Major Charles Wright Wills: March 21, 1865

March 21, 1865.

We moved out this morning just before daylight and got within 50 yards of the Rebel skirmish line, but nothing going forward on our right or left, we returned to our original position. Had one man in Company H slightly wounded. We could have held our advanced line just as well as not. I think our right must rest on the river. Some 35,000 or 40,000 Rebels are reported here under Johnston. Some prisoners report Lee. I would like to see them whaled, but would like to wait until we refit. You see that too much of a good thing gets old, and one don't enjoy even campaigning after 50 or 60 days of it together. I believe I am surfeited with oven bread — (“death balls” our cook calls them), biscuit, and pork. I feel finely; wet from head to foot, has rained since noon hard most of the time. About 1 p. m. the main line moved out on our skirmish line, and as quick as they get their works up (about one-half hour), our regiment deployed as skirmishers on our brigade front, and our whole corps skirmish line moved forward. I think the 17th drove the enemy on our right at the same time. We took their skirmish pits along the whole front of our division, but they were very close to their main line and we did have a very interesting time holding them, I assure you. I don't think it was more than 75 yards to the main line of the Rebel works, and they in plain sight, only a straggling scrub oak undergrowth and a few large pines intervening. The Rebels came out of their works twice to retake their pits.

The first time the left of our regiment had to fall back, the brigade on our left giving way and exposing our flank, but we all rallied in a minute and made the Johnnies fairly fly back. The next time our brigade again broke, but our men held their pits, and the 26th Illinois, which was just coming out to relieve our regiment, faced its left wing for the pits occupied by the enemy, and went for them with a first-class yell. You should have seen the Rebels run. It did me a power of good. The other brigade then came back to their position, the 26th relieved me, and we are now ready for bed. We have been wonderfully fortunate to-day, only 10 wounded and none killed. The pride of the regiment, Frank Lermond, had his arm broken by a ball, but a resection operation will leave him a tolerably good arm. I think this has been as exciting and lively a p. m. as ever I saw. Terry's 24th Army Corps has come up, and lays about six miles back of us to-night.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 365-6

William Preston Smith to J. B. Ford, October 17, 1859 – 11:30 a.m.

October 17th, 1859—11.30 A, M.

To J. B. Ford,

            Wheeling

Rioters have possession of Harper's Ferry Armory, and threaten our bridge and trains.

Matter is probably much exaggerated and we fear it may injure us if prematurely published.

Don't let our trains be interrupted, as troops have already gone to subdue it.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 7

John W. Garrett to Major-General George H. Steuart, October 17, 1859

Maj. Gen. Geo. H. Steuart,

Sir: — It is my duty to inform you forth with that an insurrection is in progress at Harper's Ferry, and on the Maryland side, in which free negroes and whites are engaged.

I am, respectfully, yours,

JOHN W. GARRETT,        

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

Balt., Oct. 17th, 1859.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 8

George H. Steuart to John W. Garrett, October 17, 1859

Baltimore, 17th October, 1859.

John W. Garrett, Esq.:

            Pres't. of the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. Co.

Sir:— Your communication of this day has been received, and, acting upon such reliable information, I have ordered a detachment of five companies from the First Light Division to be in readiness to proceed to Harper's Ferry in the four o'clock train of this afternoon.

You will oblige me by making the needful arrangements for their transportation.

Yours, very respectfully,

G. H. STEUART.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 8

John W. Garrett to Governor Henry A. Wise, October 17, 1859

Baltimore, Monday, 17th Oct., 1859,

10½ o'clock, A. M.

Hon. Henry A. Wise,

            Governor, Richmond, Va.:

Rioters are in possession of the United States Armory and of the Rail Road bridge at Harper's Ferry. Fire arms have been used and one man fatally injured. This occurred last night. The wires are cut between Frederick and Harper's Ferry. Telegraph to me, and your orders will be forwarded. Pray issue necessary orders.

JOHN W. GARRETT,            

President of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R. Co.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 8

John W. Garrett to James Buchanan, October 17, 1859 – 10:30 a.m.

Baltimore, Oct. 17th-10.30 A. M.

His Excellency, James Buchanan,

            Pres’t U.S.:

The United States Armory at Harper's Ferry is in the possession of rioters. The wires are cut west of Frederick. The officers of the mail train have been fired on and one man fatally wounded. You may rely on this. The despatch from the conductor has reached this office. The presence of United States troops is indispensable, for the safety of Government property, and of the mails. A special train will be ordered to be in readiness for any troops ordered to be sent. Secretary Floyd has been telegraphed. The rioters are more than two hundred strong. Please answer.

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. 9

John W. Garret to John B. Floyd, October 17, 1859 – 10:20 a.m.

17th Oct., 1859—10.20 A. M.

