Civil War Diaries

Stopped at Harris's Hotel. See few females, mostly men moving furniture

        and stores, the streets are almost impassable. The excitement is greater

        than Chambersburg. All the records of the state have been removed under

        the expectation that Harrisburg will be burned. Our state is doing

        nothing to defend itself against invasion. Gov. Curtain seems to be

        paralized and unable to act. We need decisions badly, and can't expect

        them from Washington.

      JUNE 17

        Very warm. The city is filling with volunteers and delegates to the

        Democratic Convention. Rumors from Chambersburg that our ships and

        stores have all been plundered and that the public building may be

        burned that houses army stores. Appeals made to the Gov. for troops to

        protect the state, but unheeded. My son-in-law, J.A. Eyster, came this

        afternoon from Philadelphia. Reports my daughter, Elizabeth and the

        children well. News that the Rebels have left for Hagerstown, after

        having done a minimum of damage to the town.

      JUNE 18

        Warm. The Rebels have left Chambersburg taking with them about 250

        colored people again into bondage. Gov. Curtain is presently very

        unpopular. Left Harrisburg for home about two o'clock, in the afternoon,

        by way of the turnpike. Traveling thru very beautiful and fertile

        countryside. Had tea in Carlisle, pressed on for Stoughs town to spend

        the night. Here we encountered many colored people fleeing the Rebels,

        as not all have left the area. These poor people are completely worn

        out, carrying their families on their backs. Saw some twenty from

        Chambersburg that I recognized. Some men from Shippensburg urged us to

        turn back, that danger was not past, but we decided to press on, even

        though the night was black, stormy, and the road dangerous. We were glad

        to see the lamps of Carlisle. Little did we know of the perils that had

        been in our way, Almighty Providence led us thru safely. It will be a

        journey my wife and I will never forget. I suggested she write a book

        about our adventurous journey. Weary and tired, we went to bed.

      JUNE 19

        Pleasant, heavy rain thru the night. Much rumor-one knows not what to

        believe. All is still alarm. The stores are still all closed and

        business at a standstill. Unexpectedly met my man, Proctor, who had made

        for the mountains, worked his way to Newville from where he got to

        Carlisle. Of Fanny, our colored girl, he knew nothing.

 

        The papers are now calling for McClelland's recall. Without him we

        cannot succeed.

 

        Troops are coming in from neighboring states to support our few that we

        can bring some order to our situation. It is ridiculous that 800 Rebel

        troops can paralize the Southern portion of our state without

        opposition. This invasion had been expected for months, and totally

        ignored by our government.

      JUNE 20

        Cloudy. Left for Shippensburg where we found things much in panic as

        before. Large stampedes of men and horses from all parts of the country.

        Dreadful accounts that the Rebels are still active about Chambersburg,

        and are robbing and stealing as before. How much of this is true, I

        cannot say as in times as these, exaggeration is rife. Each small

        episode is magnified a thousand times.

 

        Decided to stay overnite in Shippensburg. Rained very hard. The town is

        packed with people. I luckily found a bed for my wife and I. A New York

        regiment stopped here very disgusted as they had yet to see a

        Pennsylvania Company on the job. One I talked with said, "Dam your

        State, we came here to protect it, where are your Pennsylvania

        soldiers!" If they don't soon appear, we shall go home.

      SABBATH, JUNE 21

        Cloudy. Rose early, about four, to get an early start. Road almost

        deserted. The New York Regiment encamped a short distance from

        Shippensburg, along the road. Arrived at home little after six, found my

        house still, silent, and musty. I never felt so lonely, sitting in my

        own house without anything to eat and no one about. Mrs. Fisher invited

        us over to have breakfast, a kindness we shall not forget. Never again,

        under any circumstances, shall I leave my home again. Just about Sabbath

        School time, the town thrown into another state of confusion, that a

        column of Rebels were advancing. This proved to be just a poor man

        leading a few horses in town from his farm. So it goes, what is fact and

        fancey, we continued with our worship, the excitement subsided.

 

        In the evening, troops came in from New York for our protection. Reports

        that the Rebels are in Greencastle. I feel certain that Lee will bring

        his army into Pennsylvania.

      JUNE 22

        Clear. Troops arriving from Harrisburg. Four Dalgreen pieces of

        ordinance arrive and taken out to the end of town to be set up. The

        citizens have formed a few companies for defense, but how effective

        could they be?

 

        More troops have arrived, perhaps a thousand here now. We breathe a

        little easier.

