Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1911-04-27

check was anticipated in seizlng the
place, but surprise was highly import
ant, If the valuable stock OF arms stored
there was to be secured.
The importance of Harper's Ferry
standing at the entrance OF the great Viz
ginia valley of the Shenandoah, on main
line of railroad from the west, and prac-
tically in the rear of Washington-had
caused il to be watched as prize in both
north and south during the months ap-
parent calm that preceded the actual
storm OF war.
AS early as January 2, 1861, Alfred IA.
Barbour, superintendent OF the armory,
had warned the government that the
place should be garrisoned. The small
force from Carlisle was sent there in con-
sequence.
The command devolved on Lieutenant
Jones April 2. Considering the place in
grave danger of seizure, he was con-
WINGED that il could be defended only by
a large force. There was little hope that
such force could or would be sent.
Lieutenant Jones therefore took meas
ures to destroy. if attacked, what gov
eminent property he could not defend.
Meanwhile he was warned that an at
tack might be expected as soon as Viz
ginia seeded. The accuracy OF this in
formation was confirmed by the arrival
from Richmond on the morning OF the
18th OF Mr.. Barbour, who had resigned
his position, and cast his lot with Virgin
ia. The former superintendent called the
workmen around him and told them that
the place would soon be in the posses
sion OF Virginia, and that they would be
paid high wages to remain and work for
the State.
This frank avowaI OF secret plans
proved costly to the confederacy. Lieu-
tenant ZONES at once made preparations
to destroy the works. The many thou
sand rifles and other arms they contained
were gathered in heaps in the building.
Trains OF gunpowder were laid through
and around them. The windows were
opened, to create draft for fire and the
powder trains were carried to the doors.
By this time it was the evening OF the
18th. The little village, that but two
wears before had witnessed the epochal
raid of old John Brown, lay as still as il
war were myth. Trains passed from
time to time TO and from Washington.
The telegraph bore messages OF peace /;
but it would carry none OF war without
serious leaks" and Lieutenant Jones
had been unable to inform the govern
ment of his situation.
As the night deepened an alert watch
was kept by the men on guard at Har-
per's Ferry. The heights about were
Shrouded in black shadow, but there was
reason TO suppose that along the road
converging on the ferry the Virginia
forces were hourly coming nearer.
Such was the fact Cavalry, artillery
and infantry were marching along the
dark country roads-3,000 had been or
dered out-and about $50 men were then
between the ferry and Halltown, four
miles away.
Shortly before l0o'clock this vanguard
came IN contact with SentrieS posted out
side the village. There was challenge
short and sharp, halt and consultation
between the Virginia officers.
A painting messenger rushed down the
road to the village, and reported TO Lieu
tenant Jones that the Virginians were
only a mile away. Instantly the order
was given to fire the buildings. The
torch was applied and soon rush and
roar OF flame told that the powder had
done its work.
BY the glare of the fire the little COM
pany OF regularS-except four, who tar
ried on duty too long-fled across the
Potomac covered bridge, and into a
mountain road while the leaders of the
Virginians rode into the town where
1900 stands OF arms were being destroy
ed in the glowing furnaces OF arnory and
arsenal.
All night the fire burned, throwing
against the dark sky glow that lit up
the surrounding mountains. The Virgin
ia troops still coming up could see 1t for
hours as they trudged on.
The arsenal and armory were COM
pletely destroyed, but some Of the arms,
and the large workshops containing
much machinery OF great value to the
Confederacy, were saved, largely be-
cause some of the workmen had secretly
wet several OF the powder trains.
BY daylight Lieutenant Jones and men
all but the absent four who were cap
tured and two who deserted-were well
away at HagerStown, while about 1000
Virginia troops were in Harper's Ferry
with more coming up, blocking the way
to and from the west, and menacing