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militia of that State-the call, though
loud and shrill, awaking but few and
faint responses. Now the President
called" specifically on the nearest
States for militia, as follows:
Maryland....10,000 | New York....20,000
Pennsylvania. 50,000 Ohio ..30,000
West Virginia.....10,000.

vania, Col. Shawl, and the 15th Con- | Curtin had called" out the entire necticut, Col. Ely, on another, did most of the fighting that was done on our side; the former acting as a rear-guard; but the business in hand was not a fight, but a race-and very properly so. Four miles from Winchester, a Rebel division barred the way; and here the fugitives were of The Governors rëechoed the call; course routed, and many of them captured. Most of those who escap-uniformed and disciplined regiments but the response was still weak. The ed crossed the Potomac at Hancock, and did not stop running till they of New York City generally and brought up in Bedford county, Penn- promptly went on; and Gov. Seysylvania; the residue headed for mour was publicly thanked therefor Harper's Ferry, and soon distanced by Secretary Stanton; but the number of Pennsylvanians, Marylanders, their pursuers. Milroy says" 5,000 and West Virginians, who set their of his men reported at the Ferry or at faces resolutely toward the enemy in Bloody Run, Pa., and he hoped that this crisis bore but a slim proportion 1,000 more would do so; which hope to that of their brethren who seemed was of course a delusion. Lee says General Rhodes captured 700 pris-east of the Susquehanna or west of just now to have urgent business oners and 5 guns at Martinsburg, and proceeds to enumerate more than 4,000 prisoners, 29 guns, 277 wagons, and 400 horses," as the fruits of "these operations "-probably including in those totals his Martinsburg spoils. Milroy's great mistake was holding on just one day too long -his communications with Schenck

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and Halleck having already been severed. Halleck had suggested to Schenck the propriety of withdrawing him so early as the 11th. Early is credited by Lee with the capture of Winchester.

Ere this, the Government had taken the alarm, as it well might. An order" from the War Department had constituted of Pennsylvania two new Military Departments-that of the Susquehanna (eastern), under Gen. Couch; that of the Monongahela, Gen. W. T. H. Brooks; and Gov.

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the Ohio. In other words, the country was profoundly disheartened; while the Army had already absorbed what was bravest and most patriotic of its militia. The number who actually responded to these urgent, repeated,

and most reasonable calls from the
several States was (liberally estima-
ted) as follows:

New Jersey
New York, 15,000 Pennsylvania. 25,000

Delaware..

Maryland........5,000.

Gen. Hooker had now begun" to move his army northward-rëcrossing Howe's division and evacuating the valley of the Rappahannock: Lee had just about a fair week's start of him. Moving rapidly north-westward, with his cavalry thrown well out on his left flank, watching the passes of the Blue Ridge, Hooker's infantry passed through Dumfries," to Centerville, covering Washington,

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LEE ENTERS PENNSYLVANIA.

and watching for fresh developments of the enemy's plans.

Meantime,our cavalry, under Pleasanton, was constantly confronted by that of Lee, under Stuart; and nearly every day witnessed a fight or a skirmish, as our troopers crowded up to the passes of the Blue Ridge, and attempted to scan what was going on beyond them, or the enemy dashed down into the valleys this side, incited by a like laudable thirst for knowledge. At length, a pretty general cavalry fight occurred," nearly westward of Washington, on the line of the great highway from Alexandria to Winchester, down which Stuart had pushed so far as Upperville; whence he was repelled by a charge of Kilpatrick's brigade, and forced back into Ashby's Gap, after a spirited brush, with determined charges on either side. Kilpatrick was once taken prisoner, but rescued by a countercharge directly. Buford and Gregg were active this day; as was W. H. F. Lee on the side of the Rebels, who lost 2 guns, and perhaps 150 men in all, including Col. M. Lewis, 9th Virginia, killed. Our loss did not exceed 100.

Meantime, Gen. Jenkins and his brigade of Rebel cavalry had raided across the Potomac and Maryland up to Chambersburg, Pa., which they entered, unopposed, at 11 P. M." They took horses, cattle, &c., destroyed the railroad, and swept off into Slavery some 50 negroes-all they could catch-but did no wanton injury. Jenkins paid liberally for drugs-in Confederate scrip-and, some of his horses having vanished, threatened to burn the town if they were not returned or their value made up.

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373

borough authorities paid the amount demanded (only $900) in Confederate scrip, which had suddenly become abundant there; and it was pocketed without remark, but without obvious relish.

