William Preston Smith to General William B. Taliaferro, et al, December 1, 1859

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859–9.55 P. M.

General Taliaferro, Hon. A. Hunter,} Charlestown.
A. P. Shutt, A. Diffey,} Harper's Ferry.

As there will probably be very large numbers of troops, besides other passengers, who may come down from Harper's Ferry to Baltimore and Washington, by our road, on tomorrow afternoon and Saturday, it is highly important for us to know at the very earliest moment their probable number, so as to make the necessary provision for their prompt and safe transportation.

We desire to know, therefore, something of the wishes and

intentions of the authorities respecting the return of troops and munitions It may be necessary to run an extra train on Friday afternoon, leaving Harper's Ferry for Baltimore and Washington, about two or three o'clock, which can be done, if we get proper notice.

W.P SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 71-2

Andrew Hunter to John W. Garrett, December 10, 1859

Charlestown, Dec. 10, 1859.

John W. Garrett,

        Pres't B. & O. R. R. Co.

In a conference I have just had with Gen. Taliaferro, commanding the troops here, he desires me to say, that nothing but the extreme pressure of his public duties has prevented his communicating to you officially, before this time, his high appreciation of the liberal, public spirited and patriotic conduct of your company in connection with the excitement and other troubles in which our community and State have been involved. He will take care that ultimately, and in a proper manner, the important services rendered us by your company shall be acknowledged by the commonwealth of Virginia.

I may here add, that the General declared unhesitatingly, that our arrangements in respect to preventing a mixed horde of strangers coming here over the road, had done more than all the military display in securing quiet and good order on the day of John Brown's execution, and in this I fully concur.

In reference to the executions to come off on Friday next, we desire your company to pursue the same plan and policy that worked so efficiently on the former occasion, with this single additional suggestion, that it is scarcely necessary to carry out the arrangement so stringently as at that time, yet we consider it highly unadvisable for strangers to crowd in here in great numbers, at the coming executions. They will encounter still a very strict surveilance. We cheerfully leave this whole matter to the sound discretion of yourself and the intelligent officers  of your company.

Most truly,

Your obedient servant,

ANDREW HUNTER.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 77-8

John W. Garrett to Andrew Hunter, December 15, 1859

Office of the Balto. & O. R. R. Co.,        

December 15, 1859.

Andrew Hunter, Esq:
        Charlestown, Va.:

Your esteemed favor of the 10th instant, has been received. I feel much gratified by the expression of General Taliaferro, so obligingly communicated by you, as well as by your own remarks in connection with the services which it was the good fortune of the officers and employees of this company to have it in their power to perform in the cause of good order and safety, and in upholding to the best of their ability, the laws of a sister commonwealth, in the late emergency.

Rest assured that on all future occasions, —should any such unhappily occur,—this company will always be found ready to co-operate zealously with your constituted authorities to the extent of their appliances, towards the maintainance of the laws.

All arrangements deemed necessary and proper have been made in reference to the impending executions on the 16th instant.

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. 78-9

John W. Garrett to William Preston Smith, November 30, 1859

Baltimore, November 30, 1859.

W. P. Smith,
        Master of Transportation.

I send you a copy of Mr. Hunter's dispatch, viz:

I do not understand the limit to apply to our regular through business, or legitimate local; but to parties who may not be known to our Company, who wish to go to Harper's Ferry. These should be restricted to the smallest practical compass.

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. 68

William Preston Smith to J. T. England, December 1, 1859—8:45 p.m.

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859–8.45 P. M.

J. T. England, Camden Station.

Have you an extra engine and ten large passenger cars ready, to follow Mail train in morning to Harper's Ferry, to return first installment of military and citizens to Baltimore and Washington. Have telegraphed Gen'l Taliaferro and Mr. Hunter, to advise me at first possible moment, probable number of men to be returned both to-morrow and Saturday.

Let Mail proper go out first in the morning, with only four passenger cars.

W. P. SMITH.

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. Diffey, December 1, 1859—9:11 p.m.

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859–9.11 P. M.

A. Diffey, Harper's Ferry, or beyond.

It is not improbable that we shall find it necessary to run a special train for passengers, including some returning troops, on to-morrow, leaving Harper's Ferry for Baltimore, about three o'clock, and running, if necesssry, to Washington, to accommodate the Eastern Virginia troops. I have telegraphed Gen'l Taliaferro and Mr. Hunter, asking them to advise us at the earliest moment of the probable number of troops there may be returning on to-morrow and Saturday, to enable us properly to provide for their prompt and safe transportation.

