The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-08-12

what other results have not learned. 1t II
also reported that one column, under Breckin
ridge. is marching on Wheeling. and another
on Gettysburg. 1t is also reported that thu
rebel force in Chambersburg did not exceed
50O General McCausland made demand OF
the people for 300. 600 In gold. or $500. 900 IL
greenbacks. The demand was not complied
with. The order was then given to fire thu
town, when the rebel soldiers broke in door
and windows, fired the houses. and tod thu
people to get out If they could. The SC cams
but had no effect on the rebels
A dispatch this morning states that the whole
town is in ruins. Fully 600 people are home
less and almost penniless. Many saved nothing
but night clothes.
Colonel A. X. McClures loss amounts to
$4,000. The Eyster family quarter of q
million.
Last night large lights were seen in the di'
rection of Hanover and Gettysburg, leading to
the belief that both of those towns were burn
ing, but nothing definite had been ascertained
this morning.
HARRlsBURG, July 31.-Gen. McCausland
was in c ,mmand of the rebel troops when
they burned Chambersburg. After he had
taken formal possession of the town, he made
a proclamation demanding 800, 900 II gold
It was of course impossible to comply with a
its failure, and sure of its aff0rding pretext to
execute the premeditated plan for destroying
Chambersburg. ..
The fact that the most valuable portion of
the merchandise had bven removed. added to
the rage and disappointment of the rebels, and
when they were thus inspired, the order was
issued to fire the Court House, Town Hall, and
bank buildings. 49,,
A strong breeze communicated tho flames
fn fho cY1rrnun6nU huil6nno rt;o IS ~
diers, having sacked the several drug and
chemical stores manufactured turpentine balls
which they threw in all directions, creating a.
many different flames in different localities
which soon united in one general confagra-
ton. Speedily the scene became heart-rend.
ing and appalliDg-the cracking flames. the
spectacle of women and suffering children,
and the pitiful appeals Of the old and helpless
for aid, made on indescribable scene of horror.
The citizens without protest had submitted
to plumber. and bad even appealed to the mercy
of the rebels. but nothing could appesse the
butcher and incendiarv McCausand.
Two hundred and sixty-five of the most val
liable and elegant public and private buildings
were destroyed. The town was fired at II
O'Clock in the morning.
The rebels remained long enough to see the
flames spread and GIT under proper Roadway
when the alarm was given that Averill was in
pursuit. -.......
No intelligence has reached Harrisburg con-
corning the direct effect of Averill's pursuit.
1t is believed, however, that he succeeded in
Furnishing McCausland very severely.
A train heavily laden with commissary stores
was dispatched from this city this morning to
Chambersburg to relieve the present wants of
the people of that town who now crowd the
81 rounding fields and woods.
Many residences of prominent citizens in the
outskirts Of the town were burned.
PHILADELPHIA, July 31.-It is reported here
that Averill has defeated the raiders at McCon-
nellsburg. o.. 7i- Il i.e"e.9t.
HARRISBURG, July 81. 10, r. M.-When Gen.
Averill reached Chambersburg the flames had
attained such 3 headway as to render it impos-
sible for his men to stay them. The word
Onward" ran along his line. The rebels
hurried over the st. Thomas Road toward Nc
COnnellsburg, but the rear of their retreating
column could not tail to distinguish the ap-
proach Of Averill, so they were prevented
from committing any deeds of violence
Averill came laundering after them, enter
ing At one side of COnnellsburg while the inva-
ders left ct the other. There is no doubt in
the minds Ofour shrewdest military men as to
the ability of Ayerill to take ample vengeance
on the enemy.
PirTsEURG, Sunday, July 31.-Intense ex-
element prevails here consequent upon the
news of the rebel invasion of Pennsylvania. A
meeting Of citizens was held to day to take
measures for the defense of the city. Recruit
ing is going on briskly and scouting parties
are already organized to 60 out tonight
Business will probably be suspended to-mor
row. t......
Gen. Couch is expected here tomorrow