Franklin County: 1860s-1870s

• "Expedition into Maryland and Pennsylvania -- Burning of Chambersburg," by Jubal Early, 1867

  In a chapter from his book, Jubal A. Early describes the Confederate reasoning and planning that culminated in the burning of Chambersburg.

• "Re-Union of the 77th," by unknown, September 28, 1869

  Reprints of toasts offered to President Ulysses S. Grant and the American flag during a regimental reunion.

• "The Contest," by A True Republican, October 5, 1869

  This is a letter decrying ex-rebels for revolting against the country and linking those efforts with postwar Democratic efforts to defeat Republicans and Republican Reconstruction.

• "Border War," by Unknown, 1869

  This poem recollecting/imagining the war in Chambersburg is more bitter and unhappy than many recollections in later years. It begins by describing the original burning of Chambersburg in the French and Indian War.

• "A Sketch of the 126th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Prepared by an Officer, and Sold for the Benefit of the Franklin County Soldiers' Monumental Association," by Unknown, 1869

  This regimental history follows the 126th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers (composed mostly of Franklin County men) from its formation in summer 1862, through its heavy losses on the heights of Fredericksburg and at Chancellorsville, to the end of its term of service in May 1863. The author also relates the story of Frances Day, a woman who joined the regiment disguised as a man in order to follow a soldier she loved, and describes the great rancor aroused in the regiment by a dispute over the required purchase of costly dress-coats. Numerous other persons and incidents are mentioned as well.

• "General Information for Soldiers and their Heirs, Entitled to Old Bounty," by Unknown, January 18, 1870

  This article lists the pensions and bounties owed to Civil War veterans and their families, on the basis of their time and length of enlistment. It shows the attention that still surrounded Civil war soldiers five years after the war ended.

• "The War," by Unknown, May 31, 1870

  This is a brief review of the soon-to-be-published second volume of Alexander Stephens' Civil War narrative. Its appearance in the newspaper shows Franklin County's continuing interest in the Civil War and specifically in ex-Confederate perspective.

• "The Burning of Chambersburg," by Unknown, August 2, 1870

  Marking the sixth anniversary of the burning of Chambersburg, the Franklin newspaper included a detailed, still angry, first-person account of the burning. Thus there was still bitterness, part of the legacy of the wartime burning.

• "The War Between the States, its Causes, Character, Conduct and Results," by A. H. Stephens, August 16, 1870

  This article is a book review for a new volume in (former vice president of the Confederacy) Alexander H. Stephen's history of the Confederacy and Civil War. The reviewer glows with praise for the work, claiming that it is informative and free from sectionalism.

• "The 77th Re-Union," by Unknown, August 23, 1870

  An announcement of an upcoming reunion for the 77th PA Volunteers, including a short description of their accomplishments.

• "What Has Become of the Democratic War Cries?," by Unknown, September 13, 1870

  This collection of rhetorical questions seems to be an indictment of the Democratic part's potency after the Civil War.

• "Myers' War Record," by Unknown, September 20, 1870

  This news article contains several long quotations from B. F. Myers, a prominent Democratic politician, regarding Lincoln. Myers was continually anti-Lincoln, even after Lincoln's assassination.

• "Good," by Unknown, September 20, 1870

  This anti-Democratic newspaper article describes the rally of the Democratic candidate for Congress, B. F. Myers.

• "Death of Gen. Robt. E. Lee," by Unknown, October 25, 1870

  An obituary for Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

• "77th Reunion Address," by Capt. G. W. Skinner, November 8, 1870

  This address was delivered before the 77th PA Volunteers at a reunion. It recounts their deeds, describes the burning of Chambersburg, and at the end calls for reunification in affection as well as theory.

• "Speech of Jefferson Davis," by unknown, June 7, 1871

  The Valley Spirit prints excerpts of a Jefferson Davis speech decrying Reconstruction to challenge "lost cause" characterizations of his address.

• "General M'Candless and his Libelers," by unknown, August 16, 1871

  Attack on "Radical" politicians who denounce Union veterans for their attachment to the Democratic party.

• "Disgraceful," by Unknown, April 10, 1872

  This newspaper article complains about the lack of honor shown to General Robert Anderson "of Fort Sumter fame" by refusing him a soldier's burial.

