The New York Herald Newspaper, October 19, 1859, Page 3

i waa a rogular banded crow) got ap with a view of rob- * Ding the train. The condnotor Gnally determined chat he ‘would see the whole thing out or die, and he went about becking for a pistol among the passengers, but without | success, He then went down to the Wager House, where he obtained a rifle, and soon retarned lo the train. Tho passengers had—at least all the males, bout fifty—got outside, and the conductor had bat just returned when threo mia were observe? tq, Vave the bridge and run dov.n towards tho nseenal, which stood about balf a wie off, Tho cO%dactor froa ®t them, at the same time oxeiniming, “There go the robbers; and @& soon as be bad ded the three men furned and fired kevera! rounds, but fortunately without doing any damage. Several shots also came from the Dridge, and this 90 alarmed the passengers that they all ‘Yan Dack into the cars. A light was then observed in tho Arsenad, and:also in the treasury office, near by, and the passengers all came to the conclusion that the party were robbing the treasury, in which was about $15,000, and that they had seized on the arsenal so that no arms could Be got to follow them. While watching the areenal, @ man came up from the bridge and asked ‘to gee the conductor; he was soon shown him, when he ®tated that he had been sent by the captain (giving no name) to tell him that if he or any.of the passengers tired another shot they would kill every one on the train. He ‘was questioned about the diificulty, but would give them Ro answer, and immediately left, About half-past threo @’clock, about a dozem men were observed to leave the ‘areenal in a wagon. Soon after a carriage and a light ‘Wagon, came up ata rapid rate and entered jrsenal yard, About five o’clock the passengers all left the train and went to Wager’s Hotel, where they remained until daylight. . During the time they were at the hote! they feared to burn a light, as they were desirous that the rioters should not know that they had left the train. Just about daylight Mr. Logan returned and told the conductor what be had scen, and that he was requested to tell him that he could cross the bridge with the train. The conductor told the passengers to get aboard, and ®tarted ahead? As he entered the bridge he was seized by two men, and was told not to look either side of him under penalty of death, and in this manner was conduct- ed over the bridge. The train waz then ordered to pass over, and when safely over, one called Captain Anderson came up and said that he would give them just five auinutes to get off, The train was in progress in a second, and jeft in double time, arriving in Baitimore about twelve e’clock noon, Allalong the route to Baltimore the pas- sengers dropped out notes in order to alarm the people of what was going on. Those whom we were enabled to s2¢ among the party wore mostly whiter, and not the slightest boise was heard among them. OPISIONS OF THE BLACK REPUBLICAN ORGANS. {From the New York Tribune , Oct. 18.) A most extraordinary telegraphic bnitetin startled the Whole country yerterday—one importing that an insur rectson haa just broken out at Harper's Ferry, Varyinia, and that i was the work of wegrees and abolitionssts! That vome Sort of a disturbance lias taken place in that locality 38 manifest; for it seems that the telegraphic wires e broken at that poijut, and the running of the trains on the Baltimore and Ohio Ruitroal Dut ag negroes are not abundant in that part ginia, while no abolitionists were ever uorn to peep at that juarter, we believe the nature of the affair must grossly misapprehended. Possibly, a considerable body of runaway slaves from Virginia jones been stopped when attempting to cross the Potomac, near Harper’s Ferry, and this nay have brought on a fight in which the fugitives obtained a temporary advantage; whereupon they cut the wires and stopped the trains to insure themselves a start on their courge toward the North Star. Ifany such party has made a stand at that point, they will of course be crushed out ut ouce, as a large force went dewn by train from Baltimore yesterday afternoon, while President Buchauan and Governor Wise are both preparing to hurl their thunders atthe rebels. Wo sus- , however, that the nuture of the troub! muisappre- hended, and its importance at the sam2 time exagge- gerated, [From the Courier and Enquirer, Oct. 18. The reported insurrection at Hacper’s Ferry expected, and, on its faze, a startling évent. Had it any- thing like the character aud proportions attributed to it by the telegraph it might weil excite alarm throughout the entire South; for no Southern community could feel self safe where a servile © piracy to be concocted with such terrible secresy aud carried into bloody effect with such fearful suddenness. We can hardly credit, however, that this rising is so formidable as is represented. The rst reports of anything that is frightful are almost sure to be greatly exaggerated. The story is that the whites and blacks in the movement number together five or six hundred, but no attempt is made to estimate the respective numbers of each. If this is a servile rising, and there are aay whites at all init, itisa new thing in Southern insurrections. They must necessarily be abolitionists, and we had supposed that this was a stripe of the human species almost entirely unknown to that part of the country where this mouvement has taken place. Itcannot be believed that any number of aboli tioniste have gone from the North to levy war in this ‘ion. Those who understand this sort of people, know well that if they bad the disposition to act thus, Lucy haye not the courage. Harper’s Ferry, at the cen- sus of 1850, contained a total population of 1,747, of whom only 109 were slaves, and 87 free blacks. Jeffer- gon county, in which this viliage is situated, has a white Population ‘of 10,476 and a black population of 4,881, of which 4,341 are slaves. This exhibits a — great disproportion against the blacks, and it seems al- most impossible that a sufficiently large numbs: or thoir able bodied men could have salligg ¢9 make anything like nidable stand ‘or theiy liberty. The fact probably is Uh3: cate movetient Id not an {neurrection at all, but a riot; and that it has no connec ion with slavery. We believe it to have been very much such a proceedure as took place on the Brie Raiiroad last mouth, when the unpaid laborers made their hostile demonstrations. Disaffection of some sort has, we imagine, been excited agaist the manage ment of the armory; real or faacied grievances. of some kind have sprung up, and a violent mode of redress has been adopted by the operatives and their friends, while more or less of the black population bas been either hired or compelled to ewell their force. ‘This, we are quite confiaent, will be found to be the real character of the business. This, of course, is regretable enough, as is every outbreak agairst public order; but it has nothing of the gravity, nothiug of the portentousness, of a slave insurrection. The abvlitionists had nothing to do wit it; the negroes themselves were not its primo movers, and if they have engaged in the matter at all it is for other reasons than deliverance from servitude. Con- etruing the reports in the light of