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Emmitsburg in the
Civil War
Emmitsburg During the 1862 Chambersburg Raid
John
Allen Miller
The
bloodiest signal day of the Civil War was fought near
the town of Sharpsburg, Maryland on September 17, 1862
along a small creek called Antietam. Sharpsburg is
approximately 29 miles west of Emmitsburg, Maryland. The
Army of the Potomac, under the command of General George
B. McClellan, sat quietly along the banks of the Potomac
River. A cautious General McClellan felt his men were
not yet prepared enough to fight another major battle
with General Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. However,
skirmishing continued along the banks of the Potomac
River near Shepherdstown, West Virginia until General
Lee’s Army was in the safety of Virginia.
By October,
nearly two weeks after the Battle of Antietam, General McClellan's
army was still waiting to be issued orders. During this time
President Lincoln repeatedly sent out messages to General
McClellan asking why no attempt was made to pursue General Lee.
General McClellan repeatedly sent dispatches back to President
Lincoln stating his army was not ready, they needed supplies or
they needed time to heal their wounds. President Lincoln himself
came out to where General McClellan was encamped and to see why no
further attempts to pursue General Lee were made. General
McClellan's cautiousness led him to loose his command in late
October.
Also in
October, General JEB Stuart with 1800 troopers and General
Pelgram's Battery of two to four guns made their way to the
Potomac River and on October 9th, crossed a ford near
Clear Springs, Maryland. General Stuart received orders from
General Lee not to harm or seize any property in Maryland. This
raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania was made completely around
General McClellan. This is known today as General Stuart's “Second
ride around McClellan.” General Stuart's orders were to capture
equipment that the Confederates needed, to disrupt communication
lines, destroy parts of the C&O Canal and also take out parts of
the B&O railroad at and near Chambersburg. This was also a
diversion keeping the Federals from being re-enforced in the
Kanawha Valley (West) Virginia in order for the Confederate Army
of South Eastern Virginia to take
possession of the valuable salt mines in that area.
By October
10th, General Stuart was in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and had
captured a Federal arsenal consisting of clothing such as great
coats, socks, underwear, along with supplies that the Confederate
army so desperately needed such as rifles, pistols and swords.
General Stuart ordered the arsenals to be burned destroying excess
items that they could not carry. General Stuart was also worried
about crossing the Potomac River, since torrential downpours may
have caused the Potomac River swell and fording the river may be a
problem. Also the bridge they had been sent to destroy was made of
iron, making it impossible to demolish.
Orders were
given to mount up and the Confederate cavalry left Chambersburg.
General Stuart ordered his troopers to head back toward Hagerstown
to return to General Lee's Army. As they made their way up South
Mountain, the Confederate cavalry realized that the Federal
cavalry might be pursuing them, since burning the Federal arsenals
at Chambersburg. Needing an escape route, General Stuart detoured
traveling in an eastern direction. As his troopers made their way
down Old Chambersburg Pike toward Cashtown.
Upon leaving
Chambersburg, the Federal cavalry was pursuing the Confederates.
Colonel Rush had his command split leaving several units in
Frederick, Maryland, while his 6th Pennsylvania cavalry
was scouting in the area. One of the units, under his command, was
the First Potomac Home Brigade better known as Cole’s Cavalry.
Company C under the command of Captain Albert M. Hunter was part of
Cole's Cavalry that was stationed on stand by at Frederick,
Maryland. Company C was raised in the Emmitsburg and Gettysburg
areas, and was made of young and reckless farm boys who were not
afraid of their counterparts. Also, these young boys did not have
families of their own which meant they were not tied down. This
cavalry proved to be competition against the Confederate cavalry.
The Governor
of Pennsylvania wrote to General McClellan about the issues of the
Confederate Cavalry. He wrote in this correspondence:
“Harrisburg,
October 11, 1862-4.10 P.M.
General
McClellan:
Rebels crossed
Potomac near Clear Spring, and entered Pennsylvania by Blair's
Valley. Latest advices say they are moving in direction of
Gettysburg, thence by Emmitsburg, to destroy Government stores at
or near Frederick. These statements are mere conjectures, given to
you as received.
A. G. Curtin,
Governor of Pennsylvania.”
