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,

  About 9 o'clock a large train of wagons are withdrawn from the direction

        of Harrisburg, and put on the line of march for Gettysburg. It took 4

        hours for the line to pass here. The troops are busy destroying the

        Franklin Railroad at both North and South ends of the County. Along with

        sills of the road, they pile on all the fence they can find to heat and

        twist the rails. Another force of about 500 men have been sent to

        destroy the railroad depot and buildings, starting with the large

        turntable. It is so soundly built of iron castings, their fires had

        little effect on it. The engine house was pulled down after an immense

        amount of work. So they went from building to building, a senseless

        thing to do, as the structures were of no importance to us as we could

        not use them. I tried to reason with a nearby officer about the wanton

        destruction. Their answers are always the same, "This is in retaliation

        for your troops' work on the South, particularly Fredericksburg."

 

        Leaving this scene of destruction, which appears to be their last act. I

        went up to the belfry of the German Reformed Church to see if I could

        trace any damage to my farm, but could not, so much timberland

        intervening. You could mark the line of the railroad by the smoke of the

        burning ties. From what I can see, there is little damage to crops and

        grassland.

 

        This evening, there is much activity. Troops are withdrawn from all

        parts to march to Gettysburg. Reports that all ready there has been an

        engagement at Cashtown. Their cooks are busy preparing rations for the

        next few days.

      JULY 2, 1863

        Cloudy and very hot. The Rebels are leaving Chambersburg for Gettysburg.

        About 3 this morning, I was awakened by the rumbling of heavy wagons.

        There were about 60 of them, followed by a large body of troops,

        requiring about two hours to pass. They were quite jubilant in their

        passage thru town, pulling my bell at the door and hooting at me.

 

        After their passage, all was quiet again, except squads of calvary

        passing to unite with their companies, all in the direction of

        Gettysburg. Somewhere near there is a heavy engagement. About ten, the

        town is vacant. The Rebels leaving their sick behind for us to nurse and

        care for. A few stragglers are to be seen, but the worst is over. We

        congratulate ourselves that we still have a roof over our heads. About

        12, in the company of two other men, I walked out to my farm to assess

        the damage. Everywhere were holes cut in fences and grain trampled down

        by the exercises of the cavalry. I sustained a great amount of damage,

        nearly 4,000 men have encamped here. All of my fence gone, about 40

        acres of oats and much damage to all other crops. My houses were all

        robbed of clothing and any kind of gear with which to work. The report

        was circulated that I was a Colonel in the Union Army and now made to

        pay greater than my neighbors. How unjust even your supposed friends can

        be. In passing over the fields and woods where they encamped, there is

        already a great stench.

 

        I found two Rebels hiding on my farm and would have taken them back to

        town. They would have been willing prisoners to obtain their parole, but

        a large body of Stewarts' cavalry was passing near and I advised them to

        hide. One gave me his bayonet, which I brought back to town. Back home,

        more reports come in of a battle near Gettysburg. All night long, more

        troops pass thru town, their yelling is terrific. I keep indoors.

      JULY 3

        Very hot. Our streets are deserted. An occasional Rebel is seen just a

        few stragglers. A Rebel soldier riding up Market Street was fired upon

        by Wm. Etter, one of our citizens. We feared a reprisal for this sort of

        thing and put a stop to it. We see more and more deserters. The town

        being clear of Rebels, the doors are opening again to promenading

        females. Nothing can stop them, many of them show little respect for

        their character and standing. They expose themselves, as if intentional,

        to be out late at night unprotected.

      JULY 4

        Showers of rain. Reports of terrible fighting at Gettysburg. Captures

        are being made all around here of Rebel cavalry and infantry which are

        sent to Harrisburg, their horses and guns being confiscated. The country

        people are coming in now with their marketing with terrible accounts of

        outrages that were committed upon them. We were fortunate that the Rebel

        officers were mostly gentlemen, and tried to hold their savage troops in

        check, but many could not. I suppose we are fortunate to be alive.

 

        Ewell is at Carlisle and demands its surrender, throwing some 40 shells

        into town, which did little damage. They burned the gas works where the

        Carlisle Deposit Bank had hidden its records,now gone.

