Jun
29
June 29, 1863, Savannah Republican (Georgia)
Charleston, S. C., May 28.
Mr. Editor:—The mania for speculation is perfectly frightful. People are rushing madly about Broad street and East Bay, with eager and excited looks, talking of nothing but “Calypso stock,” “Ella and Annie stock,” and others equally fancy. New companies are forming, millions are subscribed in cash for new steamers, and the vendue masters are on the very pinnacle of fame. Visit the steamers, you see able-bodied men standing around the decks and saloons, and you ask yourself, how is it? I am standing guard on the dock, at $11 per month, and young men, “to the manner born,” are sporting fine clothing, jewelry, &c., as pursers, super-cargoes, &c. Men we have never seen before pass current as captains of steamships. Passengers arrive and depart without examination, and thousands of bales of cotton are going forward monthly, some to Europe, much of it to the abolitionists. I recollect very well that when public opinion in Charleston caused a brig, loaded with cotton, to be unloaded, so strong was the feeling against cotton shipments, the cry was raised, “How shall we pay for arms, &c., except with cotton?” Quere—How much of ordnance stores, clothing, &c., have been received through the blockade in the last sixty days? and if so received, has it not passed into the hands of speculators, who modestly ask the government twelve times the first cost? To the proof: I know of a lot of grey plains, such as Naylor, Smith & Co. sold always before the war at 40 to 45 cents per yard, going into a government storehouse at $6 per yard. This is a sample of what they call “bringing goods for the government!” Read more
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The New York Herald
IMPORTANT MILITARY CHANGE.
General Hooker Relieved and General Meade Appointed to the Command of the Army of the Potomac.
WASHINGTON, June 28 — 10:20 P.M.
The following is from your special correspondent, dated Frederick, June 28:—
General Hooker was this morning relieved of the command of the Army of the Potomac. General Meade succeeds him. General Hooker is relieved at his own request.
General Hooker leaves this afternoon for Baltimore.
It is reported that the rebels are in occupation of York and Hanover Junction, on the Northern Central Railroad. Lee headquarters were yesterday at Hagerstown. Longstreet’s corps crossed yesterday at Williamsport.
Everything is working well with us.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, June 28, 1863.
This morning Colonel Hardie arrived here by special train from Washington, as a bearer of despatches, relieving General Hooker from the command of the Army of the Potomac, Read more
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The New York Herald
It is with no ordinary feelings of gratification that we announce to our readers this morning the retirement of General Hooker and the appointment of Major General George G. Meade, late of the Fifth army corps, to the command of the Army of the Potomac.
With regard to the qualifications of this officer for this supremely important position at this crisis, the reader will be amply satisfied from the simple facts of his military history, which will be found in the special biographical sketch given elsewhere in this paper. Distinguished for his good and gallant conduct in the Mexican war, General Meade, in the peninsular and Maryland campaigns of General McClellan, and in the late eventful Rappahannock campaigns of General Burnside and General Hooker, has still added to his high reputation as a brave skilful and capable military leader. His merits are approved by the officers of the Army of the Potomac, and we are assured that this appointment as their Commander-in-Chief on the field will be hailed with unqualified satisfaction by the soldiers of every State and of every regiment of the army. As we understand this appointment, in another sense, it is a compromise which will be satisfactory not only to the old soldiers of McClellan, but to his friends outside of the army; for, according to our information, Gen. Meade has not been mixed up and is not the creation of any political faction, but the independent professional soldier, who has won his claims to distinction and his present promotion by his sword.
We have no inclination now to deal harshly with Gen. Hooker. In the all important fact that he has been relieved at his own request we recognized an act of patriotism on his part which disarms us of any desire to reproduce the evidence of his experience at the head of the Army of the Potomac against him. We congratulate him, as well as the country, on the patriotic considerations which have induced him to retire in season to enable his successor to move forward without delay upon the enemy; and the country will feel grateful to President Lincoln that an officer whose record and reputation give every assurance of success is now at the head of the army upon which the safety of the national capital and the fate of the rebellion depend.
