On Express East: Stop at Harper's Ferry to-night to go to Charlestown Court to-morrow as a witness. Mr. Gaither will meet your train there and bring it in here.
Rumors of an abolitionist rescue are rife. Have you an unusual crowd of men on your train? Keep a good lookout as you come down.
W. P. SMITH.
Gorman not yet returned from Philadelphia; Conductor Gaither here.
Thomas Gifford or Joseph Pearson will be up on Express. Will arrange for Phelps to get off at Ferry to-night. Advise Mr. Barbour. Let Phelps return as soon as possible. Will see about additional watchmen.
W. P. SMITH.
SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 33
Express train bound east, under my charge, was stopped this morning at Harper's Ferry by armed abolitionists. They have possession of the bridge and the arms and armory of the United States. Myself and Baggage Master have been fired at, and Hayward, the colored porter, is wounded very severely, being shot through the body, the ball entering the body below the left shoulder blade and coming out under the left side. The Doctor says he cannot survive. They are headed by a man who calls himself Anderson, and number about one hundred and fifty strong. They say they have come to free the slaves and intend to do it at all hazards.
The leader of those men requested me to say to you that this is the last train that shall pass the bridge either East or West. If it is attempted, it will be at the peril of the lives of those having them in charge. When daylight appeared we were finally permitted to pass, after being detained from half-past one o'clock to half-past six. It has been suggested you had better notify the Secretary of War at once. The telegraph wires are cut East and West of Harper's Ferry, and this is the first station that I could send a despatch from.
A. J. PHELPS.
W. P. SMITH.
SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 5-6
My dispatch was not exaggerated, neither was it written under excitement as you suppose. I have not made it half as bad as it is. The Captain told me, that his object was to liberate all the slaves, and that he expected a reinforcement of 1500 men to assist him. Hayward, the negro porter, was shot through the body, and I suppose by this time, is dead. The Captain also said, he did not want to shed any more blood.
I will call at your office immediately on my arrival, and tell you all. One of my passengers was taken prisoner and held as such for some time. I will bring him to see you also.
A.J. PHELPS.