• "A Memoir of George Chambers of Chambersburg, Late Vice-President of the Society," by J. McDowell Sharpe, February 17, 1873

  Biography of George Chambers emphasizing his professional accomplishments and religious devotion. Describes the destruction of the Chambersburg fire as well as Chambers' views on how to punish traitors (though those views reflected his antebellum thinking and the author warns readers from applying them to Reconstruction). The article also describes Chambers' enthusiasm for the Union after hearing of the bombardment of Fort Sumter and his role in supporting the formation of an infantry company from Chambersburg.

• "The Burning of Chambersburg," by General John M'Causland, 1879

  M'Causland discusses his role as commander of the Confederate forces which burned Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He justifies his actions by describing Union raids on the South, claiming that he was only following orders given by Jubal Early, and pointing out that he gave fair warning to the people of Chambersburg before ordering his men to burn the town.

Franklin County: 1880s-1890s

• "The Lesson of Our Civil War," by A. K. McClure, June 16, 1886

  In this lecture before the literary societies of Washington and Lee University, A. K. McClure, McClure describes the origins of the Civil War as the conflict in vision between Jefferson and Washington, while slavery played a role only as an obvious expression of the deeper conflict.

• "Death of Corporal Rhial," by W. A. Reed, June 22, 1886

  This article describes Lee's invasion, including a description of the first Union casualty in Pennsylvania.

• "The Great Invasion of 1863; or, General Lee in Pennsylvania," by Jacob Hoke, 1887

  Excerpts from this 613-page book by a long-time Chambersburg resident provide first-hand glimpses of Lincoln's famous address at Gettysburg and a detailed description of the burning of Chambersburg by Confederate forces. Hoke looks closely into the causes behind Chambersburg's destruction, reprinting letters from soldiers involved in the action and concluding that the incident was the fault of brutal Confederate bushwackers in the Shenandoah Valley who set off a vicious cycle of destruction and retaliation.

• "'The Missing Link;' or The Negro's Ethnological Status," by G. C. H. Hasskarl, 1898

  Hasskarl, a Lutheran minister in Chambersburg, PA, argues that African Americans are inferior to whites, using scientific, historical, and religious arguments to bolster his claims.

Franklin County: 1900s-1910s

• "Colonel McClure To Page M. Baker," by Colonel A. K. McClure, June 11, 1901-April 25, 1903

  Correspondence between Colonel McClure and Andrew Carnegie imploring the latter contribute to the relief of Confederate Veterans and set aside civil War divisions.

• "Chapter II. Governors Ritner and Porter," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  McClure describes the very different backgrounds, personalities, and political careers of two antebellum governors, Ritner and Porter. Ritner was most noted for his educational reforms and Porter was remembered for his successful efforts to prevent Pennsylvania from repudiating its debt payments.

• "Chapter XXXIV. The John Brown Tragedy," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  McClure describes John Brown's stay in Chambersburg during the weeks immediately preceding his notorious 1859 raid on Harper's Ferry. He also discusses the visit paid to Brown by Frederick Douglass; the capture of John Cook, one of Brown's associates; and his own unsuccessful efforts to help Cook escape from the Chambersburg jail.

• "Chapter XXXVI. The Preliminary Battle of 1860.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  In this work, Alexander McClure details the history Andrew Curtin's nomination for governor in 1860 by following the heated relationship between Andrew Curtin and Simon Cameron.

• "Chapter XXXIX. The Lincoln Victory.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  McClure describes his work as manager of Andrew Curtin's gubernatorial campaign in 1860. He also discusses the ways in which the split in the national Democratic party affected state politics.

• "Chapter XLV. Hasty Preparations for War.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  In this chapter of Old Time Notes of Pennsylvania, McClure writes of the beginning battles of the Civil War, Fort Sumter and the First Battle of Bull Run. McClure also describes McClellan's command of the Union Army and Curtin's success as the "Soldiers' Friend."

• "Chapter XLVI. Political Conditions in 1861.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  McClure describes the strong anti-war sentiment in Pennsylvania in 1861 and the political difficulties faced by the People's and Republican parties. He discusses their strategy of alignment with War Democrats and describes how he and other Republicans stonewalled an investigation that might have helped the Democrats and thereby hindered the Lincoln administration in the war effort.

• "Chapter XLIX. The State Draft of 1862.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  Alexander McClure writes of the 1862 draft in Pennsylvania and the political implications that accompanied the draft.

• "Chapter L. The Emancipation Proclamation.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  McClure describes the difficulties which he overcame (with the help of Abraham Lincoln) in order to muster Pennsylvania troops for the Union cause. He also discusses his early opposition to the Emancipation Proclamation and describes the political fallout of the Proclamation for Republications across the country.