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The New York Herald
The enemy is pressing closely upon Harrisburg. General Lee’s whole army is undoubtedly in Pennsylvania. His own headquarters are at Hagerstown, Maryland, from which he is directing the movements. General Longstreet’s corps crossed the river at Williamsport on Saturday. A great battle is impending at Harrisburg today. Last night the rebels were within three miles of the city, and heavy firing was going on all day. This was probably the outposts skirmishing as the enemy advanced. Mechanicsburg was surrendered by our troops yesterday morning, and immediately occupied by the rebels. They also took possession of York, our troops clearing out before them. They have done serious damage to the Northern Central Railroad, both at York and Hanover Junction. They have burned two bridges at York Haven. The splendid bridge across the Susquehanna, at Columbia, a mile an a quarter long, which cost a million of dollars, was burned by our own troops, under Colonel Frick, yesterday, who, after making a bold defence in his rifle pits at Wrightsville, on the south side of the river, was compelled to retreat across the bridge, which he burned behind him. He lost a hundred men, who were captured by the enemy. At last accounts the rebels were shelling Wrightsville without warning the inhabitants to leave. The rebels were reported to be at Bainbridge last night, twelve miles above Columbia, with pontoon trains sufficient to construct a bridge. We give a map of the whole region today.
The utmost consternation prevails throughout the State of Pennsylvania, and at last there appears to be a disposition on the part of the people to rally for their defence. Companies are arming and turning out at Lancaster, Norristown and Scranton. Fugitives, however, keep pouring into Harrisburg, Lancaster and other cities, in a state of complete Read more
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The New York Herald
The events of yesterday on the western side of the Susquehanna river, between Harrisburg and Columbia, ought to be sufficient to bring within the next three days a hundred thousand armed Pennsylvanians to the rescue. Philadelphia, from her population of half a million, ought to be able to report within twenty-four hours the mustering within her limits of at least twenty-five thousand armed men. All the stupid and embarrassing formalities of red tape as between county and State, and State and federal authorities, should be cast to the winds, and the people of every county of the Commonwealth, trusting to the general organization and the disposition of their forces by the Governor and by Gen. Couch, should send forward their troops by regiments, battalions and companies as fast as they can be armed and equipped from their own resources, not for thirty days or sixty days, but for the expulsion of the invading army of the rebellion.
The federal administration and General Meade are now occupied in covering approaches by which this daring rebel army may advance upon Washington or Baltimore; and, if General Meade’s army amounted to half a million of men, we conjecture that it could not for several days to come be marched over the interval between its present lines of occupation and the army of Lee to the deliverance of Pennsylvania.
It appears to us that the cunning rebel General Lee has been deliberately widening the distance between the two armies, in order, first, to draw our Army of the Potomac as far away from Washington as possible before giving battle; and secondly, to prey as long as Read more
Jun
29
June 29, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
We have no recent intelligence of an authentic character from the army of Northern Virginia. The Richmond Examiner, of Friday, says:
It was reported on the streets yesterday morning that General Lee’s pickets were at the Chain Bridge, over the Potomac, four miles above Washington, but our utmost diligence failed to discover the origin of the report. Yet, that it is true is by no means improbable. If, as is believed, General Lee crossed the Potomac last Sunday morning, his pickets may, by this time, be even nearer Washington than the Chain Bridge. The story that Hooker crossed the Potomac between Leesburg and Washington is discredited in official circles. It is believed, if he has crossed the river at all, it was at Washington city. But we must confess that as regards the whereabouts of either the Northern or Southern army, all is mist and darkness here. Still, no one is dissatisfied with or uneasy about the situation. All feel confident that General Lee knows everything that need be known, and for the rest, they must trust confidently to the God of battles and the prowess of Southern arms.
The Central train, that rarely failing source of interesting intelligence, brought us last night not so much as a rumor. From Staunton to Richmond all was reported quiet, a certain evidence that the tide of war is rolling northward. Today, for the first time, we are enabled to lay before our readers some well authenticated facts concerning the capture of Winchester, and the subsequent operations of the left wing of our own army. Milroy was certainly surprised at Winchester, and as certainly deserted his army and, disguised in Read more
Jun
28
by Gideon Welles
June 28, Sunday. The President convened the Cabinet at 10 A.M. and submitted his reply to the Vallandigham committee. Save giving too much notoriety and consequence to a graceless traitor who loves notoriety and office, and making the factious party men who are using him for the meanest purposes that could influence men in such a crisis conspicuous, the letter is well enough, and well conceived.
After disposing of this subject, the President drew from his pocket a telegram from General Hooker asking to be relieved. The President said he had, for several days as the conflict became imminent, observed in Hooker the same failings that were witnessed in McClellan after the Battle of Antietam, — a want of alacrity to obey, and a greedy call for more troops which could not, and ought not to be taken from other points. He would, said the President, strip Washington bare, had demanded the force at Harper’s Ferry, which Halleck said could not be complied with; he (Halleck) was opposed to abandoning our position at Harper’s Ferry. Hooker had taken umbrage at the refusal, or at all events had thought it best to give up the command.
