The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-05


Having consumed all their provisions or
the trip the men were now entirely with
out rations.
But this state Of things did not last
long. The habits OF the people In sinai
towns differ from those OF he clties
Hv the time the Howltzers had rid them
selves Of their muskets and accoutre'
ments. the shops were invaded py tnt
Inhabitants pressing upon them INVITA-
lions to their houses. The utmost nos
| pitality was extended to every man wear
ing the red shirt. gray trousers and cross
belts. Captain Randolph allowed the
greatest liberty in this direc-
ton, but, at the same time,
issued orders that no member OF the
company should sleep outside the bar
| racks. It was now about sunset, the sup.
per hour of the people. and 1t was not
| long before the red-jackets could be
| seen scattered over the town from the
banks of the two rivers to the remotest
regions of Bolivar Heights. They were
| toasted and sheltered, and so beguiled
by the passing hours. that few OF them
| got back TO the barracks that night, not
withstandng the orders Of the captain.
| John Browns friends might have recap
/ tured the entire place. IL Its defense had
| depended upon the promises OF the weary
| and beiated Howitzers Some OF them.
|
at least, Will never forget the workbench
and 'lignum vitae" pillow. on which he
enjoyed a rest. born Of the most intense
fatigue.
The Howitzers were at Harper's Ferry
but two DAYS and nights. They did not
go 10 Charlestown on this trip. On the
22d OF November some Of the other troops
were sent back to Richmond from that
place. and the former were ordered to
I'D ~ n
reached their homes. when an order from
the Governor, on the oath. required them
to report at Charlestown at once with
two pieces Of artillery. The company
returned on the evening train OF the same
day. but without the two guns, they still
continuing TO serve as infantry.
They arrived at Charlestown on the 18th
OF November, and were quartered in the
lecture-room or basement OF the Presby-
terrain church. where they remained until
after the execution Of Brown. They were
received bv the citizens with the greatest
enthusiasm. They had by this time be-
come somewhat accustomed to the routine
OF military campaign. and 1t was deem
ed necessary to complete the organiza-
ton of the company by electing the two
lieutenants. This was done under the
supervision of Colonel T. Il. August and
John G. Shields was made first lieutenant,
and John Thompson Brown second lieu
tenant. The men were now brought
down TO serious work. The captain and
lieutenants lodged with the company on
the benches Of the lecture-room. Proper
discipline was duly maintained. and the
non-commissioned officers required to per-
form with punctuality their several du
ties. The roll-cals. necessary details
and guardmounting, the issuing of ra-
tons, and care of the quarters made up
the daily routine of the orderly sergeant.
the commssary sergeant and the quarter
master. In addition to garrison duty. the
company had three drills day. besides
acting as camp guards in their turn
Notwithstanding these demands upon
their time, the men had many opportu-
mites for social enjoyment. Although
amply provided at their barracks, most
of them took their meals at the private
tables of the citizens. The hospitality OF
the ladies was without bounds. There
seemed to be no end to their culinary re-
sources. The town was now swarming
with troops. At each returning hour for
meals. they might be seen. three or four
times a day. passing in and out OF the
open doors Of almost every private resi-
dence. When. at times. q visitor. feeling
unwilling thus to tax the Kindness OF the
host. absented himself for even single
meal. the vigilant eye OF the generous
housekeeper did not fail to observe the
fact Remonstrance against such con-
duct was sure to follow and IT was so
express ed that the sensitive offender was
actually made to feel ashamed for having
acted from the hest of motives. The
truth is. the community, ever since
the sudden outbreak at Harper'S Ferry,
had been under the strain of unusual ex-
element Their minds had never been
free of anxiety and apprehension. The
ladies had suffered most i'm these respects,
and insisted that they regarded the troops
as their especial protectors ana that
their presence had alone restored to them
a sense Of security and relief. For this
reason the soldiers were TO be assured
that they could never do too much for
their comfort.
In addition TO their other military duties
the Howitzers were frequently called upon
TO perform patrol service. From time 10
time rumors OF contemplated attempts 10
rescue Brown came from different qu1r-
tiers. 1t was said that signals of sus-
picious character had been discovered
particularly at night; that beacon-lghts
had been seen burning in the tops OF the
Berkeley mountains, and that rockets fad
been observed shooting up above the
horizon on the Maryland side; that bands
Of strange men had been noticed here and
there, and that the Governor had positive
information that an armed force would
attack the Charlestown jail before the
end Of November. On one of these pa
trolling expeditions the company travers-
ed the whole country just outside the
limits of the town. Guards were detailed
and posts established. The weather |
was cold damp and foggy, and no fire was |
allowed that might betray the presence |
Of the patrol. Whether intentionally or |
not, the men were induced to believe the |
duty imposed upon them was OF unusual |
importance, and that they were, therefore. |
to exercise extraordinary vigilance in its |
performance. Many were the alarms dur |
ing those memorable hours, owing 10 the |
inexperience of raw troops. most or VII I'm |
were fresh from city life. The night was |
very dark, consequently distance could |
not be measured by the eye. for want Of |
intermediate objects. by which 20 make /
it's estimates. Sparks escaping from the |
chimney Of some heghboring negro cabin
we're mistaken for rockets shooting above |
the distant horizon One might imagine |
them to be not more than few hundred |
yards away, or many miles over the |
country. AS the night wore on, the light |
of stars rising over the hills refracted and |
Redeemed through the murky atmosphere |
were declared and believed to be signal |
fires. The illusion did not disappear until |
the paling luminary had gotten higher in |
to the heavens. Not little amusement |
was occasionally enjoyed at the expense |
of the parties going the rounds. or the |
sentinel on his post. The surface OF the |
l. "A.