Sunday, January 1, 2023

John W. Garrett to William A. Gorton

William A. Gorton,
        Martinsburg:

Citizens of Baltimore, of entire respectability, who personally know Messrs. James B. Glassford, J. W. Vansant and J. L. Collins, who were arrested on Express train at 2.50 this A. M., assure me reliably, that these gentlemen are business men on their way to Baltimore in prosecution of their legitimate affairs. They have through-tickets and intended to come directly to Baltimore. Such arrests are calculated to do great injury to our Company, without benefitting our Virginia friends. I yesterday visited Harper's-Ferry and arranged fully with Mr. Hunter, regarding all precautions desired on our trains. I have communicated the arrangements to Gov. Wise, who telegraphs me his cordial approval.

You will therefore communicate this dispatch to the officer in command. I trust he will instantly order the release of these passengers, so that they may come to Baltimore on first train. Telegraph reply promptly.

JOHN W. GARRETT,        
President.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 65

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