Gen. Ewell, with his corps, had crossed into Maryland at Williamsport," on the heels of Milroy's fugitives, pushing on unmolested to Chambersburg-our force at Harper's Ferry retiring across the river to Maryland Heights, where it was not molested. Early's division of Ewell's corps was impelled eastward from Chambersburg to York; while Johnson's moved northward to Carlisle; Imboden, with his brigade, moving westward up the Potomac, destroying railroad bridges, &c., so far as Cumberland. Lee seems to have meditated a dash on Washington; but, Hooker's army remaining in its front, instead of rushing over into Maryland, no opportunity was presented; so the whole Rebel army forded" the Potomac; A. P. Hill's corps at Shepherdstown, and Lee, with Longstreet's, at Williamsport; both, uniting at Hagerstown, advanced, unopposed, on the track of Ewell, to Chambersburg." Ewell had taken quiet possession of Carlisle, pushing forward his advance to Kingston, within 13 miles of Harrisburg. Meanwhile, such militia as had been mustered in or sent from Eastern States to the aid of Pennsylvania were collected, under Gen. Couch, at Harrisburg; while Gen. Brooks, powerfully aided by the volunteer efforts of the citizens, hastily threw up a line of defenses intended to cover Pittsburg.

All doubt as to the enemy's purThe poses being now dispelled, Gen.

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"Maryland Heights have always been regarded as an important point to be held by us, and much expense and labor incurred in fortifying them. I can not approve of their abandonment, except in case of absolute necessity." after

Hooker crossed" the Potomac near Edwards's Ferry, and advanced to Frederick; himself visiting by the way Harper's Ferry. He found there -or rather, on Maryland HeightsGen. French, with 11,000 men, whom he, very naturally, desired to add to his army in the momentous battle now impending. For his army, being strengthened by 15,000 men spared him from the defenses of Washington, and 2,100 by Gen. Schenck from the Middle Department, was barely 100,000 strong; while Lee's, carefully counted by two Union men independently, as it marched through Hagerstown, numbered 91,000 infantry, with 280 guns, and 6,000 cavalry; while not less than 5,000 of its cavalry, under Stuart, crossed the Potomac below Edwards's Ferry, and so advanced into Pennsylvania without passing through Hagerstown. Considering that the Rebels had mustered the best as well as the largest army they ever sent into the contest, and that its triumph on a Northern field would almost certainly incite a Northern uprising in their favor, it was imperative that they should now be met by the heroic but luckless Army of the Potomac in such force as to place the issue beyond contingency. It was a high crime to withhold even a brigade, when a brigade more or less might decide the fate of a continent. Hooker had already drawn from the garrison at Washington all that Halleck would spare-leaving but 11,000 effectives under Heintzelman; which was none too much. But, having crossed the Potomac, he had very properly inquired by telegraph of Halleck, "Is there any reason why

21 June 26.

Surely, the translator of Jomini can find no parallel for such strategy in the whole military career of the great Napoleon. Hooker at once rejoined:

"I have received your telegram in regard to Harper's Ferry. I find 10,000 men here, in condition to take the field. Here, they are of no earthly account. They can not defend a ford of the river; and, so far as Harper's Ferry is concerned, there is nothing of it. As for the fortifications, the work of the troops, they remain when the troops are withdrawn. No enemy will ever take possession of them for them. This is my opinion. All the public property could marched to where they could have been of have been secured to-night, and the troops some service. Now, they are but a bait for the Rebels, should they return. I beg that this may be presented to the Secretary of War, and his Excellency, the President.

"JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General." In regard to this grave matter of difference, Hooker was clearly in the right: not clearly so in sending this dispatch immediately afterward:

66

"SANDY HOOK, June 27, 1853. 'Maj.-Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-inChief':

"My original instructions require me to cover Harper's Ferry and Washington. I have now imposed upon me, in addition, an enemy in my front of more than my numbers. I beg to be understood, respectfully but firmly, that I am unable to comply with this condition, with the means at my disposal, and earnestly request that I may at once be relieved from the position I occupy.

"JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General." Halleck had never regarded Hooker as the proper commander of this army; had prevented his selection as McClellan's immediate successor; *June 27, 104 A. M.

HOOKER RELIEVED-MEADE IN COMMAND.

375

had reluctantly assented to his desig- | ed by Halleck for visiting the capital nation after Burnside's collapse; had without leave, and in violation of the been strengthened in his conviction rule which forbade officers to do so. of Hooker's unfitness by the Chan- Thus ended his service with the cellorsville failure; and now, very Army of the Potomac. naturally, improved his opportunity. The next day brought Col. Hardie to Hooker's headquarters at Frederick, with instructions relieving Hooker and devolving the command on Gen. Meade; who was therewith advised that he might do as he pleased with the Harper's Ferry men; while Couch and his militia, estimated at 20,000 men, were placed under his orders.

Gen. Hooker at once took leave of the army, with whose fortunes he had been so long and so honorably identified, in the following characteristic order:

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"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
"FREDERICK, Md., June 28, 1863.
"In conformity with the orders of the
War Department, dated June 27th, 1863, I
relinquish the command of the Army of the
Potomac. It is transferred to Maj.-Gen.
George G. Meade, a brave and accomplished
officer, who has nobly earned the confidence
and esteem of the army on many a well-
fought field. Impressed with the belief
that my usefulness as the commander of the
Army of the Potomac is impaired, I part
from it, yet not without the deepest emo-
tions. The sorrow of parting with the
comrades of so many battles is relieved by
the conviction that the courage and devo-
tion of this army will never cease nor fail;
that it will yield to my successor, as it has
to me, a willing and hearty support. With
the earnest prayer that the triumph of this

army may bring successes worthy of it and

the nation, I bid it farewell.

