M. E. S.* to John Brown, November 29, 1859

MASSACHUSETTS, November 29.

Dear Friend: I have written to you once before, but fear it has never reached you; and now I try again, trusting in the generosity of Capt. Avis. Be of good cheer, dear, brave old friend; your dear ones will be generously and lovingly cared for all the rest of their days! Last evening there was a crowded and enthusiastic meeting at the Tremont Temple, Boston, the proceeds of which were to go to your stricken family. Every where, from all parts of the country, money is pouring in, in large sums and small, for the cause your self-devotion has made sacred to all Christian hearts. I would gladly relinquish ten years of my mortal life, if thereby you could hear even the echo of the noble things that were said by the noblest men in our land last night, I longed for wings to fly to you and tell the words of life, beauty, and eternal truth uttered so eloquently by that poet and philosopher, Mr. Emerson, in behalf of you and your cause. Not many eyes were dry; and every body that had a heart throbbed in unison with your own. God is very good, my friend. He never forgets us; and, in our darkest hour, he sends us the light and strength we need. Thousands of true men and women will never tire of trying to fill the void your death will make to the afflicted family at North Elba. Trust me when I say we will never forget them. . . . Dear, brave old friend, I honor, love, and bless you for the immortal testimony you have given to truth and right. I consecrate myself anew to the cause of the oppressed. Go bravely to your death! God and His holy angels stand ready to receive you, and generations yet unborn will cherish with love the remembrance of John Brown at Harper's Ferry. Farewell!

Yours in love and blessing forever,

M. E. S.

Please give poor Stevens my heartfelt sympathy and admiration for his fortitude and patience. God bless you both!

_______________

* A Massachusetts matron. Redpath indicates that she is the author of the first letter in this chapter.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 425-6

A. C., an Ohio Clergyman, to John Brown, November 19, 1859

Cleveland, November 19.

Dear Sir: Though personally an entire stranger, yet as a friend to the righteous cause for which you have shown yourself willing to suffer all things the cause of Human Freedom — I write to request that should you have time to forward, as soon as may be, a written statement of the time and place of your birth, the name of your parents, your church relations, time of marriage and to whom, different places of residence, time of removal to and from Kansas, incidents of trial and triumph, personal and domestic, while there, and any thing you may think would be of interest for the object now about to be named. Then the object of my request is the following: It is my purpose, should it please God that you should be offered up, the Sabbath following the event, to improve from my pulpit the occasion of your execution; that is to say, to preach your funeral sermon. Joining with thousands in the daily earnest prayer that the abundant grace of God may support you, and fellow-sufferers, in this your time of great need, and through his rich mercy in Christ Jesus administer an abundant entrance into His everlasting kingdom, I subscribe myself

Your unknown but sympathizing friend and brother,

A. C.

SOURCE: James Redpath, Editor, Echoes of Harper’s Ferry, p. 391-2

William Preston Smith to Thomas H. Parsons et al, November 30, 1859

Baltimore, Nov. 30, 1859.

T. H. Parsons—Washington, D. C.,
    J. M. Lowe—Washington Junction,
        G. S. Koontz—Ellicott's Mills,
            W. A. Gorton—Martinsburg,
                L. C. Boehm—Cumberland,
                    L. E. Randall—Piedmont.

Upon request of authorities of the State of Virginia, we have concluded to sell no tickets by trains of Thursday and Friday—1st and 2nd of December, to any point between Monocacy and Cumberland. Of course we are willing to accommodate the regular travel, or persons having legitimate business between the points indicated, and will allow tickets to be sold to such.

You will act carefully in accordance with these instructions.

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. 67

William A. Gorton to John W. Garret, November 30, 1859—5.40 p.m.

Martinsburg, November 30, 1859-5.40 P. M.

J. W. Garrett.

The officer in command here has sent a special messenger to General Taliaferro, at Charlestown, in regard to the passengers under arrest here. The messenger will return some time during the night. There is nothing further can be done until orders are received from Charlestown.

