June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Harrisburg Correspondence.
HARRISBURG, June 21, 1863.
CONFIRMATION OF GOV. CURTIN’S ORDER ABOUT ENLISTMENTS.
The telegram I sent you of the confirmation by the Secretary of War of Governor Curtin’s promise to the Pennsylvania troops to muster them out of service as soon as the public necessities would permit of it acts as a balm in Gilead in some of the organizations. Others again do not receive it in that loyal, trusting spirit they should. They pretend to doubt the faith of the authorities, and think there is some quibble in the pledge so solemnly made by the Governor, whereby the government will retain their services. Things have arrived at a pretty pass when troops doubt the consistency of promises made by the government. They say they have confidence in the State Executive, and that he will endeavor to do al all he promises; but they fear he will be overruled. Now, there is no grounds for this fear or doubt; Governor Curtin will carry out his plighted faith at all hazards, and will do it up to the very letter of his promise. I think that a great part of the dissatisfaction in the Pennsylvania troops is the fault of the officers commanding them. They have no desire to remain in the field, and prefer going home as a regiment to leaving singly. The disgrace attached to their withdrawal could never be removed, and the soldiers are loth to do any act by which they would merit it.
THE REFUGEES – ALEX. McCLURE.
Those who fled to this place from Chambersburg and vicinity to escape the visit of the rebs still remain in a very unenviable and uncertain state of mind. Their case is a hard one and one to excite the sympathies of those who can feel for the distress of others. Their property has either been stolen or destroyed, and even if it has escaped so far the touch of the spoiler they have no guarantees as to how long it will remain so, and this uncertainty is a dread that is more disturbing and annoying than the realization of the very act to be avoided. Colonel McClure, whose despatches I have sent you upon several occasions, was Chairman of the State Executive Committee during the electioneering campaign of Lincoln. He is a man of great energy of character and one whom the rebs would like exceedingly well to make a prisoner. He is prominent as a politician, and, had not the almost universal enthusiasm of the people brought Governor Curtin again forward as a candidate, would in all probability have been the standard bearer of the Union party.
GENERAL COUCH has his office in the chambers in the Capitol building formerly occupied by the Supreme Court. He is very attentive to his duties, and is free from all ostentation and extra displays. He makes his appearance habited in citizen’s costume, and attracts but little attention. Captain Leroy, of New York, is his adjutant.
COMPLAINTS OF NEW YORK TROOPS.
Some of the New York troops complain of the extravagant prices charged here for everything. They threaten to write to the HERALD, asking it to notice their grievances, and hope to correct them through its influence. They have given it the expressive title “Extortionville,” and it well deserves the name. Simon Cameron and others of its citizens might correct many of the abuses complained of by making some provision for the troops in transit or quartered here. In doing this they would aid both the State officers and the national government. A German named Shick has charged the troops sixpence a glass for water; and the Fifty-sixth regiment state they were charged one dollar each for common tallow candles. A number of men belonging to one of the New York regiments called upon a copperhead to purchase some straw. He asked an exorbitant price, to which they demurred. He then informed them that he would prefer the rebels taking it gratis to selling to them at the price named. This settled the straw, so far as purchase was concerned; for the soldiers proceeded to help themselves, and I think the loyal resident will not blame them. I saw some New York soldiers standing on Market street this evening, who expressed their contempt for the copperhead sentiments of some in this community in language more emphatic than euphonious.
VISIT OF THE GOVERNOR TO THE NEW YORK ENCAMPMENTS.
Governor Curtin went out his afternoon to Camp Curtin and visited the New York troops. The visit was mutually agreeable. The Governor was delighted with the appearance as well as proficiency displayed in drill by the Empire State Militia. He states that he did not notice one soldier in any way inebriated, and he never witnessed a more respectful or orderly body of men. This compliment is deserved; for I have not noticed one act upon the part of any of the individuals comprising the large force here from your State that would cause their friends at home one moment’s uneasiness. This I know will be exceedingly good news to those who have sons, relatives and friends in the militia here, and I state it for their benefit. I know, and can appreciate, the anxiety felt by parents and friends for the welfare of their loved ones when surrounded by the temptations of the camp. Happily there is no cause for any misgivings as those who compose the force in the present army.
TROOPS BEING SENT FORWARD.
The troops are being rapidly pushed forward. One or two regiments crossed the river to-day; others will speedily follow, and you may soon look for a battle or a discontinuance of rebel raids. The moral support this effective little army gives Hooker is beyond measure. News from that officer is eagerly desired, and the universal prayer is that it may be favorable. If he is defeated the Cumberland valley will suffer a hundredfold more than it has heretofore from the visits of the raiders.
