The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1864-08-04
THE INVASION.
THE BURNING OF CHAMBERS
BURG.
Over Two Hundred and Sixty
Buildings Destroyed.
RETREAT OF THE REBEL FORCES
GEN. AVERILL In PURSUIT
HARRISBURG, July 81, 1864.

ed the Pennsylvania line, and was then
advancing on Mercersburg.
General Couch was at this time in
Chambersburg, and General Averill's wa
gon trains and large number of skcdad
dlers were passing through the town dur
ing the afternoon and evening.
General Couch left in a special train
for Harrisburg at IL o'clock.
In the meantime, also, the funds Of the
Chambersburg Bank and the goods from
many of the stores had been shipped to
places of safety, and the TOlllng stock Of
the railroad removed.
The town was the scene Of much alarm
and excitement during the night, the
number of the advancing force being re-
ported at between four and FIVE thousand.
The rebels arrived in the vicinity OF
the town about aybreak, and at about
half past 6 o'clock their skirnishers, dis
mounted, commenced pouring in from ev-
cry street and in every direction.
By seven O'Clock the main body had
arrived, and the town was fully occupied.
Before entering, three or four shells were
thrown over the town, and after the main
body had occupied the principal streets,
there was constant firing for some time,
for the purpose of intimida
tion.
Very soon after entering the town the
rebels commenced breaking into stores
and dwellings indiscriminately, and plum
dering them of everything. This was
done without asking the people TO open
their houses or stores, aud without any
notice.
Soon after entering the town, General
McCausland, who was in command, assist
ed by General Bradley Johnson. demand
ed of the people the payment Of 100000
in gold, or 100000 in greenbaeks, CIV
ing them to understand that if it was not
forthcoming the town would be burned.
A number of the principal property
holders held meeting for consultation,
and compliance with the demand being
deemed impossible, it was decided to 90
nothing, most of those present preferrinS
the risk, if necessary, of having their
property sacrificed.
This determination was communicated
to General McCausland about 9 O'Clock,
when orders were at once issued to stop
plundering and commence burning.
Squads Of four and six, under COM
mand of proper officers, were detailed for
the purpose, and within fifteen minutes
the town was On fire in hundred places,
the flames spreading in every direction
with fearful rapidity.
These detachments, armed with axes
and crow bars, broke into every building
as they progressed, and nothing escaped
the torch Ne notice whatever was civ
en- to the citizens, until their doors we're
assaled, and women and children driven
into the street, without being allowed
time to save any article whatever.
The scene at this time was fearful and
beyond description. The
streets were filed with frantic women
and children wild with fright, not know
ing where to fly for safety, yet urged on
by the lashing, roaring flames, which en-
yeloped both sides of the streets behind
them.
Men were rushing madly hither and
thither, incapable of resistance, and only
anxious for the safety of their families
while the shrieks and wailings of women
and children filled the air. drowning even
the dull roar of the raging fire.
The whole work of destruction was ac-
in very short period. The
burning of the town commenced at o.
clock, at IL o'clock the rebels had left,
and at 2 o'clock the best part OF Cham
bersburg was in ashes.
The whole number of houses burned is
two hundred and sixty seven. Every ho-
tel in the town, without single excep-
ton, was burned, with ali their contents;
every drug store, and every physician
Office, with all their drugs, and every
private, as well as public library in the
town, and whether law or medical, or
whatever else.
The Chambersburg Bank was burned,
and also the Academy. The bank had,
however, the day before, sent away their
funds and books. They lose only their
bank building.
The warehouse belonging to the rail
road depot was burned. The depot itself
IS uninjured, and no damage was done to
The track of the road
None of the churches were burned |
with the exception of the Associate Re
formed Church, on Second street, between
market and Queen streets.
From the Franklin Railroad, on Mark |
It street, every house has been burned on |
both sides of the street, up to John Me
DowelPs property, across the creek, with |
he exception of the residence of the |
Misses Denny.
On Main street every house is burned |
rom the Falling Spring to the residence
# Frederick Spahr; every building on
queen street from Browns tavern west |
o the creek, and the entire south side OF
second street.
In other localities, aud in all parts of [
he town, blocks of eight and ten build
ngs have been burned. In many cases
he houses were rifled of their valuables
,efnre beipo fired