June 23, 1863, The New York Herald
The Harrisburg Telegrams.
HARRISBURG, June 23, 1863.
There is no doubt that the enemy is fortifying Hagerstown. They hold the country between Hagerstown and Williamsport with at least a corps d, probably General Ewell.
Millerstown, eight miles from Gettysburg, has been occupied to-day by a force of rebel troopers two thousand strong. This points to a movement on the Northern Central Railroad for the purpose of isolating Baltimore. Most of the movable property that could be turned to rebel account was removed before the place was occupied. They will have to fight of the possession of the Northern Central.
The first train passed over the new railroad bridge to Scotland to-day, and railroad communication with Chambersburg is resumed.
There is great activity here. It would be unwise to say more on this subject. General Couch has assigned Captain J. S. Brisbin, United States Army, to the position of chief of cavalry in this department.
General Yates, of the New York militia, is here organizing his brigades for active operations.
The roads leading hitherward from Gettysburg and the surrounding section are crowded with people, black and white, old and young, oxen, horses, wagons and other vehicles fleeing from the dreaded approach of the enemy. There is a general feeling of confidence and hope.
General Lee is believed to have been baffled in his main object – the capture of Washington. The progress of the campaign is watched with intense anxiety.
The enemy have reoccupied Greencastle after a skirmish with our cavalry. I have no further particulars. Gen. Couch has received no report of casualties.
There is a report, brought here by a gentleman from Baltimore, of an engagement yesterday between Hooker’s army and Lee’s in the vicinity of Aldie. The result was indecisive and the losses heavy. This was independent of the cavalry fight in that vicinity. There is another report here that orders have been given to prepare accommodations for 2,500 wounded in Philadelphia.
Troops continue to be concentrated and organized at this point.
HARRISBURG, June 22, 1863.
Matters are rapidly approaching a crisis. Great secrecy governs all public actions. It would be imprudent to repeat what is now transpiring, especially as important results are to be determined in the next few hours.
The rebels are advancing in force upon Greencastle, with infantry, artillery and cavalry.
General Knipe, in command of Chambersburg, if hard pressed, will fall back to the main army.
HARRISBURG, June 22, 1863.
From all information obtained here it is believed the whole rebel force this side of the Potomac river is advancing in this directions.
The enemy occupied Greencastle at noon to-day, with cavalry, infantry and artillery, and is believed to be in strong force.
The outposts of our forces up the valley will fall back to the main army if closely pressed by large forces of the enemy.
Every preparation is being made to meet them should they decide to move further in this direction.
The Philadelphia City Troops, in a skirmish last evening at Millerstown, near Gettysburg, took five prisoners, without any loss.