The Burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

"The Burning of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania" by B. S. Schneck is a gripping, first-hand description of the destruction of a town during the Civil War. The book recounts the experiences of a resident during a Confederate raid, as he observes the helplessness of the defenseless townspeople. Written in the mid-19th century, the story unfolds noting a friend's request for a firsthand account of the events. Schneck, a local resident shares how panic spread as citizens realized they were about to be invaded. The narrative builds as Confederate troops make demands, and ultimately set the town ablaze, causing immense suffering and forcing people from their homes with nothing but what they could carry.