Sunday, July 19, 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Dec 11, 1862 - The War to this Point & Local Troop News
President Abraham Lincoln continued arguing for emancipation, despite increased opposition from most northerners, Democrats, and conservative Republicans. Ulysses S. Grant continued his advance on Vicksburg despite issuing controversial orders. The armies in Tennessee prepared to clash, and the Federals suffered their worst defeat of the war.
Ambrose Burnside proposes to move his Federal Army of the Potomac across the Rappahannock River, while Robert E. Lee’s Confederate Army of Northern Virginia continues strengthening its defenses west of Fredericksburg.
President Jefferson Davis plans to leave Richmond and inspect the Confederate military situation in Tennessee and Mississippi.
Ulysses S. Grant prepares to continue his Federal drive toward Vicksburg while a detachment under William T. Sherman prepares to move on Vicksburg from the Mississippi, and a Federal gunboat is destroyed by torpedo for the first time.
Ambrose E. Burnside issues orders to put his Federal Army of the Potomac in motion against Fredericksburg, despite criticism from subordinates that his plan might not succeed.
Ambrose Burnside launches a doomed Federal assault on Robert E. Lee’s Confederate defenses south and west of Fredericksburg.
Robert E. Lee’s Confederates prepare for a renewed Federal attack on their lines outside Fredericksburg, but Ambrose E. Burnside finally decides to evacuate the town.
The Federal Army of the Potomac withdraws across the Rappahannock River following its humiliating defeat at Fredericksburg, as the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia takes back the devastated town.
Northerners learn of the true disaster at Fredericksburg, which sparks enough outrage to make this the greatest crisis of the Lincoln presidency to date.
President Abraham Lincoln seeks to clarify responsibility for the defeat at Fredericksburg and console the Army of the Potomac, while several generals begin to conspire against their commander.
William T. Sherman launches a costly attack on fortified Confederate defenses northeast of Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The first Federal ironclad spends her last evening above water before foundering off the coast of North Carolina.
Sgt. Daniel D. Jones - Co A 11th PA Cambria Guard
John S. Good formerly of Johnstown - 111th PA
Thomas D. Litzinger - 11th Co A. Cambria Guards
Corp. Elisha Foultz, William A. Leavy and Francis A Leavy - 11th Pa Co. A. Cambria Guards
Lt. John Porter of 55th Pa Co. A
Friday, July 17, 2026
Thursday, July 16, 2026
CIVIL WAR - Week of November 13, 1862 - The War to this Point & Letters Homes from Local Troops
George B. McClellan receives orders finally removing him as commander of the Federal army that he had created.
Ulysses S. Grant starts moving toward the key town of Vicksburg, Mississippi, unaware that another Federal general was secretly planning to take the town with a different force.
Democrats make substantial gains in both the Federal and state elections, which reflects growing dissatisfaction with Abraham Lincoln’s war policies among northern voters.
Nathaniel P. Banks receives orders assigning him to command the Federal Department of the Gulf, operating mostly in Louisiana and Texas. Banks would eventually succeed the controversial Benjamin F. Butler.
Ambrose E. Burnside takes command of the Federal Army of the Potomac and quickly develops a plan to move southeast down the Rappahannock River to the key Virginia town of Fredericksburg.
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston finds himself at odds with President Jefferson Davis over strategy, and the Confederate secretary of war resigns.
One of Robert E. Lee’s Confederate corps begin taking positions on the heights outside Fredericksburg, as Ambrose E. Burnside’s Federal Army of the Potomac assembles across the Rappahannock River at Falmouth.
Ambrose Burnside’s Federals are finally poised to cross the Rappahannock River in northern Virginia, while Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson’s Confederates hurry to reinforce Robert E. Lee’s army behind Fredericksburg.
CAMP EXCHANGE, ALEXANDRIA
November 9, 1862
Cambria Guard Prisoners: Corp. William H. Sechler, William W. Wagoner, John W. Moore, Richard R. Davis, Charles B. Litzinger, John McFeely, George W. Brown, Thomas D. Litzinger
From Our Volunteers
Camp at Snickersville, VA
November 4, 1862
The Letters - April 11, 1914 - To Mrs. Anna Hay from Daughter-In-Law Alice Hay
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Woodlyn, Pa
April 14, 1914
Dear Mother:-
You have written to all the family but not one have found to answer. I am simply taking the time this morning before I begin my work. We are all well and glad that the warm weather has come at last for none of us enjoyed the winter very much all had colds one after the other while the winter lasted.
We are glad to know that Aunt Lizzie is still so well. The children were all anxious to hear about Dora and the golf-- if she won the cup. I had a small luncheon last week and used my daylilies for the first time. The table looked beautiful and everything went fine. I have no maid yet but we have a colored girl come twice a week and clean for me so get along fine without.
Jack and I went in to hear Melba sing and saw Mrs. Austin and Horace there, and also saw them at a concert at the church Aunt Madge and cousin Charlie attend. Aunt Madge and I went out to Oak Lane and had lunch with Mrs. Austin and Mrs. Roberts in the early winter we spent a very pleasant afternoon.
The children are all downstairs and want their breakfast so I must stop. They all join me in love to yourself and the folks.
Lovingly,
Alice (daughter-in-law of Mrs. Hay)
April 13, 1914
I did not mail this for I thought Jack (son of Mrs. Hay) would have time to write on this side, he is repairing the auto and has been very busy.
When do you expect to come home (Johnstown)? And you know we want a visit on your way home. Had a card from Aunt Madge today she is going to Washington for a visit this week.
Alice
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