Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 24.djvu/348

 340 Southern Historical Society Papers.

the Potomac, we took possession of Williamsport, and were received very kindly by the inhabitants. Tables, with plenty of milk, bread, and meat, had been spread in the street, and we took a hasty break- fast. Soon after this we rode towards Hagerstown, Maryland, where we arrived at noon, and were enthusiastically welcomed by the ladies. They made us presents of flowers, and the children shouted, " Hur- rah for Jeff. Davis!" The ladies entreated us not to advance into Pennsylvania, where we would be attacked by superior forces. How- ever, we sped on, and when we came in sight of Greencastle, Penn- sylvania, General Jenkins divided his brigade in two forces. My company belonged to the troops forming the right wing, and pistols and muskets in hand, traversing ditches and fences, we charged and took the town. The Federal cavalry escaped, and only one lieu- tenant was captured. After destroying the railroad depot, and cut- ting the telegraph wires, the brigade took up its advance to Cham- bersburg, Pennsylvania. No other Confederate cavalry force seems to co-operate with our brigade, numbering about 3,200 officers and men. Our vanguard had several skirmishes with the retreating enemy. On the road we found several partly burned wagons, which they had destroyed; and at n o'clock at night, we entered the city of Chambersburg, and on its eastern outskirts we went into camp.

June 1 6th. Early in the morning our pickets were attacked by the Federals, but the enemy was repulsed, and we made some prisoners. A railroad bridge and telegraph connections were de- stroyed by our men. General Jenkins ordered the storekeepers to open their establishments, and we purchased what we needed, pay- ing in Confederate money. The inhabitants had to provide rations for the troops and we fared very well, but their feelings toward us were very adverse. However, a number of them, belonging to the peace-party, treated us kindly, especially were the Germans in favor of peace. Many inhabitants had fled in haste from the city, but owing to the uddenness of our approach, clothes and household utensils were left scattered in the streets. I was ordered, with part of my company, to move this unprotected property safely into the houses of its probable owners. At 9 o'clock at night General Jenkins had his brigade alarmed, to see how soon the troops would be in readiness for action, and was much pleased with the result.

June iyth. Early in the morning the citizens were ordered by the general to give up all weapons, and we received about 500 guns of all sorts, sabres, pistols, etc. The useful arms were loaded on wagons and the others were destroyed. About n o'clock news