Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1859-11-23
NORTH CAROLINA STANDARD: WEDNESDAY Nov g. 1859

The ALARM AT CHARLEsTowN AND ABOUT HAIR
PER's FERRY.-The Richmond Enquirer of Saturday
gives the following information, and the following
good advice to those of its readers in the neghbor
hood of Charlestown and Harper's Ferry John
Browns execution has been fixed for the I'd, and
that Of Coppie, Copeland, Cook, and Green for the
10Th. The public mind will be excited until these
executions are over. 1t was rumored day or two
since, that two hundred and fifty men, armed with
Shar2e's rifles, were encamped near Charlestown
with the view Of rescuing the prisoners. We have
seen no confirmation of this rumor. On the strength
Of it, however, and as the result OF a Geographic
despatch to Gov. WISE considerable number of
troops were at once concentrated at Charlestown-
The Enquirer says: .-.
''The character of the dispatches from Charles
town and Harpers Ferry received within the last few
days, is of very exciting nature. Numerous acts
of indcendiarisln have destroyed much property of
the prominent and wealthy as well as of the poorer
people. Night after night the heavens are illumina-
ted by the lurid glare of burning property, which,
with the exaggerated reports flying through the
country, tends to increase the excitement
Rumors are also rife that a rescue of the con-
demned prisoners is preparing and that parties with
these reports have had no confirmation. That there
are men wicked enough to desire such an effort, we
have no doubt, but that any large body of men can
be found fool-hardy enough to attempt it we very
much question. Nevertheless, the Executive will
that the sentence of death is executed upon the
criminals and will provide for every emergency
We would advise all persons to forego the pleasure
if such it be- of witnessing the executions, by stay
ing quietly at home, and protecting their property
as well as avoiding an unnecessary risk of their per-
sons, by going to the executions. Especially would
we advise Northern people to stay away from
Charlestown at the times of the executions excur-
sons of large bodies of men will not be permitted
and if persisted n will be prevented by actual force
Nothing would be easier for a rescuing party than
to go to Charlestown spectators, carrying conceal
ed weapons, and in the confusion of large crowd,
to attempt the rescue To prevent the possibility
of such result and to protect life, while executing
the judgment of the Court a very large body Of
troops will be on duty at Charlestown on the days
of the executions. These, troops will protect the
execution of the sentence of death from interruption
and will execute summary punishment upon all per-
sons attempting rescue. In such duty, many in
nocent persons might be injured, hence we would
advise all to remain at home"
made requisition on three volunteer Companies Of
Petersburg and in one hour they were equipped and
ready to start The Governor proceeded with these
and other troops to Charlestown. He must have
had some good reason for concentrating so large o
force at that point.
We learn that Capt. High, of the Oak City Guards
of this place, telegraphed to Gov. Wise on Monday
evening, rendering him the services of his Company
at a moments warning.