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

Governor Henry A. Wise to John W. Garrett, October 20, 1859

Washington City, 20th Oct., 1859.

J. W. Garrett, Esq.,

Dear Sir:— I arrived here from Harper's Ferry this evening. The marines having been ordered away from that place and departed, I organized an armed police guard to patrol the Virginia border, to protect persons and property, and to keep watch on the ways to and from the Ferry. This was done partly at the request of an agent of your Railroad company, and because no guard and no watch has been organized by the Federal authorities. Some guard ought to be provided on the Maryland side. I leave it to your company to suggest the necessary steps to the Governor of your State.

I have to make a request that you will take the trouble of an important commission, touching the prosecution of the criminal Brown and his associates. A gentleman informed me that one of the Baltimore volunteers, whom I do not know, had captured a travelling or clothes' bag of papers at the Kennedy farm, which was in the occupancy of Brown. I obtained from various other persons a mass of important papers, but this evening I see in the Sun the publication of several not seen by me before, and which must have been obtained from the forementioned bag. Now the originals are essential—they may be found at the printing offices of your city,or the person who had them may be found. Will you please advertise for them, and see to this, to recover them if possible, and have them carefully sent to Andrew Hunter, Esq., Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va., for the purpose of trial of the accused. Any expense you may incur, you will please send me an account of, at Richmond. I write hurriedly and hope I do not trouble you too much with a matter in which your company's interest, may form my excuse. With thanks for your prompt attentions to me, officially and personally, in this whole affair,

I am very truly yours,

HENRY A. WISE.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 28-9

John W. Garrett to Governor Thomas H. Hicks, October 21, 1859

October 21st, 1859.

To His Excellency,
        Thomas H. Hicks,
                Governor of Maryland:

Sir: — I have just received from His Excellency, Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia, a letter having reference to the late outrages at Harper's Ferry, in which he states that he has organized an armed police guard to patrol the Virginia border, to protect persons and property, and to keep watch ways to and from the Ferry, expressing at the same time the opinion, that some guard ought to be provided on the Maryland side, and saying that he leaves it to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company to suggest the necessary steps to the Governor of Maryland.

I cannot respond to Governor Wise's letter better than by communicating to your Excellency, the steps which he has deemed necessary as the executive of our sister State. Looking to the now well ascertained purpose of the leaders of the late outbreak, it is seen at once that both Virginia and Maryland have the same motives for action irrespective of those which prompt to the supression of riot and disorder. And when your Excellency bears in mind the fact that the bed of the Potomac, and of course the bridge of this company which crosses it are within the limits of Maryland, and that this company is altogether powerless as a conservator of the peace, I feel confident that the suggestion of Gov. Wise will receive from your Excellency the consideration that it certainly deserves.

Any aid which this company may be able to afford your Excellency on this occasion will be promptly and very cheerfully rendered.

I have the honor to be,                        

With great respect,                

Your very ob't serv't,        

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. 29-30

R. D. Sellman to John W. Garrett, October 22, 1859

Annapolis, 22d October, 1859.

J. W. Garrett, Pres't:

Yours of yesterday's date to the Governor, has been received at this department, and will be handed immediately to him, upon his return from Cambridge, on the Eastern Shore.

Respectfully, &c.,

R. D. SELLMAN,        

Private Secretary.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 30

William Preston Smith to John W. Garrett, L. M. Cole & H. Tyson, October 18,1859—3.30 p.m.

Plane No. 4, Oct. 18th, 1859—3.30 P. M.

J. W. Garrett,

L. M. Cole,

H. Tyson.

Our train, with military for Baltimore, passed No. 4 at 2.45 P. M., and we hope to get to Baltimore by 5 o'clock. Major Russell, the hero of the fight, is with me, on his way to report at Washington, and will represent the strong need of a continued guard over the Armory of Government, and over our bridge, as a national highway for the mails.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 24

John W. Garrett to John Donohoo, October 18, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 18th, 1859.

Mr. Donohoo,
        Acting Agent:

Communicate to the authorities our anxiety that our friend and guest, Mr. Rosengarten, (a director of Pennsylvania R. R. Company, arrested by the military,) shall be promptly released from imprisonment and allowed to join his party awaiting him here, by the earliest train.

JOHN W. GARRETT, Pres't.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 24

William Preston Smith to John W. Garrett, October 18, 1859 — 8 a.m.

Harper's Ferry, Oct, 18, 1859 — 8 A. M.

J. W. Garrett:

The work is done. The marines after the insurgents refused to submit, broke in with sledges and heavy ladders, and amid heavy firing on both sides, five killed and others wounded, — took the survivors prisoners, and released the citizens who had been held as hostages, among whom was our clerk, Donohoo. Major Russell, of marines, headed them in person unarmed. I never saw so thrilling a scene. The insurgents are all fanatical, white-livered looking scamps of the sort that is ever agitating and exciting to mischief.

