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Franklin Repository: August 24, 1864 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

Gen. M'Causland in Chambersburg!
(Column 1)

Summary: The article describes McCausland's invasion of Chambersburg. The Repository explains that General Couch had no troops because as soon as he organized troops, they were called to fortify Grant's forces. General Averill was unable to move his troops into Chambersburg until five hours after the burning. On Friday the 29th, McCausland moved his forces into Chambersburg. The rebels demanded either $500,000 in greenbacks or $100,000 in gold, but the citizens refused to pay. The rebels fired fifty houses in ten minutes. Captain Smith, son of the Virginia governor, burned Norland, A. K. McClure's mansion. The citizens were able to catch and execute some of the rebel soldiers. After leaving Chambersburg, the rebels moved on to McConnelsburg. The rebels robbed many of Chambersburg's citizens and caused enormous destruction. The article lists the names of those whose properties were destroyed: South Side of Market: J. Wolfkill--Josiah Allen; North Side of Market: C. Stout--S. Eckert, and including a building owned by C. W. Eyster, the Court House and the Engine House; West Side Main to Square: B. Chambers--R. Austin, and including a building owned by R. Austin; East Side Main From Square to King: J. Hoke--Mrs. G. Goettman, and including a building owned by D. Trostle; West Side Main From Square to Washington: Mrs. Gilmore--B. Radebaugh, and including the Chambersburg Bank, a building owned by J. B. Miller; East Side Main From Washington to Square: F. Spahr--A. B. Hamilton, and including a building owned by J. P. Culbertson, one owned by D. Reisher, one owned by J. A. Eyster, one owned by James Eyster, two owned by Eyster & Bro., one owned by Brand & Flack, a Mansion House and the Academy; Queen-South Side: J. W. Reges--A. Banker, and including another building owned by J. Flinder, one owned by W. Wallace, one owned by J. A. Eyster, and one owned by Mrs. Fisher; Queen-North Side: Huber (& Co.)--J. P. Culbertson, and including the Baptist Church, a brewery owned by G. Ludwig, a building owned by T. Carlisle, one owned by W. Wallace, and one owned by J. P. Culbertson; Second Street: P. H. Peiffer--A. Reineman, and including one owned by J. A. Eyster; Franklin: M. Cole--P. Evans; Wolfstown: Dr. Senseny--N. Uglow; Water: G. Kindline; Alley: Widow Palmer--H. Greenawalt; King: G. Chambers--A. McElwaine. The committee that evaluated the destroyed real estate consisted of: W. McLellan--J. Armstrong.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Wolfkill, Patrick Campbell, Peter McGaffigan, James C. Austin, R. Austin, William H. McDowell, James M. Brown, Jacob Sellers, J. W. Douglas, Martin Brown, J. Allison Eyster, James C. Eyster, Mrs. Jordan, L. S. Clark, C. M. Duncan, Edmund Culbertson, Mrs. Bard, Gehr, Denny, Augustus Duncan, Henry Monks, Edward Aughinbaugh, Dr. William H. Boyle, Mary Gillan, T. J. Wright, Samuel F. Greenawalt, A. H. McCulloh, Rev. Mr. Nelson, John P. Culbertson, Mrs. Riddle, E. Finefrock, W. F. Eyster, Robert E. Tolbert, Matthew Gillan, Alex Fritx, Mrs. Frederick Smith, John Burkholder, Hunter Robison, Jacob B. Miller, John Bigley, Thomas Cook, Nathan Pierce, Barnet Wolff, J. M. Wolfkill, Jacob Shafer, Richard Woods, John King, Christian Pisle, Mrs. Elizabeth Stouffer, Andrew Banker, Mrs. Butler, Mary Rapp, James Nill, Josiah Allen, C. Stout, Samuel Brandt, John M. McDowell, Daniel Trostle, Mrs. Radebaugh, Mrs. Jos. Chambers, George W. Brewer, Mrs. Jacob Smith, John Miller, John R. Cook, C. W. Eyster, Lambert, Huber, S. M. Shillito, James King, Peter Brough, John Noel, D. O. Gehr, B. F. Nead, A. D. Caufman, Mrs. Goettman, Peiffer, T. B. Kennedy, Rev. B. S. Schneck, Levi Humelshine, Samuel Etter, Rev. N. Schlosser, Sebastian Eckert, Benjamin Chambers, William G. Reed, Mrs. C. Snyder, Allen Smith, Christian Flack, Jacob Schoffield, Matthew P. Welsh, Christian Stouffer, George Chambers, A. J. Miller, James Watson, Jacob Hoke, Dr. Langheim, Widow Montgomery, Susan Chambers, A. P. Frey, A. S. Hull, Mrs. George Goettman, Mrs. Gilmore, Dr. Richards, Christian Burkhart, John M. Cooper, James L. Black, James Hamilton, John A. Grove, Jacob Hutten, John McClintock, Lewis Shoemaker, Samuel Greenawalt, J. Allison Eyster, William Heyser, Rev. S. R. Fisher, George Lehner, George Ludwig, Charles F. Miller, Adam Wolff, John Forbes, John Dittman, Joseph Deckelmayer, Samuel Ott, B. Radebaugh, F. Spahr, Miss Hetrick, John A. Lemaster, Augustus Reineman, Samuel M. Perry, David L. Taylor, John W. Taylor, George Ludwig, H. H. Hutz, Daniel Reisher, Michael Kuss, Isaac Hutton, John Lambert, Mrs. R. Fisher, William Wallace, Brand, A. J. White, Hiram White, John Jeffries, A. B. Hamilton, John W. Reges, William Cunningham, John Mull, J. T. Hoskinson, Jacob Flinder, Mrs. John Lindsay, Barnard Wolff, Mrs. Blood, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Sarah Stevenson, John D. Grier, Susan Nixon, Robert Davis, John Cree, Samuel Myers, Mrs. Thompson, George S. Eyster, Andrew Banker, Widow William Grove, Thomas Carlisle, Kindline, Widow Alexander Grove, John Huber, Abraham Huber, H. Soire, Nicholas Snyder, S. D. Culbertson, Mrs. Brand, P. Henry Peiffer, Benjamin Rhodes, Charles Croft, John P. Keefer, John Reasner, Jacob S. Brown, John Doebler, Holmes Crawford, Samuel Armstrong, Augustus Reineman, Martin Cole, Phillip Evans, Dr. A. H. Senseny, N. Uglow, George Kindline, Widow Palmer, Nicholas Garwick, Henry Greenawalt, George Chambers, Upton Washabaugh, Conrad Harman, A. K. McClure, Jacob Eby, Andrew McElwaine, William McLellan, C. M. Burnett, Joseph Clark, D. K. Wunderlich, John Armstrong)

