William Preston Smith to General William B. Taliaferro, et al, December 1, 1859

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859–9.55 P. M.

General Taliaferro, Hon. A. Hunter,} Charlestown.
A. P. Shutt, A. Diffey,} Harper's Ferry.

As there will probably be very large numbers of troops, besides other passengers, who may come down from Harper's Ferry to Baltimore and Washington, by our road, on tomorrow afternoon and Saturday, it is highly important for us to know at the very earliest moment their probable number, so as to make the necessary provision for their prompt and safe transportation.

We desire to know, therefore, something of the wishes and

intentions of the authorities respecting the return of troops and munitions It may be necessary to run an extra train on Friday afternoon, leaving Harper's Ferry for Baltimore and Washington, about two or three o'clock, which can be done, if we get proper notice.

W.P SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 71-2

William Preston Smith to Major-General William B. Taliaferro, December 1, 1859

Baltimore, December 1st, 1859.

General Taliaferro,
        Charlestown.

We desire anxiously to learn from whom the dispatches were sent to you, upon which you ordered the arrest of the two passengers at Martinsburg. They seem to be disposed to blame our Company exclusively, by alleging that our employees gave you the information leading to their arrest.

Will you favor us as we desire, therefore, and if not asking too much, will you send us a copy of the dispatches in question.

W. P. SMITH,        

M. of T., B. & O. R. R.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 72

S. Colhoun to William Preston Smith, December 1, 1859

Philadelphia, Dec. 1st, 1859.

W. P. Smith, Esq.

Dear Sir:

I cut the enclosed slip from the editiorial of this afternoon's “Bulletin:”

“TRICKS UPON TRAVELERS.—The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company will have no reason to thank the army of Gov. Wise for the manner in which he treats their trains and passengers. In the severest days of the Austrian police system there were no such high-handed proceedings towards travelers. Every train, it appears, is stopped at Harper's Ferry, and armed men pass through every car, hunting for spies, insurgents and sympathizers with Brown. In one case, three Cincinnati merchants, on their way to Baltimore, were actually taken out of the cars and imprisoned, because they spoke kindly of the poor creature who is to be hung to-morrow. This is the Virginia idea of freedom. Travelers will please take notice.”

Everybody appears desirous of making the most out of “Old John Brown," and if it is true that several Cincinnati merchants have been taken out of your cars at Harper's Ferry, the “Bulletin” thinks it should be used as a spoke to strengthen the wheels of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

We presume your Company took a personal interest at once, in protecting the Cincinnati sufferers. I send you the enclosed as an “on dit.”

Yours, truly,

S. COLHOUN.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 73

William Preston Smith to A. Diffey, December 2, 1859

Baltimore, Dec. 2, 1859.

A. Diffey:
        Martinsburg.

I am going to Philadelphia at-ten to-morrow, to return on Sunday. Confer fully with Mr. England and Mr. Shutt, as to movements requisite for proper return of troops.

We must close this campaign as we begun it, without accidents or delays. We send an extra to Washington on Sunday morning for travel from West by Express, and it may be useful also in taking troops, if so required.

Don't let Mail East be kept out of making connections to-morrow — run an extra from Ferry on Mail time if necessary.

W. P. Smith

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 73

Telegram to William Preston Smith, December 2, 1859

Charlestown, Dec. 2, 1859.

W. P .Smith:

John Brown was hung at 11.15, A. M., taken down in 35 minutes after. His remains were taken back to jail in a coffin. Said to have died very easy.

Will be handed over to his wife this evening.

OPERATOR.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 74

William Preston Smith to Samuel Calhoun & Alfred Gaither, December 2, 1859

Baltimore, Dec. 2, 1859.

S. Calhoun—Philadelphia.

Alfred Gaither—Cincinnati.

Thanks for dispatch. Reports of arrests and searching of trains greatly exaggerated. Only one case has occurred and against Conductor's remonstrances, that of two gentlemen, telegraphed by State detective from Grafton Junction or Ohio, to Commanding General as being suspicious, and a third at same time for alleged threats to officer making arrest. Our President promptly secured their release, and orders by General to invade cars no more are given. With this exception the trains have not been disturbed, nor passengers annoyed. This you may fully rely upon. We have, at request of authorities, refused tickets to several notorious characters, who would probably only have, by their attendance at execution, increased the excitement, and added to the many wild and inflammatory statements now so rife. Reckless or predjudiced newspapers have no just foundation for their assaults on our Company.

Please have these facts made public on the Company's authority.

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. 74-5

C. W. Russell to William Preston Smith, December 3, 1859

Charlestown, Dec. 3, 1859.

W. P. Smith.

The Governor's orders about the removal of troops have not been received. The General promises to let me know as soon as arrangements are made. Probably a considerable number will be sent East Sunday or Monday

C. W. RUSSELL.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 75

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, December 3, 1859

December 3, 1859.

W. P. Smith:

Two hundred and fifty troops will leave Harper's Ferry on special Train to-day for Richmond, on Mail Train time East—we have them all in the cars waiting for Engine from Martinsburg.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 75

William Preston Smith to A. P. Shutt, December 3, 1859

Baltimore, Dec. 3, 1859.

A. P. Shutt:

        Harper's Ferry.

We think in view of the excitement still prevailing at Harper's Ferry, and vicinity, and of the possibility of the authorities of Virginia having occasion to consult with you at any moment, that they would not be satisfied for you to be out of reach tomorrow.

Under the circumstances, therefore, we should prefer not to give them any cause of complaint by your leaving at this time. We hope to be able to relieve you entirely in a few days.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 77

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 William Preston Smith, November 30, 1859

Baltimore, November 30th, 1859.

W. P. Smith.

To post you fully, I send copies of dispatches to Gov. Wise. Mr. Hunter, Agent at Martinsburg, and Gov. Wise’s reply, Your action in the west, in accordance with these arrangements, will I trust prevent any further annoyance to our passengers. Explain this to Agents at all points, so that our passengers may not be further alarmed or troubled. I fear serious injury to our business from such a course as that pursued at Martinsburg.

J. W. GARRETT.

_______________

• John W. Garrett to Henry Wise, November 29, 1859
• John W. Garrett to Andrew Hunter
• John W. Garrett to William A. Gorton
• Gov. Henry A. Wise to John W. Garrett, November 29, 1859

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

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