Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 14.djvu/487

 General Stuart's Expedition into Pennsylvania. 481

where it camped for the night. At dayhght next morning (October loth) 1 crossed the Potomac at McCoy's, between Williamsport and Hancock, with some httle opposition, capturing some two or three horses of the enemy's pickets. We were told here by citizens that a large force had been camped the night before at Clear Spring, and were supposed to be e7i route to Cumberland. We proceeded north- ward until we had 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 eight or ten 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 towards 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 direc- tion of Mercersburg, Penn., which point was reached about 12 M. I was extremely anxious to reach Hagerstown, where large supplies were stored, but was satisfied, from reliable information, that the no- lice the enemy had of my approach, and the proximity of his forces, would enable him to prevent my capturing it. I, therefore, turned towards Chambersburg. I did not reach this point till after dark, in a rain. I did not deem it safe to defer the attack till morning, nor was it proper to attack a place full of women and children without sum- moning 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 three minutes. Brigadier-General Wade Hampton's command being in advance took possession of the place, and I ap- pointed him Military Governor of the city. No incidents 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 two hundred and seventy five 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 railroads were obstructed. Next morn- ing it was acertained th'at a large number of small arms and muni- tions of war were stored about the railroad buildings, all of which that could not be easily brought away were destroyed — consisting of about five thousand new muskets, pistols, sabres, ammunition, also a