 

        Gen Smith appeared and Ewell fell back towards Gettysburg. We hear of a

        great battle at Gettysburg, but as yet no particulars, except the Union

        forces were victorious. Some public spirited citizens seized the mail

        (Rebel mail) going thru Fayetteville. Soon a detachment of cavalry was

        back looking for it, and took 18 prisoners locally for some hours before

        releasing them; on pain of death if it happens again.

      JULY 5

        Much rain. About three, 12 wagons of wounded from Gettysburg were routed

        by mistake thru our town, leaving them here at our hospital, a wonder

        they were alive, thrown in heaps in rough wagons. The wagons were

        captured by John W. Taylor and sent to Carlisle. This is the Sabbath,

        all is calm and still. Few persons on the streets.

 

        I notice that most of our birds have gone since the appearance of the

        Rebels, and that flies and insects are more numerous. Only 5 persons

        attended prayer meeting. About 6, part of Gen. Milroy's cavalry of about

        300 passed thru town at full speed brandishing their swords and

        responding to the cheers of many spectators. They rode South in the

        direction of Greencastle. No word yet from Gettysburg.

      JULY 6

        Cloudy. Gen. Milroy was dispatched to Greencastle to protect a large

        wagon train. We hear a decisive battle was fought at Gettysburg. That

        Lee is withdrawn towards the Potomac and that enormous amounts of

        supplies and prisoners have been captured. The news gave rise to the

        ringing of bells and general convivial in the streets. It appears the

        contest raged for 3 days and was the most desperate of the war. As Lee

        withdraws towards the Potomac, we hear of skirmishes along the way. One

        over near Waynesboro and Smithburg. Reports that the Pine Stump Road is

        filled with broken Rebel wagons and caissons, filled with ammunition

        much of which is thrown in the mud with a view of destroying it. Also

        many dead and wounded lying by the roadside, indicating a hasty retreat.

 

 

        There is a report the Rebels are forming at Marion to meet Pleasanter's

        calvary which is expected to attack them. Also it is said a cannon was

        found buried by the Rebels near the place on the roadside.

 

        I met Doctor Gamble today. The Surgeon Rebel in charge of the hospital

        here. He tells me most of the best men of the South were in this battle,

        now most of them gone.

      JULY 7

        Much rain. The grain is in danger of spoiling. About 200 Rebel prisoners

        were brought in today. Many are deserting, Lee is making a desperate

        attempt to escape Mead's army. Our stores are reopening and cleaning up.

 

 

        Gen. Couch's division is following the end of Lee's army thru Greenwood

        on what is called the Pine Stump Road. We are hoping Lee's army will be

        captured. If Mead allows him to escape, it will indeed be folly.

 

        We hear the Rebel lose at Gettysburg 30,000 men, the Union 20,000. My

        sons, Jacob and William, just returned from the battlefield. It is a

        fearful sight. The fields full of dead, by all the roadsides dead are

        hardly covered by a thin layer of mud. Wreckage everywhere, the

        implements of war fast disappearing by souvenir seekers. Soon the

        cultivators plow will cover it all and put an end to military glory.

 

        If Lee is allowed to escape this struggle will be prolonged. We hear of

        only skirmishes all along his route to the Potomac.

      JULY 8

        Much rain. Gen. Couch is raising more men at Harrisburg with a view to

        following Lee. We hear Lee's army is crossing at Williamsport. Our town

        is quiet now, a few straggling soldiers to be seen They now attract

        little attention. I feel very unwell this evening.

      JULY 9

        Awoke with all the bells ringing, report confirmed that Vicksburg has

        been taken. I have kept to my room most of the day. Some companies of

        New York cavalry and infantry creating a disturbance by their

        drunkenness. We saw none of this among the Rebels. Reports that Lee is

        using the canal boats at Williamsport to ford his sick and wounded. Our

        town is now stirring with activity again. Many who left are returning

        and the stores re-opening with what they have left. The night closes in

        quiet, and being unwell, go to my bed.

      JULY 10

        Clear and warm. Still unwell today. The Rebel army busy crossing at

        various points on the Potomac. Lee's headquarters still in Hagerstown,

        but the troops going to Williamsport and Shepherdstown. We hear much of

        Lee's equipment has crossed over together with much livestock.

