Josiah Perham to John W. Garrett, November 21, 1859

Boston, Nov. 21st, 1859.

President or Superintendent Baltimore & Ohio R. R.

Gentlemen:— My second letter had been sent to you before I received an answer to my first, declining to make a reduction in the fare on your road for an excursion party to Washington and Harper's Ferry, and Charlestown. Since I received your answer I have seen paragraphs in the newspapers stating that you were afraid to take my excursion, as you believe it, they would not be a suitable class of people to visit Virginia. In answer to that, I would say that I have moved more than 200,000 people within the last nine years in excursions, and I have had no accident happen to any of them, nor have I ever had any complaint made that any of them did not behave well. I do not think any one would go on my excursion to Washington or Harper's Ferry that would not conduct with propriety. I cannot say how many would go on the excursion, but if it is got up about the middle of December, so that they could be in Charlestown on the 16th of December, I think a very large party could be got out. Many would go to Washington, and not go to see the men hung, while a great many would go to witness the hanging. The sentence of the Judge was for them to be hung in public, which means that the people may go to see them hung that want to. In case a large party should go it would be necessary that an extra train should be in Baltimore on the morning of the 16th for Harper's Ferry and Charlestown, and remain there for three or four hours, and return to Baltimore or Washington the same night. I am told there are no hotel accommodations at either Harper's Ferry or Charlestown, sufficient to take care of one or two thousand people. If you will take one fare for the excursion ticket from Baltimore to Washington and back, I will advertise the excursion at once, and sell them all tickets through to Washington, with the agreement that you will sell round trip tickets to Charlestown or Harper's Ferry for all that wish to go there.

You need not fear of any trouble from any of the people that will go on my excursion, as any one that would not behave well would not dare to go. Hoping to receive a favorable answer from you by return mail, I remain truly,

Your ob’t servant,

JOSIAH PERHAM.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 57-8

William Preston Smith to Josiah Perham, November 28, 1859

Baltimore, November 28, 1859.

Josiah Perham, Esq.,
        Boston, Mass.,

Dear Sir: The President has handed me your letter of the 21^st instant, relative to a proposed excursion from the East to Harper's Ferry and Charlestown, to enable curious persons to witness the execution of the Virginia State prisoners next month, and to which he has also requested that I shall make his reply.

He distinctly states, that in view of the peculiar relation of the criminals, to a portion of the Eastern community, and the great liability, to at least an unpleasant excitement on the occasion, should large numbers of distant strangers visit the scene,—prudence justifies him in declining altogether any facilities, whatever, in connection with the event, except such as may be necessary for those who may travel upon the road for objects entirely legitimate.

Under no circumstances therefore, will any provision be made for excursionists to the execution. On the contrary, it may be well to advise you, that, so far as the Company is able, we will endeavor by all proper means to prevent any such movement.

Very respectfully, yours,

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. 58

William Preston Smith to William A. Gorton, November 29, 1859

Cumberland, Nov. 29, 1859.

W. A. Gorton,
        Martinsburg:

Send me by telegraph, either here or to Piedmont, a full account of the particulars of the arrest of the three gentlemen taken from our express train last night at your station.

See the commanding officer and ask him to prevent armed men from entering our cars a second time, as it will work injury to the Company, without, as we believe, doing good to the interests of the State of Virginia.

On what information, and from whom, was this action taken. See the passengers themselves and tell them they are indebted to Government agents only for their molestation.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 59

J. B. Ford to William Preston Smith, November 25, 1859—12:08 p.m.

Wheeling, Nov. 26th, 1859–12.08 noon.

W. P. Smith,

The military have concluded to go on the Express this morning leaving part of their company to go on Express, to-morrow. Arrangements for running Mail train East, to-night, will not, therefore be necessary.

J. B. FORD.

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 26, 1859—12:27 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 26th, 1859–12.27 P. M.

W, P. Smith,

A company of Cadets will be in Alexandria in the morning at 31 A. M. Can there be a special train on Sunday morning, to take them? they have ninety men and two howitzers. It is a particular desire of Col. Barbour.

A. P. SHUTT.

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

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

William Preston Smith to A. P Shutt, November 26, 1859—12:45 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 26th, 1859–12.45 P. M.

A. P. Shutt, Harper's Ferry:

About one hundred men, from Richmond, go to Ferry on Express this P. M, and a corps will leave Wheeling on Express today, for Charlestown, via Ferry. Are you likely to have fight to-night or 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. 52

Thomas H. Parson to William Preston Smith, November 26, 1859—2:43 p.m.

Washington, Nov. 26th, 1859—2.43 P. M.

W. P. Smith,

About ninety men left Lexington, last night, but failed to connect at Staunton, consequently will not reach here until to-morrow morning. Can an extra train be run to carry them to Harper's Ferry. We can leave here at 7 o'clock, A. M. Three passenger, one baggage, one gondola for guns.

An officer awaits an immediate reply.

