June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
Our Frederick City Correspondence.
FREDERICK CITY, June 20, 1863.
The excitement occasioned by the proximity of the enemy continues, and the streets are occupied by groups of residents eagerly devouring the reports of refugees. Nearly all of the prominent Union citizens have left. Many of the stores are closed, and those open have been stripped of nearly all their goods. The Examiner failed to appear this week in consequence of the absence of its editor and employes; but the Citizen was published, containing a number of articles calculated to encourage secessionists and secure the favor of the enemy. The banks have sent off their specie, the livery keepers their horses and some of the inhabitants their furniture. The town is wild with rumors. The most exaggerated and contradictory reports are constantly coming in, and at times it is hard to believe whether the enemy is in the outskirts of the city or evacuating the State.
Yesterday the cars ran up to this place, and during the afternoon a locomotive was sent up to Point of Rocks for the purpose of bringing off the engine disabled a few days since by White’s cavalry. The country this side of South Mountain is believed to be entirely free from the enemy. No trains have ventured up as far as the Ferry since the attack upon the stations this side, but it is expected that they will soon resume their trips. At present they come up as far as place No. 1, where they receive reports from Monocacy concerning the safety of the road. If deemed safe they then move cautiously to the latter point and communicate with Frederick. After delivering their passengers and freight here they retire down the road, and remain until near the hour for their return to Baltimore, when they run up, take in the passengers and hurry off.
The telegraph is still open to Harper’s Ferry and intermediate places. Night before last the enemy attached an instrument to the wires, but, as it was immediately discovered by our operators, no information was obtained. The rebel operator evidently became disgusted, as he gave up the attempt to intercept our messages, after abusing our own operators along the line. Yesterday afternoon about four o’clock a detachment of rebel cavalry entered Boonsboro, fifteen miles distant, and scoured the town. Pickets were thrown out and no one allowed to leave the place. After capturing a number of horses and badly frightening the inhabitants the rebels left for Hagerstown. Our own cavalry had passed through the place but a few moments previous to the appearance of the enemy, and the latter seemed to be quite uneasy, as if apprehensive of an attack. It is said that they came from Shepherdstown, but it is probable that they passed from Hagerstown down towards Sharpsburg and were on their way back to the main body.
This morning we learn from good authority that six thousand infantry had crossed the Potomac at Williamsport yesterday, and that others were hurrying over. One regiment of infantry, with a battery, was in Hagerstown, and two regiments of mounted infantry had gone up towards Chambersburg. A considerable force of the enemy has occupied Greencastle, and has established a line of pickets outside the town. The main body of the enemy is encamped between Hagerstown and Williamsport. It seems that Lee intends to hold the counties of Washington and Franklin. He is reported to be fortifying South Mountain, and if he can hold that barrier he will be able to sweep the country beyond of everything. The railroad enables him to move his supplies with ease to the river, and his troops are doubtless now fed a hundredfold better than at any previous period of this year.
It is yet impossible to determine whether Lee contemplates occupying Maryland in force, or is only making a feint to divert our attention from the real and more important movement. Very few people have been allowed to pass outside their lines, and these are limited to individuals of known cession sympathies. Parties are permitted to visit Hagerstown upon satisfying the rebel officers concerning the business calling them there; but such are invariably prevented from returning. We hear of no damage to private property, except the capture of horses. In Pennsylvania, however, everything that can be of any service to the enemy is seized.
It is not believed that the rebels will enter Frederick except by the secessionists here and a few frightened Unionists. Some of the latter are already returning and opening their places of business. We shall not be surprised at a visit from the enemy’s cavalry; but that the rebels will occupy the town for any length of time is a matter of great doubt. Our forces are so disposed as to afford protection to the city at any time, and it is hardly probable that Lee will risk a body of troops in a position so far removed from any avenue of escape.
A rumor has just reached us that Slocum’s corps has engaged the enemy at Leesburg. Very little credence is give to this report, however, as the atmosphere is just in the condition to transmit sounds to a great distance, and no firing has been heard. Everything this morning is comparatively quiet in this vicinity.