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History of Cambria County, V.2

402 HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
Benjamin F. Minnick, Henry Oldham, Conrad C. Smith and James I. Watkins. Musician, Adam G. Fockler. Total 54.

    These names were originally written in alphabetical order, excepting those of Frank Penrod, Adam G. Fockler, Charles W. Riley and Jacob Hemminger, who at the time were presumed to have escaped capture, but being brought in after the list was finished, their names were added at the foot. A Confederate gave the sheet of paper to Mr. Bryan, who prepared it for the purpose of sending it back into our lines by the chaplain, who, it was then understood, was to be paroled. This information was never given to the friends of the prisoners, as the chaplain was not paroled, and Mr. Bryan still possesses the original roll. At the time of the capture Capt. Decker had been commissioned major of the 54th Regiment, and Lieut. McCune, who was acting adjutant of the regiment, had been commissioned captain of Company H. Neither was mustered in as such officer, as the war closed three days thereafter.
    After the prisoners were taken back the first thing the enemy did was to divest them of all clothing, boots and shoes, money and other valuables, and give to them the tattered clothes.
    A squad of Company A, consisting of Sergeants David R. Bryan and William Stearn, and William J. Cauffield, Jacob James and John McBride, were not with the company when it was captured, but were on their way to fire the High Bridge, which they reached after the enemy had taken possession of it. At this time a confederate major rode up to the five soldiers, demanded their money and fired a revolver into the crowd. The fire was returned by these men who had not yet been taken prisoners, and the major was mortally wounded.
    However, it was not long until they were captured, stripped of all their money and clothing, and taken to Gen. Longstreet's headquarters on the charge of murdering the major, Sergeant Bryan being taken into Gen. Longstreet's presence first. That the major was dead was admitted; but Bryan's defense was that the men not having yet been captured and having their arms, had a right to defend themselves as well as their country. Mr. Bryan was led out of the tent and Serg. Stearn was taken before the general, who was just about to begin the examination when Gen. Sheridan's cavalry came dashing over the hill. Gen. Longstreet and all his staff made a hasty departure. Gen Sheridan captured his headquarters, but the prisoners were


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Created: 26 Mar 2003, Last Updated:
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