The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1862-01-30
The Battle of Somerset.

Occasional" writing from Washing
ton to the Philadelphia Press under date
of January p, says:
'sThe battle of Somerset, Kentucky, Is
terrible blow at the rebellion. Lit Is
forerunner Of their defeat on a more ex-
tensive field and sure pledge OF the de-
liverance of Tennessee. We shall now
almost daily hear of victories, and it is
possible that as the traitors are struck in
the flank and rear, the great host on the
Potomac may make comparatively easy
advance on Richmond. The friends OF
General Mcclellan justify delay In this
quarter by the argument that he will not
move till he can do so irresistably. And
if you have carefully read the late Rich
mond papers, you will remember that they
no longer conceal the panic and dIscon-
tent that have been created among the
Southern people by the formidable prepa-
rations of the Federal Government and
the poverty and indecision of the rebel
usurpation Day is at last dawning; and
when it comes upon US, the heart OF the
nation will be lifted from despair, and
every element of society, business, poll
tics, and religion, will feel its reviving in
fiuence.
"Felix K. Zollicoffer, who fell at Som
erset, on Sunday last, was one Of the most
reckless and gifted of all the rebel chiefs.
He was cruel, remorseless and cold.
knew him well as Representative In Con-
gress from the Nashville Glenn district
lie was more of controversialist than an
orator. Tenacious in debate, logical IN
his argument and perfectly fearless, he
was formidable adversary at all times.
A highly educated man, he became prac-
teal printer after he graduated at college,
and was directly or indirectly connected
with Whig newspapers, even while hold
ing official positions, for twenty-three years.
From being Whig he advanced into
Know-Nothihgism and from being
vehement Unionist, of the Henry Clay
John Bell school, he broke out into
worshipper Of the Calhoun doctrine of
Secession, giving up his life as sacrifice
TO that shameless heresy- Is 1t not strange
that so many of the Southern Americans
should have become so active in the re-
bellion John Bell, himself, Zollicotter,
Percy Walker, of Alabama I; Jere Glenn
ems, of the same State Humphrey Mar
shall, of Kentucky; Albert Pike, OF
Arkansas, have been among the most un-
forgiving OF these leaders. The secret Is
undoubtedly to be found in their hatred
of the adopted citizens, who are distrusted
in the South, and recognized in the North
for their loyalty and courage on the side
of the Union. Zollicoffer was not quite
fifty when he fell. He resembled John
Hickman in appearance, though little
taller, and was greatly confded In by his
followers. He has shown great tact and
energy since the breaking out of the re-
bellion and was, beyond doubt, the best
general that Tennessee has furnished to
the traitor forces.
"The next news from Kentucky will
prove that our Pennsylvania boys have
been doing good work. They are regar-
ded by Mr.. Crittenden, Andy johnson,
and the other Union men in Congress
from kentucky and Tennessee with bieh
favor; and they viii do honor to their
State and country when an opportunity
is presented to them"