Darius N. Couch to Edwin M. Stanton, June 16, 1863
Hon. E. M. STanton, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:
Dear Sir: I have endeavored to keep you advised of all that was reliable in reference to the enemy. The country is so wild with rumors that I was compelled to use great caution in communicating with you. A deserter, a Northern Irishman, states that Stuart had orders read to his command, which they called 20,000, that, he would reach Philadelphia before their return. I have made every exertion to protect the bridges across the Susquehanna, but they are to be fired, if it becomes necessary. Had the people responded to my first call as they should have done, I would now bein asituation to march up the Valley. I think we have succeeded in running off most of the horses. I am of the opinion that the squads of cavalry thrown out around Chambersburg saved Milroy’s train, very few wagons being lost. Applications have been made of colored troops for State defense. I judged that it would be bitterly opposed, and have, therefore, merely stated that I had no authority for accepting them.
very respectfully, yours,
Major-General.
HARRISBURG, June 16, 1863—10.35 p. m.
Hon. E. M. Stanton,
Scouts on Northern Central Railroad, just in from Westminster to
Glen Rock, report as follows:
Rebels in possession of New Market. At 12m. they crossed the Potomac at Sharpsburg, and are in possession of Hagerstown, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Waynesborough, and other small towns. The different forces are concentrating, to make