Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-05-03
.gbe Ohio 6tatesnram
I Z B n Q
Gen. Harnsy's Narrative of his Arrest.

Early on Thursday morning, was apprised
by the railroad conductor that we were at Har-
per's Ferry, and that there were indications of
an intention to arrest me. did not believe this
was intended; but q party of soldiers pres emily
entered the cars, and apologizing for disturbing
me, said that l must consider myself their
prisoner. asked, but was not allowed,
to telegraph to the Secretary of War.
was taken to Gen. Carson's quarters, and in
formed that should be required togo to Rich
mond. Accordingly left, before daylight, in q
carriage, attended by five officers Of the staff.
They had proposed to send large force as an
escort, but assured them it was above my dig.
nifty to attempt an escape; that the matter was
between them and my government, and that
did not wish to receive an unnecessary amount
of attention from the public on the way.
We were three days on the journey, which was
made partially on wheels and partially by rail.
Twas treated on the route, as well as at Har-
per's Ferry, with the greatest courtesy. Regret
was expressed that orders were such as to com
pei my detention. No disagreeable subjects
we're introduced, and no effort made to obtain
my confidence. On Sunday evening we reach
ed Richmond, and went at once to Gov. Letcher o
house. The Governor was dining out; but was
sent for Immediately. He released me, stating
that his orders had been misunderstood. learn
ed that the Harper's Ferry force had been di-
rected to stop all armed bodies, and that the
telegraph had announced me as coming at the
head of fourteen hundred troops. was treated
with great attention at Richmond by Governor
Letcher, Colonel Lee, Colonel Johnson and
others, whom l have long known. land was waited
upon by q number of other prominent citizens.
There seemed to be some curiosity to see me,
and some belief that intended to resign my
nos v,.sa -. k1o TTn.tad n. Al.
latter point they were deceived.
At half past five on Monday morning left
for Alexandria, where l arrived in the after
noon. Gov. Letcher offered escort, which re
fused. The people along the route seemed to
have heard that was coming, and at some of
the stations were gathered in considerable num-
bers. At one point there was great crowd,
who stared and called me to come out and show
myself; but, except by some boys, no Disgrace
full remarks were made. | did not see more
than half dozen soldiers in all, and no fortifi
cations and no batteries at Alexandria, which
seemed like deserted village. At Richmond
and Harper's Ferry, it being dark, saw few
troops. At the former place, noticed, Gs
came away, three large secession flags in the
main street, but the display of bunting was as
nothing compared with what had observed
in Cincinnati and other Northern Cities
lnroughout myo Journey, as at its CON-
mencement, / was treated with great
courtesy, even delicacy Of attention. So. far
as could Judge from conversations which had,
both with officers and civilians, the tone of Vir-
ginia is calm but resolved. She has no inten-
ton Of attacking Washington, but means to act
on the defensive, claiming, according to the
doctrine of State rights, that she can leave the
Union at pleasure, and believing the North and
South are two distinct people, which ought to
have separate governments.
heard much regret expressed at the present
condition of affairs, but saw no Indications of
the existence of an unkind feeling toward the
North. was assured by Governor Letcher and
others high in authority, that Virginia enter
tained no idea of attacking Washington. This
OF course cannot cover JEFF. Davis movements;
but cannot believe he, though stubborn, has
80 little shrewdness as to undertake the enter
prise.