A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, December 1, 1859—2 p.m.

December 1—2. P. M.

To W. P. Smith.

Several passengers for this station, on Mail East. They were refused to be taken on the Winchester Road, whose train was sent down in charge of a guard, by order of the commander at Charlestown.

It will be impossible for strangers to go on that road; and I would suggest keeping back all, unless they come vouched for. Col. Lee had a guard of seven men on the Bridge, at the Maryland end, last night, and it will be kept up to aid our own watchman Mrs. Brown has been permitted to go to see her husband alone, after delay. Your editorial friend from Cincinnati, will go over to Charlestown with Mr. Barbour.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 70

William Preston Smith to A. P. Shutt, November 26, 1859—12:40 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 26th, 1859—12.40 P. M.

A. P. Shutt, Harper's Ferry:

If the State authorities, Gen. Taliaferro, or the Governor, or their authorized representatives require it, we will run any engine on the road, at any hour possible, but we do not expect to run extra trains, otherwise, for any purpose to-morrow. Ask Mr. Barbour to get the requisition, made officially.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 52

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 22, 1859—1:23 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 22d, 1859—1.23 P. M.

W. P. Smith:

One hundred troops left on mail for Richmond. When I arrived at Charlestown Gov. Wise had countermanded his order of last evening, and intends to keep the troops for the present stationed, here and at Harper's Ferry. I delivered your package to the Governor.

I understand from Mr. Barbour that the Governor has some important information. You shall hear from me if there is anything of interest.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 48-9

John W. Garrett to William A. Gorton, October 26, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 26th, 1859.

W. A. Gorton, Agent, Martinsburg:

Superintendent Barbour telegraphs that aid may be required at Harper's Ferry to-night to protect property—as a band from New York threatens rescue. If our further advices render it necessary, how many military may be relied on from your vicinity this evening? Reply promptly.

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. 36

William Preston Smith to John W. Garrett, October 26,1859—10:05 p.m.

H. Ferry, Oct. 26th, 1859—10.05 P. M.

J. W. Garrett:

Arrived here nearly on time. Only fourteen of Captain Sinns' company, with himself, were ready to join us at Monocacy, but they came up. The rest of the company will be up in the morning. There is a strong guard on duty and I am ordered to "halt" at all points as I move about in the storm and darkness. The bridge is fully looked after, and there seems to be a ready force at hand for emergencies. The feeling of uncertain dread is very strong, and there surely ought to be a full and well organized reliance to restore confidence. Barbour is at his house and wont come on duty to-night. The storm is very violent, a flooding rain and large hail with strong wind and vivid lightning,

Barbour has received advices from Washington that marines will be sent up again to-morrow if necessary. Shutt says the Charlestown Jail is guarded by some fifty men, but whether their organization is efficient is not known.

W. P. SMITH,

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 37

William Preston Smith to John W. Garrett, October 27, 1859—10:25 a.m.

Monocacy, Oct. 27th, 1859—10.25 A. M.

J. W. Garrett:

Just returned from Ferry on way train, and am going into Frederick on arrival of mail from Baltimore. Very full trains of way passengers to State Fair this morning, in both directions.

Barbour's advices are undoubtedly from a reliable source —— an officer of the army. Brown's whole effort now seems to be to get a delay in the trials, and he is feigning sickness as one reason for this. He expects counsel too from a distance. The most sensible provision they appear to have made at Charlestown is that the prisoners shall be instantly shot upon any serious attempt at a rescue, or any probable success in an escape. Capt. Sinn says he and his men will not leave the scene until Brown is hung or shot, without you or Gov. Hicks so direct.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 38

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, October 28, 1859

October 28th, 1859.

Wm. P. Smith.

All quiet last night. Secretary of War Floyd was here from Washington, in consultation with Barbour. He is of the same opinion of yourself, that the men in the Government shops, should have protected the town.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 39

William Preston Smith to Alfred M. Barbour, October 25, 1859—4:36 p.m.

Baltimore, Oct. 25, 1859—4.36 P. M.

A. M. Barbour,
        Harper's Ferry:

Major Shutt will go up this afternoon, and remain until further advices from us. I requested him to call upon you.

