June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
The alarm of the Pennsylvanians at the invasion of Lee is extraordinary. The population along the Maryland State line are rushing across the Susquehanna in a state of panic, believing they are comparatively safe with that barrier between them and the enemy. But the citizens of Harrisburg and those in its vicinity residing on this side of the Susquehanna are packing up their valuables for flight, and seem to think they will not be secure till they have crossed the Delaware. It is said that the rebels openly proclaim that they will not stop till they reach Philadelphia. We hope, however, that Governor Curtin’s draft of 50,000 men will arrest many of the fugitives in their flight. How can Pennsylvanians expect the militia of New Jersey and New York to defend them if they will not defend their own firesides against invasion? Pennsylvania is famous for a vast amount of self-esteem. It calls itself the Keystone State. Let us see how its population will now fight for the arch of the Union, of which Pennsylvania is the binding stone. There is no use in running away; for the fugitives will have to turn round and give battle at last. The people did not thus flee when McClellan was in command. Have they no confidence in the present commander of the Army of the Potomac? This is a question that deserves investigation.