 

        Our hopes are short lived. The troops have all been recalled to

        Shippensburg, the small battery is run out of town. Excitement is again

        intense in town.

 

        A meeting is held of prominent men, to face the enemy, if they should

        come and surrender the town on the best terms we can get. Again these is

        a general stampede to leave town with valuables. The road to

        Shippensburg is again packed with fleeing citizens. There is not a Negro

        to be seen in town. At 11 o'clock, the streets are deserted. I did not

        go to bed till about one. All is quiet, but it is a sleepless town.

      JUNE 23

        Clear. Rose early. A small local cavalry force rode out, but soon

        returned. Wagons were sent out to secure the tents and baggage the New

        York volunteers left behind in their flight to Shippensburg.

 

        Our squads of cavalry are leaving, a bad sign. We soon find out as we

        make our observations behind drawn shutters. A large squad was seen

        advancing at the German Reformed Church, coming down the street, filling

        the whole space, moving at a slow pace, their guns in position, ready

        for instant firing in case of attack. About 300 entered the town as

        cavalry, the others took up positions in fields in sight of town. Those

        entering proceded to the public square where they immediately cut down

        the telegraph wires at all points. After this they placed pickets at all

        points to prevent surprise.

 

        Our Committee met them and given to understand private property would be

        respected, but they were to furnish provisions for 1,500 men. The Rebels

        behave very well. Not a citizen molested or a house visited. We complied

        very well with their demands. This afternoon they opened the warehouse

        of J. Allison Eyster, and made off with $4,000.00 worth of bacon, salt,

        beans, coffee, crackers, etc. They also opened the warehouse of Oaks &

        Linn, and took almost 300 barrels of flour belonging to Jacob Stouffer.

        They broke in the heads of 20 barrels of whiskey, which they poured out.

        At Miller's Drug Store, they poured a barrel of brandy into the gutter.

        Captain Fitzhugh gave orders that if any of his men were caught

        molesting a citizen, they would be severely punished. I must admit they

        were a thoroughly disciplined lot of men.

 

        About 4 o'clock they moved towards Shippensburg, leaving a guard on the

        wagons behind. At 9 they returned with their artillery to their camp at

        the South end of town. We don't understand their plans. Neither do we

        understand why the State hoards all those soldiers about Harrisburg,

        leaving the Southern portion to the invaders.

      JUNE 24

        Clear. The Rebels are active. They have closely kept plans, something is

        afoot. I was notified that a meeting with the principal citizens was

        requested to hear their demands.

 

        5,000 Suits of clothing, boots, hats

 

        100 Good saddles

 

        100 Good bridles

 

        5,000 Bushels grain

 

        10,000 lbs. Sole Leather

 

        10,000 lbs. Horse Shoes

 

        400 lbs. Horse shoe nails by 6 o'clock.

 

 

          John A. Hammond

 

          Major and Chief Quartermaster

 

 

        600 lbs. Lead

 

        10,000 lbs. Harness Leather

 

        50 boxes Tinplate

 

        2,000 lbs. Picket Rope

 

        All the caps and powder in the town; also, all the oil--by 3 o'clock.

 

        William Allen

 

        Major & Chief Ord. Deputy

 

        50,000 lbs. Bread

 

        100 sacks Salt

 

        30 lb. Molassas

 

        500 barrels Flour

 

        25 barrels Vinegar

 

        25 barrels Dried Fruit

 

        25 barrels Beans

 

        25 barrels potatoes

 

        25 barrels Saurkraut

 

        11,000 lbs. Coffee

 

        10,000 lbs. Sugar

 

        100,000 lbs. Hard Bread--by 2 o'clock.

 

 

          W.L. Hauks

 

          Major Com

 

 

        We stated that they already had nearly all these things, there being

        nothing left to do but strip us all of everything. About 9 o'clock

        Ewell's corps passed through, probably some 10,000 men with an immense

        train of artillary and army wagons. Among them many farm wagons and

        teams they acquired along the way. The men looked well, but lacked

        uniforms, being an array of all shades and colors. No two hats alike,

        and their shoes could hardly be called that. It was hard to distinguish

        the officers from the men, except those of high rank. They sang and

        cheered lustily as they marched along. About two, the pillage of our

        stores began. Not a place escaped, never in the history of our boro was

        there such a scene. The merchants were compelled to pack up the wagons

        with their goods, which is being sent to Richmond. The streets are

        crowded with Rebels who try to interrogate our lessor citizens as to

        where things are hidden or sent to, and also as to the movements of the

        Federal troops that had left. By now, all of our stores have been

        ransacked.

