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 19, 1859

Baltimore, October 19, 1859.

To John Donohoo,

        Harper's Ferry.

As there is some uneasiness among our train men, it is desirable that they should be armed in moving over the road, near the Ferry. Ask Col. Lee to supply you with guns and rifles, say one hundred, to hand the men as they pass, they being instructed by you to preserve them carefully for return to the Government Armory, when the excitement has passed. Enforce discretion upon the men, stating that this is merely precautionary, and that we expect no serious use of them will be necessary. Instruct them to leave guns at Martinsburg going west, and Monocacy east, on each trip, to prevent unnecessary excitement.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 25-6

A. P. Shutt to A. Diffey, October 19, 1859

Harper's Ferry, October 19th, 1859.

A. Diffey,

        Martinsburg

It is reported to me that the Tonnage train men on the front engine, last night, bound East, fired on the Guard at Sandy Hook. Please notify them that there will be a guard from the East end of the Bridge, to Water Station at Sandy Hook, nightly, until further notice.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 26

William Preston Smith to John Donohoo, October 19, 1859—10:30 p.m.

Baltimore, October 19, 1859–10.30 P. M.

J Donohoo,

        Harper's Ferry.

What are the facts about alleged disturbances at Sandy Hook to-night?

Has any house been fired, or person killed? Have any of our trains or men been molested?

Give me full advices at once. I await in telegraph office. Are Marines guarding our bridge?

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 26

John Donohoo to William Preston Smith, October 19, 1859—11.15 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, October 19th, 1859–11.15 P. M.

To W. P. Smith.

A messenger came to town about 9 o'clock, bringing the information that a lot of the lawless band was in Maryland, and murdering the citizens. There has been no further trouble here. Cannot say how long we will have peace.

JOHN DONOHOO.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 26

William Preston Smith to John W. Garrett, October 18, 1859 — 2:35 p.m.

Monocacy, Oct. 18th, 1859–2.35 P. M.

J. W. Garrett:

Train has arrived here with troops. Gen'l Steuart orders that no more troops of any description be sent up, as the work is over, except what the United States Marines may do in maintaining guard.

Gov. Wise and Richmond troops are at Harper's Ferry. Trains all safe and will now fully resume their ordinary regularity. We have safely returned the Frederick troops and guns to that place. We have the Baltimore Brigade entire on my train, every man safe, but sleepy and hungry. Not one of us got over two hours sleep since leaving Baltimore, and that in the cars.

The Company's men have all behaved very energetically and bravely, and had they been seconded properly yesterday, would have saved the Marines their assault and victory to-day.

None of the property of the Company, stationary or movable, has been injured, so far as I can learn; nor was the life of a single passenger imprudently or unduly risked.

Reporters of New York Times, and other distant papers, are on the train with me. The Shepherdstown Guards are bound home on mail west.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 23

Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Lucy Webb Hayes, November 17, 1864

CAMP NEAR WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA, November 17, 1864.

DEAREST: When I wrote last I was in some doubt whether this Valley campaign was ended or not. It seems to be now settled. Early got a panic among his men and left our vicinity for good, I think.

The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps are building winter quarters. A telegraph line is put up and the railroad from Winchester to Harpers Ferry is nearly rebuilt. The location is a good one for a large body of troops. We are very pleasantly camped, but having no orders to put up winter quarters, have not fixed up for winter. We are very comfortable, however. My tent is floored, banked up, a good tent flue built, etc., etc. daily papers now regularly. The Baltimore American, a sound Republican paper, sells several thousand copies, more than all other papers put together. The Philadelphia Inquirer, also sound, sells next in number. The New York Herald, sound on the war in a sort of guerrilla style, sells one thousand to two thousand copies. No other newspapers have any large circulation, but the pictorials, Harper's Weekly having the preference, sell immensely — nearly as many copies, I judge, as the Baltimore American. The Christian Commission distributes a vast amount of religious reading matter gratuitously. The sutlers sell dime novels and the thunder-and-lightning style of literature, in large quantity.

