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Border Warfare (June 7th, 1861)
>From The Valley Register; Middletown, MD
Summary: A group of secessionists attempted to steal boat on Potomac opposite Williamsport. The Union men of Williamsport ordered them to desist and when they didn't, the two sides exchanged fire for about one hour. Several Confederates wounded but no Union men.
Full DetailsIf you are true… (June 7th, 1861)
>From The Valley Register; Middletown, MD
Summary: An editorial endorsing Francis Thomas, Union candidate from 5th Congressional District. He is strong supporter of the Union.
Full DetailsHot Times in Town (June 7th, 1861)
>From The Valley Register; Middletown, MD
Summary: The Valley Register reprints an article from the Williamsport Ledger about Virginia secessionist William Spearow who attempted to enter Williamsport. He was stopped by the Union Guards and who turned him southward and asked him to leave. When he refused, someone suggested arresting him and sending him to Chambersburg. At that point he left trotted off toward the Potomac with people following after him and was shipped to the other side of the river.
Full DetailsOn Sunday morning… (June 7th, 1861)
>From The Valley Register; Middletown, MD
Summary: The Confederates burned a railroad bridge at Opequon near Martinsburg and a covered bridge over Sleepy Creek, near Hancock, MD
Full DetailsFrom Chambersburg (June 7th, 1861)
>From The Valley Register; Middletown, MD
Summary: Captain Kennedy, commander of the Union Home Guards of Williamsport, arrived in Chambersburg to request troop movement to Hagerstown. The bridge at Shepherdstown across the Potomac is mined and about to be blown up. Twenty-five Union men who have been driven out of Virginia reached Williamsport. Union troops will move very soon. Brig. General Thomas will lead regular army troops to Hagerstown from Chambersburg. The news from Sharpsburg is that over 500 Virginia troops have been sent back from Harper's Ferry to Winchester because of smallpox and diarrhea. Harper's Ferry may soon be evacuated as evidenced by loading of wagons, etc.
Full DetailsBy well confirmed reports… (June 7th, 1861)
>From The Valley Register; Middletown, MD
Summary: A report from Pennsylvania indicates the federal government has decided that troops will take possession of the entire B&O Railroad system. They will arrive at Frederick, Williamsport, Hagerstown, Hancock, and Cumberland. They are already at Grafton, Petersburg and Wheeling. Only a section of the B&O between Martinsburg and Point of Rocks will remain under Confederate control.
Full DetailsTragedy and Death (June 12th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: According to the Williamsport Ledger, last Wednesday evening Dewitt Clinton Rentch was shot and killed in Williamsport. He was suspected of being a spy for the Confederates, and when he came to town to conduct business for his father, a crowd gathered and asked him to leave town. Eventually he agreed to leave, but he insulted the crowd before doing so, shots were exchanged, and Rentch was struck in the chest and died.
Full DetailsFather and Son Separated (June 12th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: Rev. D.H. Junkin, former chaplain of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, recently visited Harpers Ferry to retrieve his son who had joined the Confederate army, but the son refused to go with him.
Full DetailsVirginia Union Men (June 12th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: Unionists from Virginia, especially from Berkeley County, are seeking shelter among friends north of the Potomac. Desertions from the Confederate army are also numerous. The Confederates at Harpers Ferry are forcing some men to join the Confederate army against their will.
Full DetailsThe Legislature (June 12th, 1861)
>From The Herald of Freedom & Torch Light; Hagerstown, MD
Summary: The legislature is ignoring petitions to adjourn and appear to be willing to waste tax dollars to remain in session. It is believed they are awaiting the result of tomorrow’s election; if the vote favors disunion, they will take steps to break with the federal government. To counter their plans, citizens should vote for the Union candidate, Francis Thomas.
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