• "Chapter LII. A Night with Stuart's Raiders.," by Alexander K. McClure, 1905

  McClure reflects on the naive optimism about the certainty of easy victory held by both sides before the Civil War began, discusses the transition to an appreciation of the costs and hardships of war, and recalls Jeb Stuart's occupation of Chambersburg and his own very narrow escape from being arrested by a band of Confederate cavalry officers.

• "Lincoln's Influence on the Campaign of 1864," by Col. A. K. McClure, March 12, 1905

  This piece covers the political history of the nomination of Lincoln for President in 1864 from the viewpoint of A. K. McClure.

• "Maneuvering for the Battle," by A. K. McClure, 1905

  This chapter offers a favorable description of Hooker's efforts to frustrate Lee's invasion of the North and an account of the Confederate occupation of Chambersburg in June 1863. The descriptions of the occupation emphasize the Confederate army's discipline and respect for private property.

• "Lee Defeated at Gettysburg," by A. K. McClure, 1905

  McClure recounts locals of Chambersburg passing information to the Union, the battle of Gettysburg through the eyes of those waiting for news in Washington and elsewhere, and discusses how McClure had to go through a great deal of effort to secure a Christian burial for a Confederate soldier.

• "The Border War Claims," by A. K. McClure, 1905

  McClure describes his efforts as a member of the Pennsylvania legislature to secure relief for Chambersburg after the town was burned in McCausland's raid. He explains that corruption delayed and then greatly detracted from the relief which finally came, and bemoans that corruption was so much a part of this period of Pennsylvanian history.

• "The Burning of Chambersburg," by A. K. McClure, 1905

  Description of the burning of Chambersburg that emphasizes the connection between General Hunter's harsh treatment of Lynchburg and his incompetence and the Confederate motive and opportunity to attack the town.

• "The Political Struggle of 1865," by A. K. McClure, 1905

  McClure details the partisan politicking and infighting of state politics in 1865.

• ""What of the Negro race?": Bolding vs. Hasskarl," by B.J. Bolding, B.D., 1906

  A black minister in Franklin County refutes the recent arguments of a white minister in Franklin County about the supremacy of the white race, using both biblical and scientific arguments.

• "Burning of Chambersburg--Retaliatory," by Fielder C. Slingluff, November, 1909

  Former Confederate soldier Fielder C. Slingluff gives a first-hand account of the burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and the subsequent capture of many of the Confederate soldiers who participated in the burning. Slingluff defends the decision to burn the town by describing the extensive destruction of farms, homes, and towns in the South by the Union army.

• "Four Hospitals for Wounded Soldiers," by Unknown, January 2, 1914

  In 1914, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this 1862 article that describes the hospitals in the Greencastle area, commenting that all wounded are treated alike, including Southerners, and that Southerners admit that Northerners treat prisoners better.

• "Honors to Penna. Regiments," by Unknown, March 13, 1914

  In 1914, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this article--which originally appeared in 1862--that records a general order giving honors to the 77th Pa. Volunteers and describing a "floating hospital" created in the state to deal with Union wounded.

• "Exchange of Prisoners," by Unknown, March 16, 1914

  In 1914, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this report--originally printed in 1862--from an ex-governor of Virginia who was paroled from prison. It mentions that many Confederates still believe that they are winning the war and expect the Union to surrender at any time.

• "Legend of the Late Civil War," by C. C. Kauffman, March 1914

  The author describes a run-in with a hermit who tells a story of his birth in Pennsylvania, then move to the South, where he got involved in slavery and joined the Confederate Army. At the end of a battle, the hermit found his brother, captain of the Union troops, dead.

• "Ladies Aid of Greencastle," by Unknown, July 31, 1914

  In 1914, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this newspaper article--originally published in 1862--that describes the Ladies' Aid Association of Greencastle in glowing terms and asks readers to subscribe money.

• "'Ladies Aid' Society," by Unknown, September 4, 1914

  In 1914, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this article--originally printed in 1862--which reports the accomplishments of the Ladies' Aid Society of Greencastle.

• "What Could Be Done," by Unknown, October 16, 1914

  Reprint of wartime article from the Chambersburg Dispatch that called for soldiers drafted from Franklin county to remain in position to defend the area from Confederate raiding parties.