The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps have built fine fieldworks. The weather has been good and a great many squads and regiments are drilling. There are a score or two of bands. Possibly two are better than ours not more than that. There is a good deal of horse-racing with tolerably high betting. The scenes at the races are very exciting. You would enjoy them. Nothing so fine of the kind is anywhere to be [seen] in civil life. Here the subordination of rank, the compulsory sobriety of the great crowds, etc., rid these spectacles of such disagreeable accompaniments as rioting, drunkenness, and the like. – We are beginning to have oyster and wine suppers and festive times generally.

General Crook has gone to Cumberland, and it is thought that my command will be ordered there for the winter, but this is all guess. I am again in command of the division after going back to the brigade for one day. How we shall be organized ultimately is not settled. I prefer the brigade. It now has three fine veteran regiments and the Thirteenth. The First Virginia Veterans (old Fifth and Ninth) is splendid.

I mean to ask for a leave as soon as we get housed in our winter quarters. I hope to see you by Christmas.

Tell Birch I am greatly pleased to have a letter from him. He will soon be one of my chief correspondents. — Love to all. Affectionately ever, your

R.

P. S. — Hastings is getting better slowly. There are now hopes of his recovery. His sister is with him.

Mrs. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 537-9

John W. Garrett to James Buchanan, October 18, 1859

Relay House, October 18, 1859.

To the President of the United States,
        Washington, D. C.:

At the request of Gov. Wise, I transmit the following message from him, he having left this place on the way to Harper's Ferry. He says that as the government treasure has been plundered and taken from Harper's Ferry, and as slaves have been taken away by the marauders, he desires you to instruct the commander of the United States Troops to pursue the outlaws with all the force under his command until they are captured.

J. W. GARRETT, President B. & O. R. Co.

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

Alexander Fulton, October 18, 1859—12 a.m.

12 midnight, October 18th.

Fulton:

Town taken possession of by companies from Charlestown, Shepherdstown, Va., and from Frederick; riotors are intrenched in Armory; hold Mr. Washington and Mr. Dangerfield as prisoners; insurgents are commanded by Capt. Brown of Kansas notoriety, numbered originally 17 white men, 5 negroes. Several have been shot, 2 Martinsburg company shot dead, whilst charging in Armory. A portion of insurgents have left under command of Cook with large party slaves supposed to be moving toward Pennsylvania. Allen Stevens, one insurgent, is lying dying here, shot through the breast; he is from Connecticut, but has been in Kansas. Says whole scheme was got up by Brown who represented that negroes would rise by thousands, and Maryland and Virginia be made free States. Col. Shriver, Frederick, just had interview with Brown in Armory. He asked to be allowed to march out with his men and armed; states his intention to defend himself to the last—they are very strongly posted in the Engine House, and firearms cannot be used against them, for fear of injuring prisoners, they still hold. Sixteen persons are known to have been killed. Fountain Beckham, railroad agent, was shot dead by Armory murderers, 3 rioters lying dead under bridge, shot by Shepherdstown troops in charge on the bridge. Capt. Cook, who is second in command rioters, is said to be posted in school house, 4 miles distant, with large body runaway slaves. Armory taken possession of about 9 last night; and was so quietly done, citizens knew nothing of it till train was stopped. Col. Lee has arrived; there are abundant troops here to capture rioters. It seems perfectly certain that original party consisted of not more than 20 white men, and 5 free negroes. Capt. Brown has been about here and rented a farm 4 miles off which was the rendezvous of rioters; Capt. Cook has also lived about here and at one time taught school; all the other white men are unknown, supposed however to be men who have been connected with Brown in Kansas. Reported that certain rioters have carried off considerable amount Government funds. No attempt made to pillage town or insult females. Capt. Brown claims easy terms, on account of his moderation.

FULTON.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 19

Governor Henry A Wise to the Officer in Command at Harper's Ferry, October 18, 1859—8 a.m.

Relay House, October 18, 1859—8 A. M.

To Officer in Command at Harper's Ferry:

I am here with 90 men, waiting for train to Harper's Ferry; make no terms with insurgents before I reach you.

H. A. WISE.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 20

C. W. Perviel to William Preston Smith, October 18, 1859—10:22 a.m.

New York, Oct. 18, 1859–10.22 A. M.

