June 30, 1863, The New York Herald
AFFAIRS IN FRONT OF HARRISBURG.
FORT WASHINGTON, WEST BANK OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, June 29, – Evening.
As the sun goes down in the west it leaves within this fort and within and around Harrisburg an anxious, wondering, guessing, partially fearful and somewhat excited population. The enemy holds a position almost describing an arc of a circle. The extremes rest on two main roads, cross the railroads, and extend through wheat and corn fields and some, small woods. He has pickets out in all valuable positions, and has artillery commanding and intended to sweep the roads and protect his front and flank.
We expect a fight to-morrow, more or less general or serious in its character. If we do not have a fight to-morrow, both common public and general military authorities will be disappointed. If for the best or otherwise, it is for us to know, and not your correspondent to make public.
This afternoon we had a skirmish with the enemy near Oyster Point. In fact skirmishing, at times slight and at other times more serious, has been carried on ever since the dawn of this day’s sun.
After an hour’s skirmish this afternoon, in which even artillery was used on the enemy’s side, our men fell back to a position this side of the toll gate. I cannot learn that any one was killed. A few were wounded and some horses suffered.
In Harrisburg, as I learn, the heavy shots that were fired created quite a sensation, many crowding on prominent points to gain a view of what they thought was the commencement of a general engagement.
The Seventy-first New York regiment was in front in the engagement.
EXPECTED ADVANCE OF THE ENEMY.
HARRISBURG, June 29, 1863.
Throughout the day our forces have held a position beyond the Harrisburg fortifications in anticipation of the enemy advance. The rebels have not shown an inclination to make an attack. This morning a few shots were exchanged between the rebel and our own pickets, and subsequently our men practiced with the mounted guns in order to get the range.
The opinion is gaining credence that the rebels are manoeuvring to take Harrisburg by a flank movement. The report that they have a pontoon train twelve miles this side of Columbia, however, is somewhat doubted.
It has been agreed that the tap of the Court House bell shall be the signal for men to assemble at the bridge, and place themselves under military orders.
A gentleman just escaped from the rebel lines at Chambersburg, reports the rebel column moving eastward to number 37,000, accompanied by one hundred and four pieces of artillery. General Lee, with his staff officers, were in Chambersburg last Saturday.
Thirty-three prisoners, captured at Mount Union, were brought into town this morning.
Gen. Stahl has been appointed to assume command of the cavalry forces in this department.
Another order has been issued by the rebel Gen. Ewell, dated June 22, relative to the restriction enjoined upon his army and the citizens of the country through which the rebels pass. He urges that a ready acquiescence with the demands of the military authorities will serve greatly to lesson the rigors of war.
It was confidently believed this morning that the enemy would commence an attack to-day. In all probability to-morrow or next day will develop his intended improvements. Possibly Lee may contemplate the capture of Baltimore and consider Harrisburg of secondary importance.
Wayne McVeagh, Esq., has been appointed Aid to General Couch, with the rank of major, and we are obliged to him for favors.