June 21, 1861 BALTIMORE--A dispatch from Harper's Ferry to the Washington Star confirms the report that 300 Confederates troopers arrived at the Ferry yesterday, and completed the work of destruction. They burnt the rifle factory and the Shenandoah bridge, and run a large first class locomotive, that was left on the track off the abutment of the bridge into the river. They said they were instructed to blow up every house in town on which a Union flag should be found, but fortunately there was none. They commenced to arrest all the Union men, and succeeded in securing several whom they took off, and the balance , about fifty in number, they pursued into the river, which they swam across and reached the Maryland side safely, although they were repeatedly fired at by the troopers, and balls passed through the hats of two of the fugitives. The Government should send a protection to these unfortunate people as soon as practicable. The troopers found and took away from the rifle factory about fifty thousand gun stocks.
THE PENNSYLVANIA REGIMENTS--
Now in and near Washington City are attracting their full share of public attention. The regiments which have recently arrived from the old Keystone are second to none. The soldiers are a brave determined set of fellows, well clothed, and equipped with all the necessary accoutrements. They seem perfectly contented; but, like their predecessors, are spoiling for a fight.
POSITION OF TROOPS--Two Connecticut and two Ohio regiments are posted on Georgetown road, within two miles of Fall's Church. They are entrenching themselves in strong positions. The Fourth Pennsylvania Regiments are encamped at Shuter's Hill, near Alexandria.
FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
CAM WRIGHT, June 23, 1861
I seat myself beneath the spreading branches of a scrubby oak to pen you a few lines. Today (Sunday) is delightful beyond description. While old Sol's rays shine perpendicularly on Mother Earth, a strong breeze from the neighboring hills tempers the heart, and renders the liability of sun stroke very improbable. Groups of soldiers may be seen leisurely lounging in the shade of apple trees, whiling away the hours in various ways. Quite a number are reading religious books, some studying tactics, some singing and reading military songs, others writing to the loved ones at home, while here and there parties may be seen amusing themselves with a quiet game of "four-handed ??" Divine service was held at 8 A.M. near the drill ground; and a sermon was preached at the same place at 10 A.M. by Rev. Pyatt, of Johnstown. The Rev. Kennedy, of Cherrytree, is to preach at 4 P.M.
Nothing of importance occurred in camp during the week until yesterday, when a dispatch was received ordering Cols. Hays and McLane to march with their respective regiments within six hours. The excitement the news created was very great, especially among those who were to leave us. The camp was in perfect turmoil; our sunrise and sunset six-pounder was fired twice, and the Erie boys gave cheer upon cheer. But about the time the majority of them were in marching trim, the orders were countermanded!--
Imagine the surprise and disappointment of the expectant soldiers--if you can! They were considerably consoled, however, by the arrival on the 12 o'clock train a number of young ladies from Kittanning, who brought with them baskets filled with cakes, pies, etc. As a matter of course, a social picnic was next thing on the programme.
Several of the companies were ready to march twenty minutes after the dispatch was received, and they declare that they will not unpack again until they are either in the field of action or at home. It is rumored that they will be called out very soon, perhaps tomorrow.
Our boys are in good health, and as far as I can learn, enjoy themselves hugely. Eighteen of them started early this morning to attend Catholic church, but, after trudging about four miles, they found to their disappointment that they had gone toward the wrong point of the compass--that the church was just four miles the other direction from camp.
Camp is thronged daily with visitors, who add greatly to its homelike appearance. On Thursday last, our esteemed friend and fellow townsman, Geo. Rodgers, paid us a visit. The boys were greatly pleased to see him, he being the first Ebensburger that has yet dropped in on us. We are the recipients of continued favors from home. The last item of this kind that came to hand was in the shape of a keg of good, sweet, fresh butter, weighing about a hundred pounds, for which the Cambria Guards return their most sincere thanks.
We learn by letters received in camp that a large delegation from Ebensburg intend paying us a visit on the (July) 4th. We can assure them that they will be kindly greeted, and we venture the opinion that they will not be entirely displeased with our present appearance as gay sojer boys. Come, by all means.
EXTRACT FROM A PRIVATE LETTER DATED CAMP WRIGHT, JUNE 22, 1861
The Cambria Guards were examined on Thursday by the Medical Board, and seven rejected on account of physical imperfections...Carney, our fiddler, contributes largely to the general good humor of the boys. He is death on cat-gut (violin). We are all well.., and perfectly satisfied with the change in our mode of life. The temperature here is somewhat higher than at Ebensburg, but the evenings are cool and pleasant...Our provisions are excellent, and plenty of them.
The Cambria Guards have not yet been "sworn in", so that those who are inclined can "vamose" the camp with impunity. The latest cases of this were those of Messrs. Marquet, Ruport, Will and Conrad.
IN TOWN--Capt. Litzinger, of the Cambria Guards was in town several days during the latter part of last week and the beginning of the present. He came on a recruiting tour, in consequence of several of his men having absconded since the arrival of the company at camp. He was eminently successful in his errand, having secured the requisite number of men (twelve we believe) without the least difficulty. They departed for Camp Wright on Tuesday morning.
LIBERAL--Several of our citizens, with a liberality worthy of all praise, last week purchased and shipped to "our boys" at Camp Wright a keg of prime butter.--This is an article of diet that is not often obtained in camp life, and will doubtless be keenly relished by the recipients. We understand that it is the fixed determination of our good people to do the same kindness by the soldiers each week.
IN LUCK--We hear it stated that Maj. James Hamilton of Wilmore has been placed in command of one of the Government trains now advancing on Haper's Ferry from Chambersburg. The right man in the right place.
THIRTY THOUSAND--Among the list of bidders for the three million State loan appears the name of Quartermaster Jacob. M. Campbell of Johnstown, who goes in to the tune of $30,000. Bully for Campbell!--money ain't so skeerce after all!
Col. Minier of Hollidaysburg at present Colonel of the 3rd Pa. Regiment, has been appointed a captain in the regular army.
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