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Franklin County : Battles

1862 Valley Campaign | Second Manassas | Antietam | Fredericksburg | Chancellorsville | Gettysburg | 1864 Valley Campaign | Wilderness/Spotsylvania | Petersburg

Note: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading.


1862 Valley Campaign

Valley Spirit, May 14, 1862, p. 4, c. 6: "From General Banks' Army."
News of a skirmish near Harrisonburg, Virginia, between the 5th New York Cavalry and Ashby's Cavalry on May 6.

Valley Spirit, May 28, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "General Banks' Army."
Acknowledges the surprise and concern in Chambersburg at the news of the retreat of General Banks' army in the face of the armies of Ewell and Johnston, but dismisses the Confederate maneuvering as a side-show that will not distract McClellan or Halleck from their advances.

Valley Spirit, May 28, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "A Day Of Excitement."
The news of the massacre of Col. Kenley's First Maryland Regiment, and the defeat of General Banks near Front Royal, caused a great deal of excitement in Chambersburg. Many citizens began forming companies to head to Washington to defend the capital. A body of men under the command of Capt. Elder arrived from St. Thomas and will stay in Chambersburg and await orders.

Valley Spirit, May 28, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "Deserters."
About fifty deserters from General Banks' army passed through town on Monday, commandeered a railroad car and passed over the Franklin and Cumberland Valley Railroad. Later in the day several passed through on horseback in the company of several "contraband" blacks. The editors believe that orders to arrest these men have been issued.

Valley Spirit, June 18, 1862, p. 5, c. 4: "Important From The Shenandoah Valley."
Details the battle near Port Republic, Virginia, where Union General Fremont repulsed an attack by Stonewall Jackson. Includes official dispatches and news of the pursuit of Jackson after the battle.

Valley Spirit, June 25, 1862, p. 5, c. 3: "From The Valley Of Virginia."
Reprints a number of news reports from the armies in the Shenandoah Valley, most of which concern the army's uncertainty as to the location of Stonewall Jackson's forces. The report also includes details of Confederate cavalry raids on the Union forces outside of Richmond, and a story of an execution by Union troops in New Orleans of a man who desecrated the Stars and Stripes.

Valley Spirit, June 25, 1862, p. 8, c. 1: "Jackson's Present Position and Prospects."
A reporter writing from Winchester, Virginia, speculates on the location of Stonewall Jackson's army, and reports rumors that Jackson has been reinforced. The writer doubts that Jackson will do well in a second attack against the Union forces, but at the same time suspects that he might try anyway.

Valley Spirit, July 23, 1862, p. 5, c. 4: "War News."
Reports on Union preparations in Warrenton, and on the destruction of the railway station in Gordonsville. Jackson is rumored to be in Staunton.

Valley Spirit, August 6, 1862, p. 8, c. 2: "Gen. Pope's Army--The Right Wing."
Reports the activities of General Pope's army in Virginia, from near Madison Court House, in pursuit of Stonewall Jackson. Includes observations on the local population and contraband slaves.

Second Manassas

Valley Spirit, September 3, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The War."
Discusses recent reports of Union setbacks in Virginia. The editors blame these defeats on the fact that both the leaders and the people of the North underestimated the South. Added to that was the denial to General McClellan of sufficient troops to crush the rebellion decisively. The editors fault Congress's interference in the war. They go on to urge that the full resources of the country be thrown against the rebellion, and then note at the end that late news indicates a defeat of the Union troops at Manassas.

Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 1, c. 1: "Correspondence From 'the Army of Virginia.'"
A letter from a correspondent in the 126th stationed in Alexandria, Virginia. In it he confirms that, despite conflicting reports, the Union army did suffer a setback in territory and a major loss of arms and men. He notes that the 107th Reg't Penn. Volunteers was directly involved in the fighting, and suffered heavy losses--among those killed were several Franklin County men.

Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 4, c. 5: "From the 107th Penna. Regiment."
An extract from a letter to Dr. Reid of Chambersburg from his nephew, Lieut. J. A. Carman of Company C, 107th Reg't Penn. Volunteers. Carman's company marched nearly every day and night the past week, and fought in three battles, and those on Friday and Saturday were very fierce--his company lost its 2nd Lieutenant and 13 men, and the Captain and First Lieutenant are sick, and thus Carman is in command of the company. He estimates that over half the Regiment is missing, and Captain Dick was killed.

Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 4, c.1: "To the Rescue--Freemen of Franklin County."
In the face of the defeat and retreat of General Pope's army in Virginia, the editors call on all men of Franklin County to volunteer to fill the companies forming in the county. The draft is postponed until the 20th, giving ample opportunity for the county to fill its quota voluntarily.

Antietam

Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 4, c. 4: "Keep Cool."
It is now nearly certain, say the editors, that the enemy has crossed the Potomac in force at Edwards Ferry and, if they defeat the army in Maryland, could advance into the Cumberland Valley. The editors call for local organization to resist invaders, and for the state government to re-organize the militia of the border counties.

Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 5, c. 2: "Rebel Invas[i]on of Maryland--Jackson's Troops Across the Upper Potomac--Rebel Occupation of Poulesville and Darnestown--Destruction of the Monocacy Bridge and Canal."
Reports that Confederate troops under the command of Stonewall Jackson have crossed the Potomac from Virginia into Maryland.

Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The Late Battles."
The editors praise General McClellan for his recent victories in Maryland, the first near Frederick on September 14th, and the next near Sharpsburg on September 17th. In both instances, claim the editors, the enemy was driven to confusion and chose the quickest moment to retreat. Hopefully, the editors conclude, the lesson inflicted upon the Confederates will make them think twice before invading Maryland again.

Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 4, c. 6: "Direct From The Army."
Reprints reports from the fighting in the area of Sharpsburg, Maryland, dated September 20.

Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "Alarm And Excitement."
Two weeks before, the town of Chambersburg was rife with rumors of an enemy invasion, and the community was alarmed at the "prospect of having the rebel hordes in our midst." Business was suspended, and martial law was declared. It was particularly intense on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the week before last, but on Sunday came word that the Confederates were withdrawing their pickets from the state line. Large bodies of men from the northern, eastern, and western parts of the state, responding to the call of the Governor, poured into town and advanced to meet the enemy. Luckily, "McClellan whipped Lee on the South Mountain between Middletown and Boonsboro' on Sunday," which precipitated the Confederate evacuation of Hagerstown and took the pressure off of Franklin County.

Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 5, c. 3: "The War in Maryland!!"
Two columns of reports from the battle of Antietam.

Valley Spirit, October 1, 1862, p. 2, c. 1: "The Contest In Maryland!"
Discusses the battle at Antietam in detail. The correspondent details the flow of action in broad terms, praising the bravery of the men and the wisdom of General McClellan. General Burnside, however, is criticized for delaying the advance of his troops on the left side of the battle. The writer blames Burnside's delay for the ferocity of the fighting, as the Confederates were able to shift troops to meet each new wave of the attack.

Valley Spirit, October 1, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "The Invasion."
The editors report that all the militia companies have returned home and things are returning to normal. Several hundred wounded soldiers remain in three hospitals in the area.

Fredericksburg

Valley Spirit, December 17, 1862, p. 5, c. 5: "Summary of News."
A compilation of the week's war news, including details of events in Fredericksburg on December 12.

Valley Spirit, December 17, 1862, p. 5, c. 4: "Latest War News."
Wire service reports on the battle at Fredericksburg.

Valley Spirit, December 17, 1862, p. 5, c. 5: "Correspondence."
A brief letter written by a correspondent in the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, before the battle of Fredericksburg.

Valley Spirit, December 24, 1862, p. 1, c. 6: "Summary of News."
A digest of the week's war news, including brief mentions of the aftermath of the attack on Fredericksburg.

Valley Spirit, December 24, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The Battle at Fredericksburg."
The editors report the defeat of Union troops at Fredericksburg, arguing that it is yet another sign of the mismanagement of the war by Stanton, Halleck and Lincoln, in line with their removal of McClellan from his command.