General Alfred
Pleasonton who was tracking for the Confederate Cavalry received
false intelligence of General Stuart’s whereabouts. He thought
that General Stuart was retracing his footsteps back toward the
Potomac River in the direction in which he came. General
Pleasanton started to pursue the Confederate cavalry at Knoxville,
Maryland on October 10-11 in the direction that intelligence
report stated. Soon afterwards, he was ordered to proceed toward
Emmitsburg and Mechanicstown. This is the official order given to
General Pleasonton from General McClellan’s Chief of Staff after
examining Governor Curtin’s report:
“
Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, October 11, 1862
Brigadier-General Pleasonton, Hagerstown:
A report from
Governor Curtin this morning states the rebel cavalry force camped
at Chambersburg last night, and left there at 9 this morning the
direction of Gettysburg. Force about 2,000 strong, consisting of
Stuart and Hampton's cavalry. It is thought, by Mr. McClure, of
Chambersburg, that they intend returning by way of Frederick and
Leesburg. You will at once move with your force, and all of Davis'
cavalry, at Hagerstown, by Cavetown and Harmon's Gap, to
Mechanicstown, where the Sixth Cavalry has been ordered to join
you.
You will send
scouts on the direct road from Hagerstown to Gettysburg, and also
to Emmitsburg and beyond, to ascertain the movements of the enemy.
It might be well to send citizens, if you can get them to go, and
send any information you may get to these headquarters by
telegraph from Hagerstown or Frederick, as may be most convenient.
You will take
the best route to cut off the enemy, depending on the information
you obtain. Pursue them vigorously, and do not spare your men or
horses, if you see an opportunity of overtaking them. They should
not be allowed to escape unharmed.
R. B. Marcy,
Chief of Staff.”
General
Pleasonton lost two hours of valuable time that allowed General
Stuart and his Confederate cavalry to slip by and head directly
into Emmitsburg. Since leaving Chambersburg, General Stuart had
already ridden over 31 miles and was approximately 45 miles from
the Potomac River. At the same time, General McClellan order
General Stoneman, who was at Poolesville, Maryland to be on the
lookout for General Pleasanton and try to intercept General Stuart
at Emmitsburg or Mechanicstown.
That
afternoon, on October 11th, General Stuart made his way into
Cashtown passing by the Harding House Inn that was a tavern near
the Cashtown Inn. General Stuart at this time was about seven
miles away from Gettysburg. General Stuart and the five-mile long
column then turn southeast taking the old Fairfield Road. At
Fairfield, the Confederate cavalry traveled into Maryland
where they
reached Emmitsburg, Maryland at about sunset. Once his cavalry
reached the Mason and Dixon Line Stuart ordered the men to close
formations and stop collecting livestock.
Lt.
Colonel Jacob M. Sheads, noted that during the Raid in Adams County,
General Stuart took 13 prisoners. Among them were John B. Paxton, John
C. Martin, Sanford Shroeder, Shields Hunter, Abraham Stockslager,
Andrew Hartman, Nelson Boyd, Lewis Pittinger, Andrew Lowe, Andrew
Warren, David Baer, John Hartman, and Alexander Benchoff. Sheads also
stated that Warren Danner of Adams County man rode with Stuart's
cavalry during the first raid on Chambersburg.
In
Adams County Stuart's men confiscated over 80 horses and roughly 1,500
dollars worth of supplies. In Cashtwon, $22 worth of goods were
taken from the Williams Ruff store and $10 worth of goods were taken
at Captain Mark's Store. At Fairfield over $1,000 worth of hats,
shoes, and clothing from the Paxton and McCreary store and $200 worth
of merchandise were taken from Sullivan's store and 30 stands of arms
from the Home Guard Armory.
Just one hour
before the Confederate arrival in Emmitsburg, 140 men of the 6th
Pennsylvania Cavalry known as Colonel Rush’s Lancers had passed
through the town and headed toward Gettysburg. Members of General
Stuart’s advance guard charged the through Emmitsburg chasing
after the stragglers of the four companies of the 6th
Pennsylvania Cavalry. Orders came from Stuart to rest, feed and
water their horses.
The town of
Emmitsburg hailed the Confederate troopers as the townsmen opened
their arms to the Confederate cavalry. Many people of Emmitsburg
applauded very loudly as the Confederate Cavalry entered the
town. There they received fresh bread, buttermilk, and meat and
the town itself was being very supportive to those dressed in
gray. Emmitsburg, at the time, had never really seen a Confederate
and the town was curious to hear the tales they had to tell. The
Confederates were observed as being very polite to the residents
of Emmitsburg. Major Henry B. McClellan observed General Stuart
enjoying the hospitality among the local citizens of Emmitsburg.
