Civil War Days In Mercersburg
as Related in the Diary of
the Rev. Thomas Creigh, D.D.
August 1, 1862 July 20, 1865

Rev. Thomas Creigh, D. D., was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Mercersburg, from the date of his ordination and installation, December 17th, 1831, to the date of his death, April 21st, 1880. It was his custom to keep a personal diary from day to day, jotting down, what to us, are interesting items of local and national happenings, as well as an account of his pastoral and ministerial responsibilities.

A great many of the diaries are at hand although so far as our present interest in the period of the War between the States is concerned, the date available is August 1, 1862. In this book, the first reference made to the war is Saturday, August 2, which records that there was a war meeting at Dry Run, addressed by McCauley and Everett of Chambersburg. No doubt as a result of that meeting and other meetings held in that valley, sixteen young men left Spring Run, Monday, August 4, for the war. That particular week-end Mr. Creigh spent in Spring Run assisting in the services of the church on Sunday A. M., and on Sunday afternoon, In Amberson's Valley.

On Tuesday afternoon his son, Thomas Alfred, went to tell his parents of the war excitement and of his own purpose to enlist. Tne father s natural emotion is, "I would rather he should have remained at home, but duty must be paramount to feeling however strong that feeling may be." Then he adds a brief petition for his care: "May the Lord be with him amid the perils and temptauons of the camp."

Early Wednesday morning, in fact it was five A. M., the Creighs left for home, arriving at half past eleven six hours and a half from Spring Run. The town was stirred up over the prospective departure of volunteers for the army. The record for the day August 6 1862, reads: "A company has been organized in this place and neighhorhood numbering 126 men. Dr. Brownson has been chosen Captain. They expect to leave tomorrow. Attended a farewell meeting with the volunteer company who leave tomorrow morning. It was held in the Diamond, conducted by the ministers of the place who led in prayer and made addresses. A flag costing S50 was presented to them by the citizens, Judge Carson making the presenting speech and Dr. Brownson the accepting address." The remainder of the evening was taken up by calls from the young friends of the minister who had volunteered to go, by a farewell meeting with his son, Thomas Alfred, and as frequently happens before volunteers depart, there are wedding ceremonies to be performed, so that night there was a wedding ceremony for one of the volunteers.

At two o'clock the next morning the drum and fife commenced sounding their notes, "calling the sleeping soldiers to arise and take up the line of march." There were conveyances waiting for them in the Diamond to take them to Greencastle and from there they proceeded to Harrisburg by railroad.

Up to that time about 200 persons had left this immediate neighborhood to take part in the war.

On Saturday, August 23, public affairs looked threatening. Gen'l. McClellan, with his forces, had left James River. The Rebels were concentrating near Gordonsville, Va., under Gen'l. Jackson; and Tennessee and Kentucky were threatened with invasion.

The father is naturally concerned about his son; Thomas Alfred was in a camp, Camp Stanton, four miles from Alexandria, Va., and James was in the battles of two days, Friday and Saturday, near Manassas. His captain had been wounded. Dr. Creigh had received a letter from Hon. A. K. McClure, Military Superintendent in Penna., giving the information that James would shortly receive a commission in Gen'l Elliott's staff.

On Thursday, September 4, there was great excitement due to the knowledge that the army had been driven back to Washington and the Rebels were making their way to Winchester, Va., and Harper's Ferry. He notes that the Chambersburg bank had removed its "specie" to Harrisburg.

On Sunday, September 7, the exclamation reads: "An alarming state of things!" This was caused by the information that "the Rebels are crossing the Potomac in large force near Harper's Ferry, and that guerilla companies are being formed in Washington County, Md., to invade this portion of our valley." Notice was given of this to the congregation and all who could bear arms were urged to meet in this place (the church) tomorrow,' `to concert means to our defense." A meeting was held that very night after the church service, at which W. D. McKinstry was made chairman, and a committee of Safety was appointed. Persons were sent to Clearspring Greencastle and Chambersburg for information which was to be reported at the meeting the next day.

The meeting the following afternoon was at the public Diamond. Committees were appointed and the citizens enrolled. 196 stand of arms were brought from Chambersburg for the use of volunteer companies. A second meeting was called for the evening. Word had come that the Rebels were occupying Frederick, Md., and their pickets were being pushed forward within fifteen miles of Hagerstown. This meeting was addressed by the various ministers of the town, including the Rev. Mr. Harding and Heyd of the Methodist Episcopal Church; Rev. Drs. Wolfe, Shaff and Apple of the German Reformed Church, Rev. Mr. Bruce and Dr. Creigh.