Valley Spirit, December 24, 1862, p. 4, c. 5: "From "the Army of the Potomac.'"
A description by a correspondent in the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers of their participation in the battle of Fredericksburg.

Valley Spirit, December 24, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "'Through the kindness of a friend . . .'"
A brief letter describing the participation of the 107th Reg't Penn. Reserves in the battle of Fredericksburg.

Valley Spirit, December 24, 1862, p. 8, c. 1: "From Fredericksburg."
An article detailing the aftermath of the battle of Fredericksburg.

Valley Spirit, December 31, 1862, p. 1, c. 6: "Letter of Major-General Burnside."
Burnside's official report to General Halleck on the engagement at Fredericksburg, wherein he takes full responsibility for the failure to take the town.

Valley Spirit, December 31, 1862, p. 2, c. 4: "Correspondence."
A letter from a member of the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, listing the killed and wounded of the Regiment from the battle of Fredericksburg, and describing how several of the men were killed. He also details the activity of the regiment immediately following the battle.

Valley Spirit, January 14, 1863, p. 2, c. 1: "Why don't they Howl?"
The editors wonder why the abolitionists are not as quick to criticize General Burnside for his failure at Fredericksburg as they were to attack General McClellan. The answer, they surmise, is that the attacks on McClellan were nothing more than pure partisanship.

Valley Spirit, January 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 6: "Correspondence from "the Army of the Potomac.'"
A short letter from a correspondent in the 126th Reg't Penn. Reserves, reporting that all is quiet at their camp near Fredericksburg. The author expresses his hope that nobody plans to attack the city again in the near future.

Valley Spirit, January 21, 1863, p. 2, c. 6: "A Letter from the 107th."
A letter from Lieutenant Carman of the 107th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, describing the regiment's participation in the battle at Fredericksburg.

Chancellorsville

Valley Spirit, February 4, 1863, p. 2, c. 3: "From 'the Army of the Potomac.'"
A letter from a correspondent with the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, from the camp of "Tyler's Brigade," 3rd Division, 5th Army Corps, near Fredericksburg, Virginia. The writer describes an attempted movement to prepare for an attack on Fredericksburg that was foiled by impassable mud on the roads.

Valley Spirit, February 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 2: "From 'the Army of the Potomac.'"
A report from the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers, camped near Fredericksburg. The weather is still bad, reports the correspondent, but most of the troops are in good health. He spends the majority of the letter reflecting in the replacement of General Burnside with General Hooker, and recalling the superior executive abilities of General McClellan.

Valley Spirit, March 11, 1863, p. 2, c. 4: "Correspondence From 'the Army of the Potomac.'"
A report from a correspondent with the 126th Reg't Penn. Reserves, encamped near Fredericksburg, Virginia. He describes a Confederate raid on their lines, reflects on the organization of the Army of the Potomac and its chances for taking Fredericksburg, and relates a number of promotions and sicknesses.

Valley Spirit, April 22, 1863, p. 3, c. 3: "Correspondence From 'the Army of the Potomac.'"
A correspondent with the 126th Reg't Penn. Volunteers reports on the prospects of battle, General Tyler's court-martial, the reinstatement of several dismissed officer, a visit by President Lincoln, and the payment of the troops.

Valley Spirit, May 6, 1863, p. 2, c. 5: "Latest By Telegraph!!"
Provides two columns of news reports on the engagement at Chancellorsville.

Valley Spirit, May 6, 1863, p. 3, c. 3: "Progress of General Hooker--Rebels Massing their Troops in our Front--General Stoneman Reported as Destroying the Richmond Railroad."
This later news report from Chancellorsville notes that the actual situation was "less sanguine" than earlier stories indicated.

Valley Spirit, May 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 1: "The Result of the Great Battle."
The editors observe the defeat of Union troops at Chancellorsville and blame the loss on the administration's removal of McClellan.