Hon. J. B. Floyd,

            Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.:

Telegraphic advices present a serious affair at Harper's Ferry, where United States Armory and our bridges are in full possession of large bands of armed men, said to be abolitionists, and thought to be armory men. The guns from Armory have been taken for offensive use, and the leaders notify our men that no trains shall pass the Armory and bridge. Our officers were fired upon, and a laborer instantly killed. The wires being cut we get our advices from next station, but they are entirely reliable although they may be exaggerated in some degree.

Can you authorize the government officers and military from Washington to go on our train at 3.20 this afternoon to the scene, or send us full authority for volunteers from Baltimore to act. We will take them up on afternoon's Express if necessary.

Please advise us immediately what the government will do, our operations on road being in the meantime suspended.

JOHN 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. 9

James Buchanan to John W. Garrett, October 17, 1859 – 1:30 p.m.

Washington, Oct. 17th, 1859 — 1.30 P. M.

John W. Garrett, Pres't:

Your dispatch has been received, and it shall be promptly attended to. Orders have already been issued for three companies of artillery from Old Point Comfort, and I have already accepted the service of Capt. Ritchie's company at Frederick. You will soon hear again further from the Secretary of War, or myself.

JAS BUCHANAN.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 10

Governor Henry A. Wise to John W. Garret, October 17, 1859

Richmond, Oct. 17th, 1859.

John W. Garrett, Pres't B. & 0. R. R. Co.,

            Camden Station, Balt.:

Whereas, Authentic information has been received that a sudden insurrection has happened at Harper's Ferry in the county of Jefferson, and that immediate danger therefrom is to be apprehended, — the commandant of the regiment therein, is hereby commanded to order out a part or the whole of the militia under his command to repel, suppress, or prevent the same. And if necessary he shall call on the commandants of the adjacent regiments who are ordered forth with in like manner to furnish the additional force that may be necessary. Commandants will immediately report to me at Harper's Ferry, and all persons in the State of Virginia will aid and assist in repressing said insurrection by facilitating in all legal and proper manner the transportation of military companies and detachments from this and any other State to that end and otherwise.

HENRY A. WISE,        

Governor of Va.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 10

William H. Richardson to John W. Garrett, October 17, 1859 – 2:40 p.m.

Richmond, October 17th, 1859–2.40 P. M.

John W. Garrett, Esq.,

            Pres't B. & O. R. R. Co.:

The Governor requests that you will send the following order to Col. Gibson. Three good companies from that regiment can be immediately called out.

WM. H. RICHARDSON,        

Adjutant General.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 10

William H. Richardson to Colonel Thomas Gibson, October 17, 1859 – 2:40 p.m.

Richmond, Oct. 17th, 1859–2.40 P. M.

Col. John Thos. Gibson, 55th Regiment,

            Charlestown, Jefferson Co., Va.:

Care John W. Garrett, Esq.,

            (Pres't, Balto.)

Sir:—The commander-in-chief, calls your attention to the provisions of the first section of chapter twenty-nine of the code, and directs that you call out immediately a sufficient force from your regiment to put down the rioters at Harper's Ferry. The commander-in-chief is informed that the Arsenal and Government property at that place are in possession of a band of rioters. You will act promptly and fully in this emergency, and command the troops called out in person.

By command,

WM. H. RICHARDSON,

Adjutant General.    

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

A. Diffey to William Preston Smith, October 17,1859

From Martinsburg via Wheeling.

October 17th, 1859.

W. P. Smith, Baltimore:

A body of armed men have taken possession of the Armory at Harper's Ferry, and have planted guns in our bridge. They have stopped all our trains, tonnage and mail trains east are all west of the bridge, the telegraph wires are cut, no communication east. A body of armed men are getting ready to leave here at once to clear the bridge, that our trains can pass. Great excitement all through the neighborhood.

A. DIFFEY.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 7

To the Baltimore Newspaper Press, October 17, 1859

Frederick, Oct. 17.

To the Baltimore Newspaper Press:

Information has been received here this morning of a formidable negro insurrection at Harper's Ferry. An armed band of abolitionists have full possession of Harper's Ferry and the United States Arsenal. One of the railroad hands, a negro, was killed whilst trying to get the express train, from Wheeling for Baltimore, through the town.

They have arrested two men who came in with a load of wheat, and took their wagon and loaded it with rifles, and sent them into Maryland. They are led by about two hundred and fifty whites, with a gang of negroes fighting for their freedom. They gave Conductor Phelps notice that they would not allow any more trains to pass.

The telegraph wires are cut east and west of Harper's Ferry. This intelligence was brought by the train from the West. Great excitement here. The leader told Conductor Phelps, of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad train, that they “were determined to have liberty, or die in the attempt.”

Their object in stopping further trains is to save bloodshed by preventing the arrival of troops. One of the passengers was interrogated by them for half an hour.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 6-7

John T. Quynn to William Preston Smith, October 17, 1859, 10 a.m.