I think of sending up an extra engine and empty cars on Mail train in morning, to bring back the first division of the returning army.

W.P. SMITH.

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

John W. Garrett to William Preston Smith, November 30, 1859

Baltimore, November 30th, 1859.

W. P. Smith.

To post you fully, I send copies of dispatches to Gov. Wise. Mr. Hunter, Agent at Martinsburg, and Gov. Wise’s reply, Your action in the west, in accordance with these arrangements, will I trust prevent any further annoyance to our passengers. Explain this to Agents at all points, so that our passengers may not be further alarmed or troubled. I fear serious injury to our business from such a course as that pursued at Martinsburg.

J. W. GARRETT.

_______________

• John W. Garrett to Henry Wise, November 29, 1859
• John W. Garrett to Andrew Hunter
• John W. Garrett to William A. Gorton
• Gov. Henry A. Wise to John W. Garrett, November 29, 1859

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 63

John W. Garrett to Henry A. Wise, November 29, 1859

Baltimore, November 29, 1859.

To Hon. Henry A. Wise.

To ensure satisfactory and reliable arrangements, I visited Harper's Ferry to-day, and conferred by appointment with Mr. Hunter. In accordance with his views, the following programme was determined upon, viz:

To run the regular trains, east and west, with but the usual number of cars, unless more are required for troops. Our Company to sell no tickets to Harper's Ferry, or any point in its vicinity, except to parties who may be approved by an authorized officer of this Company, who is to furnish a personal certificate, which will be respected by your authorities. We shall place our best men in charge of all trains on Thursday and Friday, and their courage and fidelity can be relied upon. I dispatched our Master of Transportation, Mr. Smith, by this day's train after the conference with Mr. Hunter to perfect similar arrangements at Parkersburg, Moundsville, Benwood and Wheeling.

President Felton of the Philadelphia road, accompanied me to Harper's Ferry, and joined in a dispatch to the New Jersey road, instructing to sell no excursion tickets from New York to Baltimore, or Washington, during this week, and also directed his Agents at Philadelphia to sell no such tickets.

We have ordered an extra guard to protect and repair our telegraph wires—whilst the excitement continues. Col. Lee orders transportation for 240 U. S. troops to Harper's Ferry, for to-morrow morning, which we arrange by an extra train. The movement of our trains on the days stated, in the care of firm and faithful men, combined with the use of the telegraph, may afford you valuable information, not otherwise to be obtained promptly. My desire and determination are to meet fairly your wishes in protecting the interests of Virginia, by all means in our power. Please advise, therefore, whether you deem the arrangements made, sufficient and satisfactory.

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. 63-4

John W. Garrett to Andrew Hunter

Hon. Andrew Hunter,
        Charlestown.

On my return to Baltimore, last evening, I found communications awaiting me from Gov. Wise, and Secretary Munford.

Please immediately communicate to Gen. Taliaferro:

Arrest of three passengers, on our Express train was made at Martinsburg, at 2.30, this A. M. They had through tickets to Baltimore, and did not design stopping on the route.

Numerous reliable citizens here, assure me they are business men, visiting Baltimore in the prosecution of their legitimate affairs.

Pray order their immediate release, so that they can reach Baltimore by first train. I have telegraphed our Agent at Martinsburg, fully on the subject.

Will you oblige us, by requesting your officers on our line to avoid alarming our regular passengers while thus passing over the road.

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. 64

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

Andrew Hunter to John W. Garrett, November 30, 1859

Charlestown, November 30, 1859.

John W Garrett, Esq.,
        President, Balt. & Ohio Railroad.

DEAR SIR:—I have received your dispatch, and am much gratified to discover that the public spirited action of your company in the present state of things has elicited so proper and cordial a response from the Executive of our State.

I have written to Martinsburg, to caution them against annoying your passengers, and we regret that any such annoyance has occurred in the case of the three gentlemen from Ohio.

The gentlemen referred to, were immediately released by a dispatch from this place.

I telegraphed you to-day, and think now every proper arrangement has been made.

Very truly, your obedient servant,

ANDREW HUNTER.