"JOSEPH HOOKER, Major-General.”

Gen. Meade, astounded by his promotion, announced to the army his acceptance of the command in these sincere, fit, modest words: “Headquarters ARMY OF THE 2, TOMA,

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1863.

United States, I hereby assume command "By direction of the President of the of the Army of the Potomac. As a soldier, in obeying this order-an order totally unexpected and unsolicited-I have no promises or pledges to make. The country looks to this army to relieve it from the devastation and disgrace of a hostile invasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may be called upon to undergo, let us have in view constantly the magnitude of the interests involved, and let each man determine to do his duty, leaving to an all-controlling Providence the decision of the contest. It is with just diffidence that I relieve in the command of this army an eminent and accomplished soldier, whose name must ever appear conspicuous in th● history of its achievements; but I rely upon the hearty support of my companions in arms to assist me in the discharge of the duties of the important trust which has been confided to me.

"GEORGE G. MEADE, "Major-General Commanding."

Such a change of commanders, for no more urgent reasons, on the very brink of a great battle, has few parallels in history. Whatever his faults, Hooker was loved and trusted by his soldiers, who knew less of Meade,

and had less faith in him. Had that army been polled, it would have Bidding a cordial but hurried fare- voted to fight the impending battle well to his general and staff officers, under Hooker without the aid of Gen. Hooker left at once for Balti- French's 11,000 men, rather than more; being instructed to await there under Meade with that rëenforcefurther orders from the Adjutant- ment. But it was inured ere this to General's office. Three days bring- being astonished oftener than delighting none, he went over to Washing-ed, and to moving firmly onward in ton; where he was forthwith arrest- the path of duty, even when that

path was not irradiated by the sunshine of Hope. And now its heart was swelling with joyful trust that the enemy it had so long confronted was soon to be met in mortal strife where every circumstance of position and local knowledge would not tell in that adversary's favor.

24

Lee's army had for a few days traversed south-eastern Pennsylvania at will, burning railroad and turnpike bridges, breaking up tracks, severing telegraph wires, &c., &c., as was to be expected, and levying contributions on the country, though rendering a very general obedience to Lee's order," exhorting and enjoining his men to abstain from all wanton destruction or of damage to private property. Col. White, with his cavalry advance, had reached the Susquehanna at Wrightsville; where a bridge over the river was needlessly burned to prevent a crossing. Gen. Ewell that day occupied York, whose Burgess (David Small) went out several miles to meet him and surrender the borough, which was promised special immunity in consideration thereof; but was, immediately upon its occupation, required" to furnish, in addition to liberal supplies of food and clothing, $100,000 in cash, whereof $28,000 was actually raised and paid over, with a good portion of the creature comforts likewise required. If this 25 Deted Chambersburg, June 27 24 June 28.

25"Required for the use of Early's division: "One hundred and sixty-five barrels of flour, or 28,000 pounds baked bread; 3,500 pounds sugar; 1,650 pounds coffee; 300 gallons molasses; 1,200 pounds salt; 32,000 pounds fresh beef, or 21,000 pounds bacon or pork.

The above articles to be delivered at the market-house on Main street, at 4 o'clock, P. M.

"WM. W. THORNTON, Captain and A. C. S."

levy of money on a defenseless place, which had in all things evinced a meek and quiet spirit, is justifiable by the laws of war, it is difficult to see how the unsupported charges of rapacity and extortion leveled against Gen. Butler's rule in truculent and venomous New Orleans can be plausibly condemned or complained of.

J. E. B. Stuart, with a considerable proportion of the Rebel cavalry, was watching on our left flank when Hooker crossed the Potomac, and crossed himself" at Seneca soon afterward; moving up on our right so far as Westminster; burning 17 canal boats, also a train of 178 army wagons, laden with army stores, and picking up quite a number of our officers who were hastening to join their regiments at the front. From Westminster, he made his way across our front to Carlisle, which he found evacuated; and, hastening thence on the track of Longstreet's infantry, was in season for the fray at Gettysburg; whereon Lee, on hearing that Hooker was across the Potomac in force, had hastened to concentrate his whole army.

Hooker was preparing, when superseded, to strike heavily at Lee's line of communications, which would of course compel him to concentrate and fight; Meade changed the direction of certain corps, moving more to

"Required for the use of Early's command: "Two thousand pairs shoes or boots; 1,000 pairs socks; 1,000 felt hats; $100,000 in money. C. E. SNODGRASS, "Major and Chief Q. M. Early's division. "June 28, 1863."

"Approved; and the authorities of the town of York will furnish the above articles and the money required; for which certificates will be given. J. A. EARLY, Maj.-Gen. Commanding." 26 June 28.

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