W. A. GORTON.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 67

William Preston Smith to John W. Garrett, November 30, 1859—6:45 p.m.

Rowlesburg, Nov. 30th, 1859.—6.45 P. M.

J. W. Garrett.

Your full dispatch received and understood. Have either personally seen or arranged to see, all agents on West end of our line. Am on Express East, which has a good number of through passengers; but all proper persons, including Mr. Halstead, of the Commercial, and several other Editors of the West. Two of the detective officers are returning on our train. I arranged fully at Cumberland last night to have the trains in both directions attended by additional men to-morrow as understood.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 67-8

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 Oliver Hoblitzell, November 30th, 1859—7:35 p.m.

Newburg, November 30th, 1859—7.35 P. M.

O. Hoblitzell.

If press at Baltimore does not fully understand that we are not responsible for event of last night, explain to the morning papers and Mr. Alexander Fulton, that it was an exceptionable case and that the parties were specifically telegraphed about from Ohio to commanding officers as “suspicious,” by detectives employed by State authorities of Virginia.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 68

A. P. Shutt to Oliver Hoblitzell, November 30, 1859–11.39 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, November 30th, 1859–11.39 P. M.

O. Hoblitzell.

Please say to Mr. Garrett, that I have made arrangements with Captain Moore of the command here, to have a guard stationed hereafter, and no one but passengers getting off and on the trains, will be allowed on the Trestle. Captain Moore will inform the commander at Charlestown of the visit here of the wife and friends of Brown, and whatever arrangements they make will be done by his authority.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 68-9

A. Diffey to William Preston Smith, November 30, 1859–11.54 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, November 30th, 1859–11.54 P. M.

W. P. Smith.

Government troops arrived here on mail train time, numbering two hundred and sixty-four (264) men. Special train left here for Baltimore at 9.25, running on mail train time, east. Fine looking set of men, Col. Lee in command.

A. DIFFEY.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 69

Charles E. Waters to William Preston Smith, December 1, 1859–3:50 a.m.

Grafton, Dec. 1st, 1859–3.50 A. M.

W. P. Smith.

I sent you a dispatch from Moundsville, stating that we had but about forty passengers from the Central Ohio Road, and but five desiring to stop at the Ferry.

The Agents at Cameron, Moundsville, Benwood and Wheeling, fully understood your wishes, respecting the sale of tickets to points east of Cumberland, and will carry them out to the letter.

I shall proceed to Baltimore by the first train as you direct. We have in all about ninety passengers, on the train.

C. E. WATERS.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 69

J. B. Ford to William Preston Smith, December 1, 1859—10:58 a.m.

Wheeling, December 1st, 1859—10.58 A. M.

W. P. Smith.

Received your message in relation to certificates for passengers other than the legitimate through and local travel, or those bearing the State authority, for Mail, last night and to-night.

J. B. FORD.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 69

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. 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

William Preston Smith to C. W. Russell, December 1, 1859

Baltimore, Dec. 1st, 1859.

C. W. Russell,
        Of Wheeling troops,
                Charlestown.

It being very desirable for me to learn at once, something of probable movement of troops on return, so as to provide for safe and prompt transport, I will be much favored if you will ascertain this and telegraph me.

W. P. SMITH.

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

William Preston Smith to E. F. Fuller, Victor Smith & Richard Smith, November 29, 1859

Newburg, Nov. 29, 1859.

E. F. Fuller, Victor Smith, Richard Smith,} Cincinnati.

Reports of general stoppage of trains and invasion of cars by armed men or others, are entirely false. This is neither undertaken nor permitted. Three passengers, who are said to have used incendiary language, were peaceably arrested upon the telegraphic notice sent by a detective from the West to State authorities. This is the only instance of the kind.

W. P. SMITH.

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 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

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

Richmond, November 29, 1859.

John W. Garrett.

Please accept thanks with my approbation of your arrangements. I see nothing more to be done.

HENRY A. WISE.

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