Some discussion followed in regard to a successor. The names of Meade, Sedgwick, and Couch were introduced. I soon saw this review of names was merely a feeler to get an expression of opinion — a committal — or to make it appear that all were consulted. It shortly became obvious, however, that the matter had already been settled, and the President finally remarked he supposed General Halleck had issued the orders. He asked Stanton if it was not so. Stanton replied affirmatively, that Hooker had been ordered to Baltimore and Meade to succeed him. We were consulted after the fact.
Chase was disturbed more than he cared should appear. Seward and Stanton were obviously cognizant of what had been ordered before the meeting of the Cabinet took place, — had been consulted. Perhaps they had advised proceedings, but, doubtful of Read more
Jun
28
edited by G.W. Cable
June 25th.—A horrible day. The most horrible yet to me, because I’ve lost my nerve. We were all in the cellar, when a shell came tearing through the roof, burst upstairs, and tore up that room, the pieces coming through both floors down into the cellar. One of them tore open the leg of H.’s pantaloons. This was tangible proof the cellar was no place of protection from them. On the heels of this came Mr. J., to tell us that young Mrs. P. had had her thighbone crushed. When Martha went for the milk she came back horror-stricken to tell us the black girl there had her arm taken off by a shell. For the first time I quailed. I do not think people who are physically brave deserve much credit for it; it is a matter of nerves. In this way I am constitutionally brave, and seldom think of danger till it is over; and death has not the terrors for me it has for some others. Every night I had lain down expecting death, and every morning rose to the same prospect, without being unnerved. It was for H. I trembled. But now I first seemed to realize that something worse than death might come; I might be crippled, and not killed. Life, without all one’s powers and limbs, was a thought that broke down my courage. I said to H., “You must get me out of this horrible place; I cannot stay; I know I shall be crippled.” Now the regret comes that I lost control, for H. is worried, and has lost his composure, because my coolness has broken down.
Jun
28
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
JUNE 28TH.—The boys of the 20th left at Vicksburg joined our regiment to-day. We were very anxious to hear how the siege was progressing, and, to our surprise, learned that it was going right on as usual, without our assistance. It was interesting to hear of the blowing up of Fort ‘Hill by our division, but we did not ascertain the number killed, though the explosion
Hoisted two or three.
And blew a darky free
From slavery to freedom.
This negro, blown up with other chattels in the fort, was dropped into our lines and taken to General Logan’s headquarters, none the worse for his trip. When asked what he saw, he said, “As I was comin’ down I met massa gwine up.” Nothing, however, was gained by blowing up the fort, except planting the stars and stripes thereon, by our troops who made the charge after the explosion ; but our colors were removed, for safety, after dark. While our men lay all the afternoon on the side of the fort, the rebels threw into their ranks hand-grenades which killed and wounded quite a number. Our boys, however, would occasionally catch them and toss them back to the place from which they came, just in time to explode among their owners.
Living out here in the woods is quite different from camping before Vicksburg. Yet all is life and bustle wherever we are, from reveille at daybreak, to tattoo at night. Each man must answer to his name in ranks at roll-call in the morning, and must be properly dressed. Some of the most ludicrous scenes of army life are to be witnessed at this exercise. A few of the old fashioned, steady fellows, as a general thing appear quite thoroughly dressed ; but as you go down the ranks from the head where they stand, you will begin to find, now and then, a man who has but one boot or shoe on, with the other but half way on. Another boy will be putting on his blouse—having grabbed it in the dark—of course wrong side out. Another has tossed his blouse over his shoulders, and is trying to hide close to his right-hand man. Still another, trying to get his pants on between his bed and the line, has caught a foot in the lining, and hops along like a sore-footed chicken. I saw one fellow come out, at the foot of the company, wrapped only in a blanket. The orderly, however, sent him back to be better uniformed; he could not play Indian at morning roll-call. The last one of those who have overslept, makes his appearance holding on to his clothes with both hands. Some answer to their names before taking position in the ranks, and in fact, even some before they are fairly out of bed. A company which has for its orderly a person who is a little lenient, fares well ; but if he is inclined to strain his authority, he is bound to have its ill will. After roll-call, some of the half-dressed return to bed for another snooze, while the rest complete their toilet. After that comes the splitting of rails, building of fires, and a general rush for breakfast, which winds up the duties of the morning.