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

William Preston Smith to J. B. Ford, November 30, 1859

Cumberland, November 30, 1859.

J. B. Ford,
        Wheeling.

Company has agreed with Hon. A. Hunter, representing Governor of Virginia, that all male passengers who leave Wheeling, Benwood, or Moundsville, on mail to-night, and the trains for to-morrow and to-morrow night for points near Harper's Ferry, must bear your written certificate that they are known to you or the Agents at M. and B. as responsible persons travelling, on legitimate pursuits. These permits must not exceed sixty in all, and are not to be required of the legitimate through travel to the East, or parties who may bear the State's authority.

This matter must be looked to very carefully and thoroughly, as all who are not properly provided, are liable to arrest and imprisonment on attempting to stop at Martinsburg or Harper's Ferry during the present excitement. Your own signature must be appended to all

Direct conductors to telegraph me at length, on line or at Baltimore, from several points.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 66-7

John W. Garrett to Andrew Hunter, November 28, 1859

BALT. & OHIO R. R. OFFICE,        

28th November, 1859.

Andrew Hunter, Esq., Charlestown, Va.

My desire and design are to meet fully the wishes of your State in connection with the subject of your communication of 25th instant. To arrange definitely, I will meet yourself and other representatives of Virginia whom you may suggest on the arrival of the mail train at Harper's Ferry to-morrow (Tuesday) at 12 M.

I will be accompanied by our Master of Transportation, Mr. Smith.

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. 54

Andrew Hunter to John W. Garrett, November 25, 1859

Charlestown, Va., 25th Nov., 1859.

John W. Garrett, Pres't, &c.:

We have information here from the North, from reliable sources, to the effect that a large concourse of strangers from that quarter purpose to be at this place on the second of December, the day of Brown's execution. This the authorities here deem utterly inadmissible, as under cover of such a crowd of pretended spectators, hundreds of armed assassins, coming with a view of attempting a rescue, could introduce themselves, and by mingling with our citizens greatly embarrass the military in guarding against or punishing an outbreak. In a word, we cannot, under existing circumstances, permit it, and we shall adopt rigorous measures to keep even our own citizens at home. We desire to effect the exclusion of such a horde of Northern men in a mode the least unobjectionable, and I am, therefore, instructed to inquire if you can add to the obligations we are already under to your company, by refusing, say on the first and second December, all facilities for passing over your road, any more than your ordinary Eastern and Western travelers; and to carry out our plan fully, we may even have to ask the favor of you to decline on these days selling any tickets for Harper's Ferry, Duffield's depot or Kearneysville, though I am not sure this will be necessary. Our plans, as to preventing such dangerous concourse, are not yet fully matured, and I write now in these general terms to ascertain your views on the subject. Will you be good enough to let me hear from you at your earliest convenience, and thus oblige both the community  and

Yours,

ANDREW HUNTER.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 50-1

Andrew Hunter to William Preston Smith, November 4, 1859

Charlestown, November 4th, 1859.

Wm. Prescott Smith, Esq.,

My Dear Sir:

This is the first moment of leisure I have found, to acknowledge receipt of your favor of the 25th ult., enclosing me important papers connected with the late outrage at Harper's Ferry.

I will take the best possible care of them, and do my utmost to return them safely, when the trials shall have been ended.

Necessarily, however, divers[e] persons must have access to and handle them with the mass of other papers, received from other quarters, but I will endeavor to keep all safely.

Very truly,

Your obedient servant,

ANDREW HUNTER.

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 Andrew Hunter, November 12, 1859

Baltimore, Nov. 12, 1859.

Hon. Andrew Hunter,
        Charlestown, Va.

Dear Sir:—The President has handed me your letter of 20th inst., concerning precautions against an expected attempt at rescue of the State prisoners at Charlestown. He desires me to say to you for him, that the matter will receive our most thorough attention.

He further says, that we have and shall continue to decline all requests looking to excursions or reduction of fare to parties proposing to attend the execution, offers for which have been made from Boston and elsewhere. We will arrange to advise you by Express, from Harper's Ferry, should occasion require. Very respectfully and truly yours,

W. P. SMITH, Master of Transportation,

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 40

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

Baltimore, Oct. 26th, 185[9].

Hon. H. A. Wise:

Dear Sir:—I duly received your esteemed advices of 26th instant.

In the present state of excitement in the vicinity of the late outrages, armed protection is probably judicious.