 

        Some troops come in this morning and moved towards Greencastle. About

        3,000 passed thru Mercersburg. The town in confusion. Many of our

        females show little self-respect. You see them bareheaded, mingling with

        the crowd, and a number of them hanging on the arms of strange soldiers.

        It is amazing that the parents allow this to take place. Perhaps it is

        condoned under the guise of patriotism, but this usually ends in the

        ruin of these daughters. Tonight, Gen Couch arrived amid much cheering.

        The speeches they give are politically slanted and do nothing toward

        ending the war and healing our wounds. END William Heyser

      BEGINS NEW VOLUME

 

      SATURDAY JULY 11,1863

        Many soldiers idle about town, laying on cellar doors and door steps.

        About ten oclock nearly 7,000 troops passed thru town towards Maryland.

 

        Gen. Couch orders the academy and Franklin Hall to be fitted up for a

        hospital.

      MONDAY, JULY 13

        Raining all day. Mrs. Fisher's hired girl accosted by a soldier in her

        room. Her screams brought help.

      WEDNESDAY, JULY 15th

        Clear. Lee has safely retreated over the Potomac.

      THURSDAY, JULY 16th

        How ironic, now we have plenty of troops around and not needed, before,

        in our hour of need, there were none. Quite unwell, my eyes sore from

        cold.

      THURSDAY, JULY 23rd

        To my farm, fences nearly all gone, will repair damage to farm.

      SATURDAY, AUGUST 15th

        Geo. Dietz, a Dutchman, drove by with his family; a good example of how

        a man profiteered from a small business in war time and became very

        rich. He made $10,000 in the short space of two months on the sale of

        corn and oats to the government.

      THURSDAY, AUGUST 27th

        Death of Philip Berlin, an industrious and godly man. We were in

        business together at one time. His failure cost me $7,000. I have

        forgiven him. He died in his 84th years. He had been born on the ocean

        when his parents immigrated to this country from Germany. He was put to

        the trade of wagonmaking for a number of years. At the death of Jacob

        Whitmore he took over his store and continued in the merchandising

        business for years. I entered into business with him on several

        occasions. He was first married to a Coover, an ignorant and pernicious

        woman. His second wife, Mrs. Suesserott, an excellent woman who died

        several years ago.

      TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st

        Feel oppressed. Took my colored boy fishing, feel better for the

        exercise and change.

      THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3rd

        To a sale of government horses. All skin and bones, brought from $1 to

        $60. None would I take as a gift. Left in disgust.

      FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th

        Labored in my garden. Became so fatigued could not eat dinner.

      SABBATH, SEPTEMBER 6th

        Attended to all classes, met my Bible class and in even attended

        Episcopal services.

      MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th

        Proctor and I went fishing, caught nothing, but enjoyed the outing.

      WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9th

        My wife and I to the farm. The weeds are unmanageable, the insects have

        taken all over.

 

        (Here inserted) $20 in Continental Currency, issued by Hall & Sellers,

        1779. Half Crown--25 shillings and six pence current money of Va.

        5/6/1776. (J. Dixon's signature affixed)

      FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th

        Much needed rain. At the bank today, feel heavy and dull.

      SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th

        High price of everything due to war shortages. Wood $4-$5 cord, coal $7

        ton. Everybody speculating.

      TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22nd

        Visited my mountain land. Find the excursion very relaxing and

        exhilerating. Quite cool this morning.

      THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th

        Plague of caterpillars destroying my grapevines.

      FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th

        Loose females hanging on arms of soldiers. A disgusting display of loose

        morals. No child of mine would even be out to commit such indiscretions.

 

      SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th

        Quite cool. Morning at the bank, home all afternoon doing repairs around

        the house.

      MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th

        Fine weather. Have looseness of the bowels which has become quite

        chronic. At the bank, purchased my winter's coal. Called to see my man

        Proctor who is ill, took him some medicine. When these colored folk are

        ill, generally it is physical. Much of my illness and grief comes from

        undue anxiety and melancholy that produces indigestion. When my liver

        acts well, I seldom have the blues.

 

        Out of humor with Proctor's son who was to fill my coal bin. He showed

        up when I had the job nearly done.

      TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29th

        Weather beautiful. Quite unwell. The old frame is wearing out. The

        vigors of youth cannot be restored.

