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.
HARRISBURG; June 20.—Reliable advices indicate that the rebel force has increased largely about Hagerstown. They have eighteen pieces of cannon. A detachment of the First New York Cavalry captured a number of prisoners yesterday, and 122d Pennsylvania also captured several.
McCONNELLSBURG, PA., June 19.—A detachment of Jenkins’s force, mounted infantry, under the command of Col. Ferguson, entered this place at four o’clock this morning. The rebels opened all she stores, helping themselves to boots, shoes, hats, provisions and every thing else they could carry away. The town was so completely taken by surprise that the citizens were unable to escape, and a large number of them tell into the rebels’ hands. The rebels also drove away about twelve thousand dollars worth of cattle. One of the rebels, in attempting to capture a horse, was shot through the neck by some unknown person. This so exasperated his companions that they threatened to burn the town, but desisted. They completely gutted the telegraph office, carrying away the instruments and all the messages. The operator made his escape.
ADVANCE OF THE REBELS UNDER GENERALS EWELL AND TRIMBLE.
BATTLES AT MARTINSBURG AND WINCHESTER.
EWELL REPULSED AND MILROY HOLDING OUT FOR REINFORCEMENTS
Ewell, Erans, Early, and Rhodes in Command of the Rebels.
Milroy Surrounded at Winchester, Cuts His Way Out to Harper’s Ferry.
THE REBELS AT CHAMBERSBURG.
THE NATION TO THE RESCUE.
HARRISBURG, June 15.
The rebels entered Chambersburg at 9 o’clock to-night.
HARRISBURG, June 15.—The telegraph operator left Chambersburg at 9 o’clock to-night, some time after the rebels had entered the town. His instrument is now in operation five miles east of Chambersburg, at Scotland Bridge. A. G. CURTIF.
THE STATE CAPITAL IN DANGER.
HARRISBURG, June 15.—Midnight. The rebels occupied Hagerstown at noon to-day. From there they advanced in three columns: one on the main road to Chambersburg, and one to the right, and one to the left. Each column has 5,000 cavalry, besides infantry and artillery.
HARRISBURG, June 18.—It is stated that a body of Confederates has gone from Cumberland, Maryland, to Romney, Virginia.
The authorities are busy organizing the troops, who continue to arrive in large numbers.
The work on the rifle-pits and fortifications on the other side of the Susquehanna is still going on. Much activity there, at Camp Curtin, and everywhere else in and about the city.
