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JANUARY 8
We
visit the poor, sick, and aged of our congregation. Some very glad to
see
us. One, a Mrs. Measy, 85 years of age, nearly destitute but of
sound
mind. Requested that she be buried beside her husband in the
churchyard.
(NOTE: The Measy house is still standing at 559 South Main
Street.
A single brick house that at one time had a public pump in front
on
the sidewalk. After the death of her husband, she ran a boarding
house
there for an income. Her husband had been a shoemaker.)
JANUARY
10
Rapid
rise in stocks, much speculation, fortunes will be made, but many
will
be ruined. An unhappy time for our nation, for it will never be the
same
again. Greed and power transcends all.
JANUARY
13
Weather
mild. War news bad. Sold my farm to Solomon Brake for $90.00 an
acre.
A very sudden transaction, being only two hours in the making. He
gave
me a $1,500.00 note of the County Commissioners, $3,000.00 in gold,
and
$175.00 in silver, $25.00 in treasury notes, and $100.00 in other
paper.
I took a judgment note for $5,200.00 on the balance. This was the
quickest
cash transaction I ever made. I will invest most of it in the
Bank
of Chambersburg. I feel somewhat sadden selling the family farm,
like
an old friend departing, but I must relieve myself of some of my
burden.
JANUARY
16
Left
home for Philadelphia to attend to Church business. Stayed at the
Merchants
Hotel on Fourth Street. Large delegation there from all parts
of
the United States. Next seven days of lengthy discussions.
JANUARY
24
Weather
unsettled. After morning worship, stopped at the Barber's Shop
for
a shave, there being only about my lips to do, a matter of a few
minutes,
for I have a full beard. I was charged 60 cents, a rascally
sum,
the man was totally unashamed to demand it.
Called on Maria Dunlap,
living at 17th and Arch Streets. She was an
early
resident of Chambersburg, coming to Philadelphia with her husband
many
years ago. He was a lawyer given to drink and bad habits, thus
losing
his livelihood and now blind. They live with her son-in-law, a
Mr.
Wilson.
We are bringing to a
close, with essays by each of us, on the occasion
of
this tercentennial of the Heidleburg Catechism. We have our photos
taken
that I place in my diary at the proper place with their names and
city.
JANUARY
24
Clear.
Left for home today. We see the Cumberland Valley locked in the
icy
fastness of winter. Got home late and found all well. Chatted until
late,
and to bed.
JANUARY
25
A
pleasant Sabbath. Attended all day to the various duties.
JANUARY
26
Raining.
At home all afternoon writing my diary. Mrs. Geo. Wolff called
to
have me speak to her husband about his dissipation. I spoke with him,
however,
the effort must be made by him to end his intemperate ways.
Talk of
"winding" up our bank, now that we are in a position to do so. I
fear
there are some greedy stockholders behind this, more to set up for
themselves.
JANUARY
28
Snowing.
The war is going badly. President Lincoln has a fearful account
to
render to the country and posterity for his unfaithful stewardship.
R.
Tolbert calls with an old bill of my son, Jacob, who failed in
business
some years ago. This was news to me, as to why he had not
presented
it before this. He now demands back interest on the account.
He
shall be paid, but I shamed him on the unjustness of conducting his
business
this way. More talk of our bank going out of business. It would
be
a sore loss to our country. We are in good shape and have very
competent
officers. These are times that the selfish try and hide their
money,
which creates chaos in the business world. When public confidence
is
gone, years of building has been torn down.
FEBRUARY
20
Had
Rev. Feete of Woodstock, Virginia, to dinner. He somehow made his
way
North with his small son to escape the terrible poverty rife in the
valley.
His wife had died and sold all personal possessions to buy food
and
a little clothing. His son wore an old stained army blanket for a
coat.
All the basic items of living were far beyond his reach. He hopes
to
find employment here, that he will never return to Virginia.
FEBRUARY
21
Out
to my farm, my tenant rather distressed that Lincoln's draft plans
will
take all the men, leaving the females to run things. They are
convinced
all the real criminals are in Washington, and Lincoln-the ring
leader.
