June 27, 1863, The New York Herald
The enemy progresses slowly, but with large force, into Pennsylvania. Affairs at Harrisburg wore a more quiet aspect yesterday, although the country people, with droves of cattle and horses, were rushing into the city in large numbers. Preparations for defence were going on actively. General Knipe evacuated the town of Carlisle yesterday afternoon, not deeming his force strong enough to hold it against the approaching enemy, who were reported to be from ten to twelve thousand strong. Up to nine o’clock last night, however, it does not appear that the rebels were in possession, nor any nearer than within four miles of the place. Much perplexity exists as to the exact route the rebels have taken.
The rebel force which occupied Gettysburg yesterday belong to Longstreet’s corps, General Early’s division. It is believed that this force intends to strike the Northern Central Railroad, either at Hanover Junction or York, which is distant about thirty miles. They comprise ten regiments of infantry, and with cavalry and artillery. Governor Curtin has received information that the rebels hold all the passes of South Mountain. This makes two corps which have crossed the Potomac. General Rhodes’ division of Ewell’s corps which now occupy Chambersburg is twelve thousand strong, with five batteries and an immense wagon train. It was raining hard all day yesterday, and the Susquehanna was rising. This, should it continue, may obstruct the operations of the rebel armies for a time.
Governor Curtin will issue a proclamation today calling for sixty thousand volunteers to protect the State. It was reported at Harrisburg yesterday that Gen. Hooker’s right wing is in the vicinity of Hagerstown. Gen. Milroy has been relieved of his command and Col. Pierce placed at the head of the troops at Bloody run.
We publish some very interesting news from Port Hudson today, received by the Creole from New Orleans, which arrived here yesterday. A second assault upon Port Hudson was made by the Union troops on the 14th instant, and they were again disastrously repulsed. The loss of field officers was very large in killed and wounded, amounting to no less than five colonels. Our troops, though repulsed, fought bravely. It seems evident that General Banks has not force enough to accomplish what he so daringly attempts; and it is to be hoped that he will be speedily reinforced from some quarter. It was expected that another assault would be made on the 19th. Our correspondent on the field states that Colonel Dudley has volunteered, and was to lead a […..] hope” or storming column of four thousand men, all picked men and volunteers. The result of this attack remains to be known.
Our latest news from Vicksburg is to the 22d. At that time everything was going on favorable, and the navigation of the Mississippi was said to be clear as far as Memphis. The Richmond Dispatch, however, contains a telegram from General Johnston to Jeff. Davis, dated on the 22d, which states that Kirby Smith had got possession of Milliken’s Bend, above Vicksburg. This does not tally with the news received at Washington. We give a fine map of Vicksburg and its defences today.
We have received from Newbern, N.C., news to the 23d, which may possibly be published by other journals, but as it relates to military movements of importance we prefer withholding the facts.
The destructive operations of the rebel privateers in Northern waters continue unabated. Our news columns today contain accounts of no less than four more vessels destroyed within a day or two, one of which was a side wheel steamer. Three rebel pirates – a large steamer, a bark and a three masted schooner – were hard at work off the Bay of Fundy. The merchants of Boston offer a reward of $10,000 for the capture of the bark Tacony, which is doing so much mischief among the fishing boats.
The rebel steamers Alabama and Georgia were still at Bahia on the 19th of May, coaling from a British bark. The authorities had ordered them off; but there were no signs of their obeying the order at last accounts.
As a set-off to these disasters we hear the news that the rebel steamer Hattie was captured off Wilmington on Saturday by the United States gunboat Florida, with a large cargo of turpentine, rosin and cotton. She reported that the Banshee, the fastest blockade runner afloat, was burned in Cape Fear river while about to run out with a cargo of cotton and turpentine.