The Confederate Approach on Harrisburg

by Wingert, Cooper H.; Mingus, Scott L., Sr.

• ISBN13: 9781609498580
• ISBN10: 1609498585
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-11-06
• Publisher: History Pr

Summary

In June 1863, Harrisburg braced for an invasion. The Confederate troops of Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell steadily moved toward the Pennsylvania capital. Capturing Carlisle en route, Ewell sent forth a brigade of cavalry under Brigadier General Albert Gallatin Jenkins. After occupying Mechanicsburg for two days, Jenkins's troops skirmished with Union militia near Harrisburg. Jenkins then reported back to Ewell that Harrisburg was vulnerable. Ewell, however, received orders from army commander Lee to concentrate southward-toward Gettysburg-immediately. Left in front of Harrisburg, Jenkins had to fight his way out at the Battle of Sporting Hill. The following day, Jeb Stuart's Confederate cavalry made its way to Carlisle and began the infamous shelling of its Union defenders and civilian population. Running out of ammunition and finally making contact with Lee, Stuart also retired south toward Gettysburg. Author Cooper H. Wingert traces the Confederates to the gates of Harrisburg in these northernmost actions of the Gettysburg Campaign.

Table of Contents

Foreword	p. 7
Acknowledgements	p. 9
Harrisburg in Distress	p. 11
The Defenses of Harrisburg	p. 26
Southern Invaders	p. 48
Carlisle Falls	p. 53
Preparations at Oyster's Point	p. 78
Jenkins Captures Mechanicsburg	p. 85
The Skirmish of Oyster's Point Begins	p. 91
Spies, Scouts and Traitors	p. 108
Jenkins Reconnoiters Harrisburg	p. 111
The Battle of Sporting Hill	p. 118
The Shelling of Carlisle	p. 134
After Carlisle	p. 161
Epilogue	p. 171
Casualties during the Shelling of Carlisle	p. 175
The Death of Private Charles Colliday at Carlisle	p. 179
Abbreviations	p. 181
Notes	p. 183
Bibliography	p. 207
Index	p. 219
About the Author	p. 223
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