Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-11-22
Military Movements.


On Saturday night last about ten O'CLOCK Tue
attention of our citizens was attracted by the
startling music of the drum and b'e III 'he
streets, which was occs stoned, as we lesrheu
upon enquiry, by the rumored Intelligence o. d
contemplated attempt to arrest the Harpers fer'
ry insurgents The West Augusta Guard were
promptly summoned together, and deter niin'N
to proceed to Charlestown, upon the strength OF
the rumors, without awaiting orders from heau-
quarters. The Information received was 10 'ne
effect that something very serious was golpg vi
or anticipated at Charlestown, and that UoV'
Wise with large body of military had lel'
Richmond. The Guard, At strong, LETT Staunlon
on the passenger train Sunday morning, under
command of Lieutenant j. II. Waters, and it Is
now said that they received orders to proceed at
Gordonsyille. In this connection we mention
with profound regreS that Capt. VIM. 5. Ii. Bay
lor, the popular commander OF the Guard, is now
lying dangerously i'll in the city of New YORK,
aud is thus prevented from having command OF
the corps upon this their first expedition in reg
ular service.
PASSENGERS on the train Sunday confirmed the
news in reference to Gov. Wise's departure with
troops, and state that he had received informa-
ton from Gov Chase of Ohio, aud Gov. Packer,
of Pennsylvania, that several hundred men, IN
small gangs were on their way to Oharlesto"n
for the purpose of attempting rescue OF Brown
and his confederates Others stated that the
dispatch was from Col. Davis and not the Gov
ernors of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and that the
invaders, numbering four or FIVE hundred men,
were between Wheeling and Charlestown, hav-
ing passed through the former city in small par
ties. We shall probably learn the real condition
Of affairs by the mail Of this (Monday) evening,
and will make an addition of any intelligence
that may be received.
The mails of Monday evening bring an expla-
nation of the recent military movements, from
which it will be seen that all squiet at Charles
town. Our decided opinion is that Col. j. Luz
Glen Davis is too nervous for the position he
holds. The whole affair is assuming ludicrous
aspect, which we hope may have happy effect.
1t is well enough TO use every necessary precau'
ton. but the idea OF starting the military from
all quarters of the State whenever Col. Davis
becomes slightly excited is, to say tha least of i,
a little funny. A despatch from Harper's Ferry,
dated Sunday evening, says;
The excitement on Saturday morning was
caused first by the receipt of rulnor that o des-
G,,lf crciNe. on in Clarke nOunty he
tween a party of strangers and citizens, end the
Alexandria Artillery, which was then at Vim
chester. was despatched with a number of arm
volunteers to the seat of tile rumored disturban-
c,5. Whilst this excitement was at rs height,
and before the report was discovered to be with
out foundation, gentleman named Smith Crane
arrived here from Belair, near Wheeling, where
he reported number of strange men to be con-
gregatinr, betwesn two Of whom he accidentally
overheard conversation, the purport OF Which
wes that body of five hundred men were to
seize train Of cars at that place, rush through
t. Harper's Ferry, and attempt the rcScue ii
Brown and his companions. He Immediately
set out for uarper's Ferry to apprse the iuhabi
tents of what he had overheard.
On reaching Charestown he report to Co
Davis, who Immediately tslegrapbc1 Gov.
Wise for Eve hundred more troop. The troops
have arrived. Gov. Wi has gone = Ci,arl :
town, and all IS again quiet and will doubtlc IS
remain So
A d. patch from Richmond, says:
1t IS autLoritativelY s!at"1 that the pre'ent
movement is more to quiet the alarm ppula-
lion Of the upper counties ard by the PR ence OF
an overpowering force to prevent any futile at
tempt at rescue OF Brown, which otherwise
might result in bloody work, than fears of any
armed body of men from Ohio or elsewhere. 1t
is known that il was Gov Wise's intention 10
order regiment to CharleStown in few days,
Tor camp duty, previous to the execution, but the
prevalence of these groundleSs elarms tended to
accelerate the movement.
The West Augusta Guard returned yesterday
evening having received information at Alexan
d.ia that their services would not be needed.
They deserve much Gre lit for tieir prompt az
sion, and DOUBLE regret that they did not get
q chance - exhibit that bravery Which we know
tbav ~ COG