REBEL SYMPATHY NO GOOD.
The rebels, in their raid at the lower end of Franklin county, captured the horse of one of their sympathizers living in that section. He called upon them and berated them for their ingratitude in robbing him, and offered as evidence his friendly sympathy for them. All the satisfaction he could obtain was, if […..] for them he should be with them.”
PHILADELPHIA GARBLING.
The Philadelphia Press and North American published a garbled synopsis of Governor Curtin’s speech. That part relating to the interference of the Cabinet at Washington with the Army of the Rappahannock was carefully excluded. Probably they will grow more liberal when next they are furnished with news.
MAJOR O. M. SEES, who has charge of the transportation department here, is a faithful, energetic, hard working employe. Notwithstanding the multitude of cares that beset him, and the many demands made upon his time and patience, he is at all times courteous and obliging. I have seldom met with an officer, and particularly a public one, who tills so onerous a position more acceptably to the public.
CAMP SEYMOUR – THE DANGER – GOOD ORDER.
I was over viewing the fortifications this evening, and was present at the dress parade of the Thirty-seventh New York State Militia. After a very fine display the general orders were read, wherein the camp was named Camp Seymour, in honor of his Excellency the Governor of New York.
Now that the first scare is over, it is easy to see, and no harm to relate it, what an easy job it would have been for the rebels to have marched into the capital of this State and have captured it, and all there was interesting and valuable about it. Why they did not do it passes the comprehension of those skilled in deciphering military strategy and movements.
The police regulations are excellent, and the streets are free from all brawls, disturbance and rowdy display. The introduction of the Philadelphia police force has been productive of great good, and the citizens are to be congratulated upon the change.
The following order has been issued by General Couch: –
GENERAL ORDERS – NO. 3.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT SUSQUEHANNA,
HARRISBURG, June 19, 1863.
The fortification erected by the citizens of this department on the south side of the Susquehanna river, directly opposite Harrisburg, will be known as Fort Washington. The commanding general tenders his thanks to the gentlemen who superintended and the men who labored so faithfully on this work, for the energy they have displayed in fortifying the capital of their State.
By command of Major General D. N. COUCH
JOHN S. SCHULTZE, Acting Adjutant General.
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 25, 1863.
THE SCARE.
Most of the citizens of Harrisburg strongly remind me just now of the fable of the Shepherd Boy and the Wolf. Because they have been agreeably disappointed two or three times when they looked for rebellious visitors, they conclude now that the enemy is not coming at all, and shape their conduct accordingly. Some of the more cautious, however, have their goods packed and are ready for flight when the moment of danger comes, if it does come.
A BATTLE EXPECTED – MARTIAL LAW.
There is a report now in circulation that the city is to be placed under martial law. A force of infantry and a battery of artillery left Camp Curtin last night and marched towards Carlisle, in the neighborhood of which a battle may be fought at any moment. Even if our forces there should be defeated the enemy would have to fight another and a harder battle before Harrisburg could be taken. It would not only be humiliating to this State, if this capital was taken by the enemy, but it would be a national humiliation. No one seems yet to know the numbers of designs of the rebels. The main design, however, is evidently the capture of Washington. I understand that the cavalry column recently organized here is to march towards Carlisle to-day.
ARTILLERY HEARD.
While I was visiting the camp of the New York Herald Guard to-day, of the Fourth artillery, the attention of all in the camp was suddenly attracted by discharges of cannon at regular intervals of a few seconds. The day was calm and clear, and I should judge the firing was upwards of twenty miles off. It may have been the commencement of the first battle of any magnitude in the Cumberland valley; but I cannot say yet. It was refreshing to see the stirring effect the sound produced on the camp. The men seemed quite interested at the prospect of a brush with the enemy, and rubbed their hands in gleeful anticipation. This is a good sign of a raw regiment. The men of the Fourth are all well, and the general sentiment out here is […..] we wish we had more of them.” There is no sick list worth speaking of in the New York regiments in this vicinity. The Buffalo battery has been consolidated with Company C of the Fourth artillery.
EXTORTION.
There has been a great deal of complaint made by the troops of extortions practiced upon them by the citizens of this town, and with justice. Some soldiers complain that they have been charged fifty cents for filling their canteens with water. Indeed, this town was much honester and had a much fairer name one year ago than it has to-day. It must be remembered, however, that troops have been almost continually passing through it since the war began, and that many impostures of bad money, &c. have been passed upon its people. As all capitals are especially corrupt, it would be too much to expect Harrisburg to be an exception.