inherent probabilities, such, to our mind, is the result. No more dreadful visita- tion could come upon our land than a servile war; and trom that we trust that Heaven in its mercy will forever spare us, [From the New York Evening Post, Oct, 18.] The vague reports of a terrible slave insurrection. which reached us yesterday afternoon, are confirmed an¢ dotined by later despatches. A systematic effort to excite a revolt among the negroes of Maryland and Virginia has Deen made at r’s Ferry, a small town on the alti- mor and Ohio Railroad, eigtity-one miles from Baltimore, near the dividing line of the two States, and at the junc- tion of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. This place was probably selected as the scene of the outbresk because of the efistence there of a United States ‘Armory, usually containing aboutninety thousand stand of arms, and because of its raphical peculiarities, which ‘in case of failure would furnish an casy escape to the insur- onts through tbe gorges and thickets of the Blue Ridge. it does not appear thatthe slaves are numerous in that region, or that they have any more reasow for discontent there than anywhere elso in the same Stat. How far the rebellion has spread among the black pop- ulation, or to what degree the whites of the vicinity ar involved in it, is not yet known. Some accounts repre- sent that it was begun by seventeen whites and five free negroes, and ‘that only a fow haudred are engaged in it at most. But other accounts give us.a moro alarming view, stating (hat flve or six hundred negroes are in arms, assisted by three hundred white mon; that they are in full ion of the Arsenal and town, have si xt the railroad cars, cut off the communications by tel Hegraph, and declared their purpose to fight to the death. Negroes are said to be hurrying in large numbers from the adjoin- ing cities and districts to the rendezvous, so that as far north ag Baltimore awa Washington the Mayors are active measures to prevent auy sympathetic movements. It is m most seriows and drca/ful condition of things, in any aspect, even admitting that the panic of the slave- holders may have greatly exaggerated the extant of the dapger. emit which are current among the free blacks of Gis city repreeent that this outbreak was ig” @ prema- ture explosion of @ more ee conspiracy. It is alleged that a rising all over the ws of Maryland and Virginia was contemplated; that the 24th of October was the day appointed fer the attempt, and that the seizure of the areonal was to be the signal t the insurgents. The taking ‘of the arsenal in anticipation of the day, whereby the con- thet has been precipitated before the staves were ready for it, is bis pa to bea mistake of some one entrusted Dy the leaders with the execution of that part of the plot. Whether there is any foundation for these rumors, or whether they are mere inventions, got up after the event to stimulate public curiosity, we cannot Bay. ‘The stories connec:ing the name of “Old Brown of Ossa- watamie,” as he is called, with the leadership of this fana- tical enterprise, are, we are induced to think well founded; and in that event the whole affair may be regarded as alate fruit of the violence which the slavehulders introduced into Kaveas. Brown was one of the curly settlers in that new ‘Territory ; he was a copapicnons object of persecution al throngk the troubles; his property was destroyed; he and ius family were cruelly treated om several oceasivts; three ‘or four of bis Bong were killod by Southern desperadoes apd theso many exasperations drove him to maduoss. He has not been regarded since, we are told, as a perfect- ty gape man. as been known to vow vengeance against the whole class of slayeholders for the outrages dient ‘by their representatives in Kansas, and this osurmection, fhe i» at the head of it, ie the manner. in which te gluta bie resentnnente. Kronzied by the remoni- brance ef his wrongs, bis whole nature turned into dy the bitlor hatrods sticvod up ia Kansas, and ree conseqvences, he has plunged into the work of blood. doos NOt reason; but it Browh reasoned and de. zired to give a public mstive to_ his personal rancors, he probably said to himscif that “the slavo drivers had tried ¢o put down freedom in Kansas by force of arms, and he would try to put down siavery In Virginia by the samo means.” Thus the bleody instructions which they tanght return to the inventors. They gave, for the first time in the latory of the Uvited States, an examplo of the Teaoréto arims to carry out politi omen, ant, draad- ful ag the retaliation is which Brown has initiated, must. take theie share of the responsibility. They must remem: bor that they acow’tomed men, in their Kansas forays, to the idea of ush%@ @rms against political opponents, that by thoir crimes aud outrages they drove hundreds to i, an un- + thos generated have sip | made himseif an org: | of this kind madnees, a a . behead for mye of bitterness and re yong: # rankled in the heart, Brown has # vf ‘these in a fearfully signiticant way. No one « bt lal ek of the possible results of an ontbreak ould it become general, without shudder’ at 8x! ling up to his imagination the most terrible the * . @ incendiariem, carnage and rape, In nearly all hs ern States the negroes greatly preponderate in umber; many of them, itis true, are too ignorant and siipid to take any eflective part in an insurrection; others, Wo, are profoundly attached to their masters or their families; but these excepted, there are yet thousands able and willing to strike for their emancipation. It has been imposgible to keep them in enure ignorance of the bless ings of freedom, and of the possibility of attaining it by force of arms; the fugitive slaves of the North have found Means of communicating with their okt comrades; the abolitionists have spoken to them by pictures, if not Dy language; democratic orators have told thom falsely that the entire North was engaged in a crusaile against the South for the sake of the slaves; and as ser- ‘vants in the cities they have heard the talk of the parlor and the barrooms, and in innumerable other ways have been made to think and todesire. When the hour comes, therefore, they will not be found either so incapable or 60 docile ag the slaveholders seem to suppose. But what a condition of society is that in which one- half the population constantly menaces the other half with civil war and murder—in which the leading classes go to sleep every night, carelessly, it may be, over the crater of @ volcano, and in which the dangers do not les- sen, as in other societies, with time, but grow with its growth, until an explosion becomes as inevitabie as the eruptions of Etna or Vesuvius! What a condition of 80- ciety, to be extended over the virgin territories of the ‘West—the seat of our future empire—and for which poli- ticians should clamor and sear their conscience and des- peradoes should fight! How insane the policy which would recruit and extend this form of social existence, even while it is becoming Unmanageadie as it is. Open the gates to the slave trade, cry the S@itherners, who are as great fauatics as Brown; tap the copious resources of Africa, let new millions 0 blacks be added to the enormous number that now cul: tivate our fields, let the alarming disproportion