William H. Richardson to Colonel Thomas Gibson, October 17, 1859 – 2:40 p.m.

Richmond, Oct. 17th, 1859–2.40 P. M.

Col. John Thos. Gibson, 55th Regiment,

            Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va.:

Care John W. Garrett, Esq.,

            (Pres't, Balto.)

Sir:—The commander-in-chief, calls your attention to the provisions of the first section of chapter twenty-nine of the code, and directs that you call out immediately a sufficient force from your regiment to put down the rioters at Harper's Ferry. The commander-in-chief is informed that the Arsenal and Government property at that place are in possession of a band of rioters. You will act promptly and fully in this emergency, and command the troops called out in person.

By command,

WM. H. RICHARDSON,

Adjutant General.    

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 11