July 2, 1863, The New York Herald
OUR COLUMBIA CORRESPONDENCE.
COLUMBIA, Pa., June 30, 1863.
THE EXCITEMENT.
The rebels having fallen back to York, there is not so much anxiety evinced here now for the safety of the city. A large number of men were forced into the government service yesterday without authority, as the city was not placed under martial law. They were discharged this morning, and left for their homes, having seen enough of war already in this vicinity.
THE ENEMY’S PICKETS.
There is a strong picket of rebel cavalry on the hills back of Wrightsville, opposite here, who employ their time by galloping around the hills and alarming the people. They behaved very well in Wrightsville, helping the citizens to put out the fire which our frightened militia had kindled. Some of our men behaved most disgracefully. Colonel Thomas’ regiment of government pensioners fled in every direction upon the approach of the enemy. Many of the men were ignominously captured, and the rest of them are scattered all over the country for miles.
THE COMMANDER HERE.
Colonel J. G. Frick, who commands our forces here, has made as good a defence of the place as could be expected. He is ably seconded by Major Heller, of Lancaster. They were both connected with the Twenty-seventh regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, nine months drafted men. Just before the rebels entered York, Surgeon Palmer, at that place, received a telegram to know how many convalescents he had who were fit for active service. Surgeon P. Reported two hundred and ten men for duty, and word was sent back to organize them into companies, and arms would be sent them from Harrisburg. These men were armed, made a feeble defence, and then were all captured and stripped by the rebels. Surgeon Palmer is travelling around York on parole. He will no doubt be taken to Richmond when the rebels retreat.
THE REBELS IN YORK.
General Early’s division of rebels are quartered at York mostly on the citizens, who are beginning to cry out about the exorbitant demands of General Early. As you have already announced by telegraph, he has levied on the people of York county for $100,000 in gold, besides a large quantity of flour, beef, pork and molasses.
From all that I could gather over at Wrightsville to-day, but little damage had been done to property anywhere by the rebels. They seem to act altogether as if they wished to gain the good will of the people. They are loth to believe that we are so entirely unprepared to resist invasion, and say that we are trying to get them into a trap.
They are well aware of a probable flank movement of the Army of the Potomac, and are very vigilant and careful in consequence.
GENERAL EARLY AND HIS DOINGS.
General Early, who is now in command at York, is quite a lion there. He married years ago a young lady of York county named Miss McIlvaine, when he was consulting engineer for the Northern Central Railroad. It is said that his wife’s family are all Union people of the stoutest kind of radicalism, and they must feel greatly humiliated by the presence of the rebels in their midst.
General Early is a fine looking man, of medium size. He is a rather dull looking fellow; but his face exhibits innate craft beneath its stolidity. He wears a coarse looking white felt hat, ornamented with a heavy black feather. He is dressed in a handsome gray uniform, and has his passants of rank on the coat collar. They consist of one large silver star and two small ones.
ANOTHER ADVANCE.
Deserters captured, or rather brought here by our pickets to-day, report that the rebels are moving toward McCall Ferry, about twenty-seven miles below here, with a pontoon train. The river is very narrow at this point, and the direct road to Philadelphia from York is here. The river is very swift of current at this point and below, at Peach Bottom, and it is believed that the rebels will find it a very bad place to attempt a crossing. The river front at this point is guarded by the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, under Major Stevens, with a battery. The rebels are very anxious to get to Philadelphia before they are attacked by Gen. Meade in force. They hope to cut the dam of the Schuylkill Water Works, and, thus depriving that city of water, demand its surrender.
OUR MOVEMENTS.
Every effort is being made here for a strong defence of the line of the Susquehanna by our troops, and it is only a great pity that we have not a better organization and better leaders. Troops are pouring in here and at all points along the railroads. I learn that a heavy force from Philadelphia will march to our assistance to-day and to-morrow. Governor Curtin and General Couch are very active, and the people are thoroughly aroused at last.
CONNEMINGO BRIDGE, across the Susquehanna, in Chester county, on the Maryland line, is guarded by an ample force now. It is about forty miles below this place. Colonel Enllen Franklin has ordered his men to tear up the planking on a portion, and the rest will be defended by our troops.
WILL THE REBELS RETREAT?
I believe General Lee is now about to fall back from the line of the Susquehanna and concentrate his troops for battle in Maryland or Southern Pennsylvania. I believe, however, that desperate attempts will be made to destroy the Pennsylvania Central Railroad.
The stock of the Pennsylvania Railroad covers the road for a distance of thirty miles — from Downingtown to Philadelphia.