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Harper's Ferry Evacuated (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: The Confederate evacuation of Harper's Ferry in advance of the arrival of Federal troops is reported in detail. Although the Confederates had boasted of the impregnability of the town, they left when approaching Union forces were about thirty miles away. They left in 2 columns, one heading toward Manassas and the other toward Leesburg. Before leaving, however, they burned all the public property including the Government Armory buildings, the 1,000 foot-long bridge over the Potomac (including the Winchester span), the railroad bridge at Martinsburg and the bridge over the Potomac at Shepherdstown. All the B&O buildings but two at Harper's Ferry were burned. The bridge over the Shenandoah was left standing. About 14,000 of the rebel troops were thought to be marching to join Lee and Beauregard, while a smaller group was headed to Romney. The troops threw some light arms and accoutrements into the river before leaving and hauled some heavy guns about 6 miles before abandoning them. The town has a very desolate appearance. B&O locomotives and cars, numbering about 70, were burned near the Opequon bridge and at Martinsburg.
Full DetailsArrival of the Federal Army - Eventful Days and Stirring Scenes in the History of Hagerstown and Washington County (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: Aspects of the arrival of the Federal Army are discussed in detail, including the different regiments to arrive in Hagerstown and their commanding officer. The 1st Pennsylvania Regiment, numbering about 1,000 men, was the first to arrive on Saturday morning and troops continued to pour in until Monday night. The 1st PA had a band of music and a drum corps and it encamped on the grounds of Mr. Hunter near Funkstown. Over the course of several days it was estimated that as many as 25,000 soldiers from PA, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Rhode Island regiments arrived. While some stayed around Hagerstown, others crossed the Potomac. It was very impressive to see some units file directly into the river which was breast-deep and then plant the Stars and Stripes when they reached the Virginia shore. Accompanying the infantry were hundreds of wagons carrying supplies. The troops were constantly shifting locations. In general, the behavior of the troops was good and "very few excesses of any kind have been committed." Very few people objected to the huge military presence on Sunday when "long lines of bristling bayonets glittered in our streets, and the peals of Church bells blended with the notes of the drum and fife..." On Monday evening, more U.S. regular troops and cavalry arrived. It is not understood what is about to happen. Troops have been moved back and forth - sometimes going in the direction of Washington and then reversing their line of march.
Full DetailsGov. Hicks in Hagerstown (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: Maryland Governor Hicks, his secretary of state and others arrived in Hagerstown on Sunday and were cheered lustily. Hicks reviewed some of the troops. The paper praises Hicks highly for his role in keeping Maryland in the Union and says, "But for his patriotic course, we might now recognize in every soldier an enemy instead of a friend." The people of Washington County are the "warm and devoted friends" of Gov. Hicks.
Full DetailsHospitably Entertained (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: The Federal troops are well and kindly received in Hagerstown. People have flung open the doors to their homes and welcomed the soldiers to partake of meals with them. This is thought the right thing to do for men who "have left their homes to fight the battles of their country."
Full DetailsStampede of the Rebels (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Frederick Examiner; Frederick, MD
Summary: The Confederate troops previously occupying Harpers Ferry destroyed several bridges and then fled the town.
Full DetailsFrederick County - Official (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Frederick Examiner; Frederick, MD
Summary: The votes cast in the Congressional Election are compared to the votes cast in the 1860 Presidential Election, district by district.
Full DetailsRhode Island Regiment (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Frederick Examiner; Frederick, MD
Summary: The 1st Rhode Island Regt. entered Frederick and was entertained by a large, cheering crowd.
Full DetailsPoint of Rocks (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Frederick Examiner; Frederick, MD
Summary: The rock which had been obstructing the railroad at Point of Rocks has been removed.
Full DetailsThat Secession Flag (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Frederick Examiner; Frederick, MD
Summary: The Head Clerk was unaware of the Secession flag which was sitting upon his desk. The flag was part of a bouquet which a lady had given to him.
Full DetailsSeizure of Rebel Flags (June 19th, 1861)
>From The Frederick Examiner; Frederick, MD
Summary: The Rhode Island Regiment seized several Confederate flags from the tavern of John Hagan. Afterwards, Hagan accused the soldiers of stealing his watch and cash.
Full Details