Frederick, Oct. 17th, 1859–10 o'clock, A. M.

W. P. Smith:

The military here are in arms. Can I send them up to Harper's Ferry?

JOHN T. QUYNN.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 6

William Preston Smith to John T. Quynn, October 17, 1859, 10:20 a.m.

Baltimore, October 17th, 1859.

10.20 A. M.

To Jno. T. Quynn,

        Frederick.

We believe the reports from Ferry to be much exaggerated. Do not send a train with troops, unless upon the formal requisition of an authorized officer at Harper's Ferry. Should you get this, act promptly.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 6

A. J. Phelps to William Prescott Smith, October 17, 1859, 7:05 a.m.

Monocacy, 7.05 A. M., October 17, 1859.        

(Rec'd Balto. 7.55 A. M.)

W. P. Smith,

        Baltimore.

Express train bound east, under my charge, was stopped this morning at Harper's Ferry by armed abolitionists. They have possession of the bridge and the arms and armory of the United States. Myself and Baggage Master have been fired at, and Hayward, the colored porter, is wounded very severely, being shot through the body, the ball entering the body below the left shoulder blade and coming out under the left side. The Doctor says he cannot survive. They are headed by a man who calls himself Anderson, and number about one hundred and fifty strong. They say they have come to free the slaves and intend to do it at all hazards.

The leader of those men requested me to say to you that this is the last train that shall pass the bridge either East or West. If it is attempted, it will be at the peril of the lives of those having them in charge. When daylight appeared we were finally permitted to pass, after being detained from half-past one o'clock to half-past six. It has been suggested you had better notify the Secretary of War at once. The telegraph wires are cut East and West of Harper's Ferry, and this is the first station that I could send a despatch from.

A. J. PHELPS.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 5-6

William Prescott Smith to A. J. Phelps, October 17, 1859, 9 a.m.

Baltimore, October 17th, 1859.

9 A. M.        

A. J. Phelps,

Conductor of the Express East at Ellicott's Mills. Your despatch is evidently exaggerated and written under excitement. Why should our trains be stopped by Abolitionists, and how do you know they are such and that they number one hundred or more? What is their object? Let me know at once before we proceed to extremities.

W. P. SMITH.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 5-6

A. J. Phelps to William Prescott Smith, October 17, 1859, 11 a.m.

Ellicott's Mills, March, 17th, 1859,

11 A. M.        

W. P. Smith,

My dispatch was not exaggerated, neither was it written under excitement as you suppose. I have not made it half as bad as it is. The Captain told me, that his object was to liberate all the slaves, and that he expected a reinforcement of 1500 men to assist him. Hayward, the negro porter, was shot through the body, and I suppose by this time, is dead. The Captain also said, he did not want to shed any more blood.

I will call at your office immediately on my arrival, and tell you all. One of my passengers was taken prisoner and held as such for some time. I will bring him to see you also.

A.J. PHELPS.

SOURCE: B. H. Richardson, Annapolis, Maryland, Publisher, Correspondence Relating to the Insurrection at Harper's Ferry, 17th October, 1859, p. 6

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 11, 1864

Rained all night, but clear most of the day.

There are rumors of Burnside landing troops on the Peninsula; also of preparations for movements on the Rappahannock—by which side is uncertain. It is said troops are coming from Mississippi, Lieut.-Gen. (Bishop) Polk's command.

The FAMINE is still advancing, and his gaunt proportions loom up daily, as he approaches with gigantic strides. The rich speculators, however, and the officers of influence stationed here, who have secured the favor of the Express Company, get enough to eat. Potatoes sell at $1 per quart; chickens, $35 per pair; turnip greens, $4 per peck! An ounce of meat, daily, is the allowance to each member of my family, the cat and parrot included. The pigeons of my neighbor have disappeared. Every day we have accounts of robberies, the preceding night, of cows, pigs, bacon, flour—and even the setting hens are taken from their nests!

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 185

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 12, 1864

Cloudy——rained in the afternoon.

This is the anniversary of the first gun of the war, fired at Fort Sumter.

It is still said and believed that Gen. Lee will take the initiative, and attack Grant. The following shows that we have had another success:

MobiLE, April 11th, 1864.

TO GEN. S. COOPER, A. & H. GENERAL.

The following report was received at Baton Rouge, on the 3d inst., from the Surgeon-General of Banks's army: “We met the enemy near Shreveport. Union force repulsed with great loss. How many can you accommodate in hospitals at Baton Rouge 7 Steamer Essex, or Benton, destroyed by torpedoes in Red River, and a transport captured by Confederates.”

Farragut reported preparing to attack Mobile. Six monitors coming to him. The garrisons of New Orleans and Baton Rouge were very much reduced for the purpose of increasing Banks's forces.

D. H. MAURY, Major-General Commanding.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 185-6