June 23, 1863, The New York Herald
The Chambersburg Telegrams.
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., June 22, 1863.
I undertook to reach Greencastle today, but could not do so as the rebels are still there.
This afternoon a detachment of the First New York cavalry had a skirmish with the rebels two miles this side of Greencastle. We lost two men. After being chased from Smoketown the rebels prepared to make a stand at the point above stated. They had an infantry force thrown out as skirmishers through the wheat fields.
There is news this morning from Waynesboro that the rebels were there yesterday, but went towards Leitersburg; the greater portion of the rebel force is six miles from Waynesboro, in the direction of Coventown or Frederick.
The rebels have been to Quincy, Tomstown and Mt. Hope.
It is said here that night before last General Ewell had his headquarters at Hagerstown. He had between seven and eight thousand men.
This afternoon a report came in that the rebels were advancing in force from Greencastle. Our troops were drawn up in line of battle, and every preparation made to meet them. A large number of citizens were armed and on hand to fight with the soldiers. General Knipe issued a call to citizens, requesting all who are willing to assist in defending the town against the attack of the enemy to assemble in the public square an organize companies to-day at twelve o’clock M. It is not expected that the troops thus raised will be sworn into the service, paid or rationed by the government. They will only be used for the defence of their own homes, and dismissed when the danger has passed. The citizens did as requested. Old men shamed young ones in the comparative number of each that volunteered.
Sergeant Milton C. Cafferty was wounded and supposed to be a prisoner, and Corporal Ryan was killed – both of Company C, First New York cavalry.
Railroad communication was resumed to-day with Harrisburg.