BOUND FOR GLORY John Wilkes Booth and the Richmond Grays The Journey to Charlestown 1859

By Angela Smythe May 10, 2012

The Feast of St. Crispin Speech We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he neer so vile, This day shall gentle his condition.
Henry V by William Shakespeare The use of the term brothers to describe the unity felt amongst men of war did not start with Shakespeares words, yet almost 500 years later, his maxim of A Band of Brothers remains its embodiment. The men who comprised this journeys particular Band of Brothers, were citizen soldiers from antebellum Richmond, members of the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. In 1859, although many of these men were not familiar with The Feast of Saint Crispin speech or the phrase Band of Brothers, they certainly were familiar as volunteer militiamen with the feelings of unity it represented. On that autumn night in Richmond on November 19th, the clarion call to arms sending them to the anticipated seat of war in Charlestown was not merely the sound of the alarm bell pealing in Capitol Square, it was their sense of brotherhood. In just a few years, all would be familiar with the phrase We are a Band of Brothers when chosen as the opening declaration in the Confederacys heralded marching song Bonnie Blue Flag. Despite the familiarity of that phrase and the frequency of its use, there is no more fitting definition for these men who on Saturday night, November 19, 1859, gathered and departed on their journey from Richmond Bound for Glory. That night, be he neer so vile, they were all A Band of Brothers. This work is dedicated to them 1

This article is the third in the continuing series on John Wilkes Booth and the Richmond Grays. The earlier companion pieces, Has He Been Hiding in Plain Sight - John Wilkes Booth and the Richmond Grays (May 2010) and Out of Hiding - John Wilkes Booth and the Richmond Grays (May 2011) , both examined period militia images, searching for the group militia picture that Asia Booth Clarke saw which contained her brother: He (John Wilkes Booth) left Richmond and unsought enrolled himself as one of the party going to search for and capture John Brownand I have been shown a picture of himself and others in their scout and sentinel dresses (Clarke, Asia Booth, The Unlocked Book; A Memoir of John Wilkes Booth by his Sister, New York, G.P. Putnams Sons, 1938, pg. 111-112.) Bound For Glory is a different search for yet another picture, the true picture of just how Asias brother unsought enrolled himself on the evening of November 19, 1859. Among the many men who sought to volunteer that night, John Wilkes Booth alone was allowed to join his adopted Band of Brothers, the Richmond Grays, when they accompanied Governor Henry A. Wise on a special military train, deployed to the anticipated seat of war at Charlestown. Bound for Glory: Reconstructs that nights events using period sources Presents additional information on John Wilkes Booths association with the Richmond Grays Examines the overlooked recollection by Richmond Gray John O. Taylor, which Correctly chronicles how John Wilkes Booth boarded the military train that evening Clarifies previously known facts about that event found in other, more frequently cited, recollections, and Provides a complete and comprehensive picture of the November 19, 1859 journey to Charlestown.

All aboard
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Table of Contents
I. Saturday Evening, November 19, 1859 Reconstructing the Scene that Night Pages 4 Richmonds Militia Experience What did it mean to be amongst a Band of Brothers? Page 9

II.

III. The Richmond Grays John Wilkes Booths Adopted Band of Brothers Pages 20 IV. Traveling in The Cars in 1859 The Railroad Experience Page 60 V. Bound for Glory with Henry Wise Chronicling the Trip to Charlestown, November 19-20, 1859 Page 84

VI. Epilogue Page 116 Credits/Acknowledgments Page 122 References Page 123 Sources Pages 124-125

SATURDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 19, 1859 RECONSTRUCTING THE SCENE THAT NIGHT
The several companies of the regiment responded quickly, and the wildest enthusiasm prevailed. They were then only young and inexperienced soldiers, who had many a bitter lesson to learn afterwards. But for the moment they were heroes in the eyes of the assembled mothers, wives and sweethearts, heroes who were about to risk their lives in the then much talked about irrepressible conflict. There were however, in the great multitude which gathered at the point of departure those who scanned with anxious eyes the future, of which this was but the rising of the curtain (John Brown, The New York Sun, Firemans Magazine, Vol. IX, No. 1, January 1885.) THE CURTAIN RISES The night was a pleasant one, comfortably warm for November. The remarkable events of Saturday, November 19, 1859, started off at 6 oclock sometime before dinner at the Executive Mansion when Governor Henry Wise received an alarming telegram sent by Colonel J. Lucius Davis, the officer in command at Charlestown, tasked with guarding the tried and condemned John Brown while Brown awaited execution. Davis telegram urged Wise to send 500 men immediately, [a] large force, armed with pikes and revolvers, is marching from Wheeling! Spitting out both tobacco and invective, Governor Wise reacted to the news and soon runners were seen darting between the magnetic telegraph office along Main Street and the Executive Mansion. Messengers were dispatched to summon the Secretary of the Commonwealth, the Colonel, and Adjutant of Richmonds 1st Regiment of Volunteers. News traveled like wildfire and soon an immense crowd assembled near the telegraph office wanting additional information. Realization that something momentous was happening spread throughout Richmond and in just a few minutes the entire city would be in pandemonium. The signal for Richmonds militia to gather was given. The calls distinctive repeating ringing could be heard coming from the nearby Bell Tower in Capitol Square, the volunteers clarion call to arms. While the alarm bell pealed, Richmonds citizen soldiers from all walks of life were seen running to their militia armories and rendezvous points to receive instructions from their captains, then 4

