June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 27, 1863.
HARRISBURG SPECULATIONS.
The speculations regarding the designs of the rebels are as various as ever. That they are pushing a heavy column towards the Susquehanna is certain. But now arises the question, what is the rebel general’s greatest motive for so doing? The spoils that he may procure in this enterprise would never compensate for the risk he incurs. The latest and most ingenious motive ascribed to him is the destruction of Hooker’s army in the following manner: – He pushed a column North, while with his main body he holds all the mountain passes and a line of retreat, and thus guards his rear. The advance column detaches part of the Union army and distracts the Union generals while it gives the enemy the advantage of interior lines. Hooker, it is presumed, will attack Lee’s army in the rear – that is, in the mountain passes, where the enemy can defend themselves to advantage and calculate on repulsing and demoralizing the Union army. Forces from Bragg’s army, now supposed to be in the vicinity of Richmond, could then attack Hooker’s army in the rear, and thus the rebels may count on destroying it. This is a view that I have just heard expressed as among the strange possibilities of these latter days.
HARRISBURG TO BE OCCUPIED BY THE REBELS.
Governor Curtin and most of the military men here are convinced that the enemy is bent on the occupation of this city. The main body of Ewell’s column is stretched along the road between Chambersburg and Carlisle, while powerful columns, doubtless for the purpose of protecting the flank of the main column, extend from Chambersburg to McConnellsburg on the one side and to Gettysburg on the other. It is sadly interesting to observe the movements of the inhabitants of the Cumberland valley at present.
SCARE OF THE PEOPLE.
At every advance step the enemy takes there is a grand rush over the bridges and through the city of men, women and children, of all colors and conditions, accompanied by piles of baggage. When the enemy halts this hegira ceases, only to be renewed with threefold volume when he is again reported moving forward. There is very little of value now left in this city, however. The Jews were among the first to carry off all they possessed, and since then many Gentiles have imitated their conduct. Many houses are shut up and the inhabitants gone. The market is overstocked with fresh vegetables and other provisions, which the farmers of Cumberland valley desire to turn into money before the rebels confiscate them.
THE SUSQUEHANNA.
Soon after telegraphing you that the river had risen twenty inches yesterday the rain ceased and our hopes of security in this direction were dissipated. Still, however, I cannot understand how the enemy could effect a crossing without serious disaster to his army. Everything is quiet to-day. The tap of the drum is seldom heard in the streets, and the silence without the secret pleasure of a holiday surrounds me.
PROMOTION.
I visit the New York regiments daily and find the boys still well and desiring a rub with the enemy. At an election in the Fourth regiment yesterday, Sergeant Smith, of Captain O’Grady’s company, was promoted to a lieutenancy.