FEBRUARY
23
Snowing
hard. Indoors all day, reading and writing.
FEBRUARY
28
Cloudy
and damp. Mild evening. The ladies all out for a promenade
despite
the muddy foot paths. They take their pleasure at the cost of
muddy
skirts and heels. Some of the more careful lift the outer garment
and
expose to public gaze every shade and stripe of "Balmoral." They
walk
until darkness drives them indoors. This is Saturday evening, and
they
seem to have enjoyed it.
FEBRUARY
29
Cloudy.
The Sabbath, a day of rest. I shut out all the cares of the
business
world. Read until late into the nite, my family have all
retired.
MARCH
3, 1863
Great
sale of old coins in New York, bringing astounding prices. An 1804
penny
brought $36.00. I still have a five dollar gold piece of 1796, the
year
I was born.
MARCH
5
Very
cold. Rumors of the draft disturbing everyone. A farm belonging to
the
Bank was sold for $8,525.00. A valuable farm. The new tax stamp cost
$10.00.
All the other notes, according to their value, must have stamps.
MARCH 6
Still
cold. Rode to my farm, my tenant is taking advantage of me in my
absence.
He cannot account for a fair division of our produce.
Attended a meeting of the
Board of Trustees of the Academy. John Shryock
being
its principal. Since the U.S. Government has taken it over for a
hospital,
Shryock declared bankruptcy. They paid him $800.00. The
bulding
is in bad condition.
MARCH
9
Damp
and unpleasant. Spent time at bank and then to gas works. Attempted
to
make some wine, but fear it is all ruined, at this business I am not
adept.
MARCH
12
Very
cold. Working on the Hollywell Mill accounts for a settlement to
its
sale. Received some money from the sale of my farm, a problem what
to
do with it in these times. There is trouble without money, and
trouble
with it.
MARCH
17
Moderate.
Gave my note for 500 dollars to an endowment for Franklin &
Marshal
College at Lancaster.
MARCH
18
Very
wet spring. Farmers back with their work, high prices of everything
affected
by the war. How the poor survive is a mystery to me.
MARCH
20
Cloudy
and cold. At the bank this morning. On the way was accosted by an
old
woman in need of wood and flour. I gave her something that made her
eye
sparkle. "God bless you, Sir," she said as I passed on. How much
suffering
thought I, is hidden from view.
Nearly all is pain in
some form, joy is a fleeting thing and its
companion,
contentment, just as illusive.
MARCH
21
Snowing.
This is a bad month so far, all work far behind. At the bank,
feel
I need more to do. I was unhappy before with too much to do--now I
need
to resume some responsibility to quiet my active mind. It's too bad
our
bodies can't keep pace with one's brain. Our farmers upset over the
condition
of our currency. Whenever they can, exchange their paper for
silver
and gold.
MARCH
21
Sabbath.
Still cloudy and cool. Devoted the day to church work.
MARCH
22
Cloudy.
At the bank. Spent rest of day at home in partial enjoyment.
Perplexed
why Lincoln keeps McClelland checked when he could shorten the
war
with his fine talents for military tactics.
MARCH
23
At
the bank, had a profitable conversation with my son-in-law, J.
Allison
Eyster, in regard to my son, Jacob's affairs which are in a bad
state.
He feels, properly managed, the mill shall be able to pay his
debts
and my advances, I hope so.
MARCH
25
As
the fortunes of this war ebb and flow, so do the manipulators of our
finances
make and lose fortunes each day. No thought as to the good of
our
country, but all for personal greed and advancement.
Our poor soldiers are but
dispensable pawns in the hands of the fiends
in
Washington.
Visited Hollywell, the
capacity has been increased, and the price, of
paper
greatly advanced. All due to the demands of war.
MARCH
29
Snowing
all day. This has been a rough month, farm work behind.
MARCH
30
Clear,
but still rough. My tenant, Mrs. Noel, giving me trouble. I shall
be
rid of her soon.