darting home to arm and outfit themselves, scrambling to assemble at the northbound railroad depot for an imminent departure. Excitement mounted with each peal of the alarm bell. An emergency was at hand. Families poured out of their homes. Soon volunteers in uniform, muskets in hand, were seen rushing from every quarter of the city towards the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Depot near the Marshall Theater on Broad Street from where the evening mail train had just pulled out. The excitement intensified, hundreds of citizens converged on the Executive Mansion, crowding the grounds at Capitol Square. What had happened? What was the emergency for which Governor Wise had called out the militia? Davis initial telegram by this time had been updated. [t]he Old Dominion had been invaded by 800 armed men who had crossed from Pennsylvania and Ohio. It was believed this invading force was on its way to Charlestown to rescue John Brown, subverting and preventing the lawful justice of the Commonwealth of Virginia from being carried out. Osawatomie Brown, fresh from bloodshed in Kansas, had committed murder and mayhem against peaceful citizens in Virginia; and Old Brown had been lawfully tried and convicted. Now, with the aid of Northern sympathizers would he escape his rightful punishment? Richmond was fully engulfed in an ever-widening circle of excitement, awash with patriotic indignation and surging with State pride. While his 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers readied to depart, Governor Wise ordered Edwin Robinson, President of the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, to provide a special train for the militarys immediate departure. A telegram was sent to the railroads terminus at Fredericksburg ordering the connecting steamer carrying the mail to Washington be detained to wait for the arrival of the special troop train, so that Wise and his men could be forwarded promptly on their continued journey to Charlestown. By 7:30 a locomotive and nine cars had assembled on the tracks at the depot, which ran down the center of Broad Street. The train took up several blocks opposite the Marshall Theater. While waiting for the regiment to form, the sound of the locomotive out gassing steam created a loud Hisssss that interfered with the scheduled performance at the theater. Manager Kunkel would have a disappointing house that night. On this evening, his audience would find the greater show to be the one seen outside on the streets, rather than watching The Filibuster and The Toodles on stage. 5

The 12 acres of Richmonds Capitol Square containing the Governors Mansion were massed by excited men, women and children. There were thousands more on the intervening three blocks between Capitol Square and the area of the depot. By 8:30 reports of up to 10,000 people, comprising almost a third of Richmonds entire population, were packed into this small area. Coming from the depot, the music of the city militias faithful companion, Smiths Armory Band, could be heard. By 9 oclock, the individual companies of the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers had assembled at the depot, fully armed and equipped. The men knew this would be no holiday parade but a summons to actual service, and their families and friends knew this as well. While Smiths Armory band played The Girl I Left Behind Me, the women of Richmond were both crying and cheering as their husbands, sons, brothers and lovers assembled in ranks, the roll being taken by their company commanders. The feelings were intense. The parting of the volunteers from their families had all the semblance and in fact the reality, of departing for war. Children clung to their fathers and friends wished friends, for such these citizen soldiers were, farewell, perhaps their last farewell. Shouts went up from the enormous crowd. The resounding roars echoed through to the remotest parts of the city as each company marched up and formed into line. The Richmond Grays The Richmond Light Infantry Blues Company F The Montgomery Guards The Young Guard The Howitzer Corp The Virginia Rifles Civilians were seized with a military enthusiasm which would do honor to a Zouave. While the company rolls were taken, large numbers of independent volunteers appeared at the depot, armed and ready to go. Their services were refused and the thousands not belonging to any military organization compelled to remain behind would have gladly exchanged places with those who had gone on, in their zeal to be permitted to share the glory of those who have left. 6

By this time, Governor Wise had somehow been able to press through the chaotic scene at Capitol Square and the thousands lining the streets to arrive at the depot. Somewhere nearby, Wise established a temporary headquarters. In October, Henry Wise and his 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers had reached Harpers Ferry too late to intervene during the initial conflict due to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroads delay in forwarding a connecting train. He and his troops had missed the fight, but saw its carnage upon their arrival, greeted by the battles dead laying on the streets. Robert E. Lee and the United States Marines had already done their work, and By God, he, and Virginia would not be late this time. Wise had his armor buckled on ready for the fray, and would now personally lead Virginia and its gallant citizen soldiers to the anticipated seat of war. Already known at home as gentlemen and with his indomitable eye upon them, Wise fully expected these men of the 1st Virginia to now earn the character of soldiers. They knew better than to disappoint. All expected a fight and were fired up for one. While awaiting last minute updates, Wise telegraphed Washington to ensure that additional ammunition was available at the Federal arsenal. As he had done in the October deployment, Wise sent telegrams to President James Buchanan and the Governor Hicks of Maryland for authorization to pass through their jurisdictions with armed troops. Satisfied that all had now been done and accompanied by some of Richmonds leading citizens, Wise approached the cars. Smiths Armory Band saluted the Governors arrival and played Hail to the Chief. As he neared the cars loading platform, Governor Wise was swamped by the enormous crowd which pressed upon him, each man strove to take his hand as he endeavored to advance towards the waiting train. Amidst the scenes wild enthusiasm and deafening shouts of approval, the high-strung Wise, the game cock of the Accomac, was uncharacteristically calm and collected. On that night, the excitable Henry Wise was for once the eye of the hurricane. After all had boarded and the Governor and his staff were settled in the last car of the train, likely RF&P Railroad President Robinsons Directors car, loaned for the trip, the signal to pull out was given and the trains warning whistle began to blow. While the surging crowd was urged back from the tracks, Smiths Band played Hail Columbia and the iron horse with valves open and festooned with flags of the then still United States started to move. As the nine cars lurched forward, the air was rent with cheer after cheer which seemed to shake the very heavens. 7

In Broad Streets dim gas lighting, the men who had left their homes and loved ones, possibly forever, strained for one last look from coach windows, searching for familiar faces from amongst the thousands. Moving slowly up Broad Street, the train gathered steam, the crowds roars and huzzahs eclipsed the sounds of the engine and the rattling of the coaches. Smiths band played The Old Folks at Home while a sea of white handkerchiefs waved them goodbye in the night. Following the last coach, hundreds of men ran behind the train, waving their hats and shouting encouragements. The non-enrolled members left behind bemoaned their fate as they followed the cars, carrying the lucky ones, their friends and fellow citizens, on their way to defend Virginias sacred soil against the aiders and abettors of Old Brown. As the tracks disappeared into darkness, the train and the approximate 400 men that it carried pulled out of Richmond into the night to meet an uncertain future on their journey to Charlestown, Bound for Glory. It was an unforgettable scene. Sometime during those few hours, the unsought John Wilkes Booth had managed to enroll himself as a member of the Richmond Grays and board that train. From his connection with the militia on this occasion he was wont to trace his fealty to Virginia. He would proudly recall that night and his next 18 days of uniformed service to Virginia for the rest of his life, and remember it during his few remaining hours before his death. That evening, amongst all of those non-enrolled men who so desperately wanted to go and were turned away, how did John Wilkes Booth alone succeed? Out of the entire 1st Regiment, why did the Richmond Grays adopt Booth as a member of their Band of Brothers?

RICHMONDS MILITIA EXPERIENCE WHAT DID IT MEAN TO BE AMONGST A BAND OF BROTHERS?