Jun
28
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 28TH.—By order of Brig.-Gen. G. W. Custis Lee, the department companies were paraded to-day, armed and equipped. These, with the militia in the streets (armed by the government to-day), amounted to several thousand efficient men for the batteries and for guard duty. They are to rendezvous, with blankets, provisions, etc., upon the sounding of the tocsin. I learn that 8000 men in the hospitals within convenient reach of the city, including those in the city, can be available for defense in an emergency. They cannot march, but they can fight. These, with Hill’s division, will make over 20,000 men; an ample force to cope with the enemy on the Peninsula. It has been a cool, cloudy day (we have had copious rains recently), else the civilians could not have stood several hours exercise so well. A little practice will habituate them by degees to the harness of war. No one doubts that they will fight, when the time for blows arrives. Gen. Jenkins has just arrived, with his brigade, from the south side of the James River.
I was in the arsenal to-day, and found an almost unlimited amount of arms.
We get not a word from Gen. Lee. This, I think, augurs well, for bad news flies fast. No doubt we shall soon hear something from the Northern papers. They are already beginning to magnify the ravages of our army on their soil: but our men are incapable of retaliating, to the full extent, such atrocities as the following, on the Blackwater, near Suffolk, which I find in the Petersburg Express:
“Mr. Smith resided about one mile from the town, a well-to-do farmer, having around him an interesting family, the eldest one a gallant young man in the 16th Virginia Regiment. When Gen. Longstreet invested Suffolk a sharp artillery and infantry skirmish took place near Mr. Smith’s residence, and many balls passed through his house. The Yankees finally advanced and fired the houses, forcing the family to leave. Mrs. Smith, with her seven children, the youngest only ten months old, attempted to escape to the woods and into the Confederate lines, when she was fired upon by the Yankee Read more
Jun
27
From the diary of Osborn H. Oldroyd
June 27TH.—A number of our boys went a few miles, blackberrying, and picked quite a quantity to bring home, when we heard the sound of horses’ hoofs, and suddenly concluding we had berries enough, we beat a hasty retreat for camp and got there safely.
The weather is not quite as hot here as it was in our close quarters at the front, but while we enjoy that change we would much prefer remaining at our post there, until the end of the siege.
Some of the boys have had to boil their pants—the only process which is sure death to an enemy lurking there which we find most troublesome. While our pants are boiling the owner leans over the kettle anxiously, for it is probably his only pair. Well, it is now summer time, and, it will do to sun ourselves an hour or two. These little pests lurking in our pants become very annoying when they go foraging. These creatures are about the only war relics from which I have not gathered specimens to send home. I have, in fact, gathered enough of them, but with no view to a museum or cabinet. It is fun to see a fellow get into a pair of boiled pants. The boiling has shrunk them till they fail to reach the top of his brogans by some inches, and accordingly he bends over to try to pull them down to a junction, when the contrary things seem to recoil still further ; and the only satisfaction left to him at last—and it is no mean one, either—is that they are at least clean, and he himself is once more their sole occupant. How long he will remain so, however, it is hard to say.
Jun
27
by Gideon Welles
June 27, Saturday. A telegram last night informed me of the death of Admiral Foote. The information of the last few days made it a not unexpected event, yet there was a shock when it came. Foote and myself were schoolboys together at Cheshire Academy under good old Dr. Bronson, and, though three or four years younger than myself, we were pursuing some of the same studies, and there then sprang up an attachment between us that never was broken. His profession interrupted our intimacy, but at long intervals we occasionally met, and the recollection of youthful friendship made these meetings pleasant.
When I was called to take the administration of the Navy Department, he was Executive Officer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and wrote me of the pleasure my appointment gave him. He soon visited Washington, when I consulted with him and procured in friendly confidence his estimate of various officers. This was before the affair of Sumter, and, like many others, he shortly after expressed a sad disappointment in regard to some he had commended. In fitting out in those early days the expeditions to Fort Sumter and Fort Pickens he exhibited that energy and activity which more fully displayed itself the following autumn and winter in creating and fighting the Mississippi Flotilla. His health became there impaired and his constitution was probably undermined before he took charge of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting. Our intercourse here was pleasant. His judgment in the main good, his intentions pure, and his conduct correct, manly, and firm. Towards me he exhibited a deference that was to me, who wished a revival and continuance of the friendly and social intimacy of earlier years, often painful. But the discipline of the sailor would not permit him to do differently, and when I once or twice spoke of it, he insisted it was proper, and said it was a sentiment which he felt even in our schoolday intercourse and friendship.
