THE REBEL INVASION: A CAVALRY RAID INTO WESTMINSTER; RUMORED ADVANCE TO GREENCASTLE, PA. (9/13/1862)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 9/13/1862

[Homer_J_Simpson]

The National Intellingencer, of yesterday, says:

"We learned, last evening, by a messenger from the army of Gen. MCCLELLAN, that he had advanced his headquarters some miles beyond Rockville, and that the army had approached the Monocacy River, the bridges over which, or a portion of them, had been destroyed by the rebels."

PHILADELPHIA, Friday, Sept. 12.

There are many rumors in town, mainly from Gen. MCCLELLAN's army, all of which have a favorable indication.

BALTIMORE, Friday, Sept. 12.

The Nationals occupied New-Market, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, ten miles from Frederick, yesterday.

WASHINGTON, Friday, Sept. 12, 1862.

Information reaches us to-night, through a clerk in one of the Departments, that our forces entered Frederick, Md., this morning, without opposition. We had previous information of our having occupied New-Market, only seven miles distant.

Letters from Gen. MCCLELLAN's army agree in the statement that the soldiers are allowed to plunder without rebuke, going into the kitchens of houses as they pass, and making free with horses and cattle as well as poultry and fruit. This practice is having a bad effect on the loyal as well as the indifferent population.

Confidence to-day seems to be fully restored in the safety of Washington from the rebel force on the Upper Potomac. In view of our advance and the retreat of the enemy westward, it is thought that the bulk of his force will not cross the river, and that a vigorous action on the part of aur army will confine the rebel operations to a raid.

BALTIMORE, Friday, Sept. 12.

Last evening, at 7:30, the rebels made a cavalry raid into Westminster, about 500 strong, with two pieces of artillery. As they charged through the village, they discharged their pistols on unarmed men in the streets. C.N. WEBSTER,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4092681/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Rebel Invasion: A Cavalry Raid into Westminster – 2-4
A Fight at Williamsburgh: Our Forces Surprised by the Rebel Cavalry – 4-5
Affairs in Memphis – 5
The War in the West: The Rebels Falling Back from Cincinnati – 5
Important from Maryland: A Battle at Harper’s Ferry – 5-6
The Army of the Mississippi: Rumors of a Coming Movement – 6
News from Washington: Gen. Cassius M. Clay Ordered to Report to Gen. Butler – 6
Editorial: Censure of Military Generals – 6-7
Editorial: A Week’s Campaign in Maryland – 7-8
Editorial: Philadelphia as a Hostage – 8
Prospect of a Battle – 8
Another Field for Gen. Clay – 8

[BroJoeK]

"Important from Maryland: A Battle at Harper’s Ferry – 5-6"

This battle between the Union garrison at Harper's Ferry and Stonewall Jackson's forces will run from Sept 12 to 15.
The Union will defend the town in the valley, Jackson will occupy the surrounding hilltops.

For the Union, what could go wrong?

[BroJoeK]

"News from Washington: Gen. Cassius M. Clay Ordered to Report to Gen. Butler – 6"

Hmmmmm.... there's a familiar sounding name, where did I hear it before?
Let's see... a famous Kentucky abolitionist fighter, a brawler attacked for his beliefs, the bullet meant to kill him was deflected by his own Bowie knife.

Sent by President Lincoln as Ambassador to Russia, Clay convinced the Tsar to support the Union militarily in case Britain and France allied with Confederates.

Recalled to Washington, Lincoln made Clay a major-general but Clay would only accept the post if Lincoln promised to issue his Emancipation Proclamation.

Casius Clay... Casius Clay... where else did I hear that name?

[rxh4n1]

I’ve been to Harper’s Ferry a couple times. Look up at Maryland Heights, makes a death trap for Harper’s Ferry if it isn’t held. What were the Union commanders thinking?

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Having almost no experience traveling in the eastern part of the country, the geography of the eastern theater of the CW has always been something of a mystery to me. The map I posted on the Harper's Weekly thread today (repeated here) finally got me to see how that place is situated. I didn't realize it sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The surrounding heights are clearly shown.