Abigail Elizabeth Reynolds, War Correspondent, New York World
July 3, 1863
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
In my attempt to move about the town and to find what information I could as to the advance of the battle underway, I engaged a civilian pair within the Union camp at Cemetery Ridge, south of Gettysburg. They were there seeking a pass from the provost to pass through Federal lines towards Washington City, in hopes of avoiding further conflict and encounter with Confederate troops.
The gentleman was Reverend Josiah Young of Boston. Reverend Young had traveled to Gettysburg, arriving with his traveling companion, Misses Cora Hatch, also of Boston.
Reverend Young had traveled to this small Pennsylvania town to start a new congregation for the AME Zion Church. He found that many of the Negroes had already fled north as a result of Confederate raids earlier in June that had taken approximately 40 Negroes back to Virginia to be sold as slaves. Most of the 200 colored residents of this town had fled, leaving behind their homes and work for safer refuge. Reverend Young, a freeman, expressed concern for his safety and that of his traveling companion, who proclaims herself a spiritualist and abolitionist, to the Provost in hopes of obtaining the required travel documents allowing them safe passage to Washington City.
The Provost advised Reverend Young that no passes were being issued at this time due to the engagement of the Confederate Army and that no passes would be available until the outcome had been decided. With no safe place to go, Reverend Young stated he would remain within the confines of the Federal Lines.
At this time, there appears to be a short respite from the fighting. The heat and humidity of the July sun has apparently taken its toll on both Armies. General Hancock feels that there will be little if any fighting this day as both Armies rest and prepare to continue the massacre of sacred lives on the 4th, Independence Day. Should that occur, many a soul will find its eternal independence on the 4th, and Misses Hatch will have ample opportunity to display her abilities for grieving families.
