R. Jones writes from Chambersburg to Union General-in-Chief Winfield Scott in April, 1861. He discusses his withdrawal from a town, probably Harpers Ferry, in the face of Confederate troops.
Representatives of the northern counties of Virginia write Robert E. Lee concerning the military situation in April, 1861. They mention a large Union buildup of forces at Chambersburg, express fear for their counties and the Shenandoah Valley, and request reinforcements to deal with the threat.
D. G. Duncan writes the Confederacy's first Secretary of War Leroy P. Walker in April, 1861, on the situation in Maryland and northern Virginia. Duncan mentions that a Federal force gathering at Chambersburg threatens Harper's Ferry, complains about confused responses by Virginia militia, discusses the arrival of Union troops in Maryland and Washington, D. C., and mentions refugees from Maryland entering Virginia with their slaves.
J. H. Sherrard writes Roy Conrad on Confederate attempts to defend the Shenandoah Valley in April, 1861. Sherrard expresses fear about a Union build-up of force at Chambersburg, and discusses the state of Confederate forces defending northern Virginia.
Citizens of Winchester write Robert E. Lee in April, 1861, to complain of the lack of defenses along Virginia's northwestern border. They express fear of a Union build-up of forces at Chambersburg, and describe the state of Confederate forces in the area.
Early in the war, Chambersburg served as a staging ground for new Union regiments arriving at the front. In this May, 1861, letter, Union General Robert Patterson, commanding troops in Pennsylvania and Maryland, writes Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend to notify him of the location and status of his men. He mentions that he sent two unequipped regiments to camps of instruction in Chambersburg.
Richard E. Byrd writes General Robert E. Lee in April, 1861, to discuss important points in northwestern Virginia threatened by a Union build-up in Chambersburg.
Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson reports to Robert E. Lee from Harper's Ferry in May, 1861. He discusses preparations for the defense of the town, and reports Union forces at Chambersburg.
Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson reports to Robert E. Lee on preparations to defend Harper's Ferry in May, 1861. He discusses that Confederate forces in the town that included an infantry company from Augusta County. He estimates that 4,000 Federal troops oppose him in the vicinity of Chambersburg.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding the Department of Pennsylvania, reports to the Assistant Adjutant General in May, 1861, concerning the muster-in and position of troops under his command. He mentions several regiments stationed at Chambersburg.
Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin writes Secretary of War Simon Cameron in May, 1861, to inform him that regiments stationed at Chambersburg are in excellent shape and are reaching combat readiness.
Union General Robert Patterson writes Colonel Edward D. Townsend in May, 1861, concerning the outfitting and deploying of new regiments. He mentions several regiments located, in varying states of readiness, at Chambersburg.
Union Ordnance Lieutenant T. J. Treadwell writes Fitz-John Porter in May, 1861, concerning the supply of round ball accouterments. He says he will be able to equip the Seventh Regiment, stationed at Chambersburg.
Confederate Major of Engineers W. H. C. Whiting reports on the defense of Harper's Ferry in May, 1861. He mentions that a Union force is gathering in Chambersburg to move on the town, and discusses the probable route of Federal advance.
Union Colonel and Department of Pennsylvania Assistant Adjutant Fitz-John Porter issues orders in May, 1861, for several Pennsylvania regiments to proceed by train to Chambersburg.
Union Adjutant Fitz-John Porter sends orders to General W. H. Keim, commanding at Chambersburg, in May, 1861. Porter orders Keim to move forces gathering in the Chambersburg area to points around Hagerstown.
Union General Robert Patterson writes to Army Adjutant Edward D. Townsend in May, 1861, concerning the build-up of forces at Chambersburg. Patterson announces he will go to the town, and outlines plans for an advance on Confederate territory.
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston writes a memorandum for Robert E. Lee on Union preparations in the vicinity of Chambersburg for an advance on Virginia. Johnston estimates Federal troop strengths and plans of advance.
Confederate Colonel J. W. Allen passes on intelligence on May, 1861, Union movements to General Joseph E. Johnston. Allen estimates Federal troop strengths in the Chambersburg area and discusses their departure from the town.
In June, 1861, Union General Robert Patterson, commanding the Department of Pennsylvania, prepared to advance on Confederate-held Harper's Ferry. Patterson discusses his plans to gather his forces at Chambersburg before moving. He also mentions the locations and status of some of his regiments.
Union General Robert Patterson writes from Chambersburg in June, 1861, to notify Assistant Adjutant Edward D. Townsend that his force is ready to move.
Union Assistant Adjutant Edward D. Townsend writes General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, in June, 1861. Townsend instructs Patterson to await orders.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding the Department of Pennsylvania, writes Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend in June, 1861, to announce his arrival in Chambersburg, and to discuss plans for an advance on Harper's Ferry.
Union Adjutant Fitz-John Porter reads an address to the troops in Chambersburg in June, 1861. By the order of General Robert Patterson, the address prepares the troops for battle and reminds them of the reasons for which they are fighting.
