York, Pa., June 20, 1863.
--I arrived here yesterday, about eight P. M., finding General Early with his headquarters at the Court-House.
York was surrendered by the authorities without a struggle, and ere this reaches you we expect to witness the fall of Harrisburgh.
There was a small fight at or this side of Columbia Bridge yesterday, which resulted in driving the Yankees across the river, when they fired the bridge and burned it. The boys are a jovial set of fellows, confident of being able to take Philadelphia.
York, Pa., June 29, 1863.
--The “rebels” arrived
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here yesterday and took possession, and now hold this place.
I, by strategic movements, brought up the rear about eight o'clock P. M. yesterday. No doubt you will be surprised to hear that I am here.
. . . . . . . .
General Early has demanded one hundred thousand dollars from the citizens as their portion of the levy for the support of the troops.
The confederates are a brave set of men, anxious at all times to engage the Yankees.
York, Pa., June 29, 1868.
--My Still Remembered and Dearly Beloved: How long has it been since I saw you and listened to your sweet voice?
And when about to leave you, the clasp we gave each other's hands, the kiss, the last fond look, and thus we parted.
This is all fresh to memory, and will be until I behold you again, in the same way that true friends are known to meet.
What I have suffered and gone through since I left you I cannot describe.
It appears like a long time to me, and you are ever present in mind, and I hope I am still remembered by my dearest love.
After a difficult and very perilous route I arrived at this place about eight o'clock last night, and found the rebels in full command of the city.
They have been skirmishing about the neighborhood this morning.
They destroyed some of the railroad track at Hanover on Saturday, captured a good many horses, but they were returned, the men not being authorized by the officers to do it.
I had to give my horse, “General Lee,” to a man to pilot us. I hated to part with him; but I will soon get another one, a better one than I have now.
George and I have temporarily joined the Seventeenth Virginia cavalry; that is, until we can get with the Maryland companies, which are not very many miles distant. . . It is very likely we will be in a battle before to-morrow morning at Harrisburgh, if it is not surrendered.
York, Pa., June 29, 1863.
--After a long and roundabout wild goose chase, we arrived here about eight o'clock last night, and found Jackson's foot cavalry in full possession of the town. . . . .
The notorious rebels are under the command of General Early.
They are in high spirits, well dressed, and all they want is to fight. . . . .
We expect to be ordered to Harrisburgh every minute.
The pickets drove back a large force of the Yankees just below Columbia, yesterday evening, and I expect long ere you get this you will hear of the fall of Harrisburgh.
The General has demanded one hundred thousand dollars from the Yankees of this place.
Already preparations are being made for the desired amount.
As there is no money in the bank, there has been a committee of the citizens appointed to raise it, which I think can be done, as they are terribly scared. ....
Good by. Rest assured that I will never disgrace myself by running from a black Yankee, but, on the other hand, fight till I die or conquer.
This is my motto, actuated by pure motives and principles.
York, Pa., June 29, 1863.
--We are in strong force, numbering about eight thousand.
There are about sixty thousand to eighty thousand rebels in Pennsylvania.
We will march on Harrisburgh, I expect, to-night.
About six hundred cavalrymen were at Hanover Saturday night. They destroyed the railroad for a few miles, took what horses they wanted, and then made back.
I expect we will make an attack on Baltimore after Harrisburgh. 