Some reports
claim that the Confederate cavalry was dressed in Union blue and
that the citizens of Emmitsburg seem to think they were federal
cavalry. After researching many first hand reports and
descriptions of the Confederate cavalry entering Emmitsburg, there
is a key phrase that eliminates this folklore. Major Henry
McClellan wrote in his book basically stating the Confederate
advance guard charged the through Emmitsburg chasing after the
stragglers belonging to the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
The book
entitle “War Years with JEB Stuart” published in 1945, written by
Lieutenant Colonel W.W. Blackford who was a captain during the
1862 Chambersburg Raid and also part of the Corps of Engineers
gives a description of Emmitsburg as they trotted into town:
“The
success of the expedition was largely due to the excellent guides
General Stuart had provided himself with; and now Logan and
Harbaugh, who had lived in Pennsylvania, acted, but as we
approached Maryland, Capt. B. S. White became the guide; his
residence in that part of Maryland made him thoroughly acquainted
with every road in it. It was very pleasant to get amongst friends
once more upon crossing the line into Maryland, though we could
not take their horses.
The first
place we came to was the little town of Emmitsburg, which we
reached about sundown, thirty-one miles from Chambersburg, and
still forty-five miles from our crossing place. If we had fallen
from the clouds the people could not have been more astonished
than at seeing us come from the direction we followed, and their
demonstrations of delight at seeing us were unbounded.
An hour before
our arrival a detachment of Rush’s Lancers, a scouting party of a
hundred-forty men, sent to look for us, had passed through the
town, and hearing of this, General Stuart had issued orders to
overtake and capture any one attempting to leave the place while
we were in it. Just as the advanced guard entered the street, a
young lady rode out of a yard of a house before us, and seeing, to
her dismay, a body of soldiers, which she took for Federals of
course, she dashed off out of town towards her home some miles in
the country.
Our men called
upon her to halt, but this only made her whip up her horse the
more, and being reluctant to use their firearms, the only thing to
do was for two of the best mounted to overtake and capture her. It
was an exciting race for a mile and the poor young lady was, as
she told us, scared almost to death, but finding she could not
escape she pulled up and surrendered in great terror. But when she
and her captors appeared leisurely riding back they were in high
good humor, laughing and talking over the adventure.
The young lady
returned to the house she had been visiting and was requested to
remain there until we had been gone an hour. Though only a mile or
two from the Pennsylvania state line, the people here seemed to be
intensely Southern in their sympathies and omitted no opportunity
of showing us attention during the short half hour we passed among
them.”
Friendly
citizens also greeted members of Stuart’s Horse Artillery, as they
paused long enough to feed and water their horses. General Stuart
ordered pickets to set up along the roads leading into
Emmitsburg. A courier was captured as Federal cavalry was
catching up to the rear of the Confederate cavalry. General Stuart
learned Colonel Rush, and also General Alfred Pleasonton and some
800 members of his cavalry were pursuing him and were riding from
Hagerstown toward Mechanicstown. The courier was blind folded and
released to fool Colonel Rush. General JEB Stuart attended to his
horse and stood up against a tree for about a half an hour before
moving out.
A gentleman
who entered Emmitsburg with General Stuart was Major Johann August
Heinrich Heros Von Borcke, known as the “Giant dressed in gray”
simply because he stood more than six feet tall. He was a
Prussian Military Officer in the Second Brandenburg Regiment of
Dragoons, who came to America shortly after the Civil War had
began. He departed for the Confederacy, landing at Charleston,
South Carolina, during May of 1862. He was then introduced to
General Stuart and they quickly became good friends. The two men
never left each other’s side until Major Borcke’s wounding in
1863.
With General
Stuart at Emmitsburg, the alarm was sent to other communities
around Frederick County, Maryland and also Adams County,
Pennsylvania. Several reports stated that Stuart's men were in
Gettysburg and also as far north as Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
General Stuart was now in a hurry to get back to the Potomac
River. Then the order was given to mount up. Fearing that General
McClellan knew his location, General Stuart left Emmitsburg
shortly after sun down. Only a few stragglers stayed behind in
Emmitsburg. Some reports state that Colonel Rush caught a few of
these stragglers.