Shortly after the demonstration of Du Pont at Charleston, when I think Foote’s disappointment was greater than my own, he tendered his services for any duty afloat. Some premonition of the disease which ended his life was then upon him, and made him believe more active employment than the Bureau afforded would conduce to his physical benefit. His wife, after he had once or twice alluded to the subject, which she did not favor, gave her consent that he should go wherever ordered, except to the Mississippi. Foote expressed regret that she should have made any exception.
He did not wish to supplant Du Pont, whom he admired, or take any part against that officer. He was not unaware, however, that the Department and the public would turn to him as the successor of the hero of Port Royal, should there be a change of commanders. I was desirous that both he and Dahlgren should go to that squadron, and it was finally so arranged, but Providence has ordered differently. I have been disappointed. Foote had a name and prestige which would have carried him into the place assigned him on the tide of popular favor, whatever might have been the intrigues and assaults on one or both of us from any quarter.
General Wool, Governor Morgan, and Mayor Opdyke make a combined effort to retain the Roanoke at New York, and write me most earnestly on the subject. The idea Read more
Jun
27
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 27th.—An officer of the Signal Corps reported, yesterday, the force of Gen. Keyes, on the Peninsula, at 6000. To-day we learn that the enemy is in possession of Hanover Junction, cutting off communication with both Fredericksburg and Gordonsville. A train was coming down the Central Road with another installment of the Winchester prisoners (some 4000 having already arrived, now confined on Belle Island, opposite the city), but was stopped in time, and sent back.
Gen. Elzey had just ordered away a brigade from Hanover Junction to Gordonsville, upon which it was alleged another raid was projected. What admirable manœuvring for the benefit of the enemy!
Gen. D. H. Hill wrote, yesterday, that we had no troops on the Blackwater except cavalry. I hope he will come here and take command.
Gen. Whiting has arrested the Yankee crew of the Arabian, at Wilmington. It appears that she is owned by New Yorkers, sailed from New York, and has a Yankee cargo!
Capt. Maury writes from London that R. J. Walker, once a fire-and-fury Mississippi Senator (but Yankee-born), is in Europe trying to borrow £50,000,000 for the United States. Capt. Maury says the British Government will not willingly let us have another “Alabama;” but that it is also offended at the United States for the atrocities of Wilkes, and this may lead to war. The war, however, would not be intended as a diversion in our behalf.
Nothing is heard to-day from Lee, except what appears in Northern papers several days old, when our troops were occupying Hagerstown, Cumberland, etc., in Maryland, and foraging pretty extensively in Pennsylvania.
Nothing from Vicksburg.
Just as I apprehended! The brigade ordered away from Hanover to Gordonsville, upon a wild-goose chase, had not been gone many hours before some 1200 of the enemy’s cavalry appeared there, and burnt the bridges which the brigade had Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
It is high time for the State authorities to do something towards furnishing labor, if it is expected that Charleston is to be saved from destruction at the hands of the enemy next fall. There is a vast deal of work to be done which the soldiers we have cannot possibly accomplish. Much precious time has already been wasted, and it will now require every effort on the part of all parties concerned, to get ready to fight twenty iron-clads, besides the land forces. The times require resources and boldness and energy in all those who, in the public service, have any hand in controlling the destinies of our people. The legislation of the tempest-in-a-teapot Legislature may be very bungling. It may satisfy legal technicalities to say that requisitions have been made and certain forms have been gone through. The public care nothing about personal records and shiftings of responsibility. They have a right to judge, and will judge, every public servant, whether in the army or out of it, by results. Papers and writings may do very well in ordinary times, but in a crisis of difficulties and dangers like the present, when such enormous interests are at stake, nothing but successful results can satisfy. Difficulties must be expected, must be met — ways must be found to overcome them. To fail is to prove unequal to the occasion. We tell the people of Charleston and of South Carolina that without more effort and more progress in our defences, the fall of Charleston and the whole Low Country of the State, are events not improbable. These […..] are of truth and soberness.’ ‘They that have ears, let them hear.’ Labor is wanted; work is absolutely essential to our safety, and no small amount of it. Richmond has been fortified by the incessant labor of fifteen thousand slaves for nine months. Cannot enough labor be got in South Carolina to save Charleston? A few weeks delay may render all subsequent efforts fruitless. A pressing need is upon us now.
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
THE CAMPAIGN ON THE BORDER.