Two cavalry companies and three infantry companies were en- rolled in the borough and in the townships of Montgomery and Peters.

The stores and all places of business were to close at 5:00 P. M., so that the men would be free to drill.

Conditions continued to be alarming for the next day, Tuesday, September 9 (1862) this entry appears: "Report says that Frederick has been entered by a large force of the enemy and are driving themselves to Hagerstown. Many families in Hagerstown and Clearspring are either leaving or sending away their valuables."

By Thursday the excitement was intense. "Many persons in town," Dr. Creigh writes, "Companies training, one of cavalry and two of infantry. The Rebels have taken Hagerstown and are destroying the railroad at that end." This fact elicits the following statement from the minister: "The Lord enables us in quietness to possess our souls. He reigns, who can control all the movements of the enemies. Our best plan is to be in the place and path of duty, and look to God for grace, wisdom, and strength in time of peril."

At half past eleven that night the town was aroused by the ringing of the bells and drum and fife. It was the arrival of messengers to hurry the forces of the town to Greencastle as the pickets of the rebels were within four miles of Greencastle at Shady Grove.

Friday's journal continues, "The town all excitement today orders from Chambersburg to send our forces there. Two large companies left, one infantry and the other cavalry. Most of the merchants have boxed and sent off their goods, chiefly to Path Valley . . . and many of the citizens have left town. Great alarm. The Governor has called for the entire Militia to be ready to march on an hour's notice. to meet the emergency."

It was reported that the Rebels were 30,000 strong in Hagerstown, and that there had heen a skirmish between the pickets of the two forces five miles from Greencastle.

On Sunday heavy and constant canonading was heard during the morning in the direction of Harper's Ferry. While Dr. Creigh was holding a service in the Welsh Run Church in the afternoon one hundred picket men of the U. S. Cavalry passed-through on their way to Hagerstown.

The account for Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 16 and 17, 1862 includes an account of the battle Dr. Creigh personally witnessed:

Tuesday, September 16 "The ministers of this place and a number of persons left at 10:00 o'clock for the battlefield on "seared mountain" near Boonsboro. Rev. Mr. Agnew and I . . . reached Boonsboro between 8 and 9 o'clock, p. m. The only place of lodging which we could secure was the floor of the parlor. I was fortunate enough to get an armed rocking chair."

Wednesday, September 17 At daybreak we laeft for the battlefield and what a scene of devastation Very many of the bodies of the Rebels still remained unburied .... Twenty-two of them in one place and some in the agonies of death. Having spent a few hours in wandering over this field of ruin and sadness we set out for the field where the battle was raging near Keadysville toward Sharpsburg, which we reached about 11 o'clock, having taken a late breakfast in Boonsboro. Rev. (Edwin) Nevin was with me in the buggy. We had a commanding view of the field from a high bluff about three-fourths of a mile off, where was the signal station, from which point we could see the maneuvering of our army and could witness the retreating of the enemy. It was a hard fought battle and many, very many, must have been slain on both sides. The firing was incessant of the artillery and most terrific, and was very distinctly heard here. There was a cessation of firing between two and three p. m., at which time we left the battlefield, which was recommenced at five and continued to eight p. m. A whole regiment of N. Carolinians was taken. We visited the hospital and saw hundreds of wounded, and wounded in every part of their bodies. The road leading to the battlefield for miles was one continued stream of living beings and wagons, etc. And yet in all the vast assemblage it was a rare thing to see a single person intoxicated or behaving in a disorderly manner. Nor did there seem to be much excitement .... The men went into battle with as much coolness and deliberation as if they were going about their ordinary business. The prisoners who were taken were ragged and squalid and filthy. I met with no one of our wounded who made any murmur. Tolerence characterized them. But, O, how terrible the scene. It is so painted on the memory that nothing can efface it .... We returned to Boonsboro after one of the most eventful days in all my life .... in looking back upon it, it seems as if in that one day I had lived a hundred days so crowded it has been with incident."

The next occurrence of interest is under the date of Friday, October 10, 1862.