On the road
toward Frederick, General Stuart accompanied Southhall, who
commanded the advance guard, before leaving him, General Stuart
ordered him to keep up the fast gait and ride over any opposing
parties. Soon after, a courier was captured carrying dispatches
from Frederick to Colonel Rush’s Lancers. From this information
General Stuart learned that even though the enemy was trying to
intercept him, they still had no ideal of his location or
movements. He also learned that Colonel Rush had enough men in
Frederick to protect the city, even though four companies of his
Lancers were headed for Gettysburg. With this information
captured from the courier, the dispatches also stated 800 men
under the command of General Pleasonton was hurrying to
Mechanicstown just four miles from Stuart’s position and the
railroad crossing of the Monocacy was occupied by two brigades of
infantry, ready at a moments notice to steam the railcar engines
and deploy them in either direction.
With this new
found information, General Stuart ordered the column to turn east
at Rocky Ridge, Maryland and travel toward the Woodsboro Road two
miles away. At around 9 P.M., the advance guard reached Rocky
Ridge; they met a scouting party of General Pleasonton’s Federal
Cavalry, which turned immediately toward Mechanicstown. Just two
hours before 9 P.M. Colonel Rush ordered two scouting companies
east, the first company traveled to Johnsville, while the other
company headed to Woodsboro to find the location of General
Stuart.
A half past 10
P.M. a company of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry observed the march
of General Stuart’s column through Woodsboro. This information of
General Stuart’s location was dispatched to Colonel Rush and to
General Pleasonton only few miles away at Mechanicstown. Only
though this information only had to go from Rocky Ridge to
Mechanicstown, a mere three hours it took to relay. General
Pleasonton receive word on General Stuart’s location past
midnight. Meantime General Stuart continued his order of march
toward the Potomac River.
Some reports
in Frederick on October 12th stated:
“That the
Confederates were encamped at Emmitsburg, Maryland and that
Frederick needed to be protected. The following is an excerpt of
what Frederick officials had reported. "During Saturday afternoon
and evening large bodies of Union troops were ordered to the
vicinity of Frederick to protect the immense stores there, it
being anticipated to be the purpose of the Rebels to destroy
these, as well as the railroad bridge at Monocacy Station...Other
troops were sent on different roads leading from the Pennsylvania
line. Intelligence was received Saturday night at 12 o’clock, that
the enemy were moving toward Frederick and had reached
Woodsboro...they have diverged from the direct road from
Emmitsburg, so as to be able to choose a route east of Frederick
on their way to the Potomac, if it should be necessary for their
safety. On reaching Woodsboro, Stuart ascertained, that a large
Union force was stationed to intercept him, and that McClellan had
discovered his movement eastward in time to afford ample
protection to the Government property at Frederick and vicinity.
This made it necessary that he must move rapidly to avoid capture
before reaching the Potomac. Four additional regiments had arrived
during the evening by railroad from Harper's Ferry, with
additional artillery, to re-enforce the force already here, which
fact...was repeated to the enemy at Woodsboro. On receiving the
information that the rich prize they anticipated at Frederick and
Monocacy Junction was safe consisting besides the bridge of 12
heavy engines, 200 loaded cars and great quantities of hospital
and army stores and wagons, they started off in an easterly
direction by the Libertytown road to New Market on the Baltimore
turnpike. This movement required a wide detour to reach the
Potomac of 10 or 15 miles, making it necessary to push for fords
below...the mouth of the Monocacy."
Another
report:
“Hanover
Junction, October 12, 1862-7.25 a.m.
George B.
McClellan, Headquarters:
I am here with
two regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery; two more
regiments are expected soon, when I shall go with the whole force
to Gettysburg. The following dispatch has been received from
Captain Haseltine, Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, dated Gettysburg,
October 11, 8.40 p. m.
General
Stuart, with about 3,000 cavalry and a battery of artillery, is
now in Emmitsburg, Md. There is no force in Frederick adequate to
meet them this morning in case they go that way.
John E. Wool
Major-General”
“Headquarters
Eighth Army Corps, Baltimore, Md., October 14, 1862
General: On
Friday evening I received (about 10-o’clock) information, by
telegraph from Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, that the 3,000
rebel cavalry and a section of artillery, under the command of
General Stuart, were in possession of Chambersburg. It appears
that the town had been surrendered upon the demand of the rebel
general. I immediately ordered three regiments and a battery of
six pieces to be got ready and proceed at once to Harrisburg;
afterward I ordered a fourth regiment.
