John W. Garrett to Governor Thomas H. Hicks, October 21, 1859

October 21st, 1859.

To His Excellency,
        Thomas H. Hicks,
                Governor of Maryland:

Sir: — I have just received from His Excellency, Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia, a letter having reference to the late outrages at Harper's Ferry, in which he states that he has organized an armed police guard to patrol the Virginia border, to protect persons and property, and to keep watch ways to and from the Ferry, expressing at the same time the opinion, that some guard ought to be provided on the Maryland side, and saying that he leaves it to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company to suggest the necessary steps to the Governor of Maryland.

I cannot respond to Governor Wise's letter better than by communicating to your Excellency, the steps which he has deemed necessary as the executive of our sister State. Looking to the now well ascertained purpose of the leaders of the late outbreak, it is seen at once that both Virginia and Maryland have the same motives for action irrespective of those which prompt to the supression of riot and disorder. And when your Excellency bears in mind the fact that the bed of the Potomac, and of course the bridge of this company which crosses it are within the limits of Maryland, and that this company is altogether powerless as a conservator of the peace, I feel confident that the suggestion of Gov. Wise will receive from your Excellency the consideration that it certainly deserves.

Any aid which this company may be able to afford your Excellency on this occasion will be promptly and very cheerfully rendered.

I have the honor to be,                        

With great respect,                

Your very ob't serv't,        

J. W. GARRETT, Pres't.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 29-30