Summary Of War News
(Column 2)

Summary: Summarizes war news including Grant's movement north of the James River, General Sheridan's pursuit of General Early up the Shenandoah Valley beyond Winchester, and Commodore Farragut's destruction of most of the rebel fleet at Mobile.

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the issuing of the Old Flag campaign paper.

Burning Of Chambersburg
(Column 3)

Summary: The Repository contradicts the rebel excuse that the burning of Chambersburg retaliated for similar destruction committed by Union forces. The Repository justifies several examples of destruction committed by Union forces including Hunter's destruction of six houses on his march to Lynchburg, the burning of Governor Letcher's house, the destruction of the Lexington Military Institute, Jacksonville, Alexandria, Jackson and other towns.

Wanted--A Policy
(Column 4)

Summary: Demands that the federal government establish a policy of vindication for war crimes committed against civilians. The Repository holds General McCausland, General Early, General Lee, and the rebel soldiers accountable for the burning and sacking of Chambersburg.

In Search Of A Victim
(Column 5)

Summary: The Repository condemns the attempts by the New York Herald and the Tribune to blame Chambersburg's destruction on the residents, General Couch, and Governor Curtin.

[No Title]
(Column 7)

Summary: The Repository notes its resumption of publication after a suspension covering three issues. The paper changed format from six to seven columns with fewer pages on the expense of paper and the destruction of its press.