The next
morning, at 6 o'clock, and as soon as I could obtain a special
train, I proceeded to Harrisburg, were I arrived early in the day,
and visited Governor Curtin. He appeared quite anxious about the
safety of Carlisle. Although I did not agree with him on the
subject, yet I proceeded to that place. On the way I received a
telegram, informing me that the rebels had gone to Emmitsburg. I
returned immediately to Harrisburg and saw Governor Curtin, who
had received the same information. I at once preceded to Hanover
Junction, where I arrived about 4 a. m., and where I met my troops
ordered from Baltimore. These I immediately set in motion for
Gettysburg, where they arrived about 1 p. m., and headed off the
rebel cavalry, previous to which the advance of the rebels had
been attacked by some of the Home Guards, when they retreated,
leaving, 5 prisoners in the possession of the Home Guards.
The rebels
went to Emmitsburg, and from there to Waynesborough, and were
proceeding toward Boonsborough, when, on being informed of the
advance of Pleasonton, they changed their course and proceeded
with all haste to the Potomac, in a more easterly direction, and,
as I was informed, by telegraph from Major-General McClellan, in
the following language, viz:
General
Pleasonton, who was in pursuit of the rebel cavalry reports that
they have been driven back, into Virginia, crossing the Potomac
near the mouth of the Monocacy, and having marched 90 miles in the
previous twenty-four hours, while Pleasonton, in pursuit, marched
78 miles in the same time.
Colonel Cram,
under whose direction I placed the troops at Gettysburg, reported
to me on Sunday that the rebels had retired to Harbach's Valley.
On Monday,
2.30 p. m., he reported, by telegram, that a part of the rebels he
thought, from information received, were yet in Harbach's Valley.
He sent scouts to ascertain, who were to report to him last night
or this morning. I think the colonel will find that all the rebel
cavalry have returned into Virginia, and have probably escaped
altogether the vigilance of Major-General McClellan, having, in
the mean time, made nearly the whole circle of the army of the
Potomac-certainly a bold and daring enterprise, in the execution
of which the soldiers at Chambersburg changed the rags which
covered the for the uniform clothing of the United States, and
supplied themselves on their route with 1,000 fresh horses,
besides destroying, at Chambersburg, the railroad depot, with all
the rolling-stock. They also tore up some of the rails of the
road, and destroyed several bridges.
Staff and
myself were in motion from Friday evening until yesterday
afternoon at 2 o'clock when we returned to Baltimore. During that
time we had no rest or sleep, except what little could be taken in
the cars.
From want of
cavalry, we could not follow the enemy, as he, from reports made
to me, kept continually on the trot, and sometimes even galloped
his horses.
I am, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
John E. Wool,
Major General “
While at headquarters near
Frederick, Maryland, Colonel Rush wrote in his official report of
what he witnessed during General Stuart’s Raid into Pennsylvania
and Maryland. He mentions the Emmitsburg area in great detail.
“Headquarters Sixth Pennsylvania
Cavalry, Camp near Frederick, Md., October 13, 1862
General: I have the honor to report
that, on Saturday morning, at 6.30 o'clock, your note, requiring
me to scout the
country north of Frederick, to gain intelligence of that force and
movements of Stuart's cavalry, was at once executed by my sending
four small companies (140 men) toward Emmitsburg and Gettysburg.
they left my camp by 8 a. m. no information or rumors of the enemy
could be obtained by them between this place and Emmitsburg, which
point they reached at 4 p. m. They then pushed on toward
Gettysburg, scouting well to their left, and had not left
Emmitsburg an hour when information was brought them from the rear
that the advance guard (about 400 strong) of the rebels had
charged into Emmitsburg and held the place. The rebels entirely
cutting off all communication between my pickets and myself. All
the couriers sent to me, to apprise me of the presence of the
rebels, were turned back until after midnight.
At 3 p. m. on
the 11th I received a telegraphic order from General Marcy to send
one squadron at once to Middletown, to picket and scout the valley
northward. This was at once done, but no important report or
information was received from them.
At 6.30 p. m.
of the 11th was received, directing me to extend my scouts toward
Gettysburg, &c., and informing me that Stuart had left
Chambersburg in the morning on the Gettysburg road; also that
General Pleasonton was to be at Mechanicstown, and to communicated
with him, &c., and to call on the First Maine Cavalry if I wanted
more force, &c.
Rumors from
Frederick reaching me at about 7 p. m. that the rebels were
reported to be at or near Emmitsburg, and knowing that General
Pleasonton would cover the pike through Mechanicstown, I at once
called on Colonel Allen, of the First Maine Cavalry, for one
company, and sent my only remaining, company, these two companies
to proceed one to Woodsborough and one to Johnsville, and to cover
the line of country with scouts from the vicinity of Creagerstown,
Woodsborough, New Windors, and toward Westminster, and to
communicate any information to General Pleasonton and myself.
