William Preston Smith to F. Mantz, October 19, 1859 10:35 p.m.

Baltimore, October 19, 1859--10.35 P. M.

F. Mantz,

        Monocacy.

Unless the reports from Ferry about attack on Sandy Hook, are well authenticated, Mr. Quynn will not send train with troops. If it goes, you must use extraordinary caution east of Point of Rocks, as obstructions may be placed on track, or assaults made on train. Tonnage trains east, have left Harper's Ferry on their route. Let tonnage West keep a very sharp lookout, and reduce speed at all exposed points beyond double track. Have the men fully informed of affairs, that they may be on the alert. Should trains east report serious difficulty, trains west must not go beyond Point of Rockş. Let me hear from you.

W. P. SMITH,

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 27