Union officer Fitz-John Porter writes Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend from Chambersburg in June, 1861. He discusses the building of a blockhouse on Maryland Heights, the Confederate defense of the Shenandoah, actions of Confederate cavalry including oppression of civilians, and the green nature of Union troops.
Union Assistant Adjutant Edward D. Townsend writes General Robert Patterson, stationed at Chambersburg, in June, 1861. Townsend instructs him to delay any advance until more troops arrive.
Confederate Captain Robert Doyle reports to General Joseph Johnston in June, 1861, on preparations to meet an impending Federal advance into Virginia. He passes on estimates of Union troop strengths in Chambersburg.
These Union General Orders issued by the Department of Pennsylvania at Chambersburg in June, 1861, specify requirements and regulations for transportation and baggage trains of marching regiments.
Union Adjutant Fitz-John Porter writes from the Department of Pennsylvania, stationed at Chambersburg, to Colonel Lew Wallace, commanding troops in the field, in June, 1861. Porter instructs Wallace to halt his men at Cumberland and cross the Potomac, gather information on the Confederate forces, encourage unionists, and locate stores and forage.
Union General Robert Patterson writes from Chambersburg to Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend in June, 1861. Patterson discusses his plans for an advance into Maryland, mentions regiments he is expecting to receive, and details troop strengths in the Chambersburg area.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, writes Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend in June, 1861, regarding movements of regiments in preparation for an advance into Maryland.
Union Adjutant Fitz-John Porter, stationed with the Department of Pennsylvania at Chambersburg, writes Colonel George Thomas in June, 1861. Porter gives Thomas instructions for an advance into Maryland and Virginia, including how to deal with unionists and Confederate opposition.
Union General Robert Patterson writes from Chambersburg to General T. A. Morris in June, 1861. Patterson mentions getting information from a Mr. Pendleton. He also gives advice on strategic movements.
Maryland Governor Thomas Hicks writes Union General Robert Patterson, commanding troops at Chambersburg, to request that a detachment of soldiers be sent to defend Frederick, Maryland, in June, 1861.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding troops at Chambersburg, writes to Secretary of War Simon Cameron to request that more regiments be sent to the town. In June, 1861, Patterson was charged with advancing on Confederate-held Harper's Ferry. Patterson requests the reinforcements for that reason, and also discusses his apprehensions for the coming battle.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, responds to Maryland Governor Thomas Hicks' June, 1861, request for troops to protect Frederick, Maryland. Patterson assures Hicks that his command, which included Maryland, will do all in its power to protect the state.
Union Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend writes in June, 1861, to General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, with authorization from General-in-Chief Winfield Scott to order reinforcements to his command.
Union Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania Fitz-John Porter issues a list of regiments stationed in the Chambersburg area in June, 1861. Porter also establishes guidelines for instruction.
E. D. Townsend writes from Chambersburg to Union Colonel C. P. Stone regarding the first tentative advances against the Confederacy in June, 1861.
Fitz-John Porter, Union Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania, issues orders for the headquarters medical purveyor to move from Chambersburg in June, 1861.
These Union Special Orders, issued by Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania Fitz-John Porter, concern assignment of officers to regiments in June, 1861.
In this June, 1861, dispatch, Fitz-John Porter, Union Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania, writes from Chambersburg to Colonel Lewis Wallace concerning regulations for taking prisoners. Porter instructs Wallace to avoid taking prisoners when possible, since they might encumber his regiment's movements. He asserts that a rout would be as useful to the Union cause as a large-scale surrender.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, writes to assistant adjutant Edward D. Townsend in June, 1861, to discuss an impending advance into Maryland and West Virginia. He mentions the condition of Confederates and Unionists along the Potomac, as well as his preparations to move his command to Hagerstown.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, writes to Assistant Adjutant Edward D. Townsend in June, 1861, to report on his progress in moving to Hagerstown. He mentions the arrival of General George Cadwalader to take command of troops at Greencastle.
Union General Robert Patterson's Assistant Adjutant Fitz-John Porter issues orders in June, 1861, for the troops stationed in the Chambersburg area to advance into Maryland and establish camps.
Union Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend writes in June, 1861, to General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, with instructions and information concerning his planned advance toward Harper's Ferry.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg, writes Secretary of War Simon Cameron in June, 1861, to request that mail be forwarded to his army once it leaves Chambersburg for Hagerstown.
Union Assistant Adjutant Edward D. Townsend writes General Robert Patterson, commanding at Chambersburg in June, 1861, to discuss the Confederate defenses at Harper's Ferry.
Union Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania Fitz-John Porter issues movement orders from Chambersburg in June, 1861. Porter specifies transportation and provisions for advancing brigades.
Lew Wallace reports to Union General Robert Patterson, commanding from Chambersburg, on the action of his men in battle at Romney, Virginia, in June, 1861.
Union General Robert Patterson writes from Chambersburg to Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend in June, 1861, to inform him that his advance across the Potomac will be delayed.
