Saturday, September 6, 1862. The Sun reported, quoting from the Washington Star: "The rebels have crossed in some force this side of Point of Rocks and subsequently for the most part, recrossed into Virginia, as though hesitating to make the experiment of trying to get a foothold in Maryland. We have heard rumors of an engagement in Harpers Ferry, which probably grew out of the fact that the rebels yesterday threw a few shells at canal boats."

Tuesday, September 9, 1862. "Little authentic information is known here outside of the War Department of the movement of rebels in Maryland... It is alleged that the rebel pickets in Maryland extend on the north some fourteen miles from Frederick in the direction of Hagerstown.

In another article in the same issue.... "the force that entered Frederick (40,000 strong) some said were commanded by either Hill or Johnson; Jackson was reported to be near the river, sixteen miles below Frederick. A farmer reported that the rebel forces that had crossed was 100,000 strong."

Thursday, September 11, 1862. "...Quite as little definite is known in Washington of the numbers and movements of the rebel army in Maryland... we feel sure that the authorities here are constantly in receipt of the most contradictory information. The unreliability of estimates made by persons who are not experts, relative to the numbers of forces was never better exemplified than on this occasion; some estimating a force passing under their view at five thousand or ten, while others set the same force as being one hundred thousand strong."

In another article: "We hear that General McCellan is satisfied that the force of the rebels that have crossed the Potomac were yesterday massed in the vicinity of Frederick. This accounts for the failure to find them in force near Washington or Baltimore or to hear of their progress north or west of the vicinity of Hagerstown."

And in a third article: "The inhabitants about here deny the statements which have been made in regards to large numbers of Marylanders crossing into Virginia for purposes of avoiding the draft. In a section from which more than six hundred were said to have crossed over, it is affirmed that not more than thirty are missing."

In a fourth article from Harrisburg: "The rebels are supposed to have arrived at some point on the Northern Central railroad, as the telegraph line has been tampered with, and the words "damned Yankee" heard by the operator here. Later information from Hagerstown says that the rebels have not yet entered that place...Jackson had undoubtedly moved from Boonsboro towards Hagerstown...he is said to be within six miles of Hagerstown."

Friday, September 12, 1862. "From a report dated September 10, Middletown, a place of a thousand inhabitants, chiefly of Union sentiment, eighteen miles south from Frederick, was taken possession of yesterday by a force of rebel cavalry under Captain Motter, formerly of Middletown... Two companies from among their number, dressed heterogeneously in rags and motley costumes, entered the place at a canter, tore down a Union flag they met with and then dismounted to supply themselves with shoes, clothing and liquor. They were in a jolly mood, but gentlemanly, and gave Confederate notes for all they took, suggesting with a malicious wink, that Jeff Davis had given orders for the arrest of all that would not receive them. They expressed a fondness of their whiskey for the old Union, but said as they were on the other side they felt bound to stand by it to the last."

Saturday, September 13, 1862. "Intelligence reached Baltimore at an early hour yesterday morning that the town of Westminster the county seat of Carroll County, Md., about twenty-eight miles from Baltimore was in the possession of Confederate cavalry. About 7 o'clock a body of about 500 Confederate cavalry, with one piece of artillery, dashed into the town full speed... they immediately planted the piece of artillery on a commanding position in the center of town...Our informant says that the Confederates behaved themselves very well while in Westminster, making many purchases of articles at the stores and generally paying therefore in Maryland specie. When they offered Confederate notes, and the same were refused by the storekeepers, the articles bargained for were not taken. They were well mounted, armed and equipped. The troops were dressed in all styles, many of them having Federal uniforms. The colonel of the Confederates made his headquarters at the house of a prominent citizen and while there received a number of Maryland recruits."

In another article: "...The rebels are being heavily reinforced from Virginia, his troops crossing the river continuously... Our informant estimates the rebel force in Maryland at between 100,000 to 150,000. The rebels say the number of their forces is 250,000....But few troops remain in Frederick, the greater part having gone toward Hagerstown...Our Informant states that the rebel recruiting offices are in full blast in Frederick and that large numbers of citizens are flocking to join the rebel standard."

"Reliable information has been received that Stonewall Jackson with his advance is now in Hagerstown preparing to move with his whole army upon Pennsylvania. Scouts confirm the evacuation of the camps at Frederick by the rebels.... The whole rebel army are filled with the idea of marching into Pennsylvania at once."

