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 A. Gorton to John W. Garrett, November 30, 1859—12:55 p.m.

Martinsburg, Nov. 30, 1859.-12.55 P. M.

J.W. Garrett.

I have called on the officer in command here, in regard to the release of the passengers, who were arrested on Express train east this morning. He says he cannot release them until he received orders from Gen. Taliaferro, who described the persons, and gave peremptory orders to have them arrested.

He has dispatched to the General at Charlestown, and is waiting a reply. I will let you know the result as early as possible.

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

William Preston Smith to John T. Quynn, November 30, 1859—2:20 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 30, 1859—2.20 P. M.

J. T. Quynn,
        Frederick.

Gov. Wise, of Virginia, has desired us to sell no tickets to Harper's Ferry, by our trains of to-morrow, Thursday, December 1st, and as we are anxious to avoid any trouble in connection with the execution at Charlestown, you are hereby instructed not to sell tickets to the Ferry on the day named. Of course, if any citizen of Frederick or vicinity, of known character, wishes to go, you can give necessary orders for the sale of tickets. It will, however, be unsafe for persons to go there as the authorities have given orders for arrest of all parties, strangers, and not bearing papers vouching for them. Answer.

W. P. SMITH,

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

George F. Gilbert to William Preston Smith, November 29, 1859—5 p.m.

Washington, Nov. 29th, 1859-5, P. M.

W. P. Smith,

Col. Lee, U. S. army, wishes you to meet him at depot on arrival of 5.20 train, to make arrangements for transportation of two hundred and twenty U. S. men to the Ferry in the morning. They will reach Baltimore on the Norfolk boat.

G. F. GILBERT.

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

William Preston Smith to A. P. Shutt, November 29, 1859

Cumberland, Nov. 29, 1859.

A. P. Shutt,
        Harper's Ferry.

Did you take the gentlemen to Charlestown, to-day? Did they see the prisoners? Have the private car cared for while they may be absent from it, or it may be entered and robbed. Tell the Agent of the Winchester Company they can have the use of the two passenger cars we left at Harper's Ferry to-day, if they require them until Saturday morning next. Explain this to Mr. Donohoo.

Col. Lee with 250 U. S. troops from Fortress Munroe, leave Baltimore by special train, Mail time to-morrow, as a further protection to government property at Ferry.

Telegraph me fully here, to-night, if anything of interest is on foot. Tell all newspaper men reports of our trains being invaded generally by armed men are untrue. I expect to be down on Express train to-morrow night and would like to see you as I pass. It is important that our telegraph office and its business should be much more private than it is. All idlers or others not having business there must be kept out, and if necessary ask Capt. Barton, or some State officer to post sentinels there.

W.P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 59-60

William Preston Smith to Oliver Hoblitzell, November 29, 1859—5:26 p.m.

Cumberland, Nov. 29th, 1859–5.26 P. M.

O. Hoblitzell,

Get Mr. England and go with him to see the President on his return, who will give my instructions about passengers for Baltimore for the main stem, verbally. Give Mr. Parsons same directions after seeing the President, as above. I will see Mr. Ford who will see Barry and McCaffrey. Tell the President I have arranged with Mr. Diffey to go out from Baltimore on both Western trains on Thursday. Give him a copy of my dispatch to Perham.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 60

William Preston Smith to James Post,* November 29, 1859

Cumberland Nov. 29th, 1859.

James Post,

        Martinsburg:

We gave you the order to ride entirely on the authority of the State officers of Virginia, and cannot renew it without their express requisition to that effect.

W. P. SMITH.

_______________

* A detctive acting under military orders.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 60

Oliver Hoblitzell to William Preston Smith, November 29, 1859—6:19 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 29, 1859-6.19 P. M.

W. P. Smith,
        Cumberland:

Authorities are considering whether they will send to Harper's Ferry 252 soldiers from Fort Monroe, or but half that number, by morning train. The latter I have already arranged to go with mail train, but if they decide upon sending the whole number, it would probably be best to send special train ahead of mail.

What do you say? I am waiting Col. Lee's decision as to number.

Have seen President and made later appointments with him, but will manage to be in telegraph office at 8 o'clock.

O. HOBLITZEL L.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 60

William Preston Smith to Oliver Hoblitzell, November 29, 1859—7:36 p.m.

Cumberland, November 29th, 1859–7.36 P. M.

O. Hoblitzell.

If there are more than nine cars needed in morning, send two engines, putting soldiers on first train, with orders to flag the other and run prompt on mail time. If there are any emigrants or many troops from Washington at Relay, there may be over nine trains required. Watch train's departure, to-morrow, and telegraph me all about it at Piedmont, saying whether there is any crowd besides soldiers on board.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 61

William Preston Smith to W. W. Shore, November 29, 1859—8:20 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 29, 1859-8.20 P. M.

W. W. Shore,
        Daily Times, New York:

Virginia authorities to-day proclaim that no visitors will be permitted to witness execution.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 61

William Preston Smith to Oliver Hoblitzell, November 29, 1859—9:05 p.m.

Cumberland, November 29th, 1859–9.05 P. M.