Union General Robert Patterson's Assistant adjutant Fitz-John Porter writes to E. D. Townsend in June, 1861. Porter discusses moving Patterson's command from Chambersburg to Hagerstown. He also talks about the prospect of capturing Harper's Ferry.
Union General Robert Patterson's Assistant Adjutant Fitz-John Porter writes from Chambersburg to Colonel Charles Stone in June, 1861. Porter asks for cooperation as Patterson's force advances on Harper's Ferry.
Union General Robert Patterson's Adjutant Fitz-John Porter writes to General George Cadwalader in June, 1861. Porter gives Cadwalader orders for a planned advance on Harper's Ferry.
Union General Robert Patterson writes from Chambersburg in June, 1861, to report on the progress of his advance toward Harper's Ferry. He details some troop movements, and mentions his intention to leave Chambersburg for Hagerstown.
Union General Robert Patterson's Assistant Adjutant Fitz-John Porter writes from Chambersburg in June, 1861, to Captain John Newton to discuss orders and plans for an advance on Harper's Ferry.
Union General Robert Patterson's Assistant Adjutant Fitz-John Porter writes from Chambersburg in June, 1861, with orders for General George Cadwalader. Porter instructs Cadwalader to prepare a scouting expedition to precede a main advance on Harper's Ferry.
Fitz-John Porter, Assistant Adjutant to Union General Robert Patterson, writes from Chambersburg in June, 1861, with orders for General George Cadwalader. Porter instructs him to detail men to aid Union forces at Cumberland. Porter also mentions the burning of Harper's Ferry.
Union General George Cadwalader writes to Fitz-John Porter, stationed at Chambersburg, in June, 1861. Cadwalader replies to Porter's order that he send a detachment of his men to Cumberland. Cadwalader insists that it would be impossible to do so.
Union General Robert Patterson, commanding the Department of Pennsylvania from Chambersburg, writes General George McClellan in June, 1861. Patterson discusses the trouble his army faces in preparing an advance on Harper's Ferry.
Union Assistant Adjutant E. D. Townsend writes Captain Du Barry, stationed at Chambersburg, in June, 1861. Townsend asks him to inform General Robert Patterson that no more troops will be sent to Chambersburg.
These Union orders, issued by Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania Fitz-John Porter at Chambersburg in June, 1861, move department headquarters from Chambersburg to Hagerstown.
Colonel Henry H. Lockwood, commanding First Regiment, Delaware Volunteers reports to Fitz-John Porter, Assistant Adjutant for the Department of Pennsylvania, headquartered at Chambersburg in June, 1861. Lockwood describes guarding the Philadelphia and Baltimore Railroad and the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal, comments on the readiness of his troops, and mentions hiring a steamer for communications on the Susquehanna.
Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston writes Inspector General Samuel Cooper in June, 1861, concerning the Confederate defenses in northwestern Virginia. Johnston describes the composition of Confederate forces in the area, speculates as to the plans of the Union force stationed at Chambersburg, and complains of Union sentiment among north-west Virginians.
Union Colonel Ambrose E. Burnside, commanding First Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, reports to General Winfield Scott on the movements of his regiment in June, 1861. He describes arriving in Chambersburg on cars of the Northern Central Railroad to join General Robert Patterson's command, camping at Greencastle, and advancing into West Virginia with Harper's Ferry as an objective.
Union General Robert Patterson writes Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin in June, 1861, to notify him that planned military movements would leave the Pennsylvania border unprotected. He designates Chambersburg as a town of military importance and suggests the Governor post state troops in the town for an adequate defence. Patterson also discusses the possibility of federalizing state troops in case of an emergency.
Union General in Chief Winfield Scott sends a telegram through Chambersburg to General Robert Patterson in June, 1861, concerning prisoners of war.
Union General-in-Chief Winfield Scott writes General Robert Patterson concerning troop movements and orders for his command in Pennsylvania and Maryland in July, 1861. Scott tells Patterson to expect to receive troops from Wisconsin via Chambersburg.
Brig. Gen. James B. Ricketts commanded the second division of the Third Corps of the Army of Virginia, which included the 107th Pa. Inf. Ricketts details the events of the battle, which included the unit being caught in a cross-fire.
J. D. Cameron writes in July, 1861, to Secretary of War Simon Cameron concerning a riot over late pay among men of the Second Pennsylvania, a regiment composed mostly of men from Chambersburg.
Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin writes Thomas A. Scott in November, 1861, concerning the possibility of raising a regiment of Franklin County men. Curtin believes it is possible if a camp can be set up at Chambersburg, where sheds and supplies are already present.
Thomas A. Scott writes Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin in November, 1861, authorizing General McAllen to raise a regiment at Chambersburg.
Union General Nathaniel P. Banks writes Colonel Leonard in December, 1861, concerning cannonading heard in the vicinity of Chambersburg. Banks asks Leonard to ascertain its origins and aid Union forces in the area if necessary.
Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin writes Secretary of War Simon Cameron in December, 1861, concerning attempts to raise a regiment at Chambersburg.