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The York Gazette. [Newspaper extra on the occupation of York Pennsylvania by Confederate troops on the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg.]

York, Pennsylvania: York Gazette, June 30, 1863 [actually July 1, 1863]. Broadside, 18” x 12.5” overall, mounted on linen. Inscription on verso: “A. E. Evans.”.

An unrecorded newspaper extra, reporting almost exclusively on the occupation of York Pennsylvania by Confederate forces, the destruction of the bridge over the Susquehanna River, and other momentous developments presaging the Battle of Gettysburg.

This sheet reports on the events of the days leading up to and including 1 July 1863 which saw Confederate General Jubal Early's forces take control of the city of York, Pennsylvania—with some of Early’s forces pressing on to attempt to capture the strategically important Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge over the Susquehanna river. According to the first two-thirds of this report, dated June 30, the city of York's chief burgess and other members of the safety committee surrendered the town to General Gordon of Early's division after assessing the strong force of the approaching enemy. They informed the people of York that, "having no sufficient force to resist their advances, they were authorized to ask that no injury be done to the citizens, in their persons or private property. General Gordon heard their request and assured them that no injury should be done to either."

The vanguard of General Early's division approached York on Sunday morning, June 28, in three columns. Gen. Early then arrived with another brigade of his division and met with the Chief Burgess—taking possession of the fairground with fourteen pieces of artillery, infantry, mounted riflemen and cavalry; and setting up his headquarters in the court house. As detailed here, Early proceeded to issue a list of demands from York’s citizens—including 165 barrels of flour (or 2800 lbs. of baked bread), 3500 lbs. of sugar, 1650 lbs. of coffee, 300 gallons of molasses, 1200 lbs. of salt, 32,000 lbs. of fresh beef (or 21,000 lbs. of bacon or pork), 2,000 pairs of shoes or boots, 1,000 pairs of socks, 1,000 felt hats and $100,000 cash. It is reported that "a meeting of the citizens was called and every effort was made to fill the requisition,” and that only $28,000 was raised.

On the afternoon of the 28th, Gordon's brigade reached Wrightsville, and after a brief skirmish the Union forces—which included many newly-recruited black soldiers—fell back across the Susquehanna river, then destroyed the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge, first by explosives and then by fire. One story not related in this broadside reports that the rebels, desperate to save the bridge, demanded the citizens provide buckets and any other containers to fill with water to douse the flames. However, buckets weren't anywhere to be found. Yet when some of the Wrightsville buildings and businesses became caught-up in the fire, buckets suddenly appeared. The rebels reportedly joined with the townspeople anyway in bucket brigades to help save the buildings.

The broadside describes conditions in the town under Confederate occupation. The Union leaders entreated Early not to destroy their rail yard and factories, and he complied. It is noted that "the compliance, in part, of their demand, beyond all doubt, saved the burning of all the shops and buildings of the Railway Company and machine shops where government work is done." Rebel soldiers demanded that closed shops open so that they could acquire needed supplies, and paid the owners in Confederate money. Meanwhile, other Confederate forces burned a number of railroad bridges from York up to Harrisburg—in an attempt to prevent any influx of troops into the area via the north. "We have no news from the outside world," the paper reports, "being completely cut off, from all sources of intelligence. There are rumors which we shall not now repeat for the want of reliability."

The last third of the paper, which is dated 1 July, gives updates on the Confederate troop movements; General Hooker's resignation and Gen. Meade's taking command; a report that Harrisburg is well-defended; updates on Union casualties, and more. In the latest report, Meade is believed to be steering the Army of the Potomac toward Chambersburg, Carlisle and Harrisburg the editors observing "We sincerely hope this rumor may prove true." Carlisle is located some thirty miles north of the town of Gettysburg. While the newspaper’s editors were apparently unaware that the Battle of Gettysburg was imminent or indeed underway at the time of publication they note rather ominously that “the main body of the rebels at last accounts were moving rapidly towards Carlisle, where it is said are Ewell’s headquarters…”

A stirring and momentous report on circumstances immediately preceding the Battle of Gettysburg.

CONDITION: Good, old folds, small losses at folds affecting a few letters of text, moderate soiling and small stains.

Item #6440

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