between them and the whites be increased; it is a blessed inatitu- tion, and we cannot have too much of it! But while they speak the tocein sounds, the blacks are in arms, their houses are in flames, their wives and children driven into exile or killed, and a furious servile war stretces its horrors over years. That is the blessed institution you ask us to foster, and spread, and worship, and for the sake of whieh you even spout your impotent threats against the grand edifice of the Union. ing, withe serDes: SECOND DAY'S OPERATIONS. The Assault on the Engine House, and Com- plete Route of the Incurrectionists, 5 Huonpsr’s Ferry, Oct. 18—3 A. M. There was a battle on the bridge last night. It was fought mainly by the railroad tonnage men from Martinsburg, led by Captain Alberts. Evan Dorsey, conductor, was killed, and conductors Bowman and Hollett wounded. No damage was done to the ruail- road or bridge. It is thought that the rioters will be hung a8 soon as they are captured in the morning. Hanpes’s Ferry, Oct. 18—6 A. M. Preparations are making for an attack on the Armory, The soldiers are all around the grounds, and for the last hour everything has been quiet. The rioters have still the following persons in their possession:—Armis- tead Ball, chief draughtaman of the Armory; Benj. Mills, Master of the Armory; John P. Dangerfield, Paymaster; Clark Lewis Washington, afarmer and prominent citizen; John Ailstadt, farmer, and bis son, sixteen years old. The three last named were seized on their farms, several miles from the Ferry, George Turner, a graduate of West Point, and one of the most distinguished citizens in the vicinity, was shot yesterday whilst coming into the town. He hag died dur- ing the night. Three of the rioters are lying dead in the streets, three are lying dead in the river, and several are said (v be Jying within the Armory cnclosure. The following is a list of killed among the citizens and soldiers, as far as ascertained:—Fountain Brekham; Haywood, a negro porter at the railroad station; Joseph Bromley, of Harper's Ferry; Evan Dorsey and George Richardson, of Martinsburg. Another rioter, a negro named Lewis Leary, has just died, he confessed to the particulars of the plot, which he says was concocted by Brown ata fair held in Ohio two months ago. The rioters have just sent out a flag of truce, and say that if not protected by the soldiers at present here they will hang all they capture. * ‘Harper's Ferry, Oct. 18—8 A. M. The Armory has been stormed and taken, after a de- termined resistance. Colonel Shutt approached with a flag of truce and demanded asurrender. After expostu- lating some time, the rioters refused to surrender. The marines advanced to the charge and endeavored to break the door down with sledge hammers, but it resisted all their efforts. A large ladder wa then used as a battering-ram, and the door gave way. The rioters fred briskly, and ghoy three marines, the marines firing in turn ibrough tho partly broken door, ‘rhe marines then forced their way throngh the break, and in a few minutes resistance was,at an end. ‘The rioters were bought out amidst the most intense ex- citement, many of the militia present trying to get an op- portunity to shoot them. Captain Brown and his son were both shot. The latter is dead and the former ina dying state. He lies in the Armory enclosure, talking freely. He says he is old Us- sawattomie Brown, whose feats in Kansas have had such wide notice; that his whole object was to free the slaves, and justifies his action. He says that he had possession of the town, and could have murdered all the people, and. that he has been murdered in return, J. G. Anderson was elso shot down in the assault. was frem Connecticut, 'The dead body of a man killed yesterday was found within the Armory. Brown declares that there were none engaged in the plot but those accompanying him. The prisoners are retained in custody within the Ar- mory enclosure. He Barmuone, Oct. 18, 1859. ‘There is intense excitement in this city, and nothing is talked of but the insurrection. Gener@§ Stuart, through Governor Wise, has communi- cated an order to General J. W. Watkins, of this city, to prepare, equip and mount immediately a body of men for service in the mountains near Harper’s Ferry, where many of the insurgents have taken refuge. The troops will leave this afternoon. The purpose of the insurrectionists appears to have been to hold the town until several thousand slaves could be collected, and then make a stampede through Mary- land and across the Pennsylvania line. Those of them who have started will be pursued immediately. Hurrkr’s Ferry, Oct. 18—Noon. Soon after the storming of the Armory, four dead bodies of insurgents, shot yesterday, were found within the en- closure. Captain Brown and his son were dangerously wounded. Only two of the insurrectionists are unwounded. Their names are Evin Coppich, a white man, from Iowa, and Shields Green, colored, from Iowa. ‘The party originally consisted of twenty-two persons, of whom fifteen are killed, two mortally wounded; two are here urhurt, and three went off with slaves on Monday morning. Soon after the assault on the armory some firing took place from the hills on the Maryland shore, supposed to be from Cook and his party, who left on Monday morning. It was returned with a general yolley, but’ both parties were too distant to do damage, A company of armed men has gone in pursuit of the fu- gitives. There are probably one thousand armed mem here. They have been pouring in all night from ail pag of the surrounding countey, Ki ‘Wasminctox, Oct. 18. 1859. The Secretary of War this morning received a telegra- phic despatch from Colonel Lee, dated seven o'clock, eay- ing that he called upon the rioters, who were barricaded in the engine house on the arsenal grounds, to surrender, promising to protect them until the wishes of the President could be ascertained. This proposition was made in order to ©>ve the lives of the prisoners who were in the posges sion of the insurgents. ‘This message was sent through Lieut. Stuart of the First cavalry. The insurgents declined to surrender, whereupon, at a preconcerted signal from Lieut. Green, the detachment of marines who wore near by forcibly broke into the engine house, killing two of the riotors, and capturing the remainder. Two of the marines were wounded, one of them mortally. Ossawattomic Brown, the leader of the rioters, was also mortally wounded. Several officers of the arsenal, together with other prison- ers, all escaped unhurt. ‘The War Department-has despatehed an order for the troops at Norfolk, whe are at Fort McHenry, © remain there until they receive further orders. The President of the Baltimore avd Ohio Railroad tele- graphs to New York shat the insurrection is entirely Suppressed. All tho outlaws are killed or arrested. All the freight and passenger traing are running with entire rogularity and rafety. No damage has beca dono to any Portion of the railway track, trains or property. SKETCH OF THE WHOLE AFFAIR. Connected Account of Its Origin and Pro- grese, and of the Prinelpal Actors Therein. THE DESPATCHES FROM BALTIMORE AND HAKPERS FERRY. THE BROWNS, FATHER AND SON. The principal originator of this short but bloody insur- rection was undoubtedly Captain Jobn