W. P. Smith,

    Master Transportation,

        Camden Station :

Telegraph me information—latest from insurrectionists at Harper's Ferry; reports in morning papers state that tonnage or passenger trains cannot pass that point—important.

C. W. PERVEIL.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 21

William Preston Smith to John T. Quynn, October 17, 1859—11:30 a.m.

Baltimore, 11.30 A. M., October 17th, 1859.

J. T. Quynn,

        Frederick.

The President asks that you will thank the Frederick Military for their prompt and acceptable tender of service, and says, we shall probably avail of their offer by joining the troops from Baltimore, should they go on Express train time this afternoon, of which you will soon be advised.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 13

John W. Garrett to Major-General George H. Steuart, October 17, 1859

Maj. Gen. Geo. H. Steuart,

Sir: — It is my duty to inform you forth with that an insurrection is in progress at Harper's Ferry, and on the Maryland side, in which free negroes and whites are engaged.

I am, respectfully, yours,

JOHN W. GARRETT,        

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

Balt., Oct. 17th, 1859.

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

John W. Garret to John B. Floyd, October 17, 1859 – 10:20 a.m.

17th Oct., 1859—10.20 A. M.

Hon. J. B. Floyd,

            Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:

Telegraphic advices present a serious affair at Harper's Ferry, where United States Armory and our bridges are in full possession of large bands of armed men, said to be abolitionists, and thought to be armory men. The guns from Armory have been taken for offensive use, and the leaders notify our men that no trains shall pass the Armory and bridge. Our officers were fired upon, and a laborer instantly killed. The wires being cut we get our advices from next station, but they are entirely reliable although they may be exaggerated in some degree.

Can you authorize the government officers and military from Washington to go on our train at 3.20 this afternoon to the scene, or send us full authority for volunteers from Baltimore to act. We will take them up on afternoon's Express if necessary.

Please advise us immediately what the government will do, our operations on road being in the meantime suspended.

JOHN W. GARRETT,        

Pres't B & O. R. Co.

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

Governor Henry A. Wise to John W. Garret, October 17, 1859

Richmond, Oct. 17th, 1859.

John W. Garrett, Pres't B. & 0. R. R. Co.,

            Camden Station, Balt.:

Whereas, Authentic information has been received that a sudden insurrection has happened at Harper's Ferry in the county of Jefferson, and that immediate danger therefrom is to be apprehended, — the commandant of the regiment therein, is hereby commanded to order out a part or the whole of the militia under his command to repel, suppress, or prevent the same. And if necessary he shall call on the commandants of the adjacent regiments who are ordered forth with in like manner to furnish the additional force that may be necessary. Commandants will immediately report to me at Harper's Ferry, and all persons in the State of Virginia will aid and assist in repressing said insurrection by facilitating in all legal and proper manner the transportation of military companies and detachments from this and any other State to that end and otherwise.

HENRY A. WISE,        

Governor of Va.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 10

William H. Richardson to John W. Garrett, October 17, 1859 – 2:40 p.m.

Richmond, October 17th, 1859–2.40 P. M.

John W. Garrett, Esq.,

            Pres't B. & O. R. R. Co.:

The Governor requests that you will send the following order to Col. Gibson. Three good companies from that regiment can be immediately called out.

WM. H. RICHARDSON,        

Adjutant General.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 10

William H. Richardson to Colonel Thomas Gibson, October 17, 1859 – 2:40 p.m.

Richmond, Oct. 17th, 1859–2.40 P. M.

Col. John Thos. Gibson, 55th Regiment,

            Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va.:

Care John W. Garrett, Esq.,

            (Pres't, Balto.)

Sir:—The commander-in-chief, calls your attention to the provisions of the first section of chapter twenty-nine of the code, and directs that you call out immediately a sufficient force from your regiment to put down the rioters at Harper's Ferry. The commander-in-chief is informed that the Arsenal and Government property at that place are in possession of a band of rioters. You will act promptly and fully in this emergency, and command the troops called out in person.

By command,

WM. H. RICHARDSON,

Adjutant General.    

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 11