T. H. PARSONS.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 52-3

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 26,1859—8:55 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 26th, 1859–8.55 P. M.

W. P. Smith,

Gen. W. B. Taliaferro is desirous to have the Cadets to come up on a special train in the morning. The following is a copy of the message, viz:

Charlestown, Nov. 26.

A. P. Shutt,

Cadets must come up to-morrow, if possible, furnish them an extra train. The Armory Band, from Richmond, will come also.

W. B. TALIAFERRO,

Maj. Gen. commanding.

Please arrange for them. Answer to-night.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 53

J. B. Ford to William Preston Smith, November 27, 1859—8:37 a.m.

Wheeling, Nov. 27th, 1859–8.37 A. M.

W. P. Smith,

Has Gen. Taliaferro arranged for transportation of troops with: out pre-payment? One hundred men leave here on Express, today, if they can be ready in time. If not, can we run a train on Mail time, to-night, to accommodate them? Please answer quick.

J. B. FORD

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 53

William Preston Smith to J. B. Ford, November 27, 1859

Baltimore, November 27th, 1859.

J. B. Ford,
        Wheeling.

Arrange at any time for the prompt transportation, either of troops, equipments or ammunition, without saying anything about the pay.

That has been agreed upon with the authorities of Virginia. Keep an accurate memorandum of all we do in this way, and return it to us at the close of the campaign.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 53

F. Mantz to William Preston Smith, November 27, 1859 7:25 p.m.

Monocacy, November 27th, 1859–7.25 P. M.

W. P. Smith

Mr. Diffey left this station at 6.45 bound East with the extra train, that took the troops to Charlestown to-day; and will run regardless of any extra train that may leave Baltimore tonight.

F. MANTZ.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 54

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 28, 1859—8:08 a.m.

Harper's Ferry, November 28th, 1859–8.08 A. M.

W. P. Smith

All is quiet here. The Wheeling troops arrived this morning on Express—seventy-six men. Will send them to Charlestown with the Cadets, that will arrive here on Mail train time this A. M. I shall go with them. I will inform you when it is likely there will be a battle, for I want you to be present.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 54

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 28, 1859—10:46 a.m.

Harper's Ferry, November 28th, 1859—10.46 A. M.

W. P. Smith,

All is quiet. Troops still arriving—twenty-eight from Wheeling on Express, and nineteen on Express West. One of the Wheeling members fell from the train at Brady's Mill. Col. Wheat left a detachment to look to him, and found him not seriously hurt. We sent all the troops to Charlestown, that came on special train, including the 75 from Wheeling making in all about three hundred. The arrivals last night brought as volunteers Mr. C. W. Russell, our Virginia counsel, and O. Jennings Wise, son of the Governor.

A. P. SHUTT.

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

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

Victor Hugo: December 2, 1859

At the thought of the United States of America, a majestic form rises in the mind, — Washington. In this country of Washington what is now taking place? There are slaves in the South; and this most monstrous of inconsistencies offends the logical conscience of the North. To free these black slaves, John Brown, a white man, a free man, began the work of their deliverance in Virginia. A Puritan, austerely religious, inspired by the evangel, “Christ hath set us free,” he raised the cry of emancipation. But the slaves, unmanned by servitude, made no response; for slavery stops the ears of the soul. John Brown, thus left alone, began the contest. With a handful of heroic men he kept up the fight; riddled with bullets, his two youngest sons, sacred martyrs, falling at his side, he was at last captured. His trial? It took place, not in Turkey, but in America. Such things are not done with impunity under the eyes of the civilized world. The conscience of mankind is an open eye; let the court at Charlestown understand — Hunter and Parker, the slaveholding jurymen, the whole population of Virginia — that they are watched. This has not been done in a corner. John Brown, condemned to death, is to be hanged to-day. His hangman is not the attorney Hunter, nor the judge Parker, nor Governor Wise, nor the little State of Virginia, — his hangman (we shudder to think it and say it!) is the whole American republic. . . . Politically speaking, the murder of Brown will be an irrevocable mistake. It will deal the Union a concealed wound, which will finally sunder the States. Let America know and consider that there is one thing more shocking than Cain killing Abel, — it is Washington killing Spartacus.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 630

Diary of Amos Bronson Alcott: December 2, 1859

Ellen Emerson sends me her fair copy of the Martyr Service. At 2 P. M. we meet at the Town Hall, our own townspeople present mostly, and many from the adjoining towns. Simon Brown is chairman; the readings are by Thoreau, Emerson, C. Bowers, and Alcott; and Sanborn's “Dirge” is sung by the company standing. The bells are not rung. I think not more than one or two of Brown's friends wished them to be; I did not. It was more fitting to signify our sorrow in the subdued way, and silently, than by any clamor of steeples or the awakening of angry feelings or any conflict, as needless as unamiable, between neighbors. The services are affecting and impressive, distinguished by modesty, simplicity, and earnestness, — worthy alike of the occasion and of the man.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 629-30