Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-11-16
CLEARFIELD. PA, NOV. 18, 1859.
ANOTHER VIEW OF IT.


All, no doubt, remember that. when the
Harper's Ferry Insurrection excitement began,
there was published an anonymous letter, re-
ceived in the latter part of August by Gov.
Floyd, the Secretary OF War, setting forth that
the writer had discovered secret organiza-
tion, having for its object the liberation of
slaves at the South, by an insurrection; that
s'John Brown late of Kansas was the lead
er; that one of his accomplices was ssin an ar
mory in Maryland :" that the rendezvous of
the conspiratOrs was in the mountains OF Vir-
ginia; named Harper's Ferry as the place
where they would make the first demonstra-
ton; and that ssthe blow would be struck in
few weeks - remarking, in conclusion, that,
though he dare not sign his name to it, the
writer trusted the warning would not be disre-
garded on that account. 1t is true, anony-
nous letters are of doubtful character, but as
the author of this one asked no favorS, stipula-
ted for no immunities or reward, and declared
that his only object to the Govern
ment. it is thought by many that some atten-
ton should have been given to it. The Chica-
go Tribune, viewing the matter in this light,
turns the battery of accusation against the
Administration, and shows that the affair is
susceptible of very different Interpretation to
tina. which Democratic editors have insisted
upon Here is what that paper says
s'Was ever a warning more emphatic or
specific The time, place, names and object,
are all divulged, and laid before the Cabinet
and President, weeks in advance of the emeute.
Harper's Ferry is but a few miles from Wash
ington- Government spies and officials go
fhaFa rain Aallx and tlara hn
reasonable doubt that Old Brown and his asso-
ciates were all sspotted; their small number
accurately counted, and all their movements
carefully noted. The Administration saw that
Old Brown was too weak in followers to do any
considerable harm, and that he could be crush
ed and captured in moment. So they chose
TO nurse the insurrection. that it might be
ned to partizan advantage. One word from
Floyd, or Buchanan, or the Constitution news
paper would have blown Old Brown sky high:
but .masterly inactivity the line of policy
resolved upOn-thinking they could damage
the Republicans more by letting him and his
twenty-five followers seize the armory, than
by arresting the project in its incipient stages.
When Brown struck his blow, the terror of the
1000 Virginians in Harper's Ferry, magnifed
his handful of hackers into 200 white aboli-
\ tionsts and 400 armed slaves Gov. Wise
called on nearly all the volunteer companies
of the State to hasten to the scene of hostili-
ties, and himself rushed to Washington TO i'm
plore the aid of Federal troops. Why was it
that the Administration only sent up platoon
Of 40 marines? What could such a squad do
against 700 furious abolitionists and 400 des-
perate negroes. The President had Just the
same telegraphic information that had been
sent to Wise, and to the country at large.
There can only be one answer to all this, viz
the Administration knew before hand the eX-
act force at Browns command, and that only
platoon of marines were required TO quell
the disturbance and capture the fllibuSters.
Had the government derived its first informa-
tion on the day of the outbreak, il would have
despatched at least 1000 soldiers and park of
artillery to route the formidable enemy from
its stronghold. But it sent hair company,
because it knew, weeks beforehand, the precise
resistance it would be necessary to overcome.
Can anything be more apparent? Can the
Administration deny its guilty knowledge?''
Without being understood as adopting the
conclusions of Chicago cotemporary, we
must say he makes out strong circumstanhal
against the Administration, one that is
rendered still more plausible by the fact that
the organs of that party have labored assidu-
ously to make political capital out of the ira
gedy. Having thus far failed to redeem their
promises of astounding ssrevelations'' which
would involve prominent members of the OPP
position, the Administration editors will in
turn be called upon for ssrevelations'' that
might, perhaps, place J. B., Secretary Floyd,
aud other leading Democrats, in a rather un-
enVlable position. 1t is not probable that
inquiry will now be suspended until the whole
truth is revealed to the country.