Reports from Staunton — rumors of the Burning of Harrisburg, Pa.--cattle from Pennsylvania, &c.
[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Staunton, Va., June 27, 1863.
I imagine, in the main, you will now get your earliest accounts of the doings of our army through Northern sources.
I will give you, for what they are worth, one or two reports which have reached this place by persons just from Winchester.
The first, I presume, is undoubtedly true, viz: That large numbers of cattle and horses had reached that place from Pennsylvania.
Another report represents that a considerable Confederate force crossed into Maryland a day or two since, at Boteler's Ford, near Shepherdstown.
A different party brings the news that the Capitol at Harrisburg, Pa., had been burned by the Confederates.
I receive and give the statement as one which may or may not be true.
A gentleman of this vicinity has just received letters from Maryland, stating that considerable difficulty had arisen in Baltimore between the Unionists and men of Southern sentiments, and that the Provost Marshal had been killed, but the precise nature or extent of the difficulty I cannot learn.
Our town has resumed a most lively appearance, being the rendezvous for soldiers following their respective commands.
Our hospitals are crowded to overflowing; not, however, I am happy to say, with very sick men, but with those who, being unable to perform the heavy marches incident to an active campaign, have been sent here to recruit.
This is a wise plan, since it prevents much sickness and saves many lives, while it greatly increases the efficiency of the army.
At another time I will give you some points relative to our "guide town," Massanutten. 