As my company,
ordered to Woodsborough, entered the town at 10.30 p. m., they
found the head of the rebel column just passing through and taking
the road to Liberty. This information was communicated to me at 12
midnight, with information that it, had also been sent to General
Pleasonton, at Mechanicstown. This information being soon
confirmed, that the rebel column was all passing toward Liberty, I
at once sent a message and dispatch to General Marcy and yourself
to that effect. A large portion of the rebel column halted between
Woodsborough and Liberty, to feed and get information of our
forces. Their rear guard did not leave Liberty until 7 a. m. of
the 12th. I had no force whatever left me to follow their rear, or
in any way to harass their march.
I have no
casualties to report in my regiment. I would especially commend
to your notice Corpl. John Anders, of Company D, regiment of
Lancers, for gallantry on scout at Woodsborough. He dismounted and
entered the town on foot, in disguise, while the rebel column was
passing; talked freely with their men; was suspected and detained,
and escaped and rejoined me soon after daylight, bringing most
valuable information; also Private Joseph Dougherty, of the same
company and regiment, for gallantry in dashing; through Emmitsburg
while it was occupied by the enemy, in order to carry a message to
my companies near Gettysburg.
I regret very
much that this second raid has been so successfully accomplished
by Stuart's cavalry; but, with the small and crippled force at my
disposal near this town (but seven companies, of about 275), it
has been impossible for me to do more than I have done to check
this unfortunate raid.
My scouts
captured 12 prisoners, a very intelligent young man, Jonathan
Scott, of the First Virginia Cavalry. He tells me that the rebel
force consisted of the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth and
Tenth Virginia Cavalry; the First and Second North Carolina
Cavalry; the Cobb Legion, and the Jeff. Davis Legion, and was
between 4,000 and 5,000 strong, and that they had captured and
carried off 1,500 horses from Pennsylvania. This prisoner I have
turned over to Colonel Allen, at Frederick, Md. He also states
that they entered at Dam Numbers 5, and were to leave at Edwards
Ferry.
Very
respectfully, your obedient servant, Richard H. Rush, Colonel
Sixth Pennsylvania Cavalry, Lancers.”
In his
official report Major General Alfred Pleasonton recalls the
Emmitsburg area while in pursuit of the Confederate Cavalry under
General Stuart.
“Headquarters
Cavalry Division, Camp near Knoxville, Md., October 13 1862.
General: I
have the honor to report the movements of my command in pursuit of
the rebels who recently made a raid to Chambersburg. Pa.
On Saturday
morning [October 11], at 4 o'clock I received my orders to start
with my command, and soon after I was en route to Hagerstown where
I arrived at about 11 a. m. Receiving information there that the
rebels were moving in the direction of Mercersburg, I started with
my command toward Clear Spring, on the Hancock road, to intercept
them, had proceeded some 4 miles when I was ordered to halt, by
dispatch from headquarters, and await further orders.
About 1.30
P.M, I received orders to move to Mechanicstown, via Cavetown and
Harman's Gap, sending patrols to Emmitsburg and Gettysburg to
obtain information of the enemy. I executed these orders, and
arrived at Mechanicstown about 8.30 p. m., from which point I sent
out scouts in the direction of Emmitsburg, Taneytown, Middleburg,
and Graceham, and picketing all the roads in that vicinity.
At 12.30 a. m.
my scouts in the direction of Middleburg reported that the rebel
cavalry, under Stuart had passed through a small town, called
Rocky Ridge, some 5 miles to the east of Mechanicstown, one hour
before that time, taking a private road to Woodsborough, to which
place said they were going, and from thence to Liberty, on the
road to the Monocacy. They had traveled at a trot, and were
continuing to do so. As soon as I received this information I
started immediately for the mouth of the Monocacy, via Frederick
City, passing through the latter about 5 o'clock in the morning,
and reaching the Monocacy about 8 a. m. Upon my arrival I found
some 400 or 500 infantry guarding the canal aqueduct, and
picketing the roads, and fords in the vicinity. They told me that
they had not seen or heard anything of the enemy. I immediately
crossed to Monocacy with the portion of my command that had come
up, viz, a part for the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, a part of the
Third Indiana Cavalry, and two guns of Pennington's battery, and
sent forward a company on the Barnesville road to reconnoiter that
place, while the main column should move in the direction of
Poolesville, to take up a position most suitable for covering the
fords in that vicinity.