Brown, whose connection with scenes of violence in the border warfare ia Kansas then mado his name familiarly notorious’ throughout the whole country, Brown made his first ap- pearance in Harper’s Ferry more than a year ago, ac- companied by his two sons, all three of them assuming the name of Smith. He inquired about land in the vicinity, and made investigations as to the probability of finding ores there, and for some time boarded at Sandy Point, a mile east of the Ferry. After an absence of some months, the elder Brown reappeared in the vicinity and rented or Jeaged a farm on the Maryland side, about four miles from the Ferry. They bought a large number of picks and spades, aud thia confirmed the belfef that they intended to mine the fortres. They were frequently seen in and about Harper's Ferry, but no suspicion seems: to have existed that Bill Smith’’ was Captain John Brown, or that he intended embarking in any movement so despo rate or extraordinary. Yet the developements of the plot leaves no doubt that his visits to Perry and his leaseof the farm were all parts of his preparation for an insurrection, which he supposed would be successful in exterminating slavery in Maryland and western Virginia. JOHN B. COOK. Brown's chief aid was John E. Cook, a comparatively young man, who bas resided im and near Perry some years, He was first employed in tending a lock om the cana), and afterwards taught school on the Maryland side of the river, and after a brief residence in Kansas, where it is supposed he beeame acquainted with Brown, returned to Perry, and married there. He was regarded as aman of some intelligence, and known to be anti- slavery, but not so violent in the expression of his opi- unions as to excite any suspicions. THE OTHER WHITE MEN. ‘These two men, with Brown’s two sons, were the only white men connected with the insurrection that had been seen about Perry. All were brought by Brown froma distance, and nearly all had been with bim in Kansas, A CONNECTED HISTORY OF THE AFFAIR. The first active movement in the insurrection was made at about half-past ten o’clock on Sunday night. William Williamson, the watchman at Harper's Ferry bridge, whilst walking across toward the Maryland side, was seized by a number of men, who said he was their pri- soner and must come with them. He recognized Brown and Cook among the men, and knowing them treated the matter as a joke; but enforcing silence they conducted him to the armory, which he found already in their possession. He was detained till after daylight and then discharged. The watchman who was to relieve Williamson at mid- night found the bridge lights all out and was immediately seized. Supposing it an attempt at robbery he broke away, and his pursuers stumbling over him, he escapod. The next appearance of the insurrectionists was at the house of Colonel Lewis Washington, a large farmer and slave owner, living about four miles from the ferry. A party, headed by Cook, proceeded there, and rousing Colonel Washington, told him he was their prisoner. They also seized all the slaves near the house, took a carriage horse and a large wagon with two horses. When Col. Washington saw Cook he immediately recognized him as the man who had called upon him some months previous, to whom he had exbibited some valuable arms in his pos- sescion, including an antique sword presented by Frede- rick the Great to George Washington, and & pair of pis. tols presented by Lafayette to Washington, both being heirlooms in the family. Before leaving Cook wanted Col. W. to engage in a trial of skill at shoot- ing, and exbibited considerable skill as a marks- man. When be made the visit on Sunday night he alluded to his previous visit and the courtesy with which he had been treated, and regretted the neces- sity which made it his duty to arrest Col. W. He, how- ever, took advantage of the knowledge he had obtained by his former visit, to carry off all the valuable collection of arms Which the Colonel did not reobtain tll after the final defeat of the insurrection. From Colonel Washington’s he proceeded with him as a prisoner in the carriage, and twelve of h’s negroes in the wagon to the house of Mr. Aldstadt, another large farmer on the game road. Mr. Aldstadt and his son, a lad of six- teen, were taken prisoners, and all their negroes within reach forced to join the meyement. He then returned to the armory at the Ferry. All these imoveiionts seem to havé been made without exciting the slightest alarm in town, nor did the detention of Captain Phelps’ train It was not until the town thoroughly waked up and found the bridge guarded by armed men and a guard atationod atall the avenues that the people found they were pri- roners. A panic appears to have immediately ensued, and the number of insurrectionists at once increased from fifty—which was probably their greatest force, including the slaves who were forced to join—to from five to six hundred. In the meantime a number of workmen, not knowing anything%f what had occurred, entered the ar- mory and were successively taken prisoners, until at one time they had not Jess than sixty mon confined in the Ar- mory. Those thus entrapped were Armistead Ball, Chief Praughtsman of the Armory; Benjamin Mills, Master of the Armory, and J. E. P. Dangerfield, Paymaster’s Clerk. These three gentlemen were imprisoned in the engine house, which afterwards became the chief fortress of the insurgents, and were not released until after the flual assault. The workmen were imprisoned in a large build- ing farther down the yard, and were rescued by a brilliant Zouave dash, made by the Railroad Company's men who came down from Martinsburg. This was the condition of things at daylight, about which time Captain Cook, with two white men, accompanied by thirty slayes, and taking with them Colonel Washington’s large wagon, went over the bridge and struck up the mountain road towards Pamsula. It was then believed that a large wagon was used to convey away the Paymaster’s safe, containing $17,000 government funds, and also that it was filled with Minie rifles taken out to supply other bands in the mountains, who were to come down upon Harper’s Ferry in over- whelming force. These suppositions proved untrue, as neither money nor arms wore disturbed. As day ad- vanced and news spread around, and people came into the ferry, the first demonstrations of resistance wore made to the insurrectionists. Ageneral warfare commenced, chiefly led on by a man named Chambers, whose house commanded the armory yard. The colored man named Hayward, a railroad porter, was shot early in the morning for refusing to join in the movement. The next man shot was Joseph Barley, a citizen of Perry. He was shot standing in his own door. The in- surrectionists by this time, finding a disposition to resist them, had withdrawn nearly all within the armory grounds, leaving only a guard on the bridge. About this time, also, Samuel P. Young, Esq., was shot dead. He was coming into town on horseback, carrying agun, when he was shot fromthe Armory, receiving a wound of which he died during the day, He was a graduate of West Point, and greatly respected in tho neighborhood for his high character and noble qualities. At about noon the Charlestown troops, under the com- mand of Col. Robert W. Bayler, having