RICHMOND, June 25. — Ten Yankee transports appeared at the White House this morning, and a small force landed. It is reported that their pickets advanced as far as Teustall Station. No apprehensions are felt in official circles. Efficient measures have been taken to repel the advance, if it should be attempted.
We have further news from the border. IMBODEN has destroyed all the workshops, machinery, locomotives and cars, at Cumberland, and every bridge between that point and Little Capon, west of Cumberland. He also destroyed an immense tunnel and knocked to pieces the great iron bridge. This is the greatest blow of the kind ever given to the enemy.
The Baltimore American of the 22d contains the following telegram, dated Harrisburg, June 21: ‘The rebels are reported 40,000 strong at Hagerstown, Md., and fortifying that place. The troops collected here are expecting marching orders every moment. Governor CURTIN has received a despatch from Chambersburg, dated last evening, and saying that the rebel JENKINS was at Gainesboro’ last night, and has been plundering the houses in the mountains.’
Gen. COUCH had received a despatch reporting the rebel cavalry at Gettysburg. The force that went to McConnelsville helped themselves to whatever they wanted in the Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
SIXTY THOUSAND MEN CALLED OUT TO REPEL THE REBEL INVASION.
HARRISBURG, Pa, June 26, 1863.
In the name and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Andrew Curtin, Governor of said Commonwealth.
A PROCLAMATION.
Pennsylvania — The enemy is advancing in force into Pennsylvania. He has a strong column within twenty-three miles of Harrisburg, and other columns are moving by Fulton and Adams counties, and it can no longer be doubted that a formidable invasion of our State is in actual progress. The calls already made for volunteer militia in the exigency have not been met as fully as the crisis requires. I therefore now issue this my proclamation, calling for sixty thousand men to come promptly forward to defend the State. They will be mustered into the service of the State for a period of ninety days, but will be required to serve only so much of the period of muster as the safety of our people and honor of our State may require. They will rendezvous at points to be designated in the general order to be issued this day by the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, which order will also set forth the details of the arrangements for organization, clothing, subsistence, equipments and supplies.
I will not insult you by inflammatory appeals. A people who want the heart to defend Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
The alarm of the Pennsylvanians at the invasion of Lee is extraordinary. The population along the Maryland State line are rushing across the Susquehanna in a state of panic, believing they are comparatively safe with that barrier between them and the enemy. But the citizens of Harrisburg and those in its vicinity residing on this side of the Susquehanna are packing up their valuables for flight, and seem to think they will not be secure till they have crossed the Delaware. It is said that the rebels openly proclaim that they will not stop till they reach Philadelphia. We hope, however, that Governor Curtin’s draft of 50,000 men will arrest many of the fugitives in their flight. How can Pennsylvanians expect the militia of New Jersey and New York to defend them if they will not defend their own firesides against invasion? Pennsylvania is famous for a vast amount of self-esteem. It calls itself the Keystone State. Let us see how its population will now fight for the arch of the Union, of which Pennsylvania is the binding stone. There is no use in running away; for the fugitives will have to turn round and give battle at last. The people did not thus flee when McClellan was in command. Have they no confidence in the present commander of the Army of the Potomac? This is a question that deserves investigation.
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
The enemy progresses slowly, but with large force, into Pennsylvania. Affairs at Harrisburg wore a more quiet aspect yesterday, although the country people, with droves of cattle and horses, were rushing into the city in large numbers. Preparations for defence were going on actively. General Knipe evacuated the town of Carlisle yesterday afternoon, not deeming his force strong enough to hold it against the approaching enemy, who were reported to be from ten to twelve thousand strong. Up to nine o’clock last night, however, it does not appear that the rebels were in possession, nor any nearer than within four miles of the place. Much perplexity exists as to the exact route the rebels have taken.
The rebel force which occupied Gettysburg yesterday belong to Longstreet’s corps, General Early’s division. It is believed that this force intends to strike the Northern Central Railroad, either at Hanover Junction or York, which is distant about thirty miles. They comprise ten regiments of infantry, and with cavalry and artillery. Governor Curtin has received information that the rebels hold all the passes of South Mountain. This makes two corps which have crossed the Potomac. General Rhodes’ division of Ewell’s corps which now occupy Chambersburg is twelve thousand strong, with five batteries and an immense wagon train. It was raining hard all day yesterday, and the Susquehanna was rising. This, should it continue, may obstruct the operations of the rebel armies for a time. Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Chambersburg Correspondence.
CHAMBERSBURG, June 18, 1863.