 

        My neighbor, Widow Murphy, who kept a small store, dispensing Queens

        Ware and shoes, nothing of value to the Rebels, did succeed in having

        her place exempt from being robbed. Some of the Rebel officers were very

        considerate.

 

        My son's mill and warehouse has suffered much from confiscation for

        which they gave him $800.00 in Confederate script. I hear my tenant

        farmer, Thos. Miller, was shot at while plowing his corn. I have felt

        much concern for him, but cannot get thru the line.

      JUNE 25

        Clear and warm. All quiet until about 9 o'clock when the locusts begin

        to swarm again. On each side of the street, they stop and make further

        requisitions. There isn't much left to take. All businessmen

        suffer--Eyster brothers, Myers and Brand, Huber and Tolbert, Sol. Huber,

        Gelwix, James Shaffer, D.S. Fahnestock Dittmann, Metcalf, I. Hutton,

        James Hutton, Feltman, Croft and Miller, W. Heyser, Miller and Hemsley,

        Nixon, these were the principal losers.

 

        This afternoon brings much activity among the Rebels. Evidently new

        orders have been directed as they are packing up and securing their

        stolen goods as fast as possible. Officers are riding off in all

        directions.

 

        At seven, we have reports of a skirmish near Carlisle driving back the

        Rebels. Jenkins, Ewell, and Rhodes have returned to Chambersburg with

        the intention of crossing over to Gettysburg The drums beat-calling

        their men to camp and hunting the stragglers. All indications point to

        readiness for a march. Tonight there is not a Rebel to be seen. We are

        not sure what caused the move, we do know large forces were now built up

        in Harrisburg, ready to march South. McClelland is supposed to be there,

        but so far Washington refuses to use him, politics being behind this.

        With his skill and knowledge, the war could have been ended but the

        power in Washington will not admit him. The streets tonight are deserted

        and still. Not a soldier to be seen except the posted sentinels. I

        remained up until one.

      JUNE 26

        Cloudy and raining. All is quiet. Few soldiers seen on the streets until

        after breakfast, when the advancing corps of Gen. Johnston appears with

        waving flags and stirring music, as they approach the public square.

        Three cheers went up for the Southern Confederacy. They passed on column

        after column, for hours. Next their batteries, army wagons, and

        ambulances, presenting a fearful sight. I have mixed feelings of

        indignation and humility. The passage of the army created a

        consternation among the people. Many feel all is lost, after seeing this

        show of power in the face of our inadequate defense.

 

        At about three o'clock, the rear of Johnston's corps is passed, making

        about 15,000 men, rank and file, 72 pieces of ordinance, 350 wagons,

        about a regiment is left to guard the town. The large school building

        has been taken by them for a hospital. Requisitions have been made on

        all the innkeepers for mattresses, blankets, quilts, sheets, etc. for

        the Rebel sick and wounded. It is expected the like orders will be given

        the citizens. This evening a part of their army has advanced near the

        town on the Baltimore Pike, and on the Western Pike, occupying the

        fairground.

 

        They say they have entered upon a desperate enterprise,and will make

        Pennsylvania the battleground, instead of Virginia, that they will

        conquer or die! All say the heaviest battle of the war will be fought in

        this Valley. We all tremble as we have no news from the outside, being

        completely cut off.

 

        Portions of the Cumberland Valley and Franklin Railroads have been torn

        up. The bridge at Scotland, just rebuilt, has again been demolished.

      SATURDAY, JUNE 27

        The Rebel troops commence their forward movement and continue without

        interruption until dark. We estimate by actual count nearly 35,000 men,

        officers and all, 165 pieces ordinance. I notice many of the gun

        carriages had the U.S. mark upon them, having been captured from our

        army.

 

        About 11 o'clock Gen. Lee passed with his staff. He is fine looking man,

        medium size, stoutly built, has the face of a good liver, grey beard,

        and mustache, poorly dressed for an officer of his grade. He wore a felt

        hat, black, and a heavy overcoat with large cape. His horse appeared to

        be rather an indifferent one, for a man who reputedly is fond of fine

        stock. Hill is a tall red-headed man, not over thirty-five. Longstreet

        and Ewell I did not see, nor Johnston. Many of the officers were fine

        looking men, and rode fine horses. During their passage, I noticed their

        ever watchfulness on every side. The citizens were crowded along the

        sidewalks and doors, observing their passage; the rest, inside, behind

        drawn blinds, watched unobtrusively. There were many remarks and

        exclamations, but all in a subdued tone of voice or whisper. All had one

        thought in mind, "Were these soldiers to be our conquerors, and if so,

        what will be our fate?"