[No Title]
(Column 7)

Summary: Reports the passage of the militia bill by the legislature that provides a loan of $3,000,000 and authorizes the organization of a state guard. The editors are unsure whether state guard soldiers will be exempt from the federal draft.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The Repository complains of the "pitiful sum of $100,000" that the legislature appropriated for the citizens of Chambersburg for the recent destruction. The editors express hope that a "just and more faithful legislature" will exist next winter, providing Chambersburg fair restitution.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The Repository celebrates the passage of suffrage for soldiers by a majority of nearly 100,000. Franklin County supported the amendment with almost a 2,400 majority.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Discusses the Democratic National Convention meeting in Chicago on August 29. The Repository expects the nomination of General G. B. McClellan for the presidency.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: The editors ask readers to forgive the papers imperfections caused by a new cylinder press.

Brig. Gen. Crawford
(Column 1)

Summary: Praises Brig. General Crawford for ordering in all his Union soldiers protecting civilian rebel property and for organizing a conscription to help the citizen of Chambersburg. The editors also note that Mrs. Seddon, wife of the rebel Secretary of War, had her house burned in retaliation for the burning of Post Master General Blair's house.

[No Title]
(Column 1)

Summary: Reports the defeat of the rebel General Wheels in his attack on Dalton.

Personal
(Column 1)

Summary: Calls attention to Governor Curtin's subscription of $1,000 and Simon Cameron's subscription of $500 for the relief of the citizens of Chambersburg.

The Future Of Chambersburg
(Column 2)

Summary: The Repository argues that the people of Chambersburg should take the initiative in rebuilding, instead of letting strangers establish new business and new buildings. The editors argue that the incorporation of the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad brings new opportunities for wealth.

Full Text of Article:

The fairest town of the Cumberland Valley is in ruins. Half its people are homeless and very many of them penniless and helpless. The stoutest heart must quail as the blackened walls, and withered shades of our beautiful village are witnessed, where were once cheerful and hospitable homes, heartsome trees, the busy hum of industry and the enterprise of our merchants.

But let us borrow no sorrow over our desolation. There are enough hearts which must bleed--enough who must embrace relentless want, when all is done that can be done. Let stout hearts therefore review the future of Chambersburg. They are wanted for their own sakes, for the sake of the many doomed to suffering, and they are wanted to give new life to the charred homes and dismal ruins around us. Chambersburg must be re-built. It was not the unhealthy fruit of speculation. No fictitious business--no surge of wild adventure created it. It was the natural, healthy offspring of the great and growing wealth of the beautiful valley in which it was centred. In its business it had no rival, and can have none hereafter. It must supply the same inevitable wants hereafter as heretofore. Its stores must be replaced--its shops must resound again with the sound of the anvil and chisel; its artizans must find the same demand for their handi-work, and its professions have the same duties to-day they had a month ago. Its vast water-power still courses through the heart of our ruins, and new structures must soon turn it to enterprise and profit. In short, the business of Chambersburg, in all its various branches, was imperatively demanded by the wants of the community, and it must be restored.

How shall it be done? We hope that the great Commonwealth of which we are an integral part--to which we yield obedience and tribute as the price of common safety--will not be unmindful of the just claim of our people. If not now, we think hereafter this just principle must be recognized; but the future of Chambersburg, however aided, depends upon the energy and determination of her own people. Many escaped the ravages of the fiendish foe entirely, and many others were but crippled in various degrees--not broken in capital or means of livelihood. To such men--one and all--the ruins of Chambersburg appeal for the prompt restoration of our homes and places of business. Ours is a common sorrow. Neither in age, sex, condition or persuasion were shared in the brutality of the enemy, and the cause of one is the cause of all; and to all who have escaped, whether wholly or partially, they have a right to appeal for substantial aid in making new homes and stores, and shops and offices. If we thus go hand in hand and stand shoulder to shoulder, we shall soon see our people employed and thus supplied, and the town will revive as if by magic. If we stand selfishly aside, and make our own our only cause, we shall drive the broken and despairing from us, and thus lose a very large class of our best population.