The following is a correct and truthful account of Jenkins’ raid into Chambersburg, having witnessed it personally. You will remember that Franklin county, Pa., of which Chambersburg is the shire town, is a border county of the State, about eight miles from the Potomac river at its nearest point at Williamsport, so that any movement in the valley of Virginia is immediately sympathized with in this region. You will also recollect that General Stuart demonstrated the feasibility of taking this place last fall. Indeed, full of all agricultural productions, teeming with thousands of cattle upon her thousand hills, frugal and industrious people, it lies a tempting bait to the daring but hungry armies of the South. The propriety of its defence I leave to be settled by a debating society said to exist in the State Lunatic Asylum at Harrisburg. The movement of a cavalry force about Winchester, forty miles south of Williamsport held by Milroy with a large force, was the first intimation of immediate danger. On last Sabbath we heard that large bodies of negroes, the avant courriers of disaster to our arms, were pouring into Hagerstown; then that the rebels had crossed the river at different points. On Monday morning about nine o’clock they commenced arriving in our town. Gen Couch came up here from Harrisburg, but left after a brief stay, leaving in command his chief of staff, Major Burt, a gentlemanly and, I should judge, efficient officer. About eleven o’clock on Monday morning the wagon Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Frederick City Correspondence.
FREDERICK CITY, June 20, 1863.
The excitement occasioned by the proximity of the enemy continues, and the streets are occupied by groups of residents eagerly devouring the reports of refugees. Nearly all of the prominent Union citizens have left. Many of the stores are closed, and those open have been stripped of nearly all their goods. The Examiner failed to appear this week in consequence of the absence of its editor and employes; but the Citizen was published, containing a number of articles calculated to encourage secessionists and secure the favor of the enemy. The banks have sent off their specie, the livery keepers their horses and some of the inhabitants their furniture. The town is wild with rumors. The most exaggerated and contradictory reports are constantly coming in, and at times it is hard to believe whether the enemy is in the outskirts of the city or evacuating the State.
Yesterday the cars ran up to this place, and during the afternoon a locomotive was sent up to Point of Rocks for the purpose of bringing off the engine disabled a few days since by White’s cavalry. The country this side of South Mountain is believed to be entirely free from the enemy. No trains have ventured up as far as the Ferry since the attack upon the stations this side, but it is expected that they will soon resume their trips. At present they come up as far as place No. 1, where they receive reports from Monocacy concerning the safety of the road. If deemed safe they then move cautiously to the latter Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Harrisburg Correspondence.
HARRISBURG, June 21, 1863.
CONFIRMATION OF GOV. CURTIN’S ORDER ABOUT ENLISTMENTS.
The telegram I sent you of the confirmation by the Secretary of War of Governor Curtin’s promise to the Pennsylvania troops to muster them out of service as soon as the public necessities would permit of it acts as a balm in Gilead in some of the organizations. Others again do not receive it in that loyal, trusting spirit they should. They pretend to doubt the faith of the authorities, and think there is some quibble in the pledge so solemnly made by the Governor, whereby the government will retain their services. Things have arrived at a pretty pass when troops doubt the consistency of promises made by the government. They say they have confidence in the State Executive, and that he will endeavor to do al all he promises; but they fear he will be overruled. Now, there is no grounds for this fear or doubt; Governor Curtin will carry out his plighted faith at all hazards, and will do it up to the very letter of his promise. I think that a great part of the dissatisfaction in the Pennsylvania troops is the fault of the officers commanding them. They have no desire to remain in the field, and prefer going home as a regiment to leaving singly. The disgrace attached to their withdrawal could never be removed, and the soldiers are loth to do any act by which they would merit it.
THE REFUGEES — ALEX. McCLURE.
Those who fled to this place from Chambersburg and vicinity to escape the visit of the rebs still remain in a very unenviable and uncertain state of mind. Their case is a hard one and one to excite the sympathies of those who can feel for the distress of others. Their property has either been stolen or destroyed, and even if it has escaped so far the Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Baltimore Correspondence.
BALTIMORE, June 25, 1863.
The light breaks at last. The news which I have received this morning, and which I send you below, dispels the last remaining doubt in regard to General Lee’s intentions, and affords, as you will see, a clear prognosis of what that wily and astute general proposes to himself, and the route which he has marked out for the progress of his army towards Washington. Now that this development has become clear, it is impossible not to admire the adroitness with which, up to this time, the rebel general has concealed his real line of march.