O. Hoblitzell.

Mr. Diffey, will be at the Ferry and give the necessary orders for running the train with the troops 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. 62

William Preston Smith to Oliver Hoblitzell, November 29, 1859—9:15 p.m.

Cumberland, November 29th, 1859–9.15 P. M.

O. Hoblitzell.

New York and other Eastern papers of yesterday, contain Associated dispatch, dated Baltimore, and sent, I suppose, by Alexander Fulton, American Building, who is their Baltimore Agent.

It stated that all the trains of our road were entered by armed men, and the passengers subjected to scrutiny in search of suspicious persons. I want you to see Mr. Fulton to-night, in person, or send him this dispatch at once, assuring him in my name, that the statement is untrue, and is calculated at the same time to seriously interfere with the through passenger business of our road. Ask him if he will not, in justice to us, send a general dispatch in all directions to-night, to the effect, that no such invasion of our cars or annoyance to passengers, is practised or permitted. Tell him to mention at the same time, that the Company, acting under the advice of the Virginia authorities, has arranged to take no passengers to the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, at the time of the executions, except such as are believed to be traveling for legitimate objects.

Tell Fulton, also, that the report of troops being fired on at points of our road last night, is entirely unauthentic.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 62

William Preston Smith to J. P. Jackson, November 29, 1859

Cumberland, Nov. 29, 1859.

J. P. Jackson,
        Vice Pres’t N. J. R. R. Co.,

New York or Newark, N. J. Great alarm exists here from expectations of large forces of desperadoes from North, East and West, to attempt rescue of Virginia prisoners. Will you favor us by promptly dispatching any information you may have respecting parties who may be of this character taking your trains for the South, and also advise us personally if any unusual party of unknown men start for this direction.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 62

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

A. Diffy to William Preston Smith, November 28, 1859—1:25 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 28th, 1859–1.25 P. M.

W. P. Smith:

Special and mail trains West arrived here on time. Eight cars of soldiers, with our Ferry engine, have gone to Charlestown,

Special train will leave here for Baltimore about 2.30 this P. M.

A. DIFFEY.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 55

William Preston Smith to J. George Heist, November 28, 1859

Baltimore, November 28, 1859.

J. G. Heist, Winchester, Va.

Every passenger car we have, is fully occupied, and we do not intend to let them be used for taking any persons to Charlestown or Harper's Ferry, except the military of Virginia, whom we will cheerfully accommodate between the Ferry and Charlestown, with your company's permission as heretofore.

I will pass the Ferry on our mail west to-morrow, and would be glad to confer with you if convenient.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 55

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

Baltimore, November 28, 1859.

A. P. Shutt, Harper's Ferry.

Some of the conductors report, that there have been attempts made by numbers of volunteers at Harper's Ferry, armed with guns, &c., to go through our passenger trains there, on arrival, in supposed search of suspicious persons.

As this is not only an unnecessary step for the ends of justice, as well as a great annoyance to passengers—especially ladies—you must see that it is not allowed, except under extraordinary circumstances, that might require or justify it. If one vigilant man, unarmed, would go quietly through the train, without any unnecessary excitement, it ought to answer all practical and proper purposes. Please confer with the commanding officers and see that our wishes are respected in this matter.

W.P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 56

Josiah Perham to John W. Garrett, November 7, 1859

Boston, Nov. 7, 1859.

To the President or Superintendent of the B. & O. R. R. Co.,

        Baltimore:

I propose to get up an excursion party from New England and New York to Washington and to Harper's Ferry, provided I can get a reduction on the fare sufficient to bring out a good number — to take place as soon as I can get the arrangements made with the several railroads, which I hope to be in season for the party to go on and see Brown hung, and be in Washington at the opening of Congress.

I propose to give you one fare for the round trip from Baltimore to Washington and return for the whole party, and one fare from Baltimore to Harper's Ferry, and return for all that will go to Harpers Ferry.

I have been getting up excursions all summer from the country into Boston, and from Boston to Canada, New York and other places, and I have had some very large parties. I do not know how large a party I can get to go to Washington and Harper's Ferry, but I think, if the fare is put low enough, that I can get out a large number. The tickets will be made by our roads here, with coupons for each road.

Please answer by return mail, stating the terms from Baltimore to Washington and back, and also from Baltimore to Harper's Ferry and back.

In 1851 I got up one or two excursions from Boston to Washington, which were very good parties.

Yours, truly,

JOSIAH PERHAM.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 56

Josiah Perham to John W. Garrett, November 12, 1859

Boston, Nov. 12th, 1859.

President and Superintendent B. & O. Railroad Co.,

Gentlemen:— I wrote you a few days ago in regard to an excursion to Washington over the line of your road, to which I have received no reply. At the same time I wrote you I wrote Mr. Felton, President of P. W. & B. R. R., and have received a reply consenting to take the party over his line of road.

As I am a stranger to you, I refer you to Mr. Felton, who knew me when he was on the Fitchburg Railroad, and took large parties over his road for me in 1850 and 1851.

Will you state to me the lowest fare you will take from Baltimore to Washington and back, and also from Baltimore to Harper's Ferry, or Charlestown, and back?

Yours, very truly,

JOSIAH PERHAM.

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