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.
Did they? According to this there was no warning and no exceptions.
Not so with Union General Hunter. His troops destroyed houses while the women and children watched and pleaded.
Maybe because Hunter was prosecuting the war and not out for cash?