The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1862-06-26
Ihe Signal Corps.


Press writes as follows concerning one of |
the most important yet at the same time |
most modest branches OF the public ser
vice Of the Army Of the Potomac The |
Signal Corps Is an independent body, un- |
der the special and immediate control of
the Commander-in-C Chief, and is made up
of details Of officers and men from each |
brigade of the army. Major Meyer pre-
sides over its operations. 1t constructs
and works the telegraph lines, accompa-
MES all reconnoisances, and is constantly
on the alert for the transmission of intel
iigence to and from general and division
headquarters. All over the extensive
field of work apportioned to General NJ
Ciellan, signal officers are found, each one
closely watching for every movement of
the enemy.
There are two systems Of signalling used,
by-telegraph and by flag. The telegraph
is employed on permanent lines, as be-
tween White House and headquarters, or
headquarters and the division quarters of
generals, whose ground has been effectu-
ally gained from the enemy. Uncertain
lines, which, though having a prospect Of
permanency, are nevertheless at any mo-
ment liable to be removed, are run by the
patented insulated wire, which has so often
astonished our troops, who invariably take
it to be some vile Secession invention
This is small wire, insulated with gutta
percha and covered with twisted cotton,
the whole making a flexible cord, about
one-fourth of an inch in diameter. This
is carried on a reel, very much like a two
wheeled Philadelphia hose carriage 4
line, five miles in length, can be put in
working order in two hours. The reel is
run along the fields and roads, the atten-
dants fastening the cord to trees, Or BUSH
es, at points where troops might acciden-
tally disturb it. Where field is crossed,
it is left lying on the ground, and is found
to suffer no harm from the contact
Beardsley's portable magnetic electric in
struments are used for the transmission of
signals. These are light boxes, about the
size of knapsack, and are portable. In
deed, the whole telegraph system of the
Army Of the Potomac is of an itinerant
character, and the bottled lightning runs
about on horseback as rapidly. as the ope-
rator who controls it. The telegraph
system is similar to the alphabetic dial
plate of the Philadelphia fire-alarm tele-
graph.
Flag signalling, however, is the form
most generally used and is the most
dangerous Each signal officer is provi-
! ded with three Square fags-a white one
with red centre, red one with white
centre, and black one with white cen
! ire. These colors have nothing to do with
the signal code, however-the different
flags being employed for different kinds of
weather, and with different backgrounds,
that one being used which will be most
| conspicuous at the greatest distance
These flags transmit signals by swings,
and at night torch is substituted for
| them.
The manner Of their use can best be
shown by an illustration. Suppose part
of the army makes an advance Of several
miles into the euemy's lines, detail from
the signal corys always accompanies it
When it leaves the permanent telegraph
station, an officer with his flags is station
ed there at the first turn Of the road
taken, another is placed, and so on at
every point where bends in the road, or
trees. or hills, or other Instructions inter
vene and prevent direct view of the last
flag. Every observation made, if it be
thought necessary, is readily signalled to
the permanent station. The commanding
officer tells the hagman with him the
message to be sent, and he gives his flag
the swings which correspond with it. The
next in the chain observes and repeats,
and so the message goes, with lightning
like velocity, back to headquarters.
In battle, the signal corps is of the ut
most advantage. The general command
ing the forces engaged places himself on
a convenient spot with his fagman. High
hills in the vicinity, out of danger, bat
excellent for viewing the cnemy's move
ments, are selected and fagmen placed
upon them. Everything done by the
euemy is indicated. Smoke may hide an
! approaching column from those on whom
it is quickly marching. Some of the sig
nal officers, perched like hawks about the
field, are sure to observe the enemy, and
the next instant the general knows it, and
has warned his subordinates Of the threat
ened danger.
; Batteries throwing shot ard shell at an
enemy concealed from them by intervr,
ming hills or woods, have all their move
ments regulated by signals. Miles to the
right or left, but in a position where the
enemy can be seen, stands the signal mar
with field glass and telescope. One Of th'
crol .ha Sh.ii Aio- VIII, =,