Oliver Hoblitzell to William Preston Smith, November 29,1859—8 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 29, 1859-8 P. M.

W. P. Smith,

        Cumberland:

Your's received and acted upon.

Col. Lee has decided to take all the troops (252) to Harper's Ferry, and will command them himself. Will send soldiers on first train with orders for it to flag the second and run on prompt mail time.

Will not have any emigrants, and have no notice of troops from Washington, but will look out for this. Will agents, &c., be notified of this train by yourself, or Mr. Diffey, or shall I do so?

O. HOBLIT ZELL.

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 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

William Preston Smith to Josiah Perham, November 28, 1859

Baltimore, November 28, 1859.

Josiah Perham, Esq.,
        Boston, Mass.,

Dear Sir: The President has handed me your letter of the 21^st instant, relative to a proposed excursion from the East to Harper's Ferry and Charlestown, to enable curious persons to witness the execution of the Virginia State prisoners next month, and to which he has also requested that I shall make his reply.

He distinctly states, that in view of the peculiar relation of the criminals, to a portion of the Eastern community, and the great liability, to at least an unpleasant excitement on the occasion, should large numbers of distant strangers visit the scene,—prudence justifies him in declining altogether any facilities, whatever, in connection with the event, except such as may be necessary for those who may travel upon the road for objects entirely legitimate.

Under no circumstances therefore, will any provision be made for excursionists to the execution. On the contrary, it may be well to advise you, that, so far as the Company is able, we will endeavor by all proper means to prevent any such movement.

Very respectfully, yours,

W. P. SMITH,        

M. of T.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 58

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

J. B. Ford to William Preston Smith, November 25, 1859—12:08 p.m.

Wheeling, Nov. 26th, 1859–12.08 noon.

W. P. Smith,

The military have concluded to go on the Express this morning leaving part of their company to go on Express, to-morrow. Arrangements for running Mail train East, to-night, will not, therefore be necessary.

J. B. FORD.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 52

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith November 26, 1859—12:27 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 26th, 1859–12.27 P. M.

W, P. Smith,

A company of Cadets will be in Alexandria in the morning at 31 A. M. Can there be a special train on Sunday morning, to take them? they have ninety men and two howitzers. It is a particular desire of Col. Barbour.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 52

William Preston Smith to A. P. Shutt, November 26, 1859—12:40 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 26th, 1859—12.40 P. M.

A. P. Shutt, Harper's Ferry:

If the State authorities, Gen. Taliaferro, or the Governor, or their authorized representatives require it, we will run any engine on the road, at any hour possible, but we do not expect to run extra trains, otherwise, for any purpose to-morrow. Ask Mr. Barbour to get the requisition, made officially.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 52

William Preston Smith to A. P Shutt, November 26, 1859—12:45 p.m.

Baltimore, Nov. 26th, 1859–12.45 P. M.

A. P. Shutt, Harper's Ferry:

About one hundred men, from Richmond, go to Ferry on Express this P. M, and a corps will leave Wheeling on Express today, for Charlestown, via Ferry. Are you likely to have fight to-night or 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. 52

Thomas H. Parson to William Preston Smith, November 26, 1859—2:43 p.m.

Washington, Nov. 26th, 1859—2.43 P. M.

W. P. Smith,

About ninety men left Lexington, last night, but failed to connect at Staunton, consequently will not reach here until to-morrow morning. Can an extra train be run to carry them to Harper's Ferry. We can leave here at 7 o'clock, A. M. Three passenger, one baggage, one gondola for guns.

An officer awaits an immediate reply.

T. H. PARSONS.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 52-3

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 26,1859—8:55 p.m.

Harper's Ferry, Nov. 26th, 1859–8.55 P. M.

W. P. Smith,

Gen. W. B. Taliaferro is desirous to have the Cadets to come up on a special train in the morning. The following is a copy of the message, viz:

Charlestown, Nov. 26.

A. P. Shutt,

Cadets must come up to-morrow, if possible, furnish them an extra train. The Armory Band, from Richmond, will come also.

W. B. TALIAFERRO,

Maj. Gen. commanding.

Please arrange for them. Answer to-night.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 53

J. B. Ford to William Preston Smith, November 27, 1859—8:37 a.m.

Wheeling, Nov. 27th, 1859–8.37 A. M.

W. P. Smith,

Has Gen. Taliaferro arranged for transportation of troops with: out pre-payment? One hundred men leave here on Express, today, if they can be ready in time. If not, can we run a train on Mail time, to-night, to accommodate them? Please answer quick.

J. B. FORD

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 53

William Preston Smith to J. B. Ford, November 27, 1859

Baltimore, November 27th, 1859.

J. B. Ford,
        Wheeling.

Arrange at any time for the prompt transportation, either of troops, equipments or ammunition, without saying anything about the pay.

That has been agreed upon with the authorities of Virginia. Keep an accurate memorandum of all we do in this way, and return it to us at the close of the campaign.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 53

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 28, 1859—8:08 a.m.

Harper's Ferry, November 28th, 1859–8.08 A. M.

W. P. Smith

All is quiet here. The Wheeling troops arrived this morning on Express—seventy-six men. Will send them to Charlestown with the Cadets, that will arrive here on Mail train time this A. M. I shall go with them. I will inform you when it is likely there will be a battle, for I want you to be present.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 54

A. P. Shutt to William Preston Smith, November 28, 1859—10:46 a.m.

Harper's Ferry, November 28th, 1859—10.46 A. M.

W. P. Smith,

All is quiet. Troops still arriving—twenty-eight from Wheeling on Express, and nineteen on Express West. One of the Wheeling members fell from the train at Brady's Mill. Col. Wheat left a detachment to look to him, and found him not seriously hurt. We sent all the troops to Charlestown, that came on special train, including the 75 from Wheeling making in all about three hundred. The arrivals last night brought as volunteers Mr. C. W. Russell, our Virginia counsel, and O. Jennings Wise, son of the Governor.

A. P. SHUTT.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 54