As reported by The Sun, Governor Curtin of Pennsylvania in correspondence to the mayor of Philadelphia states "we have reliable information this evening that the rebel generals have moved their entire army from Frederick to the Cumberland Valley and their destination is now Harrisburg and Philadelphia. We need every available man immediately. Stir up your population to-night..."

In the same issue: "At an early hour, yesterday morning a portion of the command of General Franklin drove the rebels off Sugar Loaf Mountain, (Frederick County, Md.) A point of much military importance as commanding a view of a large scope of country, in all directions. Some resistance was made by the rebels posted there but was overcome in a few moments by a loss of not more than half a dozen Federal killed and wounded. We do not know the rebel loss in the affair. It is ascertained last night that in the course of yesterday the rebels were in force at Boonsboro's, some fourteen miles west of Frederick."

Lastly, in an article titled "Maryland Artillery:" "A letter dated Sept. 9 near Frederick says "Among the companies in Frederick, Md, is the company organized in Richmond known as the Maryland Artillery. It is composed principally of rebels from the state who smuggled themselves over into Virginia during the early days of the rebellion. The famous Stuart is present with his cavalry."

Monday, September 15, 1862. The Sun reports "Although nothing official is received, the intelligence of the war movements in western Maryland and on the upper Potomac is important. Frederick is again in possession of the Federal forces. The main body of the Confederates evacuated the town on Thursday and the advance guard of the Federal army entered on Friday afternoon. A skirmish occurred between the troops and a body of Confederate cavalry, who were soon repulsed. The Federal loss was two killed and six wounded. The Confederate loss is not known but is supposed to be at least as great. A portion of the Confederate army went to Hagerstown, while Gen. Jackson's command took the road towards Harper's Ferry...... The excitement in Pennsylvania continues. Large bodies of troops are moving from the east towards the Cumberland Valley. A report is received by way of Chambersburg that the Federal pickets had been driven a mile beyond the State line....... The last supply train from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry has not been heard from since it arrived there, and fears are entertained that it was captured by the Confederates. The telegraph wires had been cut and no communication could be had in that way."

The army correspondent of the Associated Press reported "Before the rebels left Frederick they nearly destroyed the Union newspaper office. The Union ladies here were forced to hide American flags about their persons in order to prevent the rebels from carrying them off... The rebels left 450 of their sick in Frederick. About 40 prisoners were taken last night and this morning between this city and the mountains....All the sick and wounded rebels left here have been paroled."

The Washington Star reports a dispatch from Governor Curtin "We have good reason to believe that the enemy concentrated a large force at Hagerstown and Williamsport. There movements upon Pennsylvania are as yet uncertain, but they are in a position to do us a great damage unless McClellan's army can check them very soon." The Star opines "The worthy Governor, from his telegrams and proclamations, has been in a decided "fluster" for three full days past."

The Star further reports, as related by The Sun: "A party of rebel cavalry made a dash on our pickets at the State line this morning and captured Jos. C. McBride, a member of the regular cavalry, from the Carlisle Barracks. They shot his horse, when he fell. They took his arms from him and then gave him a parole telling him they were going North in a day or two."

In an article titled "From Westminster": "It was reported on Saturday that Confederates have evacuated Westminster, Md. We learn that since then every thing has remained quiet in the vicinity and that the Western Maryland Railroad is now running trains as usual."

As reported by a correspondent for The New York Times, and related by The Sun: "I met with an old friend, a member of the First Maryland Home Brigade cavalry (Federal) stationed near Harper's Ferry. He informs me that last Tuesday, three companies of them were ordered to charge through Leesburg on a reconnaissance. This affair proved very unfortunate. They were entirely surrounded, and only fifteen of his own company escaped. A Negro regiment he explicitly states, engaged in the fight. He distinctly saw a large burly Negro step up to officer Mills, who was mounted and demand his surrender. He received a bullet in the skull for his impudence. Among others taken prisoner were Captain Hunter, and Lt. Milling and Lt. Frank Gallagher."

Tuesday, September 16, 1862. In a report dated Sunday, September 14th, The Sun copies a dispatch from McClellan to Halleck: "after a very severe engagement the corps of Hooker and Reno have carried the heights commanding the Hagerstown road. The troops behaved magnificently. They have never fought better. The action continued until after dark and terminating leaving us in possession of the entire crest...I cannot yet tell whether the enemy will retreat during the night or appear in increasing force in the morning. I regret to add that the gallant and able General Reno is killed."

In another article dated Monday September 15, 1862 : "The battle was obstinately contested until nearly 9 P.M. by which time the enemy had been gradually driven up the South Mountain over its top into the valley or mountain sides below.... As was expected, the rebels renewed the action at light this morning, having probably been reinforced during the night."

