Transcribed Newspaper Articles--Franklin County: Antietam

• Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 4, c. 4: "Keep Cool." It is now nearly certain, say the editors, that the enemy has crossed the Potomac in force at Edwards Ferry and, if they defeat the army in Maryland, could advance into the Cumberland Valley. The editors call for local organization to resist invaders, and for the state government to re-organize the militia of the border counties.

• Valley Spirit, September 10, 1862, p. 5, c. 2: "Rebel Invas[i]on of Maryland--Jackson's Troops Across the Upper Potomac--Rebel Occupation of Poulesville and Darnestown--Destruction of the Monocacy Bridge and Canal." Reports that Confederate troops under the command of Stonewall Jackson have crossed the Potomac from Virginia into Maryland.

• Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 4, c. 1: "The Late Battles." The editors praise General McClellan for his recent victories in Maryland, the first near Frederick on September 14th, and the next near Sharpsburg on September 17th. In both instances, claim the editors, the enemy was driven to confusion and chose the quickest moment to retreat. Hopefully, the editors conclude, the lesson inflicted upon the Confederates will make them think twice before invading Maryland again.

• Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 4, c. 6: "Direct From The Army." Reprints reports from the fighting in the area of Sharpsburg, Maryland, dated September 20.

• Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "Alarm And Excitement." Two weeks before, the town of Chambersburg was rife with rumors of an enemy invasion, and the community was alarmed at the "prospect of having the rebel hordes in our midst." Business was suspended, and martial law was declared. It was particularly intense on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the week before last, but on Sunday came word that the Confederates were withdrawing their pickets from the state line. Large bodies of men from the northern, eastern, and western parts of the state, responding to the call of the Governor, poured into town and advanced to meet the enemy. Luckily, "McClellan whipped Lee on the South Mountain between Middletown and Boonsboro' on Sunday," which precipitated the Confederate evacuation of Hagerstown and took the pressure off of Franklin County.

• Valley Spirit, September 24, 1862, p. 5, c. 3: "The War in Maryland!!" Two columns of reports from the battle of Antietam.

• Valley Spirit, October 10, 1862, p. 2, c. 1: "The Contest In Maryland!" Discusses the battle at Antietam in detail. The correspondent details the flow of action in broad terms, praising the bravery of the men and the wisdom of General McClellan. General Burnside, however, is criticized for delaying the advance of his troops on the left side of the battle. The writer blames Burnside's delay for the ferocity of the fighting, as the Confederates were able to shift troops to meet each new wave of the attack.

• Valley Spirit, October 1, 1862, p. 5, c. 1: "The Invasion." The editors report that all the militia companies have returned home and things are returning to normal. Several hundred wounded soldiers remain in three hospitals in the area.

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