Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-12-02
Letter from CharlestoWn.


Correspondence 81 the Aieraad'm Gdzette.
CMARLESTowS, Nov. 229.--As the day of
execution draws near. the military excite
ment increases There are now stationed
here about 1900 troops, fully armed and
equipped, and ready 10 make themselves
felt, should the occasion require 1t; which
think extremely improbable at this time. Old
Brown himself has despaireI of all hope 81
n rescue, but it is said. confesses that the at
tempt would have been made, had not So
large military force been assembled nj this
point This declaration on his part, c"nclu-
sively proves that the camor against Col.
Davis, our previous Commander, was alto
gether unjust, and that he acted with entire
propriety in calling together the forces which
are now assembled here. The forces here
now are sufficient to deter, and II they do
not deter they will ut least crush the enemy
AT once. should they have the teulerity IA
approach
Many Of the Companies are composed Of
the very eiie Of Virginia, and without in
tending any invidiuus distinction, | would
mention. especially. Company f.. Of Rich
mond and the Alexandria Rltiemrn." which
Nv" Companies, y"u will remember, met nj
llarper's Ferry during the recent troubles
nj that place, and have had most pleasant
reunion here.
The Ritlemen are in fine health and
spirits, and though willing Ia remain ~
long aS necessity requires, yet they are look
ing forward with great pleasure To their re-
turn home, which will pr"pably be immedi-
ately after the execution of old Brown.
though it is impossible to say what DISPOSE
ton the powers that be- will make of
them, even then. They are here to do their
duty. and they intend to do it with loyalty
| of whiclFN lrgina may we'll be proud The
Mount Vernon Guards are getting on well.
and, understand, had IN accession of sese
raj members Ia their ranks to-day. The
Artillery Company is still under the train
ing of Lieut.. Green, of whom | have previ
onsly spoken and in whose praise too much
cannot be said. The Virginia Military In
stitute Cadets. numbering %. is the hand
soonest military corps have ever seen, and
ELECTS universal admiration They have
come to do service, and will do it faithfully,
if required
To-day we had quite an excitement, caused
by the arrival Of Black Republican mem
/ Der of Congress from Ohio who came osten-
siby TO ask the body Of John Brown after
his execution. All strangers, especially Nor
thern men, coming here now, are looked
upon with suspicion, and, consequently, the
Hon. member from Ohio was approached by
one of the special police. lie was not, how
ever, treated rudely, and soon left.
| The gallows on which John Brown is IA
expiate his crimes. on Friday morning next,
is now in course of erection. and many VI
! the military have already been procuring
! pieces Of the timber from which it is beng
made. Every shaving and chip are eagerly
sought for. | SAW Il member OF the Rife
men, to-day, with quite large piece, cut
! from the yerltable beam Oh which the old
fanatic il t. hang. which he intends 10 take
| home, ~ II memento.
M one here has the slightest sympathy
for Old Brown: but the whole surrounding
country would gladly witness his execution,
if ii was possible. Gen. Taiaterro has issued
II proclamation, on the authority OF Gov
Wise emphaticoly warning persons 10 re
main ut hume, and guard their own property:
| and he SAYS, further, that information re
reivrd from rriiabi, sources, clearly indicates
that by 80 doing they will best consult their
own interest
The strictest military discipline is OBJ
served and no person can pass or repass at
night, unless he can give the cnunterslgn,
and on the slightest alarm every man stands
Ia his arms in an instant. {.
| WEDNESDAY MoRNING, Nov ~. Nothing
OF especial interest occurred last night
There were many alarms gwen by the ssntl-
nels in consequence Of mistakes about the
countersign, Ac.
understand this morning, that Old Brown,
Notwithstanding his approaching tats, rs still
in good spirits, and will endeaSvr 10 die
game.
The impression here now, is, that we will
leave for home on Saturday morning. c.