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Democratic Watchman September 30 1858, page 2
CAMP LOGAN
GEN. BUCHANAN 'S BRIGADE IN CAMP
800 SOLDIERS IN THE FIELD.
"The most important event, that perhaps ever took place in a military point of view in the history of central Pennsylvania, occurred at Camp Logan during last week. Long will it be remembered by those who witnessed the proceedings, and participated in the occasion.
The weather was exceedingly pleasant with scarcely a cloud to obscure the brightness of the heavens. That soft mellow light so peculiar to an Autumn sky, shone forth its golden beams upon surrounding nature in majestic splendor. Everything wore a bright and joyous aspect until the closing scenes of the Encampment, when intolerable rain set in, and dissipated in a measure the enjoyment which many had sincerely hoped to realize.
The situation of the Camp was unusually pleasing, and afforded a most charming view for miles of the adjacent country. The sterile rocks - towering pines - sturdy oaks, and variegated scenery of old Muncy mountain, formed the Northwestern ground work, while in almost every other direction the rural districts appeared before the eager gaze of an admiring multitude. The field was admirably adapted to the use for which it had been chosen. The Encampment occupied an elevation of considerable magnitude, overlooking the ground intended for parading purposes. Soldiers and spectators were alike accommodated with every consentience which a judicious selection of location, could inure to their especial comfort and enjoyment.
The Centre Dragoons and Bellefonte Fencibles took possession of the Camp on Monday. We visited the Encampment in the evening, and partook of a repast among acquaintances of the Fencilbes, whom we found as on all occasions, clever social fellows, full of military ardor, and ready for any emergency that might be required at their hands. Many people also visited the ground highly - gratified with the preliminary arrangements.
Gen. Geo. Buchanan made his appearance in our Borough, and was escorted during the afternoon to Camp with military honors.
Our streets were crowded on Wednesday so as to render them almost impassable, and the scene at the Encampment was also one of unusual activity. The parade was indeed a brilliant exhibitions of military skill, and took place in the presence of thousands who had assembled to witness the long expected ceremony.
The troops were reviewed by Gen. Watson and Staff on Wednesday afternoon, after which they were marched under the command of Gen. Geo. Buchanan through our Borough. The route of procession was through Bishop street to Spring, along Spring to Lamb, up Lamb to Allegheny, passing through the entire length of the latter street. At various points along the route the troops were cheered by immense crowds, who seemed truly to enjoy much interest in the occasion.
The ladies at the Conrad House manife sted a disposition to vie with each other by the waving of handkerchiefs, and endeavored to encourage the soldiers with winning smiles of approbations.
On Wednesday evening the Bellefonte Fencibles, accompanied by their Brass and Marshall bands, serenaded Gen. Jackman and Staff; Adjutant Gen. Wilson, and Inspector Gen. Dodge. After a stirring military air had been performed, Gen. Wilson appeared upon the balcony and addressed the people, thanking them for their kind welcome, and congratulated them on the success of the Encampment. The serenade was continued until a late hour, after which the General received calls from many military and personal friends.
On Thursday the Troops were reviewed by Gen. D. K. Jack man, who was accompanied by his Staff, and Adjutant Gen. Wilson, and Inspector Gen. Dodge. Never did we behold a more beautiful array of soldiers and Military manouvering, than were presented on this occasion. The scene was animating and imposing beyond our power of description. Every one apparently endeavored to discharge his duty to the utmost of his ability, and in doing this won deafening plaudits from thousands of the assembled multitude.
We have often listened to the lovely strains of music as they have been borne to the ear on the stillness of the atmosphere in most acceptable profusion, but never did we experience such indescribable emotions as those inspired by the extraordinary celebrity of different musical companies in attendance at this Encampment. We congratulate the Bellefonte Brass Band, and the Huntingdon Band, on their great musical attainments. Long may they wave an honor to their profession and a blessing to their country. Perhaps nothing is more calculated to arouse the soldier to a lively interest in the battles of his country, than the soul inspiring strains of music. There is a peculiarity about it that urges him onward to vigorous action, and to deeds of immortal glory.