crossed the Sus- quehannah river some distance up, aud marched down the Maryland side to the mouth of the bridge; firing a volley, they made a gallant dash across the bridge, clear ing it of the insurrectionists, who retreated rapidly down toward the armory. In this movement of the insurrec- rectionis,a man named Wm. Thompson was taken pri- “The Shepherdstown town troops next armed, marching down the Shenandoah side, and joining the Charleston forces at the bridge. A desultory exchange of shots fol- lowed, one of which struck Mr. Fountain Beckham, Mayor of the town and Agent of the Railroad Company, entering his breast and passing entirely through his body. ‘The ball was a largo élongated slug, and made a dreadful wound. Mr. Beckham died almost immediately, He was without Orearme, and was exposed for only a moment, whilst approaching a water station, His assailant, one of Brown’s cons, was shot almost immediately, but managed to get back to the engine house, where his body was found next day. ‘The murder of Mr. Beckham greatiy excited the popu- Jace, who immediately raised a cry to bring out the pri- soner Thompson. He was brought out on the bridge and ‘botdown from the bridge. He fell into the water, and some appearance of life remaining, he was riddled with ‘At this time the general charge was made down the street, from the bridge toward the armory gate, by the Charlestown and Shepherdstown troops and Ferry people. From behind the armory walla fusilade was kept up, and returned by tite insurrectionists from the armory puiddings.: ‘Whilst this was on, the Martinsburg levies arrived at the upper end of the town, and entering the armory grounds by the rear, made an attack from that side. This force was largely composed of railroad employes, gathered from the topnage trains at Martinsburg, and their attack ‘was generally spoken of as showing the greatest amount of fighting pluck exhibited during the day. Dash- ing on, firing and cheering, and gallantly led by Captain Alburtu3, they carried the Dduilding in which the armory men were imprisoned, and released the whole of them. They were, however, but Poorly armed, some with pistols and others with shot guns, and when they came within range of the engine house, where the élite of the insurrectionists were gathered and were exposed to their rapid and dexterous use of Sharpe’s rifles, they were forced to fall back, suf- fering pretty severely. Conductor Evan Dorsey, of Bal timore, was killed instantly, and Conductor Geo, Richard- 20n received @ wound from which he died during the ¢ay. Several others were wounded, among them a son of Dr. Hammond, of Martinsburg. A guerilla warfare was maintained during the reat of the day, resulting in the killing of two of the inaurgents, and the wounding of a third. One crawled out through a cul- vert leading into the Potomac, and attempted to cross to the Maryland side, whether with the view of escaping or conveying information to Cook, is not known. He was shot while crossing the river, and fell dead on the rocks. an adventurous lad waded out and secured his Sharp's rifle. The body was afterwards stripped of a part of its ¢lothing. In one of his pockets was found a captain's commission drawn up in full form, and declaring that the Dearer, Captain Lahman, held that commission under ‘Major General Brown. A light mulatto was shot just outside the armory gato; the ball went through the throat, tearing away the prin- cipal arteries and killing him instantly. His name ig not known, but he is one of the free negroes who came with Brown, His body was left in the street until noon yea- terday, exposed to every indignity that could be heaped ‘upon it by the excited populace. At this time a tall, athletic man, named Evan Stephens, came out from the armory, conducting some prisoners, it was said. He was twice shot, once in the side and once in the breast. He was then captured and taken toa tavern, and after the insurrection was quelled was turned over to the United States authorities in a dying condition. During the afternoon a sharp little affair took place on the Shenandoah side of the town. The insurrectionists had also seized the balls of the rifle works, and a party of their assailants found their way in through a mill race and disloged them. In this rencontre, it was said, three insurrectionists were killed; but we found but one dead body—that of a negro—on that side of the town. Night by this time had set in, and operations ceased. Guards were placed around the armory, and every pre- caution taken to prevent escapes. At eleven o’clock the Monday night train with Baltimore military and marines arrived at Sandy Hook, where they walted for the arrival of Colonel Lec, deputized by the War Department to take the command. ‘The reporters pressed on, leaving their military allies behind. They found the bridge in the possession of the military, and entered the besieged town without difficulty, the occasional report of a gun or singing motion of a Sharp’s rifle ball warning them that it was advisable to keep themselves out of the range of the Armory. The first ‘visit was made to the bedside of Stephens, the wounded prisoner. They found him to be a large, exceedingly athletic man, a perfect Samson in appearance. He was ina small room, filled with excited armed men, who more than once threatened to shoot him where he lay groaning with pain, but answering with com- posure and apparent willingness every question in relation to the fray in which he was engaged. He said he was a native of Connecticut, but had lately lived in Kansas, where he knew Capt. Brown; he had also served in the United States Army. The sole object of his attempts was to give the negroes freedom, and Brown bad represented that as soon as they seized the armory the negroes would flock to them by thousands, and they would soon haye force enough to accomplish their purpose, one for which he would sacrifice his life; but he said be thought Brown had been greatly deceived. He said that preparations had been making for some months for a movement, but that the whole force consisted of seven- teen white men and five negroes. ‘This stateraent was repeated without variation by all the prisoners with whom we conversed, all agreed as to the number in the movanent, and as to its objects, which ‘some called the work of philanthropy. Itis said that the affair at Harper’s Ferry is the first case which has ever occurred in this country, involving atthe same time both State and Federal jurisdiction. While the State is affected as to slavery and locality, the General Government is interested with regard to publi Property, it having exclusive control over arsena grounds independently of the State, and also with regard to the mails. Already in distinguished quarters the question of juris diction is discussed, &s Governor Wise will, it is siid, claim the prisoners now held by the United Siates troops, to be dealt with according to the laws of Virginia. In this case the question of jurisdiction will have to be deter- mined by the Judiciary. Lewis Leary, a negro, shot at the rifle mill, stated that he enlisted with Capt. Brown for the insurrection at a fair held in Lorraine county, Ohio, and received the money to pay his expenses, They allcame down to Chambersburg, Pa., and from there they travelled