One of the parties you want will, perhaps, be with him, and another to-morrow, as it is thought most desirable to have two. This, however, is as you may chose.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 33

William Preston Smith to A. P. Shutt, October 26, 1859—12 m.

Baltimore, Oct. 26, 1859-12 o'clock, M.

A. P. Shutt,
        Harper's Ferry.

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

William Preston Smith to A. P. Shutt, October 26, 1859

Baltimore, 26th Oct., 1859.

A. P. Shutt:
        Harper's Ferry:

What is there in the idea of an attempted rescue of Brown? See Barbour and report. Cook is caught at Chambersburg, with Washington's pistols on him. Williams identifies man here as one of those who appeared with Brown on bridge.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 34

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, October 26, 1859—7:10 p.m.

Charlestown, Oct. 26th, 1859—7.10 P. M.

W. P. Smith:

There is no visible idea of a rescue. I will see Barbour on my return and inform him. I will get two men on my return. The citizens of the town were delighted to hear of the arrest of Cook. The Court has decided to try Brown first. He is now in the court on a bed. He is acting the thing out to perfection.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 31

Alfred M. Barbour to William Preston Smith, October 26, 1859

Harper's Ferry, Oct. 26th, 1859.

W. P. Smith,
        B. & O. R. R. Co.:

I have received a letter from a reliable friend in New York city, in which he says the abolitionists speak openly of the rescue of Brown and his party. He thinks a large band of desperadoes will make the effort. It is my duty to inform you that your property here may be destroyed. You had better take measures to protect it at once—the effort may be made to-night. I have telegraphed the Secretary of War and Gov. Wise. You should act at once.

ALFRED M. BARBOUR.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 34

John W. Garrett to Alfred M. Barbour, October 26, 1859

Baltimore, 26 October, 1859.

Alfred M.Barbour, U. S. Superintendent,
        Harper's Ferry:

Have you notified Col. John Thos. Gibson, 55th Regiment? I am satisfied that Gov. Wise will thank you for prompt action in procuring the service of an abundant military force from Virginia. What force from Baltimore do you consider requisite?

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. 35

John W. Garrett to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 26, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 26th, 1859.

His Excellency,
        Henry A. Wise, Richmond, Va.:

I have heard this moment from the U. S. Superintendent at Harper's Ferry by telegraph that the gravest apprehensions are entertained that an attempt will be made to rescue Brown, and that fears are also entertained that the Government property at Harper's Ferry may be again plundered. There are no V. S. marines at Harper's Ferry. I advise you of this that you may take such measures as you may deem necessary.

JOHN W. GARRETT,        

Pres't B. & O. R. R. Co.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 35

John W. Garrett to James Buchanan, October 26, 1859

Baltimore, 26th Oct., 1859.

His Excellency,
        James Buchanan:

Alfred M. Barbour, U. S. Superintendent at Harper's Ferry, has advised me by telegraph of his fear of an armed attempt to rescue Brown, and also of his apprehension that property at Harper's Ferry would be put in danger. I have telegraphed the Secretary of War, and asked if any force was to be sent this evening, as the danger apprehended from an attack of outlaws was immediate. In the fear that he might not be at his department when the dispatch was sent, I advise you of that dispatch. We shall take steps to protect our property, and I think that the safety of the Armory &c., requires some prompt action from the Government.

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. 35-6

William Preston Smith to John Donohoo, October 20, 1859—6 p.m.

Balto., Oct. 20, 1859–6 P. M.

John Donohoo,

        Harper's Ferry:

Mr. Shutt, of our service, is on express West, to remain a few days at Ferry, to afford protection to road for passing trains there. He will report to us on these matters, but not attend to any details of the agency. Introduce him to Superintendent Barbour and the Mayor.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 27-8

William Preston Smith to Alfred M. Barbour, October 24, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 24, 1859.

A. M. Barbour,

        H. Ferry:

Have tried to secure the best man for you, and if you can wait till mail train west, of Wednesday, he can go up. Major Shutt can hardly go up now, unless it is urgently necessary. Let me know if Wednesday morning will do, if not, I will get another for express to-morrow.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 31