Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-07-18
Cambria Volunteers.

cambria volunteers
The following letter we find in the Rock Islam
der democratic paper published at the CITY Of
Rock Island Illinois. 1t is edited by E. j. Per-
shing Esq, formerly OF this county, who although
far from his old homo is not unmindful of the
honor and interests of " his native land" 1t ap-
pears that the DAILY Advertiser of that place had
made an attack upon the volunteers from this
county, from which they had been defended by
Mr.. Pershing, who was subsequently, addressed
by Col. Heyer and Gen. Humphreys of this coun-
ty. The editor Of the Rock Islander in introdu-
cling the letter says:
/" The following letter needs no recommenda-
ton from us. Itspeaks for itself. The gentlemen
whose names appended, well and favora-
bly, known in Pennsylvania. Col. Heyer, in
whose handwriting the letter is, is leading
Wing, and prominent lawyer and enjoys in
high degree, the confidence and respect Of his fell
low-citizens. Genl. Humphreys is Democrat,
and has been since his return from Mexico, Ser
geant at Arms of the Pennsylvania House Of Rep
resentatives He likewise is man Of high and
pure character. The two were, during the war,
Captains of the Cambria Companies, and are
therefore most competent to testify TO the patriot
ism of those they commanded.
We have before Us also, letter from Hon.
John S. Rhey, of Ebcnsburg, late speaker Of the
Pennsylvania House Of Representatives. denying
the charges in the AdUetiser, in indignant and
eloquent terms
We ask now of Inquirer's'' friend, that he
will either substantiateD OF retract his charges.
If he does not he cannot expect TO occupy an hon
orable place in public estimation"
EBENsRuRs, May, 81, 1855.
n
been called to an article published in the Rock
Island Daily A9rertiser, of the 1st May.
1852, which prefers serious and degrading
charge against portion of the citizens of
Cambria county. The author, speaking Of
the Mexican war, says: "A gentleman who
was himself member of that Regiment, I'D
Penna- Volunteers says that fire Catholics
from Cambria agreed 10 go, but when the
time for starting came, not one kept his
word" Now, notwithstanding that gentle
mans readiness TO substantiate his charge,
we pronounce ii simply malicious falsehood,
and at once proceed to prove 1t so, by stating
few plain facts. Cambria county furnished
two volunteer companies for the Mexican war,
which formed part of the Pennsylvania Regl-
ment. One called g The American Highlap-
ders," commanded by JOHN Humphreys,
numbered SO, commissioned and non-comnlis-
stoned officers, musicians and privates. The
other known as 1.-THE Cambria Guards, " first
commanded by JAMES MURRAY, and suisse
quenrly by CHARLES II. HEYEn, nurnbered
"a of all ranks OF the former 40 were Cath
olics, in the latter 35 professed that creed
These 70 men not only agreed togo, but did
go-were mustered into the service of the
/ United States by Lit. Fields at Pittsburg
ceeded to The seat of war-made the campaign
from Vera Cruz to the City Of Mexico, and
those that lived and were able TO do duty, en-
tered that city under the command of the gall
liant Quitman and when peace WAS restored,
! those that survived returned 70 their homes,
after having been henorably discharged. In
acting thus, however, they did but their duty,
and are not entitled 70 any moro credit than
their fellow-soldiers, whether Protestants,
Jews or Infdels; but they are entitled 20 as
much, and should not be denied it by political
knaves or narrow minded bigots. Far be it
from TO ask for them anything more than
even-handed Justice. Tis all they ask
themselves They faithfully served their
country, and are entitled to all the honor
| those services can confer. To preserve for
them we deem it our duty, tho not followers
of their church, to vindicate them frem the
unjust and ungenerous charge in the Adcerti-
ser. We do this, not because they profess
any particular religious creed. but because
they served their country with as much hdei-
ity and honor as their Protestant comrades.
In this course, we know, we will be sustained
by every true hearted soldier who belonged
to the I'd Pennsylvania Regiment, no matter
what creed he may profess.
}. When standing shoulder to shoulder In the
hour of peril, around the American fag, they
i all had but one creed: ssTo die or conquer
for their country's cause. The right to IN
quire into mans religious belief, was, at
that time, unknown to them, and We firmly
believe that every survivor Of that Regiment
will, at this day, Indignantly repel any at
! tempt. no matter by whom made, to deprive
any of their number, of hard earned EonOfs,
4 because they may have chosen to worship ooo
e after their own fashion.
: We have now performed what we cohsioei
{ a duty towards our Catholic feilow-soidlers, OF
I Cambria county, and only regret that In TINS
; country. and in this age, it should be necessa-
> nv to vindicate any potion OF our fellow-ciu-
! zeps from charge so unjust We hope that
! our statement viii be satisfactory to the author
| of the article in the Advertiser, and induce
8 him to make the omende honorable to those ne
has injured Let the gentleman who made
; the charge, and upon whose authority he re-
lies, now come forward, give us his name. the
company of the Regiment to which he belong
ed, and the source from whence he derived
his information As soon as he does this, IT
9 considered necessary. we pledge ourselves TO
9 furnish copies of the muster rolls OF the Two
" companies, containing the name OF every
!. member, which we can verify by inquiring at
the War Department, in Washington. and
t, also to establish the truth OF what we nave
asserted by any proof that may be demanded-
n In conclusion. permit us to return You tne