across fhe country to Brown’s farm. The night passed withont serious alarms, but not with- ont excitement, The marines were marched over im- mediately after their arrival, when Col. Lee stationed them within the armory grounds go as to com round the engine house. Occasionally sho's were fired by country volunteers, but what for was not ascertained, There was only one retarn fire from the insurgents. The broken telegraph was soon repaired through the exertions of Superintendents Westeryelt and Talcott, whe accompauied the expedition, The announcement that communication was opened with Baltimore gave tho press representatives ahuzdant employment. There were no beds to be had nnd daylight was awaited with ausiety. Its earliest glimpses were availed of to survey the A visit to the different localities in which the corp* the insurrectionists were lying stark and bloody, a peep close or far off, according to the courage of the observer, at the Malakoff of thé insurgents, was the established or- der of sight seeing, varied with a discussion of all sorts of terrible rumors. ‘The building in which the insurgents had made their stand was the fire engine house, and no doubt the most defensible building in the Armory. It has dead brick walls on three sides, and on the fourth large doors with window sashes above, some eight feet from the ground. A dead stlilness surrounded the buildings, and, except that now and then a man might be seen peeping from the nearly closed door, and a dog’s nose slightly protruding, there was no sign of life, much less of hostility, given. Various opinions wore given as to the namber of per- sons within, and the amount of resiatance they would be able to offer. ‘The cannon could not be used without endangering the gatety of Colonel Washington, Mr. Dangerfield, Mr. Bali and other citizens, whom they still held prisoners. The doors and walls of the building had been pierced for rifles, but it was evident that from these holes no range could be had,and that without opening the door they would be shooting in the dark. Many thought that the murder of the prisoners held was determined upon, and that a fight to the death would be the ending of their desperate attempt. Whilst the people thus looked and speculated the door was opened and one of the men came out with a flag of truco, and do. livered what was supposed to be terms of capitulation. The coniinued preparations for assault showed they were not accepted. Shortly after seven o'clock Lieut. J. E. B. Stuart, of the First Cavalry, who was acting as aid for Colonel Leo, ad vanced to parley with the besieged, Samuel Stricler, Esq. an old and respectable citizen, bearing a flag of truce. They were received at the door by Captain Cook. Licut Stuart demanded an unconditional surrender, only pro mising them protection from immediate violence, and trial by law. Captain Brown refused all ter ms but those previously demanded. which were substantially:—‘That they should be per mitted to march out with their men and arms, takin their prisoners with them; that they should proceed un pursued to the second toll gate, when they would froo their prisoners; the soldiors would then be permitted to pursve them, and they would fight if they could not eseape.”? Of course this was refused, and Lieut. Stuart pressed. upon Brown his desperate position, and urged a surren- der, The expostulation, though beyond earshot, was evi- dently very earnest, and the coolness of the Lieutenant, and the coursge of his aged flag bearer wou warm praise. Atthis moment the interest of the scene was most in- tense. The volunteers wero arranged all around the building, cutting off an escape in every direction. The mariner, divided in two squads, were ready for a dash at the door. Finally, Licutonant Stnart, baying exhausted NZW YORK HERALD, WENNBSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1859—TRIPLE SHEET. -- all argument with the determined Cap slowly from the door. . Immediately the signal for attack was given, and the marines, headed by Col. Harris and Lieut. Green, ad- vanced in two lines on each side of the door, Two pow erful fellows sprung between the lines, and with heavy sledge hammers attempted to batter down the doors. The doore swung and swayed, but appeared wo be secured with a rope, the spring of which deadened the effect of the blows. Failing thus they took hold of a ladder, some forty feet long, and advancing at a ran brought it with tremendous effect against the door. At the second blow it gave way, one leaf falling inward in a slanting position. ‘The marines immediately advanced to the breach. Major Ruesell and Lieutenant Green leading. A marine in front fell. The firing from the interior was rapid and sharp. They fired with deliberate aim, and for @ moment the resistance was serlous and desperate enough to excite the spectators to sometbing like a pitch of frenzy. The next: moment the marines poured in, the firing ceased, and the work was done, whilst cheers rang from every side, the general fee]- ing being that the marines had done their part admirably. ‘When the insurgents were brought out, some dead and others wounded, they were greeted with execrations, and only the precautions that had been taken saved them from immediate execution, The crowd, nearly every man of Which carried a gun, swayed with taumultuougex- citement, and eries of “Shoot them,”’ “Shoot them,” rang from every side. ‘The appearance of the liberated prisoners, all of whom tftrough the steadiness of the marines escaped injury, changed the current of feeling, and prolonged cheers took the place of howls and execrations. In the assault private Ruffert of the marines received @ ball in the sio- mach, and was believed to be fatally wounded. Another received a slight flesh wound. ‘The lawn in front of the engine house after the assault presented a dreadful sight. Laying on it were two bodies of men killed on the previous day, and foynd inside the house; three wonnded men, one of them just at the last gasp of life, and two others groaning in pain. One of the dead was Brown’s son. Oteway, the wounded man, and his son Wasson, were laying on the grass, the father pre- senting a gory spectacle, He had a severe bayonet wound in his side, and his face and hair were clotted with blood. A short time after Captain Brown was brought out he revived, and talked earnestly to those about hm, defend- ing bis course, and avowing that he had done only what was right. He replied to questions substantially as fol- lows — Are you Captain Brown, of Kansas? Tam sometimes called 60. Are you Ossawatamie Brown? I tied to do my duty there. ‘What was your present object? To free the slaves from bondage. ‘Were any other persons but thoge with you now con- nected with the movement? No. Did you expect aid from the North ? No. There was no one connected with the movement but those who came with me. Did you expect to kill people in order to carry your point ? T did not wish to do so, but you forced us to it. Various questions of this kind were put to Captain Brown, which he answered clearly and freely, with seem- ing anxiety to vindicate himself. He urged that he had the town at his mercy; that he could haye burnt it and murdered the inhabitants, but did not; he had treated the prisoners with courtesy, and complained