Thoughtfully curated historical journalism
The Washington Chronicle gives the following particulars of a hold adventure hit up by a number of our brave officers, while being conveyed, on board of a steam boat, to Fort Delaware, having been refused exchange. It is decidedly good, and shows what a few fearless and daring spirits may do:
The Situation of Affairs
Last week we announced that the rebels were about to invade Pennsylvania, since which time the most intense excitement has prevailed throughout the country. The rumors and accounts are, however, so conflicting that it is almost impossible to give a correct statement of the true position of affairs. But it is an established fact, that the invasion of Pennsylvania did take place. A rebel cavalry force of some 2,500 advanced upon and took possession of Chambersburg, extending their pickets about six miles on this side. They remained there several days, and during their stay they ordered the merchants to open their stores, when they helped themselves to such articles as they fancied; paying for the same in rebel script. On leaving the place on Wednesday, they took with them all the medicines, boots and shoes, and clothing that they could find in the town, and made their way back towards the Potomac.
Captain Frederick Nelson of the pilot-boat Charles H. Marshall No. 3, reports that on the 17th instant be spoke the fishing schooner Rose, of Boston, the captain of which came on board and reported having been boarded, the day previous, by a privateer, bearing N. by E. 30 miles from Nantucket. The pirate took two barrels of mackerel and all the pork they had on board. He said that he would not hurt any poor man but was looking out for the rich ones. Subsequently the pirate came alongside the pilot-boat and impudently inquired of the boat-keeper if he had seen any square-rigged vessels.
She is a three-masted schooner, apparently of English build, and carries three guns. When first seen she had British colors flying.