John W. Garrett to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 17, 1859—3:50 p.m.

Baltimore, Oct. 17th-3.50 P. M.

Gov. Henry A. Wise:

Your dispatches are received and will be forwarded at once by telegraph and horse express.

It is an insurrection of seven hundred and fifty whites and blacks, and they are reported to be busy in taking slaves from their owners. They are also reported to be engaged fortifying their position, and are armed with weapons from the U. S. Arsenal, which is in their possession. Five companies will leave here in a few minutes and a detachment of marines are now about starting from Washington. Telegraph to this point full authority for the Maryland troops to pass into Virginia. We will be happy to facilitate the execution of any of your orders.

J. W. GARRETT,

Pres't B. & O. R. R. Co.

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