Who shall profit by our misfortunes? There will be more money made in Chambersburg during the next two years, in legitimate business than has been made in the last five. Shall our own sufferers gather these profits, or shall adventurers and strangers? One or the other it must be. If our own people do not rebuild substantially, and slow determination to retain their places and their business as far as it may be at all possible, then will adventurers and sharpers take their places. They will squat on our best vacant corners, gather the profits which should be received by our own people, and as substantial improvement makes them, they will pocket their gain and strike off for some new field I which to reap and carry off a harvest. Our own people can in most instances preserve their business to themselves if they will manfully and resolutely stand together to help each other until the cloud of adversity passes away. True, some must sink beneath the load of misfortune, and for these let the generous contributions of the people of the State perform their kindest offices.

Chambersburg is just about to enter upon a prosperous future. After years of fruitless effort we are about to be connected with the great West by a railroad, which must add immensely to the wealth and prosperity of our people. The bill incorporating the Southern Pennsylvania Railroad Company became a law a few days ago, and we are assured that it will be promptly made. It will open new fields of wealth in the Southern counties--must build new villages, and enhance the price of every acre of land in our valley. It comes as the silver lining to the dark cloud just cast over us, and bids us take heart and hope in retrieving the sad calamity that has befallen us. This great enterprise must give a new impulse to the business of Chambersburg, and those who are first and boldest in appreciating the fact, will most profit by it.

Dark as is the hour, let us not forget that it has the promise of future prosperity to our town. Let us therefore make common cause to restore Chambersburg; to help the needy; to encourage the desponding, and to give prompt and permanent aid to make the town better if possible than before. The man who erects the first good house on the ruins of his old one, will be the best benefactor of our people, and every man who imitates his example will do a good deed alike for himself and for the many dependent around us. One and all let us resolve that Chambersburg shall be rebuilt, that her population shall again sit down in prosperity where rebel brutality made withering desolation, and when once resolved upon, the good work will be more than half done.

The Printing Offices
(Column 2)

Summary: The Repository lists the damages incurred by the Repository at $7,500, the Valley Spirit at $5,000, and the German Reformed Messenger at $40,000.

Official Vote Of Franklin
(Column 3)

Summary: The editors provide a breakdown of the vote for the three amendments to the Constitution. The first amendment provided suffrage to the soldiers. In Antrim: 1st--for 396, against 1; 2nd-- for 401; 3rd--for 400. In Chambersburg (North Ward): 1st--for 244, against 7; 2nd--for 247, against 3; 3rd--for 246, against 2.In South Ward: 1st--for 161, against 14; 2nd--for 176, against 2; 3rd--for 175, against 2.In Concord: 1st--for 31, against 33; 2nd--for 31, against 33; 3rd--for 31, against 32. In Dry Run: 1st--for 89, against 35; 2nd--for 89, against 38; 3rd--for 89, against 41. In Fayetteville: 1st--for 158, against 78; 2nd--for 154, against 77; 3rd--for 153, against 79. In Greenvillage: 1st--for 134, against 3; 2nd--for 129, against 33; 3rd--for 129, against 32. In Guilford: 1st--for 93, against 11; 2nd--for 90, against 9; 3rd--for 90, against 9. In Hamilton: 1st--for 82, against 14; 2nd--for 83, against 14; 3rd--for 83, against 15. In Letterkenny: 1st--for 118, against 98; 2nd--for 118, against 97; 3rd--for 118, against 98. In Loudon: 1st--for 77, against 2; 2nd--for 77, against 2; 3rd--for 77, against 2. In Lurgan: 1st--for 79, against 88; 2nd--for 79, against 88; 3rd--for 80, against 87. In Mercersburg: 1st--for 143, against 1; 2nd--for 144; 3rd--for 144. In Orrstown: 1st--for 68, against 83; 2nd--for 70, against 81; 3rd--for 66, against 86. In Peters: 1st--for 90, against 6; 2nd--for 92, against 4; 3rd--for 92, against 4. In Quincy: 1st--for 132, against 87; 2nd--for 132, against 87; 3rd--for 130, against 87. In Southampton: 1st--for 21, against 36; 2nd--for 19, against 37; 3rd--for 19, against 37. In St. Thomas: 1st--for 98, against 5; 2nd--for 98, against 5; 3rd--for 98, against 5.In Sulphur Spring: 1st--for 31, against 37; 2nd--for 31, against 37; 3rd--for 31, against 37. In Welsh Run: 1st--for 28, against 69; 2nd--for 27, against 70; 3rd--for 27, against 71. In Washington: 1st--for 199, against 1; 2nd--for 202, against 1; 3rd--for 201, against 2. In Warren: 1st--for 41, against 12; 2nd--for 40, against 4; 3rd--for 32, against 4.Totals: 1st--for 2513, against 721, Majority 1792; 2nd--for 2529, against 722, Majority 1807; 3rd--for 2511, against 732, Majority 1779.