Valley Spirit, May 13, 1863, p. 2, c. 4: "From the Rappahannock."
Four columns of stories on the recent engagement at Chancellorsville.

Valley Spirit, May 13, 1863, p. 3, c. 1: "The Killed, Wounded and Missing in the 126th Regiment."
List of killed and wounded from the 126th Pa. in the battle of Chancellorsville.

Gettysburg

Valley Spirit, July 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 1: "Apology."
The editors apologize for the interruption of publication due to the recent Confederate raids.

Valley Spirit, July 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 2: "The Battles of Gettysburg."
A description of the first days of fighting at Gettysburg, in which the editors praise the army for redeeming the disasters at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

Valley Spirit, July 8, 1863, p. 2, c. 2: "The Rebel Invasion."
A detailed description of the Confederate occupations of Chambersburg, including the losses sustained by the citizens of Chambersburg.

Franklin Repository, July 8, 1863, p. 4, c. 1: "The Victory at Gettysburg."
The Repository provides a brief and general description of the battle at Gettysburg, and especially discusses the retreat of the rebels. The author praises General Meade, who had received the command only three days before the battle.

Franklin Repository, July 8, 1863, p. 4, c. 3: " A Great Victory!"
Details the battle at Gettysburg, including dispatches from Gen. Meade. The accounts include Gen. Lee's attempt to call a temporary truce to bury the dead and exchange prisoners, and also praise for the brave (and wounded) Gen. Hancock.

Franklin Repository, July 8, 1863, p. 5, c.1 "The Invasion!"
Provides a lengthy report of the rebel army's invasion of Chambersburg, before (starting on June 22) and after (the evening of July 3) the battle at Gettysburg.

Valley Spirit, July 15, 1863, p. 3, c. 1: "The Situation."
The editors report on the movement of troops, both Confederate and Union, through Franklin County in the aftermath of Gettysburg. Several cavalry engagements took place in the vicinity of Funkstown and Boonsboro. Union commanders are now stationed in Chambersburg.

Franklin Repository, July 15, 1863, p. 1, c.1 "The Battle of Gettysburg."
The Repository provides descriptions of the battle of Gettysburg staring July 1, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Herald, the Richmond Enquirer, and the Whig newspapers. The article includes orders by various officers and a description of Gen. Lee's plans.

Franklin Repository, July 15, 1863, p. 4, c. 3: "The Pennsylvania Reserves."
The Repository provides a detailed account of the brave acts of the Pennsylvania Reserves and praises their leaders.

Franklin Repository, July 15, 1863, p. 5, c. 1: "Latest News!"
Details Lee's retreat across the Potomac on July 13.

Franklin Repository, July 22, 1863, p. 2, c.1 "The Battle of Gettysburg."
Provides a detailed account of the three days of battle at Gettysburg.

Franklin Repository, July 22, 1863, p. 2., c.2 "The Retreat of Lee."
Describes Lee's retreat into Virginia and blames Gen. Meade's hesitation for Lee's escape.

Franklin Repository, July 22, 1863, p. 4, c. 6: "'We have unofficial but reliable . . .'"
Calculates that the Confederacy lost at least 35,000 troops through death, injury, or capture at Gettysburg while the Union lost under 20,000.

Franklin Repository, July 22, 1863, p. 8, c. 1: "Rebel Inhumanity."
Criticizes Gen. Lee for abandoning Confederate dead and wounded on the Gettysburg battlefield.

Franklin Repository, July 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 1: "The Gettysburg Battlefield."
Describes the Gettysburg battlefield and records memories told by witnesses.

Franklin Repository, July 29, 1863, p. 2, c. 2: "Gettysburg."
Praises the leadership of Gen. S. Wylie, whose father, Rev. Dr. Crawford, resides near Chambersburg. Wylie led the Pennsylvania Reserves during the battle at Gettysburg.

Franklin Repository, November 18, 1863, p. 1, c. 4: "The Battle of Gettysburg."
Reprints Gen. Meade's official report of the battle of Gettysburg.