With the information and views of the Superintendent of the Armory especially, it is remarkable that the General Government fails to detail a military force to protect its property I have addressed Gov. Hicks as per copy herewith. I trust he will act in this State as you have in Virginia. In consequence of his absence from Annapolis no reply has yet been received.

In compliance with your request, I promptly used the most effective means to secure all the original papers in this city, connected with the conspiracy. Our officers believe all have been obtained.

Enclosed you will please find copy of a communication addressed to A. Hunter, Esq., which embraces the full particulars of this subject.

I am disposed to render any service in our power, and will be gratified if you will command us further. With great respect,

Truly yours,

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. 37-8

William Preston Smith to Andrew Hunter, October 25,1859

Baltimore, Oct. 25, 1859.

A. Hunter, Esq.:

        Attorney-at-Law, &c.,
                Charlestown, Va.

Sir:—At the request of Governor Wise, of Virginia, President Garrett, of this Company, directed me to secure and send to you, for use in the prosecution of the rioters taken at Harper's Ferry, such letters and other papers as could be found in this city bearing upon the case.

I accordingly enclose herewith three letters, obtained from the "Clipper" newspaper office—viz.: a letter (without signature) dated at Akron, May 2d, 1859; a letter dated Philadelphia, June 6, '59, addressed to Alonzo G. Bradley, R. T. Stieffer; and another, dated at Hallowell, April 28th, 1858, addressed to "My Dear Brother," and signed “Lizzie.”. Upon inquiry at the offices of the “American,” “Exchange" and "Sun" newspapers, I was informed that they did not have any letters or papers bearing upon the case, and that those they published were borrowed for that purpose from the office of the "Clipper."

We have secured for you the use for a few days of the following named papers from Mr. F. W. Kerchner, a lieutenant of one of our military companies. These were taken from Brown's house by himself, and he allows us the use of them, only on condition, that they will be safely returned to him, which we have promised, and which, we hope, you will enable us to faithfully carry out by returning them to this office as soon as you may have done with them. It may be proper to state that these papers were secured together by Kerchner, with a view to their preservation—they consist of—

Four pages of the life of “Old Brown."
A printed circular—"The duty of the Soldier, No. 1.”
Letter signed O. S., to “Brother and Sister,” dated at Chambersburg
Receipt from Charles Blair to John Brown for $150-on account.
Letter to J. H. Kagi-dated Aug. 16th, 1858.
Letter to John Brown from Gerritt Smith, June 8, 1859.
Receipt to E. A. Adams from Orion Phelps for $700.
A printed blank officer's commission.
A letter from A. Wattles, dated Moneka, K. T., March 29, '59.
A letter to John Brown from J. R. Giddings, May 26, 1856.
A letter to Brown from Fred. Douglass.
Receipt to J. Brown from W. & L. E. Gurley for a compass, June 7, 1859.
A letter to Brown from Charles Blair.

Your particular attention to the preservation and safe return to me of the above enumerated papers will much oblige,

Yours, very respectfully, &c.,

W. P. SMITH,        

M. of T.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 31-2

William Preston Smith to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 25, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 25, 1859.

His Excellency,
        Henry A. Wise,
                Governor of Virginia,
                        Richmond, Va.

Dear Sir:— In compliance with your request, expressed to the President of this Company, we have this day transmitted a number of letters and other papers, bearing upon the recent outbreak at Harper's Ferry, to Andrew Hunter, Esq.,, at Charlestown, Va., by the hands of a special messenger. I have the honor to remain,

Your ob’t sv’t.,

W. P. SMITH,        

M. of T.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 32-3

A. P Shutt to William Preston Smith, October 21, 1859—9:28 a.m.

H. Ferry, Oct. 21st, 1859 - 9.28 A. M.

W. P. Smith:

It has been quiet all night. There has been a guard kept on the Bridge by the citizens and the watchmen of the company all night. I understand that Gov. Wise has left orders with a Mr. Hunter to organize a company to patrol the town. I will see Mr. Hunter and render him all the assistance my power. Mr. McMurphy and myself made the ticket office our headquarters, and at intervals throughout the night visited the guard to see that all was right.

The clerk of the hotel tells me that there was some twenty-five arrivals on the express West—the usual number being only four or five. I did not know what to make of it, as they registered from different parts of the country.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 28