On reaching Warrenton, with the head of his army about ten days ago, General Lee found that Gen. Ewell, in obedience to his instructions, had not only defeated Milroy and General Tyler, and captured Winchester and Martinsburg, with the immense quantity of military stores and all the artillery at the former place, but that he had also, with the aid of the guerillas, under Imboden, Jenkins and Jones, made an extensive reconnoitering expedition into Maryland and Pennsylvania, and has ascertained the exact position of affairs in those two States as far north as Carlisle, and as far out as Point of Rocks and Frederick City. Since that time all of General Lee’s manoeuvres have been directed to the object of making Hooker believe that he designed to move on Washington through Thoroughfare Gap, and by way of Centreville and Fairfax or Gum Spring and Drannesville. Hence the various skirmishes, even amounting to battles, or at least to engagements of considerable magnitude, at Centreville, between Aquia creek and Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Mr. F.G. Chapman’s Letters.
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Md., June 19, 1863.
With the promised return of the rebels to the Shenandoah valley and the line of the Upper Potomac, all outlying forces were ordered to concentrate upon certain points, with a view to making a final stand, if hard pressed, at the fortified positions of Maryland Heights, opposite Harper’s Ferry, Va. How this was accomplished by troops on the eastern side of the valley the retreat of General Milroy’s forces from Winchester will explain. Upon the western side the forces gathered at Martinsburg. On the afternoon of Saturday, the 13th inst., the One Hundred and Sixth New York Volunteers, Colonel Edward C. James commanding, broke up their camp at North Mountain, nine miles west of Martinsburg, and fell back to the latter place, having shipped all government stores at North Mountain safely to Harper’s Ferry. Colonel B. F. Smith, of the One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Ohio Volunteers, commanded the post of Martinsburg. On Sunday morning the two regiments already mentioned, with the Sixth Virginia battery, Captain Maulsby, and two companies of cavalry, comprised the entire force.
PICKETS.
About half-past ten in the morning our pickets on the Winchester road were sharply set upon by rebel cavalry, but held their posts without loss. The forces were immediately drawn up in position on the farm of Hon. C. J. Faulkner, between the Charlestown and Winchester pikes. The enemy pressed our line of skirmishers vigorously, and a sharp fire was kept up until our artillery opened, when they fell back and ceased to fire. In this attack a rebel cavalry captain was captured and a few of his men shot. Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Mr. George H. Hart’s Letter.
HEADQUARTERS, CAVALRY, June 24, 1863.
My despatches embrace all the points of general interest or importance relating to the reconnoissance to the front by a portion of the Union cavalry; but a more detailed account may not be unacceptable.
AT NEW BALTIMORE, a pretty little village of about fifteen houses and a population in ordinary times of about one hundred, we halted and refreshed man and beast. We found at this place — and, in fact, such was the case all along the route travelled — that the male population consisted only of decrepit old men and small boys under the age of sixteen.
The female portion of the community practised no dissimulation to conceal their political sentiments, but, on the contrary, vauntingly displayed their secession proclivities, forcibly reminding me of Alexander the Great visit to the Amazons. As a general rule the people are reduced in the way of provisions to the simplest necessaries of life, possessing no luxuries, not even the luxury of a lucifer match.
THE VALUE OF A LUCIFER MATCH.
I was much surprised when, on asking for a light for my segar I was informed they had Read more
Jun
27
June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Harrisburg Correspondence.
HARRISBURG, June 25, 1863.
I regret to say that General Couch has been compelled to issue orders restricting the privileges of correspondents. He feels aggrieved, and, though desirous of affording every means of information to the representatives of the various papers; is certain that some advantage has been taken of the liberties afforded them whereby the enemy has been benefited. The
HERALD CORRESPONDENTS are not blamed; but, while they will be afforded their usual facilities, they are debarred from visiting rooms that were heretofore open to their inspection. This is generally lamented by the various officials here and the several correspondents; but it is a matter of small moment to the HERALD force, who have unusual facilities in the securing of every important item that may transpire, from the fact that the HERALD never gives ‘aid and comfort” to the enemy by publishing any other information than what is strictly legitimate. You have very rightly suppressed news that I sent you, for which General Couch has expressed his thanks; and, while it was unimportant as to details, it was calculated to give our foes information which it is desirable they should not be made acquainted with. The various
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS here are in excellent hands, that of the State particularly so, and Governor Curtin may be congratulated upon the able assistants he has drawn around him. His Adjutant General, A. L. Russell, is a splendid looking man, standing some six feet Read more
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