 

        Walked out to the Presbyterian Graveyard to get some ivy. It is a

        beautiful spot, ancient, untouched by time. The tombs, trees, and mosses

        attest to a dignified burial ground.

      THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st

        At the bank in the morning. Rev. Bausman voted out this day, against my

        judgment. Much disappointment in the church.

      SABBATH, OCTOBER 4th

        Beautiful day, but for the insane actions of the cavalry dashing their

        worn-out horses up and down the streets. Morning prayer meeting and

        services by Rev. Bausman. Sabbath school at one. At five, met with my

        Bible Class.

      MONDAY, OCTOBER 5th

        Pleasant weather. Took Rev. Bausman along to my mountain land to view

        some rails for fences. Met my tenant there and his son. I had taken my

        gun along for some small game. We were all standing in a half circle

        while I proceeded to load my gun. Upon pulling back the cock to place

        the cap, the gun suddenly discharged, the load narrowly missing my

        tenant. This clearly shows how accidents can happen no matter how

        careful one acts. We found no game, so back to the buggy for lunch of

        bread and wine. We visited another mountain tract of mine, quite high

        and a clear view this day of Chambersburg. The spire of German Reform

        Church visable, nine miles away. Left for home as the sun was declining

        on an almost perfect day. Brought the children some chestnuts in their

        burrs which stirred them up a bit.

      TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6th

        Pleasant weather. At home all day, much troubled with my bowels. Meeting

        with cemetery board in evening. We declared a 6% dividend on the Capital

        Stock of the company.

      TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8th

        Raining all day, am quite unwell. To the bank this morning. William

        Flory died this morning. For a number of years he furnished coffins for

        others, and now will occupy one of his own. He was a good man,

        affectionate father and husband, very retiring and inoffensive man of a

        gentle disposition. He was a cabinetmaker.

      MONDAY, OCTOBER 12th

        Pleasant weather. At bank until dinner. Rode to Stouffers to see them

        make syrup of sugar cane. Out to my farm, have some difficulty with a

        tenant who is cutting down my trees, he said he shall leave, I hope so.

        Remained at home and finished my writing.

      THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15th

        Fine weather. Morning at the bank; in the afternoon to Chalybeate

        Spring, about mile from town, drank some of the water and returned.

        Still unwell, fell very languid.

 

        Henry Merkline died yesterday. He was a printer by profession, and

        embraced other branches of his trade. Feel very unwell.

      SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17th

        Beautiful weather. Feel so unwell could not leave the house.

      SABBATH, OCTOBER 18th

        Beautiful weather. Feel a little better and attended Sabbath School and

        met with my Bible Class.

      THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22nd

        Pleasant. At bank awhile. This afternoon took my grandson Geo. S. Eyster

        and my gun and rode out to the slate hills for exercise.

      FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23rd

        Cloudy. Left home for my mountain land, taking with me six little girls,

        some my grandchildren. They were a merry lot and made me feel better. I

        had taken an open spring wagon, filled it with hay and spread a buffalo

        robe over it. We left about three for home and all had a fine time,

        except for the heavy shower of rain. We were well provided with

        umbrellas and shawls. I think all will remember that day of merriment.

        Those in our party were: Betty Eyster, Ellie Heyser, Mary Eyster, Nellie

        Eyster, Ellie Eyster, Georgie Shuman.

 

        Spent the evening reading and writing.

      SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24th

        Have been suddenly taken ill with a violent pain in my right breast,

        very acute.

      SABBATH, OCTOBER 25th

        Somewhat cold. Managed to attend church and my Bible Class. I go to bed

        very sick.

      MONDAY, OCTOBER 26th

        Weather clear. Feel a little better, will attend the synod at Carlisle.

        Took the first train arriving there about eleven. An interesting visit,

        but felt very unwell. Disappointed to find much politics and log rolling

        amoung the young aspirants. Other speeches and complaints, many out of

        order. Last entry

      END OF DIARY

        William Heyser died November 5, 1863

 

 

 

 

 

      From: Jane Dice Stone, ed., The Kittochtinny Historical Society Papers16

      (Mercersburg, Pennsylvania: Kittichtinny Historical Society, 1978), pp.

      54-88.

    

 

 

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