Maryland free press., 1862-11-21
The Reported Invasion Of Pennsylva-
nia--HoW the Militia Acted.

The Chambersburg correspondent OF the
Philadelphia Press gives the annexed graphic
description of the "grand scene caused by
the idle rumor on Tuesday Of last week, that
the Confederates were again about paying
visit 20 the ancient borough of Chambersburg;
To day our staid old borough was a scene
of confusion and panic almost indescribable.
About four o clock P. NJ. a man and horse came
dasbin- into town, la 2 40, with the refort
of1ebels advancing on the road from MERGERS
burg to this place. Vesuvious and Esaal what
a hellabaloo ensued. The town at the time
was we'll filled with country people and their
teams, and Immediately evacuation was iuau'
purated, such as has meyer been witnessed in
the annals of Chambersburg. Tho avenues
leading from the town were literally filled
with horses, carriages, wagons, and mounted
men, "heeing to the mountains" in order to
save valuable horses Having had taste of
rebel rule, a short time since, our citizens
were determined not to be taken by surprise
again, and all were ON the qui vive. The en-
c;nt 8 Mt the depot were "fred up" the COM
missary stores lately shipped to this place from
Harersfown were loaded on cars end all were
ready for an carly departure, in order to cheat
-%he beau chivalry of their intended spoils.-
Mounted patrols and scouts were sent out IN
eyery direction so as to give timely notice OF
tie near approach of the "rebs." Merchants
we're hastily secreting their most valuable
Foods, and, in fact, almost everybody he'd some
thing to hide. One man was buteher'ng swine
and another was boiling apple butter. FORK
,and asSie butter were both hidden in the eel
lar. Stores and offices were closed, and the
Sccupants were all in the public square, with
hundreds of Others looking for or anxious to
hear of the approach or non approach OF the
invader. The crinolifemina portion OF the
oonulation were in decided fermcnt, and from
the happy smiles snd joyous faces of the loyal
fair ones of this place, one would imagine they
rould not be averse to another visit by the
Gallant sons of the +, L. VS. Instead of
frightened faces, all seemed to enjoy the fnn,
and every So seemed disposed to laugh at
each others fears. Some of the young folks
(females) walked out to meet Them, and one
lassie declared ''she didn't care If they did
come, for she thought the rebels were real nice
fellows, and right clever, too, for the last time
they were here they lei her pap keep his horse'
and it waa blind at that
But the grand skidiadling of the militia
from Camp Mcclure WAS the most ludicrous
scene in the programme. AS soonas the news
becsme kaown at camp, the greatest excite
ment prevailed. Some were for night ana
MANY for run. One fellow said: "Bully for old
jackson; now WE'LL, be paroled." Colonel
weisttinps gave the order, to break up camp,
and in ten minutes every tent was level WIN
the ground. About half the men filed in good
order into town, but the remaining half scat-
tered in glorious confusion over fences, stone
walls through woods and creeks, towardsth their
homes, their progress somewhat eXpedient by
the reports of several muskets fired by some
of the guards. Those who got into town took
position in the public squares, and, as they
had no frearms, of course presented very
daring and opposing front. At 5P. NJ n party
of would be heads of the town rode out the
Piitsburg pike. in o:der, suppose TO meet
and negotiate, and stimulate for an honorable
surrender of the town, as they did once before.
After proceeding mile or two, they came to a
dead halt and held a coNncil of war. One
party was for go on and tie other go back
GO on carried INC uay, anu thoy PtoSSSu@N' o'
o cautious rate, for another mile, stopping
about fifty times in that distance to stretch
their necks, and strain their vision, over the
distant hills" in ord'r to get glimpse, if
possible, of the advance guard of the minions
of jeff Davis; but no Rebels were in sight
The tramp ofthe invader was not to be heard.
so-right about. face, and off they set for town,
Mt a rate that would have shamed John Gilpin.
Bv this time it leaked out and was whispered
round that it was all hoax. Many and loud
were the curses heaped upon the head of the
perpetratorr of the se!l-for sell it was Mill
tia started for camp, and citizens dispersed for
their homes, and soon mot sound was heard"
to mar the silence which reigned about the
town, save the distant shout of some bewil
dered and drunken soldier, on his way TO camp.
At no time-not even excepting the advent of
Stuart's cavalry-.did our town present scene
of such utter confusion as has reigned supreme
for the last few hours.