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

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 J. T. England, December 1, 1859—8:45 p.m.

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859–8.45 P. M.

J. T. England, Camden Station.

Have you an extra engine and ten large passenger cars ready, to follow Mail train in morning to Harper's Ferry, to return first installment of military and citizens to Baltimore and Washington. Have telegraphed Gen'l Taliaferro and Mr. Hunter, to advise me at first possible moment, probable number of men to be returned both to-morrow and Saturday.

Let Mail proper go out first in the morning, with only four passenger cars.

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 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 A. Diffey & A. P. Shutt, December 1, 1859

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859.

A. Diffey,
A. P. Shutt,
        Harper's Ferry, Va.

Have sent extra engine and ten passenger cars with one baggage car to Harper's Ferry, behind Mail, in charge of Conductor Walters, Hussell, Engineman.

As we will certainly need them, possibly this P. M., they must be put in siding at Ferry, and engine may go to Martinsburg, if not wanted early to-day. Should any great number of citizens, editors or others, earnestly desire an earlier return than Express time in morning we may run an extra from Ferry at a proper hour this afternoon or evening. I am anxious to learn, if possible, about how many troops will leave on return to-morrow, and if any on Sunday, to make suitable provision for them.

W. P. SMITH.

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

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 4, 1864

Foggy; then bright; then very warm.

Gen. Lee is at Chaffin's Bluff. A dispatch from him this morning states that the enemy's infantry are near Harrisonburg, in the Valley, and that his cavalry is retiring.

9 A.M. Another dispatch from Gen. Lee. The raiders' cavalry, only 250 strong, are at Brandy Station, a body of their infantry at Bealton Central Railroad.

9. A.M. Gen. Lee says Gen. Breckinridge repulsed the enemy's attack on Saltville, on Sunday, 2d inst.; it was a "bloody” repulse, and Gen. B. is pursuing.

Gen. Beauregard has been appointed to the supervisory command of the army in Georgia, etc.; in response to the universal calls of the people.

The enemy threw op earthworks yesterday, toward the city, from Fort Harrison, one mile in length. He is now within five miles of the city, and if his progress is not checked, he will soon be throwing shells at us.

But Lee is there, digging also.

Flour rose yesterday to $125 per barrel, meal to $72 per bushel, and bacon $10 per pound. Fortunately, I got 100 pounds of flour from North Carolina a few days ago at $1.20 per pound. And Thomas, my son, detailed as clerk for Gen. Kemper, will draw 30 pounds of flour and 10 pounds bacon per month.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 299-300

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: October 6, 1864

Bright, and very warm.

The President returned this morning, hastened hither by the perils environing the capital.

An order is published this morning revoking all details for the army of persons between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years

If this be rigidly enforced, it will add many thousands to the army. It is said there are 8000 details in the military bureaus of this State.

A dispatch from Gen. Hood, near Lost Mountain (in Georgia, Sherman's rear), dated yesterday, says Sherman is marching out of Atlanta to attack him. He says Gen. Stewart's corps struck the railroad at Big Shanty, capturing 350 prisoners, and destroying ten miles of the road. Gen. Forrest is marching against Altoona. We shall soon have stirring news.

All is quiet near Petersburg and Richmond to-day. Eight of the local companies (clerks) have been ordered to guard the prisoners to Salisbury, N. C.

I saw a New York Tribune to-day, of the 17th inst., and find the Peterson's are advertising new editions of several of my books.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 300-1

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 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 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

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