In 1851, Richmonds volunteer companies which formed the core of the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers were the Richmond Grays, Company F, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, the Young Guard, the Montgomery Guards, and the Virginia Rifles. In 1859, a new company, the Richmond Howitzers provided a total regimental complement of approximately 412 men and officers. The militia provided a place for men to share fraternal feelings, a fellowship, which for the most part cut across social classes and religious affiliations. The officers and men that comprised these citizen soldiers did not follow the rigid ranking of line military organizations. A private might be, and often was, the social superior of his 1st Lieutenant. Governor Wises November 1859 call up of volunteers included privates Judge Wheat and Charles W. Russell, Esq., General Counsel for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, who both served in a volunteer company from Wheeling, Virginia. There are not a few persons carrying muskets in its ranks worth from one hundred thousand to near half a million of dollars. (Volunteers in Virginia, Nov. 30, 1859, Baltimore Sun) Between January and October, the militia, marching in full dress parades, honored certain major holidays. Those regimental events consisted of dates set aside to commemorate the Battle of New Orleans (January 8th), Washington's Birthday (February 22nd), Independence Day (July 4th) and ended with the largest civicmilitary event of the year, the commemoration of the British surrender at York Town. (October 19th.) THE SOCIAL ASPECTS The militias primary function was to serve as a ready fighting force in response to either an external or an internal threat. However, by the 1850s the threat of Indian raids had disappeared and the militia had been become more a social organization than a military one. Membership in the militia provided the opportunity for male bonding accompanied by a plentiful supply of alcohol and burdened with a minimum amount of obligatory drilling. Grateful citizens were always in attendance to approve and applaud Richmonds volunteer force who paraded under their eyes, accompanied all the while by the melodious strains from Smiths Armory Band. Young men will put themselves in handsome uniforms and attend a 9

few drills, just to enable them to turn out on public occasions to be gazed at. (The Proposed Military Encampment, August 27, 1860, Richmond Whig) Each militia identified days of the month to muster in uniform. A uniform and a brass band still lent a military aspect to the required musters, but pre 1861, a little marching went hand in hand with the pronounced social aspects of militia life, particularly the excursions. EXCURSIONS: DRILLING, DRINKING AND DANCING The militia social excursion season ran yearly from May to October. Organized excursions included drinking, balls, barbecues and grand parades, conducted under the approving, and hopefully adoring, eyes of the ladies, which included sisters, mothers, and wives, and sweethearts. These were public occasions, tickets were sold and the proceeds used to benefit the company hosting the event. For example, the October 19, 1854 The Richmond Enquirer announced Richmonds Young Guard militias last retreat of the season at Slash Cottage. The article referred to a separate notice for participants in their advertising column. The notice ran under Amusements in the same issue of the Enquirer. It stated that the Young Guard would be making their fourth and last excursion of the season on Thursday. This advertised events of this decidedly unmilitary excursion consisted of: George Kunkels Nightingale Opera Troupe Balloon ascension by Professor Elliott (The Aeronaut) Ball for the Young Guard Cotillion music from Smiths Armory Band All at the cottage at the same evening Similarly in 1858, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues announced one of their Military Fairs at Richmonds Corinthian Hall which would commence on Monday, July 5, 1858 and run for one week. The Hall will be brilliantly illuminated, and handsomely decorated. The tables will be supplied with every delicacy of the season and will be superintended by ladies who have kindly consented to attend them. The Armory Band will be in attendance each evening. Admission was payable either by the day or for the week. (Advertisement, June 29, 1858, Richmond Whig.) 10

SLASH COTTAGE (ASHLAND), A FAVORITE EXCURSION VENUE In 1851 Richmond Frederick & Potomac President Edwin Robinson began building Slash Cottage, a long, low building with a large room suitable for balls, picnics and other gatherings. It was called Slash Cottage because it was built in an area known as The Slashes, located approximately 16 miles from Richmond along the railroads line to Aquia Creek. Within just a few years, the initial building was enlarged and improved and additional ancillary buildings were erected for entertainment purposes and the accommodation of guests. The improvements included a large three-peaked roof ballroom, a bowling alley, a billiard hall, a shooting gallery and a spacious bar. The grounds were also enlarged and improved, gravel walkways laid, shade trees and foliage planted and a gashouse installed to provide lighting for the grounds and buildings at night. In April 1855, the two-story hotel with its intricate gingerbread faade was officially opened during that years annual dinner celebrating the birth of local native son Henry Clay. (Alexandria Gazette April 16, 1855) In 1858, the area known as The Slashes became the City of Ashland. Whether termed, outings, excursions or retreats, Slash Cottage provided an ideal locale for the Richmond militias highly social and very public events. Many of the companies held events on its grounds, including the Richmond Grays. Slash Cottage not only provided attractive amenities, ballroom, billiard hall, ten pens area, banquet area, beautiful grounds, shooting gallery, bar and even a racecourse, but was located on property owned by the popular Edwin Robinson, who was himself associated with the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. Robinson had served as Quartermaster during at least one 1st Virginia sponsored event, and was the purveyor of many a civic feast for the companies public ceremonies in Richmond. His generosity and public spirit marked him as a prince among good fellows. His railroads conveniently scheduled accommodation (commuter) trains made for a pleasant day trip to Ashland and Slash Cottage. Travelers could leave Richmond and return within a few hours.

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Slash Cottage and surrounding grounds Courtesy Ashland Museum

Hotel at Slash Cottage circa 1868 Image Courtesy the Ashland Museum The hotels general architectural features and structure would have remained constant from antebellum years

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1ST VIRGINIA REGIMENT RETREAT AT ASHLAND MAY 25 28, 1858 CAMP ROBINSON