that he was huifted down like a beast. He spoke of the killing of his son, which, he alleged, was done whilst bearing a flag of truce, and seemed very anxious for the safety of his wounded son. His conversation bore the impression of the conviction, that whatever he had done to free slaves, was right,and that in the warfare in which he was engaged, he was entitled to be treated with all the respect of a prisoner of war. He seemed fully convinced that he was badly treated and had a right to complain. Although at first considered as dying, an examination of his wounds proved that they are not necessarily fatal. He expressed the desire to live and to be tried by his country. In his pockets nearly three hundred dollars were found in gold. Several im- portant papers found in his possession were taken charge of by Col. Lee, on behalf of the government. The following fragment of a letter was found in Brown’s pocket:— Carr. Browx— Dear Sm—I have been disappointed in not secing you here ere this to take charge of your freight. been here now two weeks, and as I have had to superi tend the providing for them, it has imposed iD me no small task besides; and if not soon taken back to Missouri. I on some of them will wish to. know definitely what you propose doing. They cannot be kept here much longer without risk to themselves, and if any of them conclude to go back to the State it will be a Dad termination to worse enterprise. The foregoing occupies a page of fine note paper, straw tinted, is written in pencil and not dated, and was evi- dently written by a person of education, and the freight he had was, no doubt, that usually carried on the under- ground railroad. Besides Captain Brown the prisoners taken are his son, who is seriously injured in the abdomen, dnd is not likely to live, Edward Coppich, who belonged to Iowa, and a negro named Shields Green, who came from Pittsburg to join Brown. The stories of all these men are precisely the same. They agree as to the objects proposed to be accomplished, and the number of persons in the moye- ment. Young Brown, in answer to a question, said there were parties in the North connected with the movement, thus differing with his father on this point. Coppich, the other white prisoner, is quite young, and seems less shrewd than the others. He said he did not wish to join the expedition, and when asked, gave 4 zeply which showed the influence which Brown had over him, he said:— Ah, you gentlemen don’t know Capt. Brown; when he calls for us we never think of refusing him.” Several slaves were found in the room with the insur- rectionists, but it is believed that they were there unwil- lingly. Indeed, Brown’s expectation as to slaves rushing to him was entirely disappointed. None seem to have come to him willingly, and in most cases were forced to degort their masters. But one instance in which siaves made a public appearance with arms in their hands is re- lated. A negro, who, bad been sharply used by onc of the town people, when he found that he bad a pike in his hand, used his brief authhority to arrest the citizen and have him taken to the armory. The citizens imprisoned by the insurrectionists all testi- fy to their lenient treatment. They were neither tied nor tied nor insulted, and beyond the outrage of restricting their liberty were not illused. Captain Brown was al- ways courteous to them, and at all times assured them that they would not be injured. He explained his purposes to them, and whilst he had them (the workmen) in confino- ment, made no abolition speech to them. Col. Washingion speaks of him asa man of extraordinary nerve. He never blanched during tho assault, though he admitted in the night that escape was impossible, and that he would have to die. When the door was broken down, one of his men exclaimed, “I surrender.’’ The captain imme- diately cried out, ‘‘There’s one surrenders—give him quarter,’ and at the same moment fired his own rifle at the door. During the previous night he spoke freely with Colone; ‘Washington, and referred to his sons. He said he had Jost one in Kansas and two here. He had not pressed them to join him in the expedition, but did not regret their loss, they bad died in a glorious cause. The position of the prisoners in the engine house during the firing on Monday, and at the moment of the final at- tack was a very trying one. Without any of the incen- tives af combat, they had to risk the balls of their friends, but happiiy they all escaped. At the moment when the doors were broken in and the prisoners, at the suggestion of Col. Washingfon, threw up their hands, so that it might be ceen that they were not combatants. During Tuesday morning one of Washington's nogroe: came in and reported that Captain Cook was on the moun- tain, only three miles off. About the same timé some shots were said to bave been fired from the Maryland hille, and a rapid fusilade was returned from Har- per’s Ferry. The Independent Grays, of Baltimore, immediately started on a scouring expedition, and in two hours returned with two wagons, loaded with arms and ammunition, found at Captain Brown's house. The arms consisted of boxes filled with Sharpe's rifles, pistols, &c., all bearing the stamp of the Massachusetts Manutacturing Company, Chicopee, Mass. There were also found a quantity of United States ammunition, 4 large num ber of epenrs, sharp iron bowie kuives fixed upon poles, fa terrible looking weapon, intended for the use of the ne- grocs, with spades, pickaxes, shovels and everything that might be needed, thus proving that the expodition was well provided for, that a large party of mon were expected to bo armed, and that abundant means had been provided to pay all expenses. How all Brown, wal these supplies were got up to this farm without attracting observation is very strange. They are supposed t@ have been drought through Pennsylvania. The Grays pursued Cook so fast that they secured a part of his arms, but with his more perfect knowledge of localities he was enabied to evade them. On their arrival at tho Ferry with the evening's spoil, they were grooted with hearty cheers, ‘The wagons were driven into thé Armory yard, and given into the custody of the governs ment. As everybody else helped themselves, why shomld not the Grays have a share of the spoils? ‘The insurrectionists did not attempt to rob the Paymad- ters Department at the armory. A large amount of money was there, but it was not disturbed. Perfect order having been restored, the military with the exception of the United States marines, who remained in charge of the prisoners, left in various trains for home, An immense train Brought tho Baltimore troops (accom. panied by the Frederick troops to'the junction) home. Frepenick, Oct, 18, 1859. There is still excitemont in regard to the insurrectiow, Nothing has been seen of the negroes in this section yoy but they are supposed to be cither in the mountains, or om their way to Pennsylvania, through the range of mountaim near Hagerstown. i Cramprrsncra, Pa., Oct. 19-24. M. There are no signs of the fugitives. A gentleman who left Greencastle at nine o'clock says that nothing has beem heard of them there. BeprorD, Pa., Oct. 19—2 A. M. There are no signs of the fugitives in this vicinity, ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE FIGHT. Baxtimore, Oct. 17—P. M. An eye witness who has returned from @arper’s Ferry describes the scones there as follows.