• "Complimentary," by Unknown, January 1, 1915

  In 1915, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this article--originally published in 1862--written by some of the volunteer militia men who were called to Pennsylvania to protect against invasion, which describes the good deeds citizens of Greencastle performed for the volunteers.

• "Reminiscences of the Underground Railroad," by Horace G. Kauffman, April 28, 1915

  Kauffman recounts his understanding of his father's involvement in the Underground Railroad and his memories of having an abolitionist Republican father in the antebellum era.

• "Resolutions," by Unknown, September 3, 1915

  In 1915, Kauffman's Progressive reprinted this article--originally printed in 1862--which contains a resolution from the teachers of Greencastle calling, essentially, for educating the children to believe in the Union cause and spread the teachers' belief in the evil nature of the secession of the South.

• "Recollections of Lee's Invasion," by John W. P. Reid, April 11, 1919

  Reid gives his account of life in Greencastle during Lee's invasion.

• "Capt. Dahlgren's Daring Charge" by John W. P. Reid, April 18, 1919

  Reid gives his account of his exploits conveying prisoners for a Colonel Dahlgren.

Franklin County: 1920s

• "Where Buried: Soldiers of the Civil War as Kept by the Late J. B. Byers," by J. B. Byers, April 9, 1920

  A list of where veterans are buried. A colored cemetery and individual are listed.

• "Captain Andrew R. Davison Writes Letter to the Late Jacob Pensinger Telling of the Death of Simon Rupley and the Wounding of Others at Chancellersville," by Andrew R. Davison, April 23, 1920

  A letter tells of the death of a soldier who continued to fight even after his enlistment had run out.

• Echoes of the Late Civil War: Letter From son to Mother Telling Her that Duty to Country Forced Him to Take Chances on the Field of Battle, by Unknown, May 7, 1920

  The article contains a letter from a private citing "duty" as his reason for enlisting.

• "The Election of Lincoln," by unknown, June 25, 1920

  Description of how residents of Greencastle heard of Abraham Lincoln's election in 1860.

• "Colonel Dahlgren Loses Life," by unknown, February 11, 1921

  Reprint of a brief description of an ambush that led to the death of Colonel Dahlgren.

• "James A. Sellers," by unknown, April 29, 1921

  Brief description of Union enlisted soldier's experience at Castle Thunder, a Confederate prison.

• "An Interesting and Correct Account of Colonel Dahlgren Adventures in and Around Greencastle," by Dr. F. A. Bushey, March 4, 1921

  Bushey writes of his encounter with a Colonel Dahlgren, a Union officer whom Bushey admired greatly. Dahlgren recruited Bushey to guide a small party through enemy-occupied territory to General Meade's headquarters to deliver mail, then returned Bushey home and send Bushey along before a skirmish with Confederate forces.

• "Letter from Mrs. M. V. Dahlgren. To Dr. F. A. Bushey Thanking Him For Interest Taken in and Writing an Account of Ulric Dahlgren's Charge in Cgreencastle. Gives Data From Residents Who Lived Here at the Time of Lee's Invasion and who Were Active in Support of the Union," by M. V. Dahlgren, March 11, 1921

  In her letter, Dahlgren shows that she relishes the fact that Ulrich Dahlgren is despised by Confederates/Confederate sympathizers. She considers Dahlgren a hero. Thus this letter helps show the continuing attachment in the twentieth century to the old sides of the Civil War, evident in M. V. Dahlgren's national pride and anti-Confederate sentiment.

• "Underground Railroad," by unknown, January 13, 1922

  Account of one fugitive slave's experiences in Greencastle's underground railroad as well as a description of retaliation undertaken by free black residents of Greencastle against a black man who collaborated with the authorities to capture runaway slaves.

• "The Women of Franklin County in the Civil War," by Parker R. Skinner, 1923

  This lengthy excerpt from the Kittochtinny Historical Society program portrays the crucial role of Franklin County women during the Civil War. Parker Skinner writes about the burden of waiting women faced while their loved ones battled, the attention women paid to the sick and wounded, and the notion that men fought to protect their women and homes.

• "Rebel Invasion of Pennsylvania," by unknown, June 10 & 17, 1927

  Description of life in Greencastle while it was occupied by the Confederate army in June 1864.

• "Confederate Officer Who Burned Chambersburg Dies," by unknown, January 28, 1927

  Obituary for General McCausland, the Confederate officer who ordered the burning of Chambersburg.