Dr. Creigh had been attending a meeting of the Presbytery at Bedford and on Friday morning arrived home about 10:06 a. m. To quote: "All things seemed to be very quiet in our village but ahout 12:30 a few cavalry soldiers made their appearance in town which attracted some little attention. It was soon discovered however that they were Confederate soldiers and soon the number began to increase until it must have reached 1800 (Gentl Stuart's cavalry). They crossed the Potomac at McCay's ferry and some of them came across Dunn's gap and others with three cannon by Boarer's. They surrounded the town urith guard and pickets. Went to the Post Office and took or destroyed everything of value. Entered the stores of Messrs. Brewer, Fritzgerald, McKinstry, Grove, Smith and Bradley and took what they wanted. Took with them as prisoners Mr. John McDowell, Capt. Rupley, James Grove, Dan'l Shaffes, Louderbaugh and Perry Rice and also any number of horses, some of the farmers losing, 2, 3, 5, and one of them (A. Hoke) 18 .... The town is in a greatly excited state, entirely at their mercy and yet though much excited are calmer and more tranquil than would have been supposed. Such a "raid" as this brings war very near to us."

Naturally the town was in an excited state. Dr. Creigh records that he slept through Friday night undisturbed. On Saturday Capt. Russell with about forty of his men arrived in the town as well as an additional number of cavalry eight of whom took supper at the Creigh home. Still more cavalry arrived Sunday. It is interesting to note that a church service was held that Sunday morning and that the minister states that there were more at church than he anticipated. It is in Sunday's notation that this account of the Rebels' sacking of Chambersburg appears: "The Rebels burned the depot in Chambersburg and ammunition and military stores of the Government and robbed shoe and hat stores. They were disappointed in not getting the money of the C. Bank. It had been removed. Reports say that the Rebels are making their way to Gettysburg. Intelligence arrived on Monday that the Rebels escaped.

During the course of the winter months only casual references are made to the war.

The following May the local 126 Regiment came home, having servevd nine months. The following description is given of this event. "Great excitement this evening (May 23) on the return of our company from their nine months service. An immense concourse of people to receive them. Religious services in the Diamond. The choirs of the different churches met together on Col. Murphey's porch and sang an introductory and closing piece. Rev. Mr. Buckley (M. E. C.) offered up prayer and I (Dr. Creigh) gave an address. Most solemn and impressive service. Out of a company of 100 strong, but four died of disease, three were killed and several wounded."

In June Dr. Creigh spent the week-end of the 14th in Burnt Cabins conducting religious services. On his arrival home Monday, June 15, 1863, the town was greatly excited. The Rebels had crossed the Potomac near Clearspring, Md., and were making their way to Hagerstown. There had been a skirmish near St. Paul's Church. No mail arrived in town. " ll the stores closed and most of the merchants are sending away their goods." By Tuesday, the rebel cavalry was in Greencastle and Chambersburg, so it was reported. On Wednesday the reports were confusing. "No mails, and all avenues of communication with Greencastle and Chambersburg and Hagerstown closed. We seem to be entirely isolated from the world around us. A hundred reports in circulation in regard to the movement of our army and that of the rebels but nothing reliable." On Thursday the account for the day reads: "No mail still. The rebels have left Chambersburg on their way back through Greencastle, a force estimated at from 800 to 2000, taking with them horses and negroes."

By Friday Mercersburg was invaded, "This day was eventful, a second raid among us by the rebels. Came in from Greencastle early in the morning and passed through to McConnellsburg. Returned this way again about 3 p. m., with many horses taken from the neighborhood and from the Cove, with immense numbers of cattle (a whole drove taken from Mr. Taylor of Chambersburg, 170) and negroes. They did no damage to us as a town. Mr. Mc- Cullough lost six horses, Mr. Wiler six. Shame to Pennsylvania that she does not protect her borders. She is turning up fortifications at Harrisburg, but is leaving her borders exposed. This rebel raid is under command of Col. Jenkins of Mosley's cavalry and numbers about 2S0. More excitement in town, but all behaving well."

On Saturday about 100 union soldiers passed through the town in pursuit of the rebels, but Dr. Creigh writes tersely, "Too late, as usual, with our force."