Franklin Repository, November 25, 1863, p. 1, c. 1: "Dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg."
Describes the dedication of the National Cemetery and includes Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Valley Spirit, February 3, 1864, p. 5, c. 2: "Public Lecture."
Reports that Rev. John A. Warner will give a lecture in Chambersburg on the battle of Gettysburg to benefit the Ladies' Aid Society. Warner was an eyewitness to the battle, and he should command a full house.

Franklin Repository, March 30, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "The Gettysburg Battle-Field."
The fledgling "Gettysburg Battle-field Memorial Association" asks for public support, offering $10.00 shares for sale, "for which suitable certificates will be issued." The money raised will go toward preserving the fields themselves, rather than paying for the erection of a monument.

1864 Valley Campaign

Franklin Repository, March 23, 1864, p. 4, c. 1: "'Lieut. Gen. Grant . . .'"
The author chastises the Federal troops for recent wanton destruction of private property, stating that "the burning of houses, mills, and other property simply because they belong to the enemy, is unwarranted by any rule of civilized warfare," even if the enemy might "provoke it by similar acts of barbarity, or by the brutal treatment of our living prisoners and the more horrible atrocities committed upon our heroic dead."

Valley Spirit, July 6, 1864, p. 5, c.1: "Rebel Invasion."
Discusses the alarm that resulted from indications that Confederate troops were moving down the Valley.

Valley Spirit, July 6, 1864, p. 8, c.1: "Confederate Advance on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad--Martinsburg Evacuated."
Reports that the Union army has been forced to evacuate Martinsburg and three columns of Confederates are approaching the city.

Valley Spirit, July 13, 1864, p. 1, c. 6: "Latest Telegraphic News!"
Reports that a small force of rebel cavalry is in Maryland. The "future intentions" of these rebels are unknown.

Valley Spirit, July 13, 1864, p. 4, c.1: "The Situation--Call For Troops."
Sounds alarm about the advancement of Confederate troops toward Washington. Urges all men--including critics of the Lincoln administration--to volunteer for service to beat back the rebel troops.

Valley Spirit, July 13, 1864, p. 5, c.1: "The Rebel Invasion."
Describes the confusion in town that has greeted the news of rebel troops advancing toward Greencastle.

Valley Spirit, July 20, 1864, p. 4, c. 5: "Why Is Pennsylvania Unprepared."
The Inquirer, a Republican newspaper, blames "venal and corrupt men" in Harrisburg for failing to take any action to protect the state from another rebel invasion.

Valley Spirit, July 27, 1864, p. 1, c.1: "Letter From Harper's Ferry."
A soldier reports on the movements of Union troops in Maryland and criticizes the officers in command.

Valley Spirit, July 27, 1864, p. 1, c. 3: "The Late National Humiliation."
Faults "military incompetence" for failing to properly defend the Valley both in recent days and throughout the war.

Valley Spirit, August 31, 1864, p. 1, c.1: "Burning of Chambersburg."
Narrates the events surrounding the burning of Chambersburg.

Valley Spirit, August 31, 1864, p. 1, c. 6: "A Citizen To The New York Herald."
Prints letter written by a Chambersburg resident to the New York Herald that counters that newspaper's "scurrilous" comments about the town's present suffering.

Valley Spirit, August 31, 1864, p. 1, c. 7: "Why Chambersburg Was Burned."
Prints comments from General Early in which he defends his "disagreeable duty" of ordering the burning of Chambersburg.

Valley Spirit, August 31, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "The Cause."
Blames the Lincoln administration for the burning of Chambersburg since it called for the retreat of General Sheridan's troops just when they were to fight General Early's men.

Valley Spirit, September 28, 1864, p. 2, c. 7: "The War."
Reports on General Sheridan's "brilliant victory" over General Jubal Early near Winchester, Virginia, on September 19.

Valley Spirit, September 28, 1864, p. 3, c. 2: "Latest by the Mails!"
Reports that Sheridan has defeated Early in the Valley.

