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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a large train of wagons are withdrawn from the direction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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