Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-07-01
LEE AND STAFF AT cHAMBERsBURG
The Rendezvous of the Militia.
Gen. Hooker Relieved at his own re-
ouest-Gen. Meade in command.
PORT HUDSON AND vIcKsBURG.
Successful raid on the Peninsula, etc.

tion of the capitol. Amid the thousand and
one reports and rumors afoat it is difficult to
sift tie true from the false, and give such de-
tails as are highly desirable. 1t seems
tain, however, that on the 26th the Rebels ad
vanced to Chambersburg, and took possession
of that town, and afterwards the Curtin Troop
had skirmish with them at the Stone Tavern
about five mile south of Carlisle. On the
same day 5000 Rebels took possession of Get
Early of Longstreet's division.
Carlisle occupied by the Rebels on the
morning of the Goth. their force Numbering at
least 10, 900 men. They were moving towards
Fl arrisburg in three columns. The excite
ment at>the latter place was intense. and the
government archives were packed up and sent
away.
On the morning of the 2sth, at about 5 o.
clock, the Rebels took possession of Y ork, ten
miles from Columbia, and during the day they
advanced to the latter place, where fight oc
Cured between them and the regiments under
Colonels Thomas and Frick. The latter were
shelled and driven across the bridge, which
was burned, we presume by our own men. At
| the same time, it was said that the Rebels
had advanced another column to the river op-
posite Bainbridge, about miles above Colum-
bia, with sufficient pontoons to effect cross
| ing. Another dispatch states that the rebels
were also making an effort to cross the River
at Bridgeport, six miles below Harrisburg.
| On the 28th fight took place at Wrights-
vile. The rebels threw some shells into the
town, injuring several houses and barns. The
residents were much alarmed but most of them
stood their ground. A negro had his head Ia
ken off by shell, in one of the streets. Tie
| fight lasted about one hour and quarter.
Our men fought valiantly negro compa-
ny is said to have distinguished itself. The
rebel force about 5000, whilst our force
was about 1000. After a severe fight
destroyed by fire, by our men-imperitive or.
ders having been received to prevent the reb-
els from crossing. The rebels fell back to
| York.
On the 29th some skirmishing took place
alb out five miles from Harrisburg.
Information was received that 81 600 rebels
passed through Chambersburg on Saturday.
Lee was at Chambersburg with his staff the
same day.
The rebel force at York is said be fifteen
thousand, under command of Gen. Farley.
He has enforced orders levying contribu-
tion OF one hundred and fifty thousand dollars,
forty thousand pounds of beef, fifty bags of
coffee and large quantities of merchandise.
We feel inclined to believe that unless these
contributions have been paid, the rebels will
not he enabled to collect them. Our troops
might modest them before they get away.
The people along the Cumberland valley it
seems had given way to a general apathy, aud
IL is Sald Dau adopteu tue poilcy OF non reSlS-
tance, hoping thus to appease the invaders
and save their property. This feeling has
doubtless been greatly encouraged by rebels
sympathsers. By this time, however, many
have learned that apathy is poor security a.
gainst an inyeterate and heartless ioe who is
carrying of all the grain and forage, and dri-
ing off the stock, which they can put their
hands upon. The long lines of wagons carts,
and other vehicles, laden with men, woman
and children aud such household goods as
could be hauled, which passed through Har-
risburg, to great extent tell their own sad
tale of the devastation and destruction which
have come upon that portion of our fair State
The preparation for vigorous defense are
still progressing at Harrisburg, and at other
: points.
The 80 days Militia, according to an order.
are to rendezvous at the following places
} 5000 at Huntingdon, II 900 at Harrisburg
and 10000 at Reading, being the quot fol
the Department of the Susquehanna. OF tbi
; number 1900 should be mounted rifemen
who would furnish their own horses-to h,