Invasion of Pennsylvania

"A Brief Experience as a Soldier during the Invasion of Pennsylvania," by William Peirsol
June 18 - July 20, 1863

William H. Peirsol served in the First Regiment of Gray Reserves of Philadelphia (32nd Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia) during the Civil War. After the war, Peirsol published his account of his service during the summer of 1863. Peirsol's account, which contains daily entries between June 18...

"Boyhood Memories of The Civil War 1861-'65 - Invasion of Carlisle," by James W. Sullivan
July 1932

Publisher: Carlisle, PA: Hamilton Library Association

James W. Sullivan writes to Jane Van Ness Smead in July 1932 and provides extensive details regarding the invasion, occupation, and shelling of Carlisle. Sullivan also recalls the general sentiments of Carlisle...

Broadside of "Citizens of Cumberland Valley!" Call to Arms
July 3, 1863

This broadside, likely distributed throughout Cumberland County, calls for all able men to enlist. It describes atrocities committed by the Confederates while in the Cumberland Valley region, and records that “the citizens of this valley are loyal to the heart’s core.” The scene at Carlisle...

Broadside of "General Orders No. 72"
June 21, 1863

These Confederate Army general orders, from General Robert E. Lee to Lieut. General Richard Ewell, are posted publicly in Carlisle and provides specific procedures for the voluntary procurement of supplies, involuntary seizure, receipt information, as well as officer clearances for such duties...

Eli Slifer Papers
1849 - 1871

Eli Slifer was a prominent businessman who was responsible for the recruitment and supplying of regiments from Pennsylvania during the Civil War. His letters contain his personal, as well as business correspondence with family, friends, business partners, military officials, and even Governor...

Isaac Harris Diary, U.S. Sanitary Commission
June 12 - July 18, 1863

This transcript of a portion of the diary Isaac Harris contains entries from mid-June through mid-July 1863 largely related to the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania. Harris, who serves with the U.S. Sanitary Commission, visits Carlisle and Dickinson College on July 7 to analyze the supply...

Letter from Charles F. Himes to Ogden N. Rood
October 2, 1863

Charles Francis Himes describes the scenes in Carlisle as the Confederates approached in late June 1863 and notes how the local militia supported by two regiments from New York, took fortification a mile west of town. Himes also recounts his experiences traveling from Carlisle and describes the...

Philadelphia Inquirer, "Our Harrisburg Letter"
July 4, 1863

The Philadelphia Inquirer publishes this letter from a regular correspondent that relays information about the shelling of Carlisle, including information from a dispatch from Harrisburg and an eyewitness account from the following morning.

"Our Harrisburg Letter," ...

Philadelphia Inquirer, "The Defense of Carlisle - Noble Service of the Militia"
July 4, 1863

This article, on page four of an issue of The Philadelphia Inquirer, praises the work of General Smith and the Militia in Carlisle for their defense of the town and their unwillingness to give in despite General Lee's various requests for surrender. Transcript included.

"The...

Philadelphia Inquirer, "The Rebels at Carlisle"
July 4, 1863

This article, from an issue of Philadelphia Inquirer, page 3, describes in detail the occurrences of the shelling of Carlisle, including the pre-attack discourses between General Lee and General William Farrar Smith. Transcript included.

"The Rebels at Carlisle," Philadelphia...

Philadelphia Press, "Special Despatch to The Press"
July 2, 1863

In this "Special Despatch to The Press," two reports mention Carlisle in reporting on the movement and actions of Confederate troops in central Pennsylvania. It provides a short account of the Confederate occupation of Carlisle and notes that they requisitioned supplies from civilians. The...

The Methodist, "A Few Days Under Rebel Rule"
July 18, 1863

Samuel Dickinson Hillman, an alumnus and a professor at Dickinson College, recalls the invasion and shelling of Carlisle in this article from The Methodist.  Hillman covers the appearance of the Rebel troops, conversations had during the occupation, and the bombardment, all from his...

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