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

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

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 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

John W. Garrett to William A. Gorton, October 26, 1859

Baltimore, Oct. 26th, 1859.

W. A. Gorton, Agent, Martinsburg:

Superintendent Barbour telegraphs that aid may be required at Harper's Ferry to-night to protect property—as a band from New York threatens rescue. If our further advices render it necessary, how many military may be relied on from your vicinity this evening? Reply promptly.

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. 36

John Donohoo to William Preston Smith, October 19, 1859—11:30 a.m.

Harper's Ferry, October 19th, 1859–11.30 A. M.

W. P. Smith.

Mr. Richardson and Mr. Wollett are in Martinsburg. I am told by Mr. Winters, who saw them this morning, they are both comfortable and doing well. I have asked Mr. Gorton to let you know if they need anything.

JOHN DONOHOO.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 25

William A. Gorton to William Preston Smith, October 19, 1859

Martinsburg, October 19th, 1859.

W. P. Smith.

Richardson and Wollett are both doing well, neither of them dangerously wounded. Wollett's wound is in the arm only, the bone is not injured, but the ball is not yet removed. Richardson will lose his eye, but the ball did not penetrate his head. They are both as comfortable, as can be under the circumstances.

W. A. GORTON.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 25