A.
Pleasonton, Brigadier-General, Commanding”
General Stuart
wrote in his official report about the expedition into Maryland
and Pennsylvania. He gives in great detail how his cavalry moved
throughout the countryside in Pennsylvania and also in Maryland.
He also explains the citizens and how his cavalry treated them.
“Headquarters
Cavalry Division, October 14, 1862.
Colonel: I
have the honor to report that, on the 9th instant, in compliance
with instructions from the commanding general Army of Northern
Virginia, I proceeded on an expedition into Pennsylvania with a
cavalry force of 1,800 and four pieces of horse artillery, under
command of Brigadier-General Hampton and Cols. W. H. F. Lee and
Jones. This force rendezvoused at Darkesville at 12 m., and
marched thence to the vicinity of Hedgesville, where it encamped
for the night.
At daylight
next morning, October 10, I crossed the Potomac at McCoy's(between
Williamsport and Hancock) with some little opposition, capturing
two or there horses of enemy's pickets. We were told here by
citizens that a large force had encamped the night before at Clear
Spring, and were supposed to be en route to Cumberland. We
proceeded northward until we reached the turnpike leading from
Hagerstown to Hancock (known as the National road). Here a signal
station on the mountain and most of the party, with their flags
and apparatus, were surprised and captured, and also 8 or 10
prisoners of war, from whom, as well as from citizens, I found
that the large force alluded to had crossed but an hour ahead of
me toward Cumberland, and consisted of six regiments of Ohio
troops and two batteries, under General Cox, and were en route via
Cumberland for the Kanawha.
I sent back
this intelligence at once to the commanding general. Striking
directly across the National road, I proceeded in the direction of
Mercersburg, Pa., which point was reached about 12m. I was
extremely anxious to reach Hagerstown, where large supplies were
stored, but was satisfied, from reliable information, the notice
the enemy had of my approach and the proximity of his forces would
enable him to prevent my capturing it. I therefore turned toward
Chambersburg. I did not reach this point until after dark, in a
rain. I did not deem it safe to defer the attack until morning,
nor was it proper to attack a place full of women and children
without summoning it first to surrender.
I accordingly
sent in a flag of truce, and found no military or civil authority
in the place, but some prominent citizens who met the officer were
notified that the place would be occupied, and if any resistance
were made, the place would be shelled in there minutes. Brig,
General Wade Hampton's command, being in advance, took possession
of the place, and I appointed him military governor of the city.
No incident occurred during the night, during which it rained
continuously. The officials all fled the town on our approach, and
no one could be found who would admit that he held office in the
place. About 275 sick and wounded in hospital were paroled. During
the day a large number of horses of citizens were seized and
brought along. The wires were cut, and railroad obstructed, and
Colonel Jones' command was sent up the railroad toward Harrisburg
to destroy a trestle-work a few miles off. He, however, reported
that it was constructed of iron, and he could not destroy it.
Next morning
it was ascertained that a large number of small-arms and munitions
of war were stored about the railroad buildings, all of which that
could not be easily brought away were destroyed, consisting of
about 5,000 new muskets, pistols, sabers, ammunition; also a large
assortment of army clothing. The extensive machine-shops and depot
buildings of the railroad and several trains of loaded cars were
entirely destroyed. From Chambersburg, I decided, after mature
consideration, to strike for the vicinity of Leesburg as the best
route of return, particularly as Cox's command would have rendered
the direction of Cumberland, full of mountain gorges, particularly
hazardous. The route selected was through an open country.
Of course I
left nothing undone to prevent the inhabitants from detecting my
real route and object. I started directly toward Gettysburg, but,
having passed the Blue Ridge, turned back toward Hagerstown for 6
or 8 miles, and then crossed to Maryland, by Emmitsburg, where, as
we passed, we were hailed by the inhabitants with the most
enthusiastic demonstrations of joy. A scouting party of 150
lancers had just passed toward Gettysburg, and I regretted
exceedingly that my march did not admit of the delay necessary to
catch them.