Valley Spirit, October 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 4: "The Late Destruction Of Property In The Shenandoah Valley."
Reviews the destruction resulting from General Grant's orders to turn the Shenandoah Valley into "barren waste." Criticizes this policy as "cold-blooded brutality."

Valley Spirit, October 19, 1864, p. 2, c. 7: "The War."
Reviews recent destruction in the Shenandoah Valley and gives an overview of where federal troops are in Georgia, Alabama, and Missouri.

Valley Spirit, October 26, 1864, p. 2, c. 3: "Citizens Of Franklin County, Read:"
Condemns Lincoln administration policies--including General Grant's order to make the Valley a "barren waste"--for not protecting the interests and property of Franklin County and other Valley citizens. Urges readers to vote McClellan.

Franklin Repository, September 21, 1864, p. 2, c. 7 "Latest News!"
Describes a battle in Shenandoah Valley in which the Union defeated the rebels, drove them beyond Winchester, killed 500 rebels, and captured 2,500 prisoners, 5 cannons, and 5 battle flags. In the engagements, rebel generals Rhodes, Gordon, Wharton, and Ramseur died.

Valley Spirit, November 16, 1864, p. 2, c. 5: "The Shenandoah Valley."
Reports on news of a possible rebel offensive in the Valley.

Valley Spirit, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Latest by the Mails!"
Dispatches dated March 11 provide early details of General Sheridan's march through the Shenandoah Valley and into Staunton and Charlottesville, Virginia.

Valley Spirit, March 15, 1865, p. 2, c. 6: "Latest by Telegraph!"
Dispatches dated March 13 detail General Sheridan's march through the Shenandoah Valley and into Staunton and Charlottesville, Virginia.

Wilderness/Spotsylvania

Valley Spirit, May 11, 1864, p. 4, c.1: "The Great Battle in Virginia."
Reports that "one of the greatest battles of the war" was fought last week in Virginia. Expresses optimism that a Union victory is near.

Valley Spirit, May 18, 1864, p. 1, c. 3: "The Week of Battles."
Provides a general overview of troop movements and battles in Virginia May 5-8. Acknowledges setbacks but predicts that Union soldiers will take Richmond before long.

Valley Spirit, May 18, 1864, p. 4, c.1: "The Military Situation."
Cautions readers that despite recent gains in Virginia, the Union army has a long way to go.

Petersburg

Valley Spirit, June 22, 1864, p. 8, c.1: "Latest News by the Mails!"
Reprints dispatches dated June 15th about the battle at Petersburg.

Valley Spirit, June 22, 1864, p. 4, c. 5: "Latest Telegraphic News!"
Provides dispatches from the Union army about the battle raging outside of Petersburg.

Valley Spirit, June 29, 1864, p. 4, c.1: "The Military Situation."
Laments that Union forces have suffered a series of defeats in Virginia recently.

Valley Spirit, June 29, 1864, p. 8, c.1: "Latest News by the Mails!"
Reprints dispatches from June 23 that discuss the activities of both armies at Petersburg.

Valley Spirit, June 29, 1864, p. 8, c.1: "Latest Telegraphic News!"
Prints a report from June 27 that states that skirmishing has occurred along the lines at Petersburg, but neither army has successfully defeated the other.

Franklin Repository, July 6, 1864, p. 2, c. 1: "Washington."
Reports news from the Washington correspondent on the wounded in Union hospitals, the "gallant charge of Duncan's Black Brigade" on the outer works of Petersburg, and the Senate's passage of the conscription bill ending commutations and increasing the number of drafted men.

Valley Spirit, July 6, 1864, p. 8, c.1: "The Army of the Potomac."
Reports that General Wilson's cavalry has destroyed over twenty miles of railroad tracks near Petersburg.

Valley Spirit, July 13, 1864, p. 5, c. 3: "Letter from the 21st Penna Cavalry."
Provides the latest news on the movement and activity of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry near Petersburg, including the deaths of Lieut. R. Waters of Company K and Lieut. Lott of Company B.