And the ransom demand? When all is said and done could VMI and the valley not be the real reasons after all? It was simply a failed extortion?
Some people paid, and their houses were spared. At least the Confederates offered home owners a chance to save their homes. Not so with Union General Hunter. His troops destroyed houses while the women and children watched and pleaded.
Here is Hunter's order issued a month or so before Chambersburg (from the Official Records, my emphasis):
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA,
In the Field, at Rude's Hill, Va., May 30, 1864.
Major T. QUINN,
Commanding First New York Cavalry:
MAJOR: You will detail from your command 200 men, with the proper complement of commissioned officers, to proceed to Newtown to-morrow morning at 3 o'clock, for the purpose of burning every house, store, and out-building in that place, except the churches and the houses and out-buildings of those who are known to be loyal citizens of the United States. You will also burn the houses, &c., of all rebels between Newtown and Middletown. You will spare the house and premises of Dr. Owens, at Newtown, he having been very kind to our wounded soldiers; and where the burning of the house or out-buildings of the rebel shall not be burned. You will report back to these headquarters, making a written report of the expedition.
This by command of the major-general commanding [Hunter]:
I am, major, very obediently, yours, [P. G. BIER,]
Assistant Adjutant-General.