Taking the
road toward Frederick, we intercepted dispatches from Colonel Rush
(lancers) to the commander of the scout, which satisfied me that
our whereabouts was still a problem to the enemy. Before reaching
Frederick I crossed the Monocacy, continued the march through the
night, via Liberty, New Market, Monrovia, on the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, where we cut the telegraph wires and obstructed the
railroad. We reached, at daylight, Hyattstown, on McClellan's line
of wagon communication with Washington, but we found only a few
wagons to capture, and pushed on to Barnesville, which we found
just vacated by a company of the enemy's cavalry. We had here
corroborated what we had heard before, that Stoneman had between
4,000 and 5,000 troops about Poolesville and guarding the river
fords.
I lost not a
man killed on the expedition, and only a few slight wounds. The
enemy's loss is not known, but Pelham's one gun compelled the
enemy's battery to change it position three times. The remainder
of the march was destitute of interest. The conduct of the command
and their behavior toward the inhabitants is worthy of the highest
praise; a few individual cases only were exceptions in this
particular.
Brigadier-General Hampton and Colonels Lee, Jones, Wickham, and
Butler, and the officers and men under their command, are entitled
to my lasting gratitude for their coolness in danger and cheerful
obedience to orders. Unoffending persons were treated with
civility, and the inhabitants were generous in proffers of
provisions on the march. We seized and brought over a large number
of horses, the property of citizens of the United States. The
valuable information obtained in this reconnaissance as to the
distribution of the enemy's force communicated orally to the
commanding general, and need not be here repeated. A number of
public functionaries and prominent citizens were taken captives
and brought over as hostages for our own unoffending citizens,
whom the enemy has form from their homes and confined in dungeons
in the North. One or two of my men lost their way, and are
probably in the hands of the enemy.
The results of
this expedition, in a moral and political point of view, can
hardly be estimated, and the consternation among property holders
in Pennsylvania beggars description.
I am especially indebted to Captain B. S. White (C. S.
Cavalry) and to Messrs. Hugh Logan and Harbaugh, whose skillful
guidance was of immense service to me. My staff is entitled to my
thanks for untiring energy in the discharge of their duties.
I enclose a
map to appear in Atlas of the expedition, drawn by Captain William
W. Blackford, to accompany this report: also a copy of orders
enforced during the march.
Believing that the hand of God was clearly manifested in
the signal deliverance of my command from danger, and the crowning
success attending it, I ascribe to Him the praise, the honor, and
the glory.
I have the
honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. E. B. Stuart, Major-General, Commanding Cavalry. CSA”
At
daylight of October 12, General Stuarts advance guard entered
Hyattstown, over 33 miles from Emmitsburg. General Stuart along
with his men and artillery had traveled an amazing 65 miles within
20 hours. By the time General Stuart reached Hyattstown on October
12th, Cole's cavalry caught up with the rear of Confederate
cavalry. A skirmish developed and seven Confederate troopers were
captured.
The Federal
cavalry had several opportunities to attack General Stuart’s
cavalry at Emmitsburg and Rocky Ridge. With false intelligence,
missed opportunities, and the slowness of the Federal couriers of
these intelligence dispatches had allowed General Stuart more time
to get further away.
Editor's
note:
Several stories are told today about
Stuart's Raid. Story one states:
As Stuart’s
cavalry entered Fairfield, Pennsylvania, the advance guard spotted Mr.
Shroeder's buggy. The Confederate Raiders surrounded the buggy and
waited for General Stuart to arrive. Hartman stated his buggy
was broken up and his horses were confiscated. At the time Shroeder was traveling with his little boy, when
they were captured. One of the soldiers gave the little boy a worn
out horse and sent him home, while his father was taken prisoner. Also
Hartman and Sheads were also taken prisoner near Fairfield. But they
made their escape at Woodsboro, Md.
Another story that
is told as it also relates to a horse and buggy: "As
Stuart’s cavalry entered Woodsboro, Maryland, the advance guard
spotted a buggy. The driver yelled to the Confederates "to make way".
The Confederates troopers did not move and the driver yelled again, “I
am an officer of the of 79th
Pennsylvania on recruiting detail and I must get on.” The Confederate
Raiders surrounded the buggy and waited for General Stuart to arrive.
The Federal officer saw Stuart and asked if he was the officer in
charge? General Stuart replied to the officer that he was Stuart.
The man then argued until a trooper got into the buggy and took the
reins away from the Federal officer. The officer stated, “What means
is this.” The trooper replied “JEB Stuart Major General of Cavalry,
Confederate States of America.” The Federal Officer then replied,
“I’m procured, my God.” The Confederate trooper then took his buggy
and drove it away."
Read
other articles by John Miller
Read
Mike Hillman's Account of the Emmitsburg role in the
Battle of Gettysburg
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