The rebels appeared again in town the following Tuesday. Apparently it was only a small force of about sixteen, but they went into the country after cattle, etc. Dr. Creigh writes that "I have just heard that Col. John McClelland had been taken prisoner by them and that the small force we had at Chambersburg has left that place. We are beginning to feel the horrors of this terrible war in other ways than have heretofore felt it. Persons passing through through town flying with their horses from the enemy, groups of persons, men, women and children in all directions, discussing public affairs. Packed a trunk with records of church and sermons and private papers. "

During Wednesday five regiments of infantry of the rebels passed through Mercersburg to encamp west of the toll gate. It was estimated there were about 2000 in all, with six pieces of artillery. They were a part of Gen. Ewell's command. In the evening about 150 of Imboden's cavalry passed through and all were crossing the Cove mountam about dusk. Guerilla parties visited the town and country gathering up horses, cattle and sheep. Mr. R. P. McFarland was stripped of a flock of 150. The harvest which was ripe and ready to he harvested stood in the prospect of perishing on the ground, with no men to cut it or horses to haul it in.

The entry for Friday, June 26, (1863) is interesting, "A terrible day. The guerillas passing and repassing, one of the saddest of sights, several of our colored persons with them, to be sold into slavery, John Philkill and Findlay Cuff. The officer with a squad of men has just passed up street making proclamation of something. I have just been to the door to inquire what it is. It is that they intend to search all houses for contrabands and fire arms and that wherever they dlscover either they will set fire to the house in which they may be found," and for Saturday, "This morning the guerilla band which was encamped up the pike took their departure through town toward Greencastle taking with them about a dozen colored persons, mostly contrabands, women and children; a large flock of sheep and horses and barouche. Sad that we can make no resistance and that the Government has sent us no help. Here we are as in a port or a prison, beleaguered on all hands and can receive no reliable intelligence in regard to the movements of our army. Reports we have in abundance, but they are so vague, and so conflicting that we can repose no confidence in them."

The rebels went through town on Monday with 39 stolen horses from the Corner.

Tuesday was another day of excitement "under Jeff Davis' rule," as Dr. Creigh expresses it. "Gen'l Imboden and his staff came into town this morning and made the following requisition of the inhabitants of the town, namely, 5000 lbs. of bacon; 20 bbls. of flour ..2bbls of molasses, 2 bbls. of sugar, 2 sacks of salt and 150 pairs of shoes. There was no alternative" sadly relates the Journal, "we were powerles, and it had to be complied with by 11:30 a. m. Committees were appointed to go around with them when most of articles were given, rather stolen. They did not exact anything of the ministers and so in the good providence of God we escaped." Around half past three in the afternoon they began to leave on the road to Greencastle, after having encamped around Mercersburg for two days, first at the Cove Gap and the second night in the woods on the other side of the toll gate in Ritchey's woods. "They are now gone," writes Dr. Creigh, "may we never see the like again among us."

But this was not to be fulfilled, for the very next day, Mercersburg, July l, 1863, his diary reads: "About 1 p. m., a company of guerillas came into town, numbering about 60 and took off goods from Messrs. Fritzgerald and Shannon, and six or seven of our free people of color. This visit was the most terrific of any we have had. It was brief, but O, it was terrible." It was on this day that the report reached town that Gen`l Meade was in control of the army and that Gen'l Leigh was driving the enemy back toward Chambersburg.

Dr. Creigh relates for Friday what he called a sad occurrance. Three union soldiers who came into town as scouts were in Col. Murphey's inn when Geo. Wolfe, who had been south of town on the lookout for rebels came into town in great haste on horseback pursued by three rebeis. The union soldiers fired on them killing one rebel and taking another prisoner after his horse had been shot from beneath him. The dead soldier was first buried in a lot owned by the turnpike company but the following day his body was disinterred, placed in a coffin to be buried in the Presbyterlan graveyard along the east fence.

The quiet of the holy Sabbath of July 5, was broken about 8:30 a. m., when a few union soldiers came into town with 31 prisoners which had been captured the day before in Greencastle and were being taken to McConnellsburg. About eleven o'clock two hundred of Milroy's cavalry force came to town and spent three hours on their way to Greencastle and Chambersburg. The men and their horses were fed by the citizens of the town. Intelligence had been received that there had been severe fighting in Carlisle and Gettysburg and that the enemy was retreating along South Mountain. In the evening the company which had gone through town at noon, returned with 97 wagons, one piece of cannon, 850 prisoners, 200 of whom were wounded. They had been captured at Cunningham's Crossroads on their way to Williamsport, Md.

Monday morning Dr. Creigh spent among the prisoners who filled the theological seminary, the basement and portico of the Reformed Church and the basement of the M. E. Church. Joyful news was received of the battle of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. During the evening heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Williamsport. Horses and cattle were being taken through Mercersburg hy persons living in the borders of Maryland.

