Charles Cyphers and the 8th Pennsylvania Infantry were finally on the march.

By mid-June 1861, they had left Camp Slifer outside Chambersburg behind and were pushing south as part of General Robert Patterson’s Army of the Shenandoah, with the Maryland line just ahead and a large force assembling around them.

Writing his fifth letter to the Pittston Gazette from Greencastle – eleven miles from Chambersburg and just above the Maryland border – Cyphers described regiments everywhere he looked: the Scott Legion (the 20th Pennsylvania) on the hill opposite the 8th regiment’s camp, the white tents of the 6th, 7th, 9th, and 10th regiments visible in the distance, and two more regiments with artillery passing through, reportedly bound for Hagerstown, Maryland or Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

Harpers Ferry carried its own weight by the summer of 1861. The site of John Brown’s 1859 raid on the federal arsenal, it had been seized by Virginia militia after retreating Union forces destroyed what remained of the arsenal at the start of the war. Now it loomed as a likely destination for Patterson’s gathering army.

Cyphers didn’t know exactly where the march was headed, but he had little doubt what was coming. He told his editor to expect news of a battle soon, provided no secessionist put a bullet through him in the meantime.

From the Pittston Gazette, June 20, 1861:

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Letter from Mr. Cyphers.

No. 5.

HEADQUARTERS, 8th Reg’t. P.V. 

GREEN CASTLE, 

June 13, 1861. 

MR. RICHART, Dear Sir:-

Several weeks have elapsed since I wrote you last. During this time many important movements have been made by the “Grand Army.” Troops are marching South from all parts of the Union.

On Saturday last General Williams’ Brigade marched from Chambersburg. We left Camp Slifer early Saturday morning, and, after marching through the principal streets of Chambersburg, took the old Hagerstown road for the above place, arriving at Camp “Emley” (so named in honor of our Colonel) late in the afternoon of the same day. 

Green Castle is eleven miles from Chambersburg and near the Maryland line. The town is pleasantly situated in the Cumberland valley, surrounded by a rich and well cultivated farming country.

Its inhabitants are loyal to the Union, Stars and Stripes float over the principal buildings. The 8th Regiment is stationed half a mile above Green Castle. Our camp is situated on the brow of a hill in a grove of oak trees, from which we can get a splendid view of the valley. A little brook meanders down its side, which furnishes sufficient water for cooking, drinking, and other purposes. We have everything necessary for camp life, and have as much to eat, and clothes to wear, as soldiers generally have. 

At night many of us wrap our blankets round us and lie down on the ground beneath the trees to sleep, in preference to sleeping in the tents.The weather is very warm. 

There is but one bad case of sickness in the 8th Regiment. The fever has not appeared among us, as reported by some correspondents. 

On a hill opposite camp “Emley” is the Scott Legion. This is a fine body of men, and no doubt they will do good service for the Union. 

In the distance can be seen the white tents of the 6th, 7th, 9th and 10th regiments. There are other regiments encamped some miles below us but I have not learned their number. 

On Tuesday, the 11th, two regiments, with two batteries, passed our camp, going in the direction of Hagerstown. One regiment came from Rhode Island, via Baltimore and Washington.

Some of the men informed us that they were “bound for Harper’s Ferry.” If this be true, our brigade will soon make a forward movement in the same direction. Before leaving Chambersburg. I saw Capt. Sturmer’s men in the cars, though I failed to see the Captain himself.

The men looked well and were in good spirits. It is probable they are encamped in this vicinity. A large army is collecting at this point, and you may expect to hear of a battle soon. When it occurs I will give you the particulars, provided some secessionist does not, through carelessness, put a ball through me. 

Remember me to friends. and give them my best wishes for their welfare; accept thanks for a copy of the GAZETTE, and believe me, 

Yours, &c., 

CHAS. M. CYPHERS.

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Read the previous letter from the Letters from War: 1861 series.

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This is part of an ongoing series called “Letters from War: 1861” that will share correspondence written on the front lines during the turbulent first year of the Civil War.

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