Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-07-04
The Excaement in Cumberland.


fFro1a the Cumberland Civilian and Tslegraph.l
For several days previous to the l9thinst,
Ghe people Of Cumberland had been quite fe-
vsrish in consequence OF repeated rumors
that a force Of from three thousand to Eve
thousand Southern troops were in ROmney,
and intended 70 burn the bridges at New
Creek, and then march upon Cumberland to
attack it. On the previous evening, special
messengers arrived in the train confirming
the wsrst reports, reporting that heavy
forces were then on their march for the
bridge, and would arrive some time in the
night. The excitement was Immediately on
the increase, and the night wore away anx-
iously and fearfully with many. At between
8 and o'clock in the morning, a train ar
rived from the bridge, reporting all safe, and
no eDsmy heard Of ---7
The excitement began to sabside. The-I
regular hain.for Wheeling left on time, 6
A. A., but in the course of two hours it re-
turned with tue dreadful news that the
bridge was burnt and that its guard were ali
killed or taken prisoners, and that the enemy
was marching upon our city. The news
sDread like Wild6re, and in few moments
the excitement and CONSERVATION were al
most without limit, the bells were ringing
all over town, and the people rushed into the
streets. This terrible feeling was constantly
ministered to by the arrival Of one message
alter another in rapid succession, saying the
enemy was nearer and nearer. Soon mar
tialmusic was heard on Baltimore street.
Defence was tbs word. The Continental
and Union Home Guards were promptly IN
der arms, and in less than one hour every
vacant gun was in the hand Of some one to
- 4 j. thn dafauea of the city.
Col. Wallace promptly packed up bis bag
rage and cent il to place Of safety and n
lie afternoon the serried ranks and the terri
be bayonet Of the brave Zouaves appeared
IN the streets They marched just beyond
! the city limits on the Bedford road, where
o they took up their position to receive the
expected enemy. The slopes on either SD,
of the road were lined with the ZOuavesY anC
there they remained for hours waiting for AZ
opportunity 70 test the utihty Of their tAYoTit
mode Of fighting.
Messengers were sent in all directions =
alarm the people and ask for aid. The re
sponse was glorious and patriotic, but 70 th
true men Of Frostburgh is due the palm
honor and our mite Of gratitude. They pa
been telegraphed to that the enemy was upo
us. and In twenty minutes over one hundre
brave spirits were under arms, snd at moo
the notes Of their brass band told US the
y were with Us. They promptly took the po
Of danger, and We had occasion TO see an
lo,k them in the face when the enemy WI
said 10 be on this side Of GresaptoWu5 and
cooler aud more determined set Of men cou
not be found among veteran soldiers. The
were ready to fglt, AID came for thai pu
pose as fast as steam could hurry them
The place where they supposed the Aght v
going on; they were under the lead OF Maj
4. A. Mason, who for co9lness and eoura
has no superior. Next, end in dus tin
came Col Peirie with a company Of hag
rnountaineers from Wellersburgh Pa, vi
81 their rifles, ready to take their part in
conflict. By morning, other companies
arrived from Grsnfsville, Centreyilie, q
Bedford; armed men, singly an1in squa
poured in rapidly from all directions
continued to pour in Until itwas known P
itiTely that the danger was over.