Harper's Ferry.
Your dispatches received. I had a full interview with Gov. Wise at Relay. He has reliable information he says, satisfying him that a concerted effort is on foot to attempt a rescue, but he does not believe any movement of men in a body will be made for this. He thinks the attempt may be entirely abandoned in the face of the extensive arrangements making for a defence. He thinks, too, that the drilling, the knowledge of guard duty and the general use of arms, which the Virginians will receive, will more than pay the expense of the large military force he is calling out, and that it is better to show the country that five or fifty times too many men are constantly ready to repel invasion, than not enough. This looks right.
I want you to take measures at once, to break up the exhibition and sale to passengers on our trains, at Harper's Ferry, of the pikes, or other weapons. Remember that the entire trestlework and road bed is ours as well as the bridge, and we can forbid any nuisance of whatever sort. I think this pike trade only adds to the excitement, and it is certainly against our rules to allow any peddling there. Give the Virginia authorities every possible attention and facility in all things, merely keeping an account of service rendered by the Company, and returning it to A car-load of provisions will be sent up on special train to-morrow. Ask the Col. who went up to-day, whether he wants the car taken to Charlestown. It was ordered by Gov. Wise, through him.
W. P. SMITH.
No comments:
Post a Comment