Summary:
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.

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HDQRS. DIVISION,

Col. LEONARD, Cmdg. at Williamsport:

Frederick, Md.,

December 8, 1861.

MY DEAR SIR:

Reports by way of Philadelphia represent that heavy and close cannonading was heard at Chambersburg all the afternoon in the direction of Hancock. You will ascertain, if possible, what was the occasion of the firing, and, so far as you can, the purpose of the rebels in regard to Gen. Kelley. Do not hesitate, if he is threatened, to send him aid at once-if need be, all your force-and I will supply your place on the river upon notice of your movement. Keep us well informed of the movements in his locality, as in your own. Obtain all the information you can concerning Martinsburg, its forces, defenses, &c., and especially the lay of the land about the town.

Very truly, yours,

N. P. BANKS,
Maj.-Gen., Cmdg. Division.

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Bibliographic Information : Letter Reproduced from The War of The Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series 1, Volume 5, Serial No. 5, Pages 678, Broadfoot Publishing Company, Wilmington, NC, 1997.