HARRISBURG, June 17, 1863-1. 15 p. m.

(Received 4 p. m.)

Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR:

The rebel force at Chambersburg has been counted, and from 1, 200 to 1, 500 reported, all mounted infantry of carbineers. They picket 5 miles this side.

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

(Copy to General Hooker.)

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WAR DEPARTMENT,

June 17, 1863-4. 40 p. m.

Major-General COUCH,

Harrisburg:

You say the rebel force is 1, 500 at Chambersburg. Is there any other rebel force in Pennsylvania? If so, where, and in what numbers? An early and accurate answer is needed here, to determine movements against the enemy.

EDWIN M. STANTON.

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HARRISBURG, June 17, 1863-4. 50 p. m.

Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR:

I have information that rebels have evacuated Chambersburg. I send this evening to Shippensburg an observing force of infantry.

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

HARRISBURG, June 17, 1863-9. 15 p. m.

Honorable SECRETARY OF WAR:

The only rebel force I know of in Pennsylvania is the one of 1, 500 that has fallen back of Chambersburg 2 miles. No rebels north of Hancock, as reported. We have reliable dispositions for getting information in the valley north of Hancock. Some of Milroy's stragglers retreated that way.

D. N. COUCH,

Major-General.

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SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE SUSQUEHANNA,

Numbers 6.
June 17, 1863.

* * * * * * * * *

VII. Colonel Emlen Franklin is placed in charge of the defense of the

fords and ferries on the Susquehanna River, from Columbia Bridge to

Dauphin County line.

* * * * * * * * *

By command of Major General D. N. Couch:

ROBERT LE ROY,

Captain, an Assistant Adjutant-General.