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Franklin County: Benjamin S. Schneck to Margaretta S. Keller and her husband, August 3, 1864

Summary:
Schneck's letter describes the Confederate invasion and burning of Chambersburg of late-July 1864.


Aug. 3 1864

Chambersburg

My dear Sister + Brother -

We are all safe, though homeless and with only some clothing left. Our stable is unharmed. We saved by far the smallest part of our clothing -- I have a borrowed shirt, one straw hat, + so-on. My Library, even my Papers + Manuscripts (except my Deeds) all -- all gone. The good prospect I had for one hour: of saving our house, kept us from saving furniture and clothing. Help there was none. I was on the roof, Rebecca + the girl carrying water up 3 steps, for everybody had enough to do for themselves for the firing began in different parts of town at one time. Some houses in each square were fired, and then the others caught. In some cases, money was offered to be taken (in out-of-the-way parts) by the men + the properties then saved. Except one house (the Misses Dennys 8 doors above (and where we are now), every house down on both sides for 7 Squares, is gone. So with Main Street for nearly 1/2 mile, Queen Street, part of Washington, etc, Our [unclear: Print] Establ, with all (except the stereotype plates + Acct. Books) is in ruins. The Bank, all the stores, all the hotels, every shoe, clothing, and other stores (except in the outskirts some

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small grocery etc. shops) are all consumed. In most instances, little -- in very many, nothing -- was saved, not even a single change of clothing. But blessed be God, there are those who were spared, + their hearts + houses are open to the rest. Help in the way of provisions + clothing is coming in. None need to starve. But such a scene of Ruin! No imagination can conceive it. Gov. Curtin came up last evening and said to me: "The reality is fearfully beyond all my conceptions." He requested us to try + keep the people in heart, for many have left, + more do not know what to do here now. We have a little house out of town on one of my lots. The one half will be vacant soon + I suppose we will go in it -- it has two little rooms below + two in the attic for small bedrooms -- it is cottage style, 1 1/2 stories high. Further, I cannot say. But for the present, we must + will stay here.

I am hardly able to write. I thought I would write to you + the girls would be so good as to write for me to sister Sophia, Mary, Louisa + the rest. To Benjn I have just written. God bless you all, my dear ones. Rebecca has kept up well. If only we are preserved from future invasions. But this morning, there was news, that the

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enemy is at Williamsport + along the Potomac. Our force was repulsed there on Sunday. Petersburg has been recaptured by them, so far as it was lost. It looks dark for our country.

Some of the rebel officers + men that were here did not expect this vandalism, + they showed a good spirit -- they did + would not fire any building + even helped people to carry out things out of their houses. They denounced the whole procedure as outrageous and wicked.

But I can no more.
The Lord be with you all.

Your Affectionate Brother + Uncle

B. S. Schneck



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