At
my farm to help my surveyor. I fear it was too much for me, probably
walked
6 miles, overheating my feet and bringing on severe fatigue,
showing
my age is fast overcoming me. Arriving home, found Mr. Feete's
son
there, who I promised to board until he gets a charge. His daughter
already
here,in bed with a serious pulmanary condition. She may not last
long.
Also, Maggie in bed with a bad throat, at present, my wife has her
hands
full.
MARCH
31
Rain
and snow again. Almost every day this month was such. This holds up
all
commerce with agriculture. Tomorrow, the first of April will be a
busy
day with the mornings and renewing of contracts. Miss Feete, our
visitor,
is gravely ill.
APRIL
1, 1863
Pleasant,
but cold. Town filling up with people to do business and make
contracts
for the new year. All is tied to money--it is the real God
that
people truly worship. It takes more people to hell than to heaven.
It
makes more miserable than happy. Yet it is necessary to maintain the
peace,
without a common denomoninator, all would be chaos.
Several of my tenants
have left me, not paying their rent, and leaving
the property in a wretched state.
APRIL
2
Pleasant.
My sick people at home show no improvement.
APRIL
4
Very
cold. I spend too much time at the bank now that my other duties
are
ended. Also, I can give better attention to my properties.
The war seems to lag,
nothing very decisive happening.
APRIL
6
Sun
shines brightly this morning. My colored man, Proctor, invited me
into
the yard to hear the sun shout, "Wm. Heyser." These superstitious
people
believe this happens every Easter Sunday and Monday.
APRIL
8
Weather
is better. The farmers can now get some crops in. I'm planning
on
starting a small orchard at my farm. I need to get out more to
exercise.
Rode out to my farm to see my new tenant. Find my old one has
cheated
me of much, however, I am to blame for not attending to my own.
The
weather is changing again, still can't work in my garden.
APRIL
10
Weather
more agreeable. Had dinner at Doctor Fisher's spent an agreeable
two
hours. Mr. Bausman was there also. A poor wretch was hung in
Hagerstown
for the crime of murder. Seems he was a rejected suitor in a
love
affair, so kills the girl.
APRIL
11
Beautiful
spring day. Did some business at the bank, and about noon out
to
my farm. Put in a large strawberry bed, not used to this much
exertion-to
bed early.
APRIL
13
Clear
and pleasant. Feel very cheerful, and in tune with nature. God and
nature
are the same. Spent the morning at the bank, rode out to my farm,
a
very pleasant ride. Worked in my garden an hour or two.
APRIL
15
Raining.
Do not feel well today. At home all afternoon reading and
writing.
The war news still bad. All seems to be one blunder after
another.
England makes matters worse by encouraging the Rebels, our debt
increases.
Our leaders are accomplishing nothing, and Lincoln seems
paralized.
We could get in a war with England.
APRIL
17
Met
Col. McClure at the bank. He seems to be enjoying life and
surrounding
himself with all its comforts. He is right,if he can afford
it.
Received a letter from
Mr. Robert Spring of Baltimore, containing a
check
with Geo Washington's signature, dated November 17, 1795. I place
it
in this book as a curiosity of the owner, and art of the engraver of
that
time. It is a relic and worth preserving. I paid $_____ for this
autograph.
(NOTE: The check had been removed from the diary many years
ago.)
APRIL
21
Cloudy.
Rev. Feete and I walked out to son Jacob's place. There in his
garden
and mill we spent a couple hours. My son-in-law, Allison Eyster,
is
rapidly getting the place out of debt, however, it may take a year or
two
before it shows a profit to them. The straw board business is
becoming
more profitable.
APRIL
22
Pleasant.
Spent afternoon in the country. All the crops are doing fine.
It
looks well for a good fall harvest so far. Put in some strawberries,
work
does not go easy with me now.
APRIL
24
On April 1, 1863, myself--Wm. Heyser, and my brother-in-law, Barnard
Wolf,
presented a set of communion and baptismal service to the church
as
a token of our deep love and devotion. We do not think this gift out
of
place as we are the two oldest members left.
The consistory
acknowledged the reception of so costly and elegantly
finished
service, with appropriate remarks for the donors.