No difficulties have attended our trains except their slight irregularity by the interruption. I think the military from Baltimore will be down on mail train time, to-day. The Pennsylvania railroad directors will leave Martinsburg this morning and get to Baltimore this afternoon.

W. P. SMITH.

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

John W. Garrett to C. W. Perviel, October 18, 1859

October 18th, 1859.

C. W. Perveil,

        New York:

The insurrection is entirely suppressed, all the outlaws killed or arrested, all freight and passenger trains working with entire regularity and safety; no damage has been done to any portion of railway track, trains or property; advise Boston.

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. 21

George H. Steuart to John W. Garrett, October 18,1859 — 2:33 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, October 18–2.33 P. M.

John W. Garrett.

Stop any troops coming up, and be so good as to inform Brigadier Gen'l Egerton, who has gone home, and Gen. Watkins, that I shall return in the train to-morrow morning and meet them at the division parade.

Please also send a message to my family at Harlem, that I am coming home to-morrow morning.

G. H. STEUART.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 22

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

Charles E. Waters to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 18, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 18th, 1859.

Hon. Henry A. Wise,

        Governor, etc.:

The President directs me to say, that as the train from Baltimore in the morning will be held there for the arrival of the troops from Fortress Monroe, you will have two hours in which to confer with him previous to your departure from Harper's Ferry.

He will be at Camden Station, Baltimore, on the arrival of the train from Washington.

CHAS. E. WATERS.

To care of agents at Washington and Relay House, who will be prompt to deliver in morning.

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

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

William H. Richardson to John W. Garrett, October 18, 1859—6:30 a.m.

½ past 6 A. M., Richmond, 18th of October, 1859.

To the President of the B. & O. R. R. Co.:

Five companies volunteers, three hundred men, left here on the train for Harper's Ferry this morning; please have cars for them. The Governor left here with a detachment last night.

W. H. RICHARDSON.

Adjutant General.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 18

John W. Garrett to General J. W. Watkins, October 18, 1859

Baltimore, 18th October.

General J. W. Watkins, &c.:

General Steuart, by request of Gov. Wise, of Va., directs that you immediately prepare the largest cavalry force at your command, to leave by the train starting from Camden station, at four o'clock and five minutes this afternoon, with horses and full equipments.

J. 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. 18

John W Garrett to General George H. Steuart, [October 18, 1859]

Gen. G. H. Steuart :

Your dispatch received. A handsome and well equipped body of cavalry promptly responded to your order, are now at Camden Station prepared and anxious to proceed for service.

I have advised Gen. Watkins of your countermand and they will accordingly be dismissed.

JOHN W. GARRETT, Pres't.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 18

John W. Garrett to John T Quynn, October 17,1859—3:45 p.m.

3.45 P. M.

J. T. Quynn :

Have 1,000 musket caps, 1 keg powder and 500 rifle balls at Monocacy for Gen. Egerton, on express train. 4.35 P. M.

J. 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. 15

John W. Garrett to William Preston Smith, October 17, 1859,

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad,            

President's Office,        

Baltimore, Oct. 17th, 1859.

W. P. Smith, M. of T.,
    Relay House:

In order to insure satisfactory arrangements in your absence, I have decided to retain Mr. Cole in Baltimore.

I have directed the ammunition desired by General Egerton to be furnished from Frederick, and delivered at Monocacy.

If further provisions are needed, telegraph ahead for suitable supplies. Report number of men and progress at each station.

J. 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. 15

John W. Garrett to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 17, 1859—3:50 p.m.

Baltimore, Oct. 17th-3.50 P. M.

Gov. Henry A. Wise:

Your dispatches are received and will be forwarded at once by telegraph and horse express.

It is an insurrection of seven hundred and fifty whites and blacks, and they are reported to be busy in taking slaves from their owners. They are also reported to be engaged fortifying their position, and are armed with weapons from the U. S. Arsenal, which is in their possession. Five companies will leave here in a few minutes and a detachment of marines are now about starting from Washington. Telegraph to this point full authority for the Maryland troops to pass into Virginia. We will be happy to facilitate the execution of any of your orders.

J. 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. 11

John W. Garrett to John T. Quynn, October 17, 1859—3:50 p.m.

Baltimore, Oct. 17th—3.50 P. M.

J. T. Quynn:

Employ instantly a reliable man and a fast horse to take by express via Shepardstown the following dispatch from the Governor of Va. to Col. John Thomas Gibson, Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va. Instruct him to use such additional horses as may be necessary to accomplish the earliest practicable delivery.

JOHN W. GARRETT,

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

I send copy of dispatch from Gov. Wise to myself, for the further information of Col. Gibson.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 11-12

John W. Showacre to John W. Garrett, October 17, 1859—7:50 p.m.

Washington, October 17, 1859—7.50 P. M.

J. W. Garrett, Prest.

The President of the United States did not intend calling upon the Baltimore military, thinking there was sufficient force called into service from Hagerstown and Frederick, with the Marines, to answer all purposes.

J. W. SHOWACRE.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 12