In another article, from The Sun's own reporting staff, addressing the situation as it pertained to the Harper's Ferry garrison: "It appears that the portion of the Confederate army which recrossed the Potomac at Williamsport, co-operating with a portion of that remaining on the Maryland side attacked Colonel Miles' position on the Maryland Heights, about one mile behind Harper's Ferry. It was reported that the Confederates were planting guns to bear on Colonel Miles's new position, but it was believed that if he could hold out until noon yesterday he could dislodge the Confederates. Later advices report that fighting has been going on at Harper's Ferry but that Col. Miles still held his position."

In an article originating from Harrisburg, "An officer who just came from Chambersburg contradicts the reported capture of 1,200 barrels of flour at Hagerstown by the rebels. He says they had not the necessary transportation to effect their object... Five rebel cavalry were captured by a squad of infantry at a point between Greencastle and the State line, and brought into Chambersburg."

The Washington Star quoted in the Sun reports: "A member of Colonel Colgrove's regiment found a paper purported to be Rebel Order No. 119, which conveyed the information that one portion of the army was to go to Hagerstown and hold that place; another portion proceed to Harper's Ferry and dislodge Miles; and the third proceed against General White; and the forces afterwards to concentrate at Hagerstown."

Wednesday, September 17, 1862. The Sun quoting the Washington Star's September 16th, 2nd edition: "It is believed at the War Department that Harper's Ferry was surrendered to the rebels today at 9 A.M. yesterday, after Col. Miles had been mortally wounded. Accounts to this effect have been received both via Chambersburg and Point of Rocks. If it is true, we see nothing that can prevent the rebel army from making good its retreat into Virginia, so great are the difficulties of pursuit in the mountain region in which Gen. McClellan is operating..."

"The cavalry of the force of Colonel Miles succeeded in cutting their way from Harpers Ferry did not make for McClellan's army ... but for Chambersburg. They started out on this enterprise Sunday night (September 14th) and not only accomplished it but captured the rebel Gen. Longstreet's ammunition train of 60 wagons by the way bringing it off to Chambersburg successfully."

The Sun's own reporter's wrote "The Federal force of Harper's Ferry is variously estimated at between eight to twelve thousand....There is no positive information as to the present position of Gen. McClellan's army, but it is supposed to be moving up closely on the main body of the Confederates, who are reported to be retreating across the Potomac... Several engagements have occurred since the battle on Monday (South Mountain) resulting always in the defeat of the Confederates. The Federal loss so far is stated at three thousand in killed and wounded and a few taken prisoners. The Confederate loss is estimated at fifteen thousand killed, wounded and missing."

The Wednesday edition of The Sun carried an Associated Press article dated September 15, 1862: "The battle of South Mountain, which was fought yesterday, resulted in a complete victory to the army of the Potomac. The battle field was located in a gorge of the mountain on the turnpike road, between Middletown and Boonsboro. ..At about 12 o'clock the corps under General Reno was ordered to ascend the mountain on the left and make an attack on the enemy's flank. At three o'clock these troops got into action, and the rattle of musketry for about a half hour was terrible. The enemy now gave way, leaving our men in possession of that part of the ridge."

"The loss on both sides in this action was considerable but we had not a general or field officer injured at this point, excepting Major General Reno, who was killed by a Minie ball passing through his body."

"General Hooker, commanding McDowell's corps and the Pennsylvania Reserves, ascended the mountain on the right, for the purpose of making an attack on the left of the rebels' position. He got his troops into position, and moved upon the enemy about two hours before sundown. Here as in the case on the other ridge of the mountain, our troops were successful, driving the enemy before them with great slaughter. The rebels suffered here more than any other point of the battle....The rebel troops engaged were Longstreet's, D.H. Hill's and A.P. Hill's corps. Had our troops have had two hours longer of daylight the greater portion of the rebel army engaged would have been taken prisoner, as they were surrounded on three sides, the only mode of escape being through a narrow defile in the mountain which our artillery would have soon made impossible."

Lastly from The Sun's own reporter, " A dispatch has been received stating that Gen. McClellan had come up to the rear of the Confederate army at Sharpsburg, and a great battle was in progress. The portion of the Confederate force under Gen. Jackson had recrossed the Potomac so that their whole army was in Maryland engaged in the battle. Sharpsburg is in Washington county, one mile from the Potomac river, nine miles south of the battle on Monday (South Mountain) and ten miles north of Harper's Ferry."