Thursday was clear, but very smokey, produced by the camp-fires a11 along the South Mountain and to Clearspring. During the night two regiments had come into the town, one from New York and the other from Chester County. One company, left as a guard, camped on the Blair's Valley road to Clearspring. A number of thc wounded rebel soldiers were taken out of town.

Through Sunday, July 12, the roaring of cannon disturbed the peace for some hours.

This particular period in the war as it affects Mercersburg, closes with a day of Thanksgiving for union victories, designated by the President for Thursday, August 6. This service was held in the Reformed Church.

On Sunday afternoon, July 3, 1864, as Dr. Creigh and Mr. Tho. Grove were returning from a worship service at Welsh Run they met a messenger bringing the news that the Rebels were near Martinsburg, on their way into this region, represented to be 6000 strong.

Much excitement prevailed in the town. Telegrams warning of the Rebel's approach were received. Scouts were sent out as far as Clearspring, Md. The excitement continued Monday, with the farmers fleeing with their horses and the merchants packing up and sending off and concealing their goods. During the week news came of skirmishes at Harper's Ferry and of fighting in Hagerstown.

So the rumors and excitement prevailed until Friday, July 29 1864, when this entry appears in the diary:

"Alarming times the rebels on this side of Clearspring and in Hagerstown and on thelr way to Greencastle. The stage has just come in 3:30 p. m. About 4 o'clock, pickets brought word that the enemy are within three miles of town, at Rhodes Mill, coming the Blairs Valley road. A great stampede of horses and of persons fleeing. Pickets again report that they are within three-fourth of a mile, a large force of cavalry. The part of company of regulars that remains station themselves at the Diamond and others go as far as our church to receive them frequent and quick firing.

They reach the Diamond, our few men receive them with a fire and retreat cooly down the street, the rebels after them and bullets flying one struck near our house. They began passing through the town about- 5 p. m., and continued to 8 p. m., under command of Gen B. Johnston and McCausland, from four to six pieces of cannon, and variously estimated from 2500 to 3500. They broke into thc stores and did all the damage they could altho most of our merchants had removed their best goods. They encamped on Campellstown road from Ritchey's hill to Wm. Hoke's. They entered many private dwelllngs and destroyed and stole much property. The heaviest losers among our merchants were Wm. Grove and Coyle, Dr. Smith (Drug) and Major North (tanner). They took watches out of the pocket (Arch Ritchey) and searched persons for money (John Rhoades). As far as I could learn they left between 11 and 12 p. m., on the Campbellstown road.

This particular encounter is described in a paper presented to this Society by Linn Harbaugh, Esq., entitled, "A Forgotten Battle of the Civil War." The paper was read at a meeting held on the evening of March 29, 1906, at the residence of Walter K. Sharpe, Esq., and it is included in Vol. V, published in 1908.

The brief description he gave was a composite of personal interviews with a number of men who were eye witnesses of the battle and the brief statement already read for the diary of Dr. Creigh, which Mr. Harbaugh states is the only record of the event.

According to Mr. Harbaugh's paper, the two witnesses to this battle were Major Robert S. Brownson, a physician in times of peace, and Constable George W. Wolfe. This is the substance of their description as presented by Mr. Harbaugh:

"As the van-guard of the enemy approached from the direction of the "Corner," the Union force emerged from a vacant lot near the old lime kilns, and dashing to the road, fired the first volley. They then withdrew. The surprise was complete, and the Confederates wheeled and road back some distance. Soon another charge was made, the Union force again dashing out from their place of concealment, and the Johnnies were again repulsed. This was repeated several times accompanied by rapid firing on both sides until a large force of the enemy came up. The Confederates had then decided that the resistance could not be very great, and they made ready for a final charge.

"This time McLean's men appeared as usual and fired again into the front ranks of the oncoming foe, but in place of falling to the side of the road as before, they turned and road at a rapid pace into town. Before turning the Presbyterian Church corner, the Federals wheeled and fired a volley, then at the public square they made another stand. One more compliment was sent back at the bridge north of town, and still another at the Loudon road. From this point all along the road to Chambersburg, the Sixth regulars harrassed McCausland's advance cavalry that night at almost every available point, every now and then sending off a messenger to Gen. Couch at Chambersburg, who was then attempting to communicate with Gen. Averill."