We are under the strictest discipline, the army regulations being enforced in every instance. We are seldom allowed to leave camp and it requires an extra amount of shrewdness to enable one to procure a pass outside the lines. The following is the modus operandi: In the first place you apply to your captain, stating business and length of absence required; then, if you are fortunate enough to secure a pass from him, you take it to the colonel for his countersign; and last but not least, the colonel being agreeable, you repair to the General commanding the brigade for his signature, which is forthcoming provided that respectable personage be in a good humor and has pen and ink handy; otherwise it is not. A great deal depends however on the nature and urgency of the business of the applicants. This little matter of ceremony, you will see, is no small item; but were it different, the officers would be pestered almost to death. An order has been issued by Gen. McClellan to the effect that all soldiers wear their knapsacks while on drill. This idea is not particularly admired by the boys, from the fact that, when “double quicking” is the programme, the knapsacks are a perfect abomination. It is all for the best, however, as it will habituate the men in their duty and make their future marches less laborious. The daily routine of our camp is about this: Roll call at sunrise and drill in the manual of arms immediately after; breakfast at seven o’clock; police duty at eight; company drill at nine; dinner at twelve; battalion drill at two; dress parade at half past four; guard mounting at five; supper at half past five; roll call at eight; taps for retiring at nine when all lights are to be extinguished and silence observed throughout the camp. The boys amuse themselves after various manners but dancing appears to be the prevailing pastime. Carney, our fiddler, as in days of yore, still continues to furnish us with superior melody for such occasions. We experienced a little difficulty at first in distinguishing the “ladies” from the gentlemen, but that defect was easily remedied by the former going bareheaded! We have had several reviews and inspections during the past week. His excellency, Governor Curtin, was present at a review on Tuesday and appeared highly pleased with the appearance of his Reserve. Our regiment was inspected on Wednesday by a regular officer, preparatory to being paid off. The inspection was conducted in the strictest manner especially that part appertaining to the fire arms and accoutrements. If a gun is condemned on account of the carelessness of its possessor he is “docked” of a sufficient portion of his pay to cover damages. In consequence of delicate health, Lieut. Col. Porter last week resigned his commission. Maj. Jackson was unanimously chosen to fill the vacancy thus occasioned, until Capt. Litzinger was elected Major by a large majority. First Lieut. Lewis was then elected Captain of our company by acclamation; Second Lieut. McCoy was elected to the First Lieutenancy; and Corporal James Burke was chosen to be Second Lieutenant. Success to them all! Another member of Co. E died last week of typhoid fever. Our boys, as a general thing, enjoy good health. Signed: E. _________________________________________________________________ Stay up to date on your PC, the Web, and your mobile phone with Windows Live. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/msnnkwxp1020093185mrt/direct/01/