— THE FIRST ATTACK. The first attack was made by a detachment of the Charleston Guards, which crossed the Potomac rivee above Harper’s Ferry, and reached a building where the Snsurgents were posted by the canal on the Maryland side. Smart firing occurred, and the rioters were driver from the bridge. One man was killed hore and another was arrested, 4A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT CONTEMPLATED. A man ran out and tried to escape by swinte ming the river; a dozen shots were fired after him; bo partially fell, but rose again, threw hig gun away and drew his pistols, but both snapped; hedrew his bowie knife and cut his heavy accoutrements off and plunged into the river; one of the soldiers was about tem feet behind; the man turned round, threw up his hands, ‘and said, ‘Don’t shoot;’’ the soldier fired, and the mam fell into the water, with his face blown away; his coat #kirts were cut from bis person. and in his pockets wag found a captain’s commission to Captain EB H. Leeman from the provisional government, The commission was dated Oct. 15, 1859, and signed by A. W. Brown, Commander-in-Chief of the army of the provisional government of the United States. MORE CONFLICTS. A party of five of the insurgents, armed with Mini@ riffies and posted in the rifle armory, were expelled by the Charleston Guard. They all ran for the river, an@ one, who was unable to swim, was drowned. The other four swam out to the rocks in the middle of the Shenans doah, and fired upon the citizens and troops upon both banks. This drew upon them the muskets of bee tween 200 and 800 men, and not less than 400 shots were fired at them from: Harper's Ferry, about fw hundred yards distant. One was finally shot dead; the second, a negro, attempted to jump over the dam, bu ell shot and was not seen afterwards; the third wagg badly wounded, and the remaining was taken un« harmed. The white insurgent eis and captured died a few moments after in the arms of our informant, He was shot through the breast and stomach. He dee clared that there were only nineteen whites engaged im the insurrection. For nearly two hours a running and random firing was kept up by the troops againat the rioters. Several were shot down, and many managed to limp away wounded. During the firing the women and chiidreu ram shrieking in every direction; but when they learned that the goldters were their protectors, they took courage, an@ did good service in the way of preparing refreshments and attending the wounded. Our informant, who was on the hill when the firing wag going on, says all the terrible scenes of a battle passed in reality before his eyes. Soldiers could be seen pursuing singly and in couples, and the crack of a musket or rifig ‘was generally followed by one or more of the insurgent biting the dust. The dead lay in the streets where they fell. The wounded were cared for. A body of mounted men left Baltimore this afternoom for Harper's Ferry, to pursue the rioters. It is reported that many have escaped, and are secreted in the mou tains. ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS: Barmimorg, Oct. 18, 1859—P. M. RESUMPTION OF TRAVEL. The Pennsylvania Directers of the Baltimore and Railroad left Martinsburg this morniug for this city. vel is now resumed on the road and the trains are ning regularly. KILLED AND WOUNDED. Ossawattamie Brown’s wounds are not considered mors tal. One of the rioters killed was named Stuart Taylor, J. C. Anderson, one of the ringleaders, who stopped Con« ductor Phelps yesterday, was killed during the first attacle by the Virginians. He wasa fine looking man, with @ flowing white beard. Some of the Maryland Volunteer, are in pursuit of Captain Cook's party. A negro, named Green, from Harrisburg, and who was conspicuous in the fugitive slave riot in that city some years ago, was among the insurgents. RETURN OF TROOPS TO BALTIMORE. Barrmwors, Oct. 18—7 P. M. ‘The Baltimore Infantry troops have just arrived, an@ are now marching to the armories. Their services wer@ no Jonger required at Harper’s Ferry, the Governmen€ and Virginia troops being amply sufficient for all emer gencies. ee STATE RIGHTS DIFFICULTY APPREHENDED. It is apprehended, in view of the fact that the Presiden has authorized the military to pursue the insurgents it other States if necessary, that there may be difficulty across the Pennsylvania or Ohio lines. PROSECUTION FOR TREASON. Hanrer’s Ferry, Oct. 18—2 P. M. The Secretary of War has telegraphed to Col. Lee thas hr. Ould, District Attorney for the District of Columbia, will proceed forthwith to Harper’s Ferry to take charg@ of the legal proceedings against the prisoners and bring them to trial. A train is now getting ready io convey horshs and mow from here to pursue the rioters into any State or lecality where they may have fled. This is by order of the Pree sident at the request of Governor Wise. onig Trae rune THE DESPATCHES FROM WASHINGTON. ‘Wasnrrcrox, Oct. 18, 1859. Yesterday the President was in consultation some hour with the Secretary of War and Brevet Colonel Robert E, Lee, Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Cavalry, United States Army, who it was determined should command thé United States troops to bo concentrated at Harper's Fors ry. The President, while with these gentlemen, received despatches from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Compas ny, proferring every possible facility to the governmen® their road would afford. The consultation was not ended until 4 P.M; Colonel Lee, accompanied by his Ai@ Lieutenant Stuart, U. S. A., immediately afterward@ on @ special train set out to overtake the detach ment of United States Marines, sending over th wires a despatch directing the Marines and Baltf~ more Volunteers with them to halt at a point neag Harper's Ferry convenient to be joined by him. In the meanwhile the country surrounding Harper’@ Ferry bad rapidly rallied to the rescue of the town. A company from Shepherdstown, composed. principally of employ é& of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Companys a battalion of military from Frederick county, Va., and another from Jefferson county, Va.,and also = battalioms Frederick, Md., had closed in on Harper’s Ferry befor@ nightfall. The Virginia troops were under the. command of Colonel Gibson, The Shephedstown company approach< ed the town over the mountain. By the Bolivar road, tha Frederick, Va., company by, the Shenandoah river wayy and the Jefferson county company came down the Potoe mac river route, while the Maryland company approached, the town from across the railroad bridge. We do not know the precise hour at which these troop@ commenced a simultaneous attack: on the. insurrections iste, but according to a statement of the special despatch that left Harper's Ferry at daybreak this morning, by nightfall, after fighting in the street, in which some ning of the citizens were killed and wounded in all, from th@ commencement of the outbreak om the night befores and fifteen insurrectionists wore killed and wounded; tha latter bad been gradually driven to take refuge with the prisoners they held still in their custody in one governs {CONTINUED ON TENTH PAGE]