BALTIMORE, Oct. 17.—A despatch just received from Fredericton, Md., and dated this morning, states that an insurrection has broken out at Harper's Ferry, where an armed band of abolitionists have full possession of the government arsenal. The express train going east was twice fired into, and one of the railroad hands and a negro killed while they were endeavoring to get the train through the town.
The insurrectionists also stopped two men who had been to town with a load of wheat, and, seizing their wagon, loaded it with rifles and sent them into Maryland.
The insurrectionists number about 250 whites, and are aided by a gang of negroes.
At last accounts fighting was going on.
Second Despatch—1 P.M.—It is apprehended that the affair at Harper's Ferry is more serious than our citizens are willing to believe. The wires from Harper's Ferry are cut, and consequently we have no telegraphic communication beyond Monocac [sic] Station.
The southern train, which was due here at an early hour this morning, has not yet arrived.
Later.
BALTIMORE, Oct. 17, 2 P.M.—Another account, received by train, says the bridge across the Potomac was filled with insurgents, all armed. Every light in the town was extinguished, and the hotels closed. All the streets were in possession of the insurgents, and every road and lane leading thereto barricaded and guarded.
Men were seen in every quarter with muskets and bayonets, who arrested the citizens and pressed them into service, including many negroes. This done, the United States arsenal and government pay-house (in which was said to be a large amount of money), and all the other public works, were seized by the mob. Some were of the opinion that the object was entirely plunder, and to rob the Government of the funds deposited on Saturday at the pay-house.
During the night, the mob made a demand on the Wager Hotel for provisions, and enforced the claim by a body of armed men.
The citizens were in a terrible state of alarm, the insurgents having threatened to burn the town.
The following has just been received from Monocacy, this side of Harper's Ferry:
"The mail agent on the western bound train has returned to Monocacy, and reports that the train was unable to get through.
The town is in possession of the negroes, who arrest every one they can catch, and imprison them.
The train due here at 3 P.M. could not get through, and the agent came down on an extra engine."
2:30 P.M.—The western train on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, has just arrived here. Its officers confirm the statement first received, touching the disturbances at Harper's Ferry. Their statement is to the effect that the bridge keeper at Harper's Ferry, perceiving that his lights had been extinguished, went to ascertain the cause, when he was pursued and fired upon by a gang of blacks and whites. Subsequently the train came along, when a colored man, who acted as assistant to the baggage-master, was shot, receiving a mortal wound, and the conductor, Mr. Phelps, was threatened with violence if he attempted to proceed with the train. Feeling uncertain as to the condition of affairs, the conductor waited until after daylight before he ventured to proceed, having delayed the train six hours.
Mr. Phelps says the insurrectionists number 200 blacks and whites, and that they have full possession of the U.S. armory.
The party is commanded, or led, by a man named Anderson, who had lately arrived at Harper's Ferry.
Mr. Phelps confirms the statement that the insurrectionists had seized a wagon, and, loading it with muskets, had despatched it into Maryland.
The military of Frederick had been called out.
Despatches have been received from President Buchanan, ordering out the U.S. troops at this point, and a special train is now being got ready to convey them to the scene of disturbance. He also accepted the volunteer services of Capt. Senick's company, of Frederick, and has likewise ordered the Government troops from Old Point Comfort to proceed immediately to Harper's Ferry. This intelligence is authentic.
The mail train going west got as far as Sandy, when Mr. Hood, the baggage-master, and another party, started on foot to the bridge. They went over the bridge and were taken and imprisoned, but subsequently went before the captain of the insurrectionists, who refused to let anything pass.
All of the eastern bound trains lying west of Harper's Ferry, have been taken, persons from this side of the river tying them together and taking off the slaves.
The mail train, bound west, has returned to Monocacy.
There are from 500 to 700 whites and blacks concerned in the insurrection.
The U.S. Marines at Washington are under orders for Harper's Ferry.
There is great excitement in Baltimore, and the military are moving. Several companies are in readiness to take the train, which will leave soon.
4 P.M.—An account from Frederick says a letter has been received there from a merchant at Harper's Ferry, sent by a boy who had to cross the mountain and swim the river, which says that all the principal citizens are imprisoned, and many have been killed; also, that the railroad agent had been shot twice, and that the watchman at the depot had been shot dead.
The reports continue for about another half-column of the Courier, including the following statement:
There are any amount of rumors, but nothing certain.Back to Table of Contents Back to Opening Page
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