Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-10-19


The captaiu of the outlaw band ur per
son who seemed to be prime mover was a
middleagcd man, with gray hair. heard, and
mnustache. His name was signed to pa
Per, or note as tndrcss, or something slm.-
lar thereto.
He assumed 10 he tho chief of the lnsur-
rectionists, and was heard to say, IN address
sing the conductor, that IF you knew me
and understood my motives rs well as ana
others understand them, you would not
blame me 50 much.
This person also announced 10 bold, de-
termined manner. that if he was intertered
with or resisted, his party would instantly
set fire to the town and destroy It with every
thing therein. lie likewise threatened to
burn down the Railroad bridge and cut on
all communication.
The citizens were in terrible state OF
consternaton-m,st Of them being shut up
in their houses and not i light to be seen Ill
tho streets or any where around.
The belIigerents seemed to evince no ac-
tual ant, patty against the Railroad. What
government employees they could find were
captured by them, and pressed into their
service, being forced under threats, 10 take
up arms. In another speech. the marander
chief was heard u exciainl: you knew my
heart and history, you would not blame me. :
The Government watchmen ami the Rail
road watchmcn were the first persons arres-
ted by The rioters.
They were instantly placed in the arsenal.
The insurgents exhibited indomltable bold
ness, and declare they cannot be taken cap
tive.
Our informant states that the consterna-
ton was intense. 1t was difficult to divine
the cause of this outbreak or attack Some
are of opinion it was bold, concerted
scheme to rob the government playhouse. OF
funds believed To have been deposited there
on Friday or Saturday previous. Others
imagined it might have been a demonstra-
ton Of abulitiOnists connected with some ne
gro affair.
About five or halfpast FIVE o'clock this
morning the deputation of armed insurgents
approached the conductor, and gave him five
minutes la start his train and cross the
bridge. He accepted the offer and started.
crossing the bridge in safety, though with
great fears, through dense throng Of arm
ed marauders. who had taken possession If
it. The terms were that if the train did not
pass in the time above stated, 1t would be
wholly delayed, and all persons therein ar
rested.
When our informant left, the whole town,
government works and everything else, were
in the hands of the insurgents, who seemed
to be gradually receiving reinforcements.
composed Of negroes and white men from
the surrounding country.
One man was killed instantly; another
was found having been shot through the
body and believed to be dying. y good
deal Of firing WAS heard at different sur
rounding points.
The negroes were armed or given arms IN
stantly upon being pressed into the service OF
the outlaw band. The riugleadcrs were dos
peratc and determined.
No passenger belonging to the Railroad
train was injured nor did there appear to
lie any disposition on the part OF the out
laws to modest them beyond OBTAINING he
cars. There wcro but few ladies on board
The :eputcd leader of the insurgents, An
dorson, it is stated, made his Appearance IN
Ilarper's Ferry about the first Of last week,
aud brought with him trunk well filled and
heavy. lie had been observed going about
the town, and in frequent consultation with
other unknown persons, but no suspicion
was attached 10 his movements.
The participators in the instruction are
both white and black Everybody entering
tie town was being arrested and confined
under guard. aud the workmen in the gov
crnment shops were seized on going TO their
work yesterday. III persons supposed t,
be il authority were under surveillance, or
closely confined under guard.
The president Of the Baltimore ard Ono
railroad telesra2 hed to the President OF the
United States that ears would be placed up
on the road to convey the government troops
and the Marine Corps from Washington to the
seat Of the disturbance. The following re-
ply was in short time received by John W.
Carrot, esq:
WASHINGTON, Oct. Il. 1859
Your dispatch has been received and shall
be promptly attended to. Orders have al
ready been issued for three companies OF ar
tillery from Old Point Comfort, and | have
already accepted the services of Capt Ritch-
les company at Frederick. You will hear
further from the Secretary of War. or myself.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
To }. w. Garrett, esq, president OF tho
Baltimore and Ohip Railroad.
WASHINGTON, Oct. Ion tho e.Pt "i
intelligence from Harper's Ferry this morn
ing, orders were issued for three companies
Of artillery a, Old Point and the corps OF
marines at Washington barracks, To proceed
thither without delay.
The marines. about % in number, with
two l2-pouud huwitzers and a full supply Of
ammunition. left III the three O'Clock train
this afternoon. 1t is reported that they are
under orders to force the bridge Tonight ut all
hazards. COL Faulkner accompanied them.
IL is reported on good authority that some
weeks ago Secretary Floyd received an an
onymous epislle stating that about the loto
of October the abolitiunists and negr ,es, With
other disaaected persons, would make an az
tempt to seize the arsenal, and hold the
place. This statement, however, appeared
50 indefinite, improbable and ridiculous, "a {"
he regarded Us not worthy of attention.
An official dispatch frum Richmond, NJ -
P. NJ, to John W. Garrett. president OF the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, conveying a
request from Gov. Wise that he would send
the following order to Col. Gibson was prompt
" complied with:
RrcHsoyp, Oct. II 2.40 P. NJ.
Col. jain TAos. Gibson, Ffiy-Fit'a- regiment.
Charlestown, jefferson 'o""ty. Va.
Sir: The commandments calls your
attention to the provisions Of the lst section
of chanter 30 ne The code. and directs that