THE UPPER POTOMAC: The Rebels Crossing at Hancock; A FIGHT AT NEW CREEK (8/6/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 8/6/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

HARRISBURGH, Penn., Friday, Aug. 5.

Dispatches received here at an early hour this morning state that the rebels were then crossing the river at Hancock, and that they had driven Gen. AVERILL's pickets into Cumberland.

A semi-official dispatch, received at 9 A.M., conveys the intelligence that the rebels occupied Hagerstown in force this morning.

The greatest consternation once more prevails among the people in the southern portion of the Cumberland Valley.

Farmers are hurrying from their homes with their stock, and the population generally is reported to be perfectly panic stricken by this sudden, and to them unexpected occupation again of the country by the rebels.

Gov. CURTIN has issued a proclamation calling out 30,000 militia.

The occupation of Hagerstown is confirmed by official dispatches. Three regiments of cavalry and two of infantry are strongly posted in and around the town.

The fact that the rebel expedition is accompanied by infantry is a strong indication that this force is the advance of a large body, as such troops are not used for marauding purposes only.

After crossing at Shepperdstown, it appears that the enemy passed through Sharpsburgh and Turkstown. So sudden was their descent upon Hagerstown that the telegraph operator who communicated was compelled to leave on a hand car, closely pursued by a cavalry force. He was in range of their revolvers for a considerable time, and only escaped by hard work at the wheels.

We are still in communication with State Line, a telegraph station on the Franklin Railroad, seven miles north of Hagerstown. The operator there states that the rebels in Hagerstown have thrown out pickets, but as yet have made no further advance movements.

A dispatch from Somerset, received at 10 P.M. states that the Federal loss in the light at New Creek, yesterday,

[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.
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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Upper Potomac: The Rebels Crossing at Hancock – 2
Gen. Sherman’s Army: General Stoneman’s Expedition – 2-3
From Gen. Banks’ Army: All Quiet-The Colored Troops – 3-4
The War on the Mississippi: Guerrillas Attacking Steamboats – 4
The Knights of the American Order: Confession of their Secretary – 4
News from Washington – 4
The Fast Day and Roman Catholics – 4
Base Ball – 4
Editorial: A Look at the Campaigns – 4-5
Editorial: The Trans-Mississippi Rebel Army – A Matter to be Looked After – 5
The Situation on the Borders – 5
Editorial: Armor-Plated Vessels – British Experiments – 5-6
Our Georgia Army – 6
Editorial: England’s Non-intervention Policy – A Novel Application of It – 6
The Late Drouth in Connecticut – 6
From New-Orleans – 6
Amusements this Evening – 6