One of the most interesting events of the Camp was the banquet given by the Fencibles to Gen. Jackman and Staff - the Lock Haven Artillery - Adjutant Gen. Wilson - Inspector Gen. Dodge, and Col. Smith and Staff. The repast was prepared by the ladies - the wifes and daughters of the Fencibles - and like on all occasions in which the ladies generally participate, the entertainment was rendered pleasant and agreeable.
The following is a programme of the names of the officers, and also of each company in attendance, as they appeared on general parade on Thursday:
Adjutant Gen. E. C. Wilson.
Inspector Gen. Maj. Dodge.
Maj. General John C. Watson, of the fourteenth Division, P. M.
AIDS
Major P. B. Wilson, and Major D. G. Nevling
STAFF
Asst. Adjutant Gen. Maj. J. S. Brisben
Div. Quarter Master Maj. G. W. Garretson
Div. Insp. Lieut. Col. G. S. Dorsey Green
Judge Advocate Lieut. Col. F. H. Lane
Brigadier General, George Buchanan
AIDS
Col. James P. Coburn
Col. C. P. M. Fisher
Brigade Inspector, Maj. J. B. Fisher
Adjutant, Wm. P. McManus
Brigadier Gen. R. C. Magill
AID
Capt. P. McAteer
Col. Henry Strohecker and Major Rishel were also present.
Among the invited guests from other brigades were
Major General D. K. Jackman, 11th Div. P. M.
STAFF
Maj. C. W. Thorn, Maj. J. H. Humes, G. W. Lentz, C. W. Sawer, Ira D. Canfield, W. S. Gile
Col. John Smith and Staff. The names of the gentlemen composing Col. Smith's Staff we have been unable to obtain. Col. R. H. McCoy of the Clinton Brigade was also in attendance, and Maj. J. H. Tolbert, Brigade inspector of that Brigade.
CAVALRY
Warrior's Mark Cavalry - Captain Hunter,
Centre Dragoons - Capt. Cummings
Washington Troop - Capt. Wolf,
Independent Dragoons - Capt. Dunlap,
Nittany Troop - Capt. Smith.
INFANTRY
Bellefonte Fencibles - Capt. A. G. Curtin
Nittany Blues - Capt. Tolbert
Washington Artillery - Capt. Eisenhoot
Brush Valley Guards - Capt. Faust
Centre Guards - Capt. Weaver
Marion Infantry - Captain Fisher
Pennsvalley Cadetts - Capt. Kepler
Scott Infantry - Capt. Dare
Union Guards - Capt. Johnson
Lock Haven Artillery - Capt. Jarret
The different Companies were well provided with martial music of an excellent order, which was a feature of great importance to the Encampment.
We should be doing great injustice in our report of the proceedings if we failed to notice the good order which generally prevailed. The throng was immense, and notwithstanding this fact, scarcely an intoxicated man was seen upon the ground.
Thursday was one of those delightful days which no attempt can properly describe. Poetic fancy must indeed fall short of the reality. Truly nature scented in one of her happiest moods, and apparently imparted to the people a proper appreciation of the grand and beautiful. What a picture for the contemplation of a painter! The various grades of hum an life assembled together - the young and beautiful - the middle aged - the aged, whose silvery locks and care worn countenances gave evidence of a period in life beyond their three score years and ten. Wives - Daughters - Husbands - Sisters - Brothers - and those actuated by the gent le passion which common phraseology would designate as love, presented a scene of animation, sociability and gayety perhaps without a parallel.
There were in attendance possibly not less than eight hundred soldiers, and about five or six thousand spectators.
The Encampment was broken up on Friday morning, and the troops quietly left for home, after returning many fond and complimentary cheers to soldiers, citizens and friends.
Every body was pleased with Camp Logan. Its events have been rendered forever memorable by the laudable disposition manifested by every person not to mar the pleasures of the occasion.
Gen. Geo. Buchanan, commander of the brigade under which the Encampment had been gotten up discharged his duty in a manner that fresh laurels to his military name."
Democratic Watchman September 30 1858, page 2
MAN STABBED
"Late on Thursday evening of the encampment an affray took place on the ground, between one of the guards and a man named Larry McCaffery. It seems McCaffery forcibly attempted to cross the line where the guard was stationed, when a altercation ensued in which he was stabbed in the right lung. His wound is not considered dangerous."
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