Fire
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that the stable owned by Rev. Schlosser (attached to the former residence of Colonel Elder) was destroyed by arson on August 21. The loss is $200. The Repository notes the large numbers of supposed Union refugees in the county and urges citizens to report anyone suspicious.
(Names in announcement: Colonel Elder, Rev. Schlosser)

Wounded Officers At Home
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces that Captain Harmony, of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, came home to Chambersburg last week, after being wounded at Petersburg on July 30. Captain Frey, commanding Company D, 77th Regiment P. V., is in Chambersburg, after being wounded in the right leg at Atlanta on July 21.
(Names in announcement: Captain John H. Harmony, Captain Frey)

A Valuable Horse Dead
(Column 3)

Summary: Details the death of an expensive horse, owned by an unnamed company in Chambersburg. The horse was moved to Carlisle to avoid the invasion where it died of heat exhaustion.

Mr. S. S. Shryock
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces that Shryock re-opened his book store in the law office of Hon. McDowell Sharpe.
(Names in announcement: Mr. S. S. Shryock, Hon. J. McDowell Sharpe)

Capt. John E. Walker
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports the death of John E. Walker, of Company A, 77th Pennsylvania Volunteers of Waynesboro, in a skirmish near Atlanta on August 5. He was shot near the rebel rifle pits.
(Names in announcement: Captain John E. Walker)

Samuel G. Lane, M. D.
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the appointment of Dr. Lane as Assistant Surgeon General of Pennsylvania.
(Names in announcement: Samuel G. LaneM. D.)

Destructive Fire
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports that Guyer's barn and stable at Horse Valley were destroyed by fire on August 9 in a probable case of arson.
(Names in announcement: Mr. David Guyer)

The Signal Boys
(Column 3)

Summary: Describes the visit home for part of the Signal Corps from Chambersburg. The corps came for their pay and fresh horses. They left to join Sheridan's forces.

The August Court
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that the August Court term "was a failure, owing to the uncertainty of the status of the territory of Franklin County. Judge King opened the court in the basement of the Methodist E. Church, but no business of importance was transacted."
(Names in announcement: Judge King)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports the release of Culbertson and Hamilton from Libby Prison in Richmond. Culbertson returned to Chambersburg and Hamilton traveled Pittsburgh to be with his family.
(Names in announcement: John P. Culbertson, Dr. James Hamilton)

Mr. Jacob P. Noel
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports the appointment of John P. Noel, of Chambersburg, one of the original members of the 107th Regiment P. V., to a first class clerkship in the Adjutant General's Office at Washington.
(Names in announcement: Mr. John P. Noel)

Capt. Jos. A. Davison
(Column 3)

Summary: Announces the appointment of Joseph A. Davison as Recruiting Agent for Franklin County in the rebel states.
(Names in announcement: Captain Joseph A. Davison)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Reports the return of General Couch and his staff to their headquarters in Chambersburg.

Thomas Carlisle, Sr
(Column 3)

Summary: Calls attention to the appointment of Thomas Carlisle as a Notary Public for Chambersburg.
(Names in announcement: Thomas CarlisleSr.)

[No Title]
(Column 3)

Summary: Notes that William Heyser retired from the drug business. Charles H. Cressler serves as the successor in the firm of Heyser and Cressler. Heyser does business at the house of Dr. S. R. Fisher.
(Names in announcement: Mr. William Heyser, Mr. Charles H. Cressler, Dr. S. R. Fisher)