Military Encampment at Camp Robinson at Slash Cottage depicts the 1st Virginia Regimental Retreat held May 25 28, 1858. In Virginia Volunteers 1861-65, the lithograph is from A Richmond Album, by Earl Lutz, published by Garrett & Massie in 1937. Print depicts the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers May 25-28, 1858 retreat including Richmond Grays Image Courtesy the Ashland Museum Named in honor of the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad President Edwin Robinson, Camp Robinson was the name of the grounds at Ashland used by the 1st Virginia Regiment for their last prewar retreat held May 25 28, 1858. The companies participating included the Richmond Grays, the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, the Virginia Rifles and the Young Guard. The grounds were located in an area then referred to as Peter Tinsleys Field in the area now known as Woodland Cemetery. The Alexandria Gazette of May 18, 1858 provided Camp Robinsons day-by-day schedule. Out of the three days, other than pitching and breaking up of the tents, there was one lone military activity on Tuesday, sandwiched in between a barbecue 13

lunch and a grand ball that evening. Their return to Richmond was timed to ensure another opportunity to be gazed at by their fellow citizens. The Schedule Saturday, May 25th: The men arrive and pitch tents Sunday: May 26th Rev. J.L. Burrows officiating as chaplain will preach a sermon Monday: May 27th: In the afternoon, the young ladies of the principal schools of Richmond will pay a visit Tuesday: May 28th The regiment will be drilled in the presence of Gov. Henry Wise, members of the City Council and will be reviewed by the Governor. Prior to the drill, the guests of the regiment will be invited to partake of an old-fashioned Virginia barbecue. That night the grand ball will take place. Wednesday, May 29th: The camp breaks up in time to return to Richmond in time to march through the streets to receive the admiring glances of their masculine fellow citizens and the approving smiles of the ladies. This social aspect of militia life, particularly the drinking, was not confined to the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers or Virginia.

During this period in Richmond, whenever parading, drilling or marching was done, it was always accompanied by plentiful food and drink, especially drink. A veteran of these excursions, Richmonder Johann Gottfried Lange recalled of one particular occasion when a Baltimore militia participated. 14

"Through irregular meals and a lot of drinking during these days I didn't feel so good and was glad to sit in a corner of the train and take a little nap. But hardly had I fallen asleep when a group of the Baltimore Law Greys came into our compartment with glasses and champagne bottles in their hands. No one dared to think of sleeping. Soldiers were running back and forth and it seemed as if an extra wagon full of liqueur and wine had been hung onto the locomotive. (Kimball, Gregg D., American City, Southern Place, University of Georgia Press, page 192. Typescript translation of Lange's manuscript held by the Virginia Historical Society) Since Mr. Lange himself the proprietor of a lager beer establishment in Richmond, the amount of drinking which occasioned his remarks must have indeed reached epic proportions. The overindulgence in liquor at these excursions no doubt compelled this exchange published in the Richmond Dispatch on April 17, 1854 between a gentleman in Richmond and his friend in Petersburg regarding an invitation to attend a militia ball at Slash Cottage. Come over this evening and go with me to the ball at Slash Cottage. The response was Ill see you d____d first. Ive joined the church and dont go to such places! The Dispatch dryly added: Comment is unnecessary.

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Target Excursion on Broadway, Circa 1850 New York Public Library Picture Collection Online Although this militia scene is depicted in New York, the depiction Was universal, it could have been anywhere. (Whitmans Brooklyn, a virtual visit circa 1850)

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THE OLD FIRSTS CONSTANT COMPANION SMITHS ARMORY BAND

Arms and Equipment of the Confederacy (Echoes of Glory)Time Life Books Gettysburg National Military Park Museum Courtesy collection of Mark A. Eldrod (Photograph taken on assignment for Echoes of Glory by Larry Sherer, assisted by Andrew Patilla. To date, this is the only known group image of members of Smiths Armory Band, undated with no identifications

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A constant companion of Richmonds militia was Smiths Armory Band, their musical renditions were a staple for the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers. The band, led by British born and profesionally trained musician James Bolton Smith played at all of the formal receptions, parades and militia events held in and around Richmond. Smith and his Armory Band were in high demand to provide stirring accompaniment at yearly holiday celebrations, special events, the public concerts held in Capitol Square as well as cotillions, balls and gala dinners. Advertisements announcing music by the band were guaranteed to draw a good crowd and sell a lot of tickets. The bands musical promenades through the meandering pathways of Capitol Square, either on foot or conveyed upon a flower garlanded wagon, were greatly appreciated by the belles and beaux of the City. By 1856, Smith and his Armory Band had become the musical pride of Richmond. While they do not make so great a noise as bands composed of 25 men, they produce that which is much more pleasing to the ear of a musician perfect harmony.(Richmond Daily Dispatch, Nov. 11, 1856) In August of 1859, the band accompanied the Richmond Grays on a fraternal visit to New Yorks 7th Regiment. Historic newspaper accounts of the period indicate the band during that visit was composed of 13 members. James. B. Smith (Leader) James M. Melton, first coronet Andrew Muller Edward Lehman Fred Fox Michael Cardona Joseph Ritterouse William Tremmer, second coronet John Boucher, first tuba John Illig Thomas Pulling Alexander Hefferman Joseph Hirschburg The above list of men most likely comprised the band for the balance of that year, including both the October and November John Brown militia deployments orderd by Governor Henry Wise.

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On the November night when the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers left Richmond for Charlestown, the band sent them off in style. The point of rendez-vous was in Broad Street, near Ninth where stood a special train ready to take the troops to the scene of action. Just before the moment of starting Henry A. Wise, the Governor of Virginia, arrived, and when it was announced that that he had left the cares of state to engage in the supposed carnage of the coming battle the cheers for the game-cock of the Accomac were long and vociferous. As he entered the cars, the band, led by James Smith, a noted coronet player in those days, played Hail to the Chief, and as the train moved slowly up Broad Street, followed by thousands on a half-run along the sidewalks, the air was changed to The Girl I Left Behind Me:, and The Old Folks at Home(John Brown, The New York Sun, Firemans Magazine, Vol. IX, No. 1, January 1885.) Apparently, 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers could not be separated from its band, for within a few days after the militia deployment, Smith and his Armory Band were in Charlestown, dispatched by Governor Wise. A military band from Richmond arrived here this afternoon. This evening they are merrily serenading Gen. Talliaferro and other persons of distinction. The air is filled withtheir brilliant strains. The terror of the populace is forgotten now (Revelry - From Charlestown- , 12/02/1859, New York Herald-Tribune.) Songs specifically mentioned by newspaper accounts during the 1859 1st Viriginia Regiment deployments included the following rousing selections. Star Spangled Banner Hail Columbia The Girl I left behind me The Marseillaise The Old Folks at Home In addition to this list, the band undoubtedly played other current favorites, including Carry Me Back to Old Virginia (played during the return of southern medical students to Virginia later in Dec. 59) and the Irish Jaunting Car, a melody which in 2 years would be used for the Confederacys marching standard The Bonnie Blue Flag. 19