 

        Occasionally a German would stop me and complain in his native tongue,

        as if I could help this situation, or was responsible for it. (NOTE:

        Heyser was of German parents that kept and lived by the old ways.)

 

        Lee offered to place a guard for the protection of the town, but the

        sheriff could not be found. Later in the day, Gen. Hill and Longstreet

        passed through with part of their army. They were far less respectable

        lot, and constantly shouting, singing, and hooting at females that

        showed themselves at doors or windows. They were loud in their

        denunciation of the Union, and insulting to citizens on the sidewalks.

        Shouting, "Boys, this is Pennsylvania. We should destroy her as they did

        in Virginia, dam the Union. Harrisburg will be ours, Hurrah for the

        Southern Confederacy, and Jeff Davis."

 

        Every brigade as it passed sent a file of soldiers around to examine the

        stores and places of business, requiring them to open up. This continued

        all day. These men were called the Louisianna Tigers, a

        forbidding-looking set of men that would take your hat or remove your

        boots for their own use.

 

        Rev. Schneck was relieved of his gold watch and $50.00. He complained to

        get it back, but to no use. Robberies are now common on the street,

        particularly where they are unguarded. Decharts hat store was cleaned

        out today, not a single item left in stock. They opened up my son,

        William's store today, and started to help themselves. We are powerless

        to stop them, and can do nothing but watch and complain to the

        commanding officers. They refer to the same treatment our soldiers gave

        the Confederacy in Virginia.

 

        I finally found a Col. Greene that listened to some reason and had the

        men removed and the door shut.

 

        While the troops were passing today, I was sitting by my door, the

        victim of many insulting remarks. One even attempted to take my hat. He

        withdrew when I offered to resist, as I would have struck him. Were it

        not for the rigid discipline they were under, I shudder to think what

        our lot would have been. There are exceptions, many of the Rebels are

        gentlemen, and act as such. Mostly, those from Florida, Texas, and

        Louisianna, generally speaking, are a band of cutthroats.

      JUNE 28

        Cloudy. The troops are moving through town again, a continual procession

        until evening. The drug store of J. Spangler was visited today by Lieut.

        Todd, President Lincoln's wife's brother. He finally had to be ejected

        by the provost marshal as having no business being there. Reports come

        in our neighboring farmers are being robbed, one being shot. Many of

        these robberies are committed by vagabonds or camp followers in search

        of booty. The Rebels try to check them, but can't catch them all. One

        farmer was shot and the body hid in the manure pile. These robbers are

        mostly after money. The poor farmers are defenseless. All of business

        places are pretty well stripped, all that is left now are the private

        houses to be broken into.

 

        Up to this evening, the whole number of troops passing thru Chambersburg

        is about 43,000; 180 pieces artillary, 3,000 wagons and ambulances.

        Indications seem to be they are about to leave Chambersburg. It is now

        11 o'clock, my mind is weary, sad, and gloomy. So much I cannot even

        form an opinion.

      JUNE 29

        Cloudy. Streets are clear until about eight. My son, Jacob, meets Robert

        Reynolds of Georgia. I knew his father well. Robert had his own horse

        and servant along. He is a conscript, wish I could have talked with him.

 

 

        Fearful outrages in the country about us. I hear the Rebels mail has

        been cut off from Richmond. They are apprehensive of trouble. Stouffer's

        mill has been taken over by the Rebels and is running for their use.

        There isn't much food left in town now. If the Rebels remain much

        longer, I do not know what we shall do. The country side is rapidly

        losing all its livestock. Much had already been driven off and hidden in

        the mountains.

 

        About 4 o'clock, about 5,000 men took up their line of march for

        Greencastle with 18 pieces of ordinance. I think they are clearing their

        lines to get their wagon trains back into Virginia. They are now riding

        about our alleys looking for harness and gear. I removed the wheel from

        my wagon and hid it, making it unfit for use.

 

        About the close of the evening, they are busy tearing up the sills of

        the railroad and burning them to bend the rails over, making them unfit

        to use.

      JUNE 30

        Variable weather. Sunshine and rain. A large wagon train today takes its

        course towards Gettysburg. Lee's headquarters are still here. He keeps

        his troops in constant movement that it is hard to say what he is

        planning for his principal move.

 

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