APRIL
25
REFLECTIONS
on my father and mother. She was the most kind and
affectionate
person I've ever known. I was her only son, and of course,
held
a special place in her life. We took pleasure in small things to
please
each other. She was in delicate health the last few years of her
life.
I'll always miss her. My father thought I was the apple of his
eye.
He was always kind to me, and looked after my interests. During the
last
years of his life, lived on the farm with me. The last six months
of
his life was confined to his room and bed. I spent much time with
him,
resting in a large chair by his side, that I might attend him, I
was
all he had and gave him all the comfort that I could. He loved to
gaze
out the windows,in different directions, to drink in the beauty of
the
world he was about to leave. I was extremely fortunate to have been
blessed
with exceptional parents. They are much in my thoughts today.
Attended prayer meeting
in the home of Richard Woods, who lives out on
New
England Hill, as it is familiarly called. (This is Lincold Way West,
at
what is now Federal and Garber Streets.)
APRIL
27
Beautiful
day. Out to my farm with my colored man,Proctor, to set out
some
fruit trees. I am tired, doubt if I will see their fruit, but
others
will.
APRIL
28
Clear
and bright. Went again to the farm, this morning, put in some corn
and
potatoes. Also put up some bird boxes. I am fond of their presence
and
music, and useful to keeping off insects. They add charm to a
country
place.
At home in the evening,
reading and writing. The war news is a bit
encouraging.
APRIL
29
Cloudy.
Indications of rain. Won't go to the farm today. Had a meeting
at
my house of the Board of Trustees of the Theological Seminary with a
view
to investing some funds in their treasury. Attended a lecture at
the
Church, where I was accosted by a man I did not know. He proved to
be
Geo. Rawhauser, a young man who left here years ago and now shows
signs
of age. I am rapidly increasing in years, soon I will be among the
past.
MAY
1, 1863
Beautiful
day. To the farm where I spent a very pleasant day, working
and
reflecting on the past when my Mother and Father lived here. Several
friends
would visit us. Now all are gone.
MAY
4
Fine
weather. Time for the election of our boro officers and school
directors.
How indifferent are the interests of our more sober and staid
citizens.
Not one applying for school director could ask a simple
intelligent
question regarding education. And those that would levy and
expend
our funds can't conduct their own business.
MAY
5
Rain.
Our bank declares a dividend of 5% on its profits these past six
months,
leaving a surplus of $9,000.00. Most of this came by interest on
money
we have loaned out.
MAY
14
Left
home this morning with Rev. Bausman and Fisher for Martinsburg in
Huntingdon
County to attend a meeting of classes. We traversed some
beautiful
mountain country with stately stands of trees. The vegetation
is
lush, and as far as eye can see, an unending verdant carpet and
canopy
of the forest. How simple a life can people live here, free to
many
city temptations and illnesses.
What a magnificent view
we had from the top of the mountain. A great
panarama
stretched out before us, McConnels Cove, and turning, a view of
the
Cumberland Valley. Now it impresses the heart and mind, we could
scarce
tear ourselves away. Descending, we took dinner in
McConnellsburg,
and made our way to Sideling Hill at McEvanes. A change
in
the temperature is greatly noticed. People had large fires burning in
their
hearths, which made it pleasant indoors. Our party consisted of
Dr.
Schneck, Dr. Fisher, Rev. Bausman, J.J. Brown, John Rebo, H.
Detricks,
and T.J. Apple, Elder Wm Heyser, Wm. Bopart, Daniel Miller,
James
Cook, and David Berger, making quite a company. The evening passed
pleasantly,
before retiring, all assembled in the main room with the
landlord
and his family, who took devotional services with us.
After an excellent
breakfast, we prepared to pursue our journey. I was
very
much vexed that we did not have morning prayers before departing.
We
passed Sideling Hill and approached Bloody Run, where we briefly
rested.
Here the road runs parallel with the Juniata River. The banks
are
covered with splendid hemlocks and spruce.
Here
we take the road to Pattonsville. The Yellow Creek takes its course
thru
excellent scenery of rocks and trees, whose nature have been
unchanged
these thousands of years. A most delightful and romantic spot.
I
could dwell here some time on its beauties. At Pattonsville, we could
find
no accommodations at the Inn, being a small mean place. A worthy
citizen,
noting our plight, invited us to dine with him. An enjoyable
experience.
He was a Mr. Dietrick, a Methodist.
Leaving here, we passed
thru Harrisonville, arriving about five o'clock
at
Martinsburg. This section of Morrison's Cove is a most fertile and
beautiful
section of the county, Martinsburg occupying the center of it.
The
people here are very hospitable and intelligent. Their houses are
neat
and well furnished. Fashion is beginning to make inroads on the
backward
way of life, among the Dunkard Sect, which is predominant. The
younger
generation has set in motion ideas that will change these crude
notions
about peculiar methods of life. Already we see much of this in
evidence.
We welcomed the rest of our members as they arrived, and
started
our exercises. Rev. Bausman preached the opening discourse.
MAY
16
Our
exercises continue, all members contributing. The Tereentenary is
quite
a success, all members do well. I was much congratulated on my
efforts
by the resident Pastor here.
MAY
18
Morning
is quite cool. Fire is agreeable. We meet to agree on some
debatable
issues of our procedures the next few days. Isaac Rhodes
invited
us to dinner at his place, a beautiful farm about 2 l/2 miles
from
Martinsburg. On the adjoining farm, the yearly meeting of the
Dunkards
is to be held, some 8 to 10 thousand will attend. Vast
preparations
are being made. They will come from all sections of America
and
Canada.
A
meeting in the evening of our missionary societies. Much discussion of
various
view points as to how we administer our decisions.
MAY
19
Cool.
We are bringing our classes to a close here, after electing
several
groups for the different Synods to meet next year. Even here, we
have
petty politics among religious groups to via for honors to
represent
their views of ideas. I was much honored and congratulated on
my
writings and method of conducting prayer services, often mistaken for
one
of the clergy. Why did the Lord choose the business world for me,
when
I was better fitted for the church?
MAY
20
Clear
and warm. We leave for home by the same route. Stopped in
Pattonsville where we had dinner with our former friends. Proceeded to
Bloody
Run, where we watered and then to Mackelwanes, where we put up
for
the night, first having a good meal, and then religious exercises
before
retiring. Schneck and myself fortunate in getting the same room.
Bausman
and Apple roomed together in the same bed. Had quite a cat
accident
about midnight. A loud scratching and thumping awakened
them,the
noise coming from a nearby cupboard. Opening it, a howling cat
jumped
out, which ran under their bed where it discharged its bowels
creating
a horrible stench. Apple could scarce retain his stomach. Got
up,
lit a match, but no other place to sleep. Finally turned the mouth
of
the chamber pot upon it, so got thru till morning. The incident
created
a hearty laugh in the morning.
MAY
21
Clear
and warm. Had breakfast and services, and so departed. On Scrub
Ridge,
we came upon an old stager who had planted himself in the center
of
the road, tying up some seven carriages. We all finally got by, very
fortunate
there were no females in the company.
The rest of the way was
dusty and hot. Had dinner at Mullins, at the
foot
of Parnells Knob. Rested awhile and proceeded home arriving about
six.
Glad to find myself home again.
MAY
23
Warm
and dry. Great preparations being made in town to receive the 126th
Regiment,
the nine months men from this county. Reception marred by the
huge
clouds of dust. Huge crowds of people passing back and forth, until
late
in the evening.
MAY
25
Cloudy.
Awakened by the pealing of all the bells in town. The chimes
were
a blend of all the different tones, a most delightful sound. It was
occasioned
by the fall of Vicksburg. The streets filled with excited and
anxious
men. But this war is far from over, our debt is increasing at
the
rate of 2 1/2 millions of dollars a day. Where will we all end.
MAY
26
A
young soldier, by the name of Henderson, one of our provost guards,
was
thrown from his horse last night and dragged to his death. It seems
he and a friend were racing on the turnpike, he attempted to jump over a
cow
that was laying in his way, but at the critical moment rose up,
throwing
the young man's horse, which dragged him a short distance. He
never
rallied, and thus passed into eternity. He is of respectable
parents
living in Baltimore, who will be called to mourn over the death
of
a wayward son.
Talk of re-electing
Lincoln for our next President. I do not feel his
re-election
is possible, after all his failures so far. He has not the
ability
of statesmanship to wield the destinies of our government. When
this
conflict is over, we will need a most able man to solve larger
problems,
than we have now--particularly those of the African race.
MAY
27
Warm.
Our house is very quiet today, with all the children away
visiting.
Time for reflection and silent communion with those we
knew-gone
forever. How much of our past life was good or profitable, and
how
much was wasted. Have we done our best and how wisely? How little
influence
does one life have on the great stream of civilization, as it
gushes
onward. So it now is evident in Washington. With all this
attention
on President making, rather than the interests of the country.
Stanton,
Chase, and Seward are busy laying the hopes for their chances
of
occupying the White House. I think all three are destined for defeat.
MAY 30
Decorating
the church for Sunday's celebration of the Heidelberg
Catechism.
Death of Rev. Feete's
daughter. She will be interred tomorrow at six in
the
evening. Rev. Feete has lost his last remaining comfort.
Without a charge, means,
and dependent on friends, his situation can
well
call forth all the sympathy of those that know him.
JUNE
1, 1863
Clear
but windy. I rise early, but feel drowsey. I overtaxed myself
yesterday.
Age is laying its heavy hand on me, as my increasing years
tax
my vigor. I find myself reflecting on the past too much, this is not
good,
yet it affords me pleasure that I made some small accomplishments
in
the various departments of life.
Death of old Mrs. Caesman,
a German, died milking her cow. She was a
vender
of fruits in season, a cheerful woman, but poor. Was quite a
fixture
in our town, and will be missed.
JUNE
2
Clear
but windy. To my farm to work in my garden, the weeds are making
rapid
progress. Weeds are like sin, always giving trouble, and hard to
exterminate.
Worked all day and now am stiff and tired.
Work goes hard with me.
This evening assisted Rev. Dyson with a
selection
of books, for his library; read the news, and then to bed.
JUNE
3
Cloudy,
appearance of rain. A letter from A. B. Wingerd of Greencastle,
that
he may have a horse to my liking. I am somewhat annoyed with
thoughts
and feelings that were unpleasant to me. I endeavor to banish
them,
the temptation came in every form--this is a world of trial in its
most
favored aspect. There is always something to trouble and annoy.
JUNE
5
Pleasant.
At the bank a few hours. Am preparing an article for the
Messinger.
Rode with Messersmith into the country to see a horse. We ate
strawberries
and cream, finished my article.
JUNE
6
A
visit to my mountain land. I never tire of going there, as each visit
presents
a new picture. I can sit here for hours listening to nature's
symphony
and watching the ever changing life on its stage.
I return home late in the
evening, stay in reading and writing.
JUNE
8
Cold
the past few days. Made fire and it felt comfortable. To the bank a
few
hours, spent the rest of the day at home reading and writing.
Col. McClure received a
dispatch that we might be subject to a raid
soon.
The bank has sent its most valuable papers off to Philadelphia for
safe
keeping. Nothing has been confirmed to the Rebels positions south
of
us, but speculation is rife and everyone uneasy.
JUNE
11
Cloudy.
B. Wolff and myself spent a couple hours in the Lutheran
graveyard
where an interment was being made. This churchyard is in much
disarray
and scattered about. Many of the graves are lost thru
negligence
of friends and the church. Part of John Maderia's family is
in
one place, and part in another. A Mr. Humphrie's lay beside Mary
Maderia,
then John Maderia. Then a stone with the inscription, "Our
Sister".
This was Catherine Maderia, one of their daughters who was a
little
backward, and received little attention from the family. She was
kept
out of society and led a life with the servants. I knew her well in
my
boyhood days by the name of Kit. I believe the sin of this injustice
was
visited upon the rest of the family, for none of them prospered in
life.
Reading her epitaph finds only the word Sister, someone who knew
her
history wrote beneath in pencil, "When my Father and Mother forsake
me,
the Lord will take me up" May she have that rest beyond this life,
which
was denied in this.
This evening attended a
meeting of the lodge where some degrees were
confirmed
by strangers from New York. Remained until about ten, then
home.
JUNE
13
To
my mountain land. Found my man has done little work. The ride is
beautiful
and enjoyed my walk up thru the glade,a most delightful spot,
full
of nature's beauty. It is an hour and a half ride home. Feel
greatly
relieved from my anxieties, taking this little excursion. Rain
all
evening. More talk of an impending invasion of our valley.
JUNE
14
Clear
and unpleasant. Reports of an engagement near Winchester. Our town
in
an uproar. Government property being loaded up and taken away. The
drum
calls for volunteers.
All the army stores have
been packed up and sent to Philadelphia. Little
attendance
at church and Sabbath School. Much of the news is false we
hear,
but it serves to upset the people. We all feel Pennsylvania will
be
invaded. Many families are hiding their valuables, and preparing for
the
worst. Some preparing to leave town. Tonight we have many sleepless
eyes,
the houses all shut up tightly, but the inmates astir.
The stores are packing up
their goods and sending them off, people are
running
to and fro. Cashier Messersmith is sent off with the books of
the
bank and its valuables. The cars are crowded to utmost capacity. The
colored
people are flying in all directions. There is a complete state
of
confusion.
After twelve we got word
the Rebels have entered Hagerstown. The stores
are
all closed, and the streets crowded with those that can't leave. I
am
urged to leave. As President of the bank, might be held responsible
for
its assets, which I doubt, anyhow I shall stay to defend my property
best
I can.
At 8 o'clock a number of
contrabands entered our town, fleeing from
Martinsburg
with the Rebels not far behind. These were followed by a
wagon
train, many on three wheels, and less being dragged and pushed as
fast
as possible. The street is crowded with horses and wagons, all in
the
wildest state of confusion. Upon asking one of them as to their
plight,
said the Rebels are not far behind.
Suddenly about two
hundred more wagons, horses, mules, and contrabands
all
came pouring down the street in full flight. Some of them holloring
the
Rebels are behind us. Such a sight I have never seen, or will never
see
again. The whole town is on the sidewalks screaming, crying, and
running
about. They know not where.
The road into town is
almost impassable by the teamsters cutting loose
their
wagons and fleeing with their horses. This further jammed up our
town,
some of the horses fall in the streets from shere exhaustion. One
soldier
was killed by the fall. After the panic subdues, the teamsters
that
had cut loose their wagons went back for them. At twelve the
excitement
is beyond conception. I am again urged to leave. Mr. T.B.
Kennedy
sent me a message, feeling it was a good idea. I have consented
against
my will-packing up my valuable papers and at two, left with Mrs.
Heyser
in my buggy, for Carlisle, committing the house to William,
Proctor
my colored man, and girl. After I left they did not stay,but put
off
for the mountains. Had difficulty passing the wagon jam on the road
and
answering questions, arriving at Stoughs town about 6 in the
evening,
where I shall wait for news. About midnight, awakened by the
news
that the Rebels were at Shippensburg. Dressing, we immediately left
for
Carlisle at midnight, being so dark and the roads jammed with
wagons,
made dangerous situation that I regretted leaving home in the
first
place. However, thanks to Almighty Providence, we arrived safely
in
Carlisle about 4 o'clock in the morning. Tried to get more sleep, but
impossible,
excitement here is mounting.
We got a bite to eat, the
horse fed, and left for Harrisburg. All along
the
way the news had preceded us, people out securing and leaving with
their
goods. Driving away their horses, and all shops shut up.
Stopped
in Mechanicsburg, a prosperous, but now excited town, to learn
of
fortifications being made for Harrisburg. We were advised to stay
here,
but decided to press on. On approaching Harrisburg, I could see
the
fortifications with a large number of men working on them. The
railroad
cars were filled with troops on their way to Chambersburg with
artillary.
We crossed the river without difficulty and found Harrisburg,
in
wildest confusion. Merchants shipping away their goods, families
their
furniture, and people fleeing in all directions. Almost laughable
scenes
some created.
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