THE RICHMOND GRAYS JOHN WILKES BOOTHS ADOPTED BAND OF BROTHERS

The approximate 80 enrolled members of the Richmond Grays that boarded the November 19, 1859 train came from diverse backgrounds and economic levels. The First Families of Virginia and those of recent German and Polish immigrants both contributed to its ranks. One member claimed the most highly prized lineage in all of Virginia, descent from Pocahontas. Among the occupations represented were lawyers and editors, laborers and merchants, at least one scholar, clerks of all types, printers, tailors, painters, upholsterers, house builders, saloonkeepers, jewelers, watchmakers, pharmacists and a dentist. The lone non-enrolled member that night was an actor visiting from Maryland, John Wilkes Booth. The New York 7th Regiment, or National Guard, was held in special reverence in Richmond. In fact, the Richmond Grays, when organized in 1844 adopted the color of the New York 7ths uniform from which the Grays derived their name. By 1858 the Grays were viewed as Richmonds standard of drilling excellence with proud comparisons heralding them as the equal of the much-vaunted New York 7th. We have, at least, one company in Richmond, which will compare, in some respects, with any corps in the Seventh Regiment of New York (City Matters, Nov. 30, 1858, Richmond Whig.) Governor Henry Wise would himself later toast to the Grays and state that they were the best drilled company of Virginia whilst I was Governor of the State (New York Daily Reformer, June 20, 1866.) On the other hand, some of Richmonds militia companies fell short. In April 1859 the Richmond Whig contrasted a newly formed volunteer companys less than spectacular execution of flat foots with the previous days fine marching display put on by the Grays. The article derided the newcomers as a burlesque as they marched through the streets with a martial step resembling the intrepid progress of an equine quadruped (sic) towards a peck of oats. The article went on to decry the mercifully unidentified companys failures, including that the sojers appeared to have great difficulty distinguishing left from right with half of the company marching while ludicrously smoking cigars(City Items The Militia, Richmond Whig,, April 29, 1859.)

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WHY WAS BOOTH ACCEPTED? From all accounts, John Wilkes Booth had all of the major qualifications necessary for acceptance. He was a fellow Southerner, a social favorite, possessed the demeanor of a Virginia Gentleman, shared the Quixotic notions of a Southern Knight, was One of the Boys, and he was no flat foot. In addition to all of this, Wilkes Booth was a remarkably handsome, engaging, and very entertaining young man. He was the total package. A FELLOW SOUTHERNER Born and raised in Virginias sister state of Maryland, "John Wilkes Booth was always an intense Southerner in all his feelings and thoughts and often heard him give expression to theses southern sympathies" [Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, (1901), emphasis added.] When the John Brown raid occurred, Booth left the Richmond Theater for the scene of strife in a picked company with which he had affiliated for some time. From his connection with the militia on this occasion he was wont to trace his fealty to Virginia [Townsend, George Alfred, New York, Dick & Fitzgerald, The Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth, (1865), Page 22, emphasis added.] John "[j]oined a Virginia regiment at Richmond on the occasion of John Brown's attack and proclaimed himself a champion of the South" [John T. Ford's Recollections', Baltimore American, June 8, 1893, emphasis added.] A SOCIAL FAVORITE During the 1858-59 seasons, Wilkes Booth had entered heartily into the social life of Richmondhandsome, romantic and dashing(A History of Richmond, 1607-1861, Wirt Armistead Cate, 1943 Unpublished manuscript, Valentine Richmond History Center, emphasis added.)

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He was a man of high character and sociable disposition, liked by everyone with whom he associatedwas considered very handsome (Crutchfield, George. Personal Letter to E.V. Valentine dated July 5, 1904, V.M.T.C. emphasis added.) Entertaining chap he was. (George W. Libby recalls incidents of the War between the States, Richmond Times Dispatch, July 7, 1929) In Richmond, while connected with the theater, he was a great social favorite, knowing all of the best men and many of the finest women. This faculty of social success was heredityWith men, John Wilkes was most dignified in demeanor, bearing himself with insouciant care and grace, and was a brilliant talker. With women he was a man of irresistible fascination by reason of his superbly handsome face, conversational brilliancy and a peculiar halo of romance with which he invested himself, and which the ardent imagination of women amplified (Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, 1901, emphasis added. ) He acted with a brilliant dash and sweep that was irresistible. To women in such parts he was an imperious fascination. Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, 1901, emphasis added.) He was a most charming fellow off the stage as well as on, a man of flashing wit and magnetic manner. He was one of the best raconteurs to whom I ever listenedHe could hold a group spellbound by the hour at the force and fire and beauty of himHe was the idol of women. They would rave of him, his voice, his hair, his eyes. Small wonder, for he was fascinating(Wilson, Francis, John Wilkes Booth, Fact and Fiction of Lincolns Assassination, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1929, pg. 17, quoting Sir Charles, emphasis added. )

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A VIRGINIA GENTLEMAN

I remember encountering on in one of my afternoon walks uptown a handsome young gentleman, who was dressed a la mode, and carried himself like a Virginia gentleman to the manner born. I had seen him on the boards of the Marshall Theater in a subordinate role, and recognized (him) by face and figure. It is said commonly that one may know an actor off stage by the formal strut, the affected manner he uses. If so, Mr. Booth was an exception to the rule (Recollection of Charles M. Wallace, Sr. Richmond in By Gone Days, Richmond Times Dispatch, June 24, 1906, emphasis added.)

The concepts of manliness and brotherhood, which were integral parts of antebellum militia camaraderie, were adorned with storybook overtones of chivalry, gallantry and knighthood. Allusions to knightly behavior, combat in the lists, facing the fabled black knight, ring tournaments and gallantry, these were cherished southern romantic associations held by The Chivalry. Booth, a fellow southern boy from Maryland, culturally identified with these traditions, shared the same romantic allegories, and defined himself within this same idealized image of manhood. Henry Wises famous remark upon defeating Know Nothingism in his 1856 Gubernatorial campaign proudly used the same romantic association of knightly combat in the lists. I have met the Black Knight with his visor down and his shield and lance are broken! Henry A. Wises speech in Washington, Baltimore Sun May 26, 1856, Brown Hotel) The southerner not only read of knights competing in the lists, but in their fields, they recreated that world, or at least the 19th centurys interpretation of it in their cherished Ring Tournaments. In his article, The Knights of the Lance in the 23

South, author Hanson Hiss stated, The tourney (tournament), its inception to the present day (1897) has been a sport entirely Southern, and peculiarly fitted to the temperament and environment of the South. The only material difference between the ancient and modern tourney lies in the fact that instead of tilting at approaching knights, the rider of to-day dashes down a straight course and with his lance captures rings suspended from a cross bar. (Outing, an Illustrated Magazine of Sport, Travel and Recreation, Oct. 1897-March 1898, Vol. XXX1, pages 338-341)

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National Jousting Association JOHN WILKES BOOTH AND THE RING TOURNAMENT Observance of these fanciful events was most deeply rooted amongst The Chivalry in Virginia and neighboring Maryland. A picturesque area known as Deer Creek Rocks was near the Booth family farm of Tudor Hall in Bel Air, Maryland. The Rocks was known both as a popular picnic destination and home for the regions yearly Ring Tournaments. Booths sister Asia speaks of his highly trained and beautiful black colt without a white hair or spot Cola di Rienzi, whose mane and tail she plaited in small braids. (Clarke, The Unlocked Book, Pg. 76.) In 1857, 19 year old John and Cola (whom Asia noted to have an Ivanhoe forehead) were noted to be preparing for the annual Knights in Armor Tournament held at deer Creek Rocks. John spent the years from 1855 to 1857 in study with only amateur participation in the theater or in pageants such as was held at Deer Creek Rocks at annual festivals. Horses and skill in riding was his love at this point. (Samples, Gordon, Lust for Fame, The Stage Career of John Wilkes Booth, McFarland and Company, 1982, page 17-18) John liked to take part in local horse tournaments with lances where 26

one competed at spearing rings hanging from a tree (Smith, Gene, American Gothic, Simon & Schuster, 1992, pg. 61.) QUIXOTIC NOTIONS How absurd, how utterly Quixotic (emphasis added), such a course seems to us today! Yet in that time, not only was it deemed no absurdity, but a great number of the community, in fact a majority, regarded it as natural and manly, evincing chivalry of the very highest order (Wise, John Sergeant, End of an Era, Houghton Mifflin, 1899, pg. 66.) In 1881, John Wilkes brother Edwin recalled him too as filled with what he deemed Quixotic notions. While at the farm in Maryland, he would charge on horseback though the woods spouting heroic speeches with a lance in his hand, a relic of the Mexican war, given to father by some soldier who had served under (President) Tyler. (Letter from Edwin Booth to Nathum Capen, Windsor Hotel, London July 28, 1881). Edwins comments indicate that while a fellow Marylander born and raised in the same family and in the same household, Edwin failed to comprehend its cultural significance. To him these actions were indeed inexplicable Quixotic Notions. However, to his younger brother, a southern boy from Maryland, they were the actions of a Knight rehearsing for a Ring Tournament. Stanley Kimmel stated that Old Belair (sic) newspapers of the time gave a description of these tournaments that appear to have been the source of Edwins description of Johns Quixotic notions. Kimmel believed that the behavior that Edwin described was an imitation of knights actions that John had observed previously at these tournaments. Kimmel also says, [i]f one follows John Wilkes boyhood days in Belair (sic) and on the farm this will not seem to indicate any freakish conduct on his part (Kimmel, Stanley, The Mad Booths of Maryland, Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1940, pg. 341-342.) Nonetheless, portraying John Wilkes Booths participation in these tournaments as indicating his having a freakish character persisted. At least his actions were peculiar. He was the one among Junius ten offspring who rode the 200 acre farm near Bel Aire (sic), Maryland on spirited mounts with desperate avidity 27

(Tucker, Glenn, John Wilkes Booth at the John Brown Hanging , Lincoln Herald Spring, 1976 Vol. 78, No. 1 ,pg 4 emphasis added.) To this day, the freakish or peculiar activity, known as the Ring Tournament, remains Marylands official State game. The image of a 19th century Sir Ivanhoe on the Rappahannock, seemed incongruous even to some in the South. He who would go about the world today with a metal pot upon his head, his family tree painted on his plate-covered breast and, with a pointed pole in his hand, To ride abroad redressing human wrong, would be regarded as worse than a mild lunatic. Yet men and women still flush over the sentiment that made Lancelot and the Lions Heart immortal. (De Leon, T.C., Belles, Beaux and Brains of the Sixties, 1907) And it certainly seemed incongruous to many in the north, where a southern mans Code of Chivalry was perceived as enigmatic Quixotic Notions, or worse. To quote Mark Twain, [t]hey all suffered from the Walter Scott Disease. Twain believed that Sir Walter had set the world in love with dreams and phantoms. Twains distain towards the Walter Scott Disease, as he called it, was aimed not so much at Scott, but more towards Scotts avid readers whom Twain blamed for creating a warped reality out of a fairy tale. Claiming this illusion had created a Southern mindset and behavior, which he felt was responsible for the war, Twain believed that Scotts impact on the southern psyche of the time, did measureless harm; more real and lasting harm, perhaps, than any other individual that ever wrote. (Clemens, S.L. (Mark Twain), Life on the Mississippi, Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1874, pg. 328.) ONE OF THE BOYS Wilkes Booth was one of the first to don his uniform. He had always been one of the boys in Richmond, ready for a fire or a fray (Notes and Correspondence of Mary Bella Beale in the David Rankin Barbee Papers, Georgetown University Library, Special Collections Research Center, Box 5, folder 280 emphasis added.) 28

Booth was highly skilled in the physical arts of southern manhood, which included riding and shooting. He was a superb all around athlete. Even in the earlier part of his career in Richmond, he was proficient with swords and weapons. HE WAS NO FLATFOOT According to Booths sister, Asia, he was drawn to a career in the military, or at the least to be a volunteer citizen soldier during his time in Richmond. John is crazy or enthusiastic about going for a soldier. I think he will get off. It has been his dearest ambition, perhaps it is his true vocation. (Kincaid, Deirdre Lindsay. Rough Magic: The Theatrical Life of John Wilkes Booth, PhD thesis, Univ. of Hull. 2000, pg. 77 [quotes: ML 518, Peale Museum. Written after Asias marriage and before Edwins, the date is between May 1859 and June 1860.]; Barber, Deirdre. A Man of Promise: John Wilkes Booth at Richmond Theatre Symposium: Theatre in the Antebellum South Vol. 2, Tuscaloosa, Al: Univ. Alabama Press, 1994, pp. 113-129] As a teenager, Booth had three years of military training attending St. Timothys Hall, in Maryland, a military academy of high repute. St. Timothys was principally supported by scholars south of the Mason and Dixons line (Clarke, Asia Booth, The Unlocked Book; A Memoir of John Wilkes Booth by his Sister, New York, G.P. Putnams Sons, 1938, pg. 157.) [There remains a persistent rumor that one of the members of the Richmond Grays was a fellow student at St. Timothys who knew Booth from their schoolboy days. The school had students from Virginia, but alas, no facts have been found to date identifying this individual.] With his first hand knowledge of drills coupled with witnessing the Regiment on parade, Booth was not an embarrassing flat foot, but someone who could readily fit in and keep up in parade formation, as he subsequently proved while in Charlestown where the Grays were lauded for their marching excellence and precision drilling.

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A REMARKABLY HANDSOME MAN When John Wilkes Booth was in the Richmond Stock Company he was very young. In his early twentieswas a little taller than his brother Edwin, possessed his marvelous intellectual and beautiful eyes, with great symmetry of features, an especially fine forehead and curly black hair. He was as handsome as a Greek god. It is saying a great deal but he was a much handsomer man than his brother Edwin. (Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, 1901, emphasis added.) With women he was a man of irresistible fascination by reason of his superbly handsome face, conversational brilliancy and a peculiar halo of romance with which he invested himself, and which the ardent imagination of women amplified (Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, 1901 emphasis added.) George Libby found Booth a remarkably handsome man, with a winning personality and remembered that he would regale us around the campfire with recitations from Shakespeare (Kincaid, Deirdre Lindsay. Rough Magic: The Theatrical Life of John Wilkes Booth, PhD thesis, Univ. of Hull. (2000), pg. 101 emphasis added.) He was a handsome man. [Quote from Dr. Joseph Southall, The John Wilkes Booth Story, Richmond Dispatch, Feb. 2, 1902 , emphasis added. Edwinadmired Wilkes, and thought that he had never beheld a being so perfectly handsome, (Clarke, Asia Booth, The Unlocked Book; A Memoir of John Wilkes Booth by his Sister, New York, G.P. Putnams Sons (1938), Pg. 120, emphasis added.) Picture to yourself Adonis, with high forehead, ascetic face corrected by rather full lips, sweeping black hair, a figure of perfect youthful proportions and the most wonderful black eyes in the world. Such was John Wilkes Booth (Wilson, Francis, John Wilkes Booth, Fact and Fiction of Lincolns Assassination, 30

Houghton Mifflin Company (1929), pg. 15, quote of Sir Charles Wyndham.) They would rave of him, his voice, his hair, his eyes. Small wonder, for he was fascinating(Wilson, Francis, John Wilkes Booth, Fact and Fiction of Lincolns Assassination, Houghton Mifflin Company (1929), pg. 17, quoting Sir Charles Wyndham, emphasis added. ) he (John Wilkes Booth) is improving fast, and looks beautiful upon the platform (Wilson, Francis, John Wilkes Booth, Fact and Fiction of Lincolns Assassination, Houghton Mifflin Company(1929), pg. 17, quoting Edwin Booth, emphasis added) THE TOTAL PACKAGE When not on the platform, Booths remarkable good looks and deportment as to the manner born made him instantly recognizable on the streets of Richmond. He was a great social favorite. An intense southerner in outlook and feeling, Booth identified with, and shared in, the southern culture, particularly in its cherished chivalric overtones. He combined both the manners of a Virginia gentleman with a sense of manly camaraderie to fit in as one of the boys who made up the ranks of Richmonds militia. With his three years of military training, Booth probably had as much if not more formal training than many of the enrolled members. To the cross section of Richmonds men who comprised the ranks of its volunteer soldiers, Booth was a perfect fit. To these men, Booth thought as they did, defined himself as they did, and responded as they did. It would be natural to be included as one of them because he was one of them. Added to all of this was the additional appeal of his lineage. Richmonders loved their theater and and John Wilkes late father, the legendary tragedian Junius Brutus Booth, remained a favored star. While in Richmond John used the last name of Wilkes as his stage name while he learned his craft as an actor, but it was no secret whose son the remarkably handsome and engaging young man was. Booth was known and well liked by his adopted band of brothers. Upon the Regiments return to Richmond from Charlestown, they come to Booths aid after the manager at the Richmond Theater terminated him for his absence. 31

"It is certain that when Wilkes Booth reached Richmond again, he was immediately discharged by Kunkel for having unceremoniously walked off from a performance at the theater, and was only reinstated upon the insistent demand of a number of his influential friends, among them members of the regiment he had accompanied"(A History of Richmond, 1607-1861, Wirt Armistead Cate, 1943 Unpublished manuscript, Valentine Richmond History Center, emphasis added.) The managers, Ford and Kunkel, discharged him for going to Charlestown, and upon this becoming known a large contingent of the First Virginia Regiment marched to the Theater and demanded that he be reinstated. And he was. (Wilkes Booth a Favorite Here, Richmond Times Dispatch, January 22, 1933) THE SHARED OUTINGS Was John Wilkes Booth at the Richmond Grays excursions and outings? The answer to that is yes. Booths participation was documented. As stated previously, the outings and excursions were public events traditionally advertised with the expectation that the proud denizens of Richmond would participate as a show of support for their citizen soldiers. The public was invited to attend, in fact any civicminded Richmonder would be expected to join in the festivities (which included music, picnics, barbecues, balls, cotillions, even balloon launches) as a show of support, often paying for tickets as a fundraiser for the militia company hosting the event to defray the cost. When the John Brown raid occurred, Booth left the Richmond Theater for the scene of strife in a picked company with which he had affiliated for some time. From his connection with the militia on this occasion he was wont to trace his fealty to Virginia. (Townsend, George Alfred, New York, Dick & Fitzgerald, The Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth, 1865, Page 22 emphasis added. ) Wilkes Booth, who was not a member of one of the companies, though he frequently attended the outings and parades of the Grays --- (A History of Richmond, 1607-1861, Wirt Armistead Cate, 1943 Unpublished manuscript; Valentine Richmond History Center emphasis added.) 32

In 1937, an earlier newspaper article by Richmonds celebrated newspaperman Herbert T. Ezekiel said that Booth belonged to the Grays, one of Richmonds crack militia companies, and frequented Shads Garden (a lager beer garden) located in a grove of trees to the south of Richmonds College, when it was located on West Broad Street[(Richmond News Leader, Feb. 12, 1937 emphasis added.) Schads Gardenwhere the shooting at targets and bowling was indulged in. (Quoted from Walthalls Hidden Things Brought to Light, May 6, 1933, Richmond Times Dispatch.)] John Wilkes was not a member of the Grays, but he had gone on several outings with that organization. When it was ordered to Harpers Ferry, Booth somehow managed to enlist and go along. (Dabney, Virginius, Doubleday & Company, 1976, Richmond, The Story of a City, pg. 157, emphasis added.)

There was nothing to preclude John Wilkes Booth from participating not only in events organized for the Richmond Grays, but in any event organized for any of the Richmond companies. Booth would have been drawn to attend these functions and likely did so on a regular basis from 1858 1860 whenever they coincided with the theatrical season of each year that he lived in Richmond. OUT OF ALL RICHMONDS MILITIA COMPANIES, WHY DID BOOTH CHOOSE THE GRAYS? Booth could have associated with any of Richmonds militia companies, but he chose the Richmond Grays. What prompted Booths association with the Richmond Grays and not Company F or the Richmond Light Infantry Blues or any of the other militia companies that comprised the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers? The nexus was most likely the Marshall Theater and its connection with two particular Richmond Grays, theater devotee Edward M. Alfriend and box keeper Miles T. Philips. Of the two, Alfriend is by far the likelier to have spent his free time with Booth, and hence served as the means of introduction to other Richmond Grays. In 1858 Alfriend and Booth were both single 20-year-old men. Edward M. Alfriend was drawn to follow a career in the dramatic or literary arts. Unfortunately, as the eldest son, Alfriend was expected to follow in his fathers 33

lucrative insurance business. Alfriend escaped from his daily drudge of examining actuary tables and insurance underwriting by spending his available free time at the theater, drinking in the creative juices and befriending the actors. From his association with the Marshall Theater, Alfriend became familiar with John Wilkes and knew him [Booth] well (Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, 1901.) On the other hand, fellow Richmond Gray Miles T. Philips at 35 was 14 years older, a married man with five daughters to support from his occupation of wallpaper hanger and upholsterer. Philips connection with the theater was strictly a monetary one, not one drawn from theatrical inspiration. Philips worked at the theater as a carpenter and as the theaters box keeper. He was not a young unmarried man with a flair for the dramatic, rebelling against his prescribed future by spending his free time at the theater dreaming of following the dramatic or literary arts. CLARIFICATION OF THE OCTOBER 17TH DEPLOYMENT The travel route from Richmond to Harpers Ferry required taking the Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad to Aquia Creek. Travel by Potomac steamship to Washington D.C. Taking the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through Maryland to enter again into Virginia and arrive at Harpers Ferry. In responding to John Browns initial attack at Harpers Ferry in October, Governor Wise and Company F left Richmond on the evening of October 17th. The balance of the 1st Regiment including the Richmond Grays departed the following morning. Only Wise and Company F were forwarded from Washington to Harpers Ferry. By the time the second group, which included the Richmond Grays, arrived in Washington on the following day, the engine house had already been stormed by the US marines under the command of Colonel Robert E. Lee, and Brown and his supporters captured. Bodies were still lying in the streets of Harpers Ferry, but the fighting itself was over; all of this happened before Wise and Company F had arrived. Wise sent a telegram to Colonel August in Washington thanking the balance of the 1st Virginia Regiment for their services, and instructed them to return to Richmond. (Speech of Governor Wise at Richmond, New York Herald, October 26, 1859, Wallace, Lee A., Jr., 1st Virginia Infantry, 3rd Edition, H.E. Howard, Inc., Lynchburg, Va., 1985, pg. 6, The Insurrection at Harpers Ferry, Alexandria Gazette, October 19, 1859, City Items, Richmond Whig, October 21, 1859.) 34

In many recollections when recalled decades later by men who were involved in both deployments, some details of both were run together. However, in October, the Grays never got beyond the nations capitol. Notably, Col. Lees departure from Washington during the October deployment has been cited as the first time that railroads were used to transport soldiers into action. First run of railroads to transport soldiers into action. Col. Robert E. Lee takes soldiers by train to end John Browns raid at Harpers Ferry. North American Railroad Chronological Table Appendix A, page 223: 1859 - (Daniels, Rudolph, Trains across the Continent, North American Railroad History, Second Edition, 1997/2000 Indiana University Press.) THE GRAYS DRESS REHEARSAL WHY DIDNT JOHN WILKES BOOTH GO WITH THE GRAYS IN OCTOBER? In 1940, Stanley Kimmel stated [y]et he [Booth] did not join the militia when it was ordered to entrain for Harpers Ferry to quell Browns rebellion. With actual danger confronting him, Wilkes explained his decision not to go by professing regard for his mothers request that he continue in the theater (Kimmel, Stanley, The Mad Booths of Maryland, 1940, The Bobs Merrill Company, Pg. 155 emphasis added.) Kimmel did not cite the source of this information. Whatever its source, it was incorrect. John Wilkes Booth could not offer his volunteer services when the fighting was going on at Harpers Ferry because he was not in Richmond when the Grays were deployed. On October 17, 1859, Wilkes Booth was in Lynchburg and would not return until after both Company F and the balance of the 1st Regiment returned to Richmond (October 19th 20.) In the week of October 17-21, part of the Richmond Company was in Lynchburg, where the annual exhibition of the Agricultural and Mechanical Society was drawing visitors, while the Richmond Theatre featured visiting star Maggie Mitchell. The Lynchburg Daily Virginian (Oct. 17) said that 'Messrs. Wilkes, Phillips, Johnson, and other favorites' were to play during the week. So when news began to break of Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry, Booth had no chance of joining the soldiers: he was preparing for performances of three short 35

comedies at Dudley Hall in Lynchburg. (Sock, Buskin & Musket: John Wilkes Booth and the John Brown Hanging, a talk given by Deirdre Barber Kincaid to the Civil War Round Table. Dates confirmed by Arthur F. Loux in John Wilkes Booth Day By Day. Booths absence from Richmond effectively counters Kimmels claim that Booth withheld his services during the earlier fighting at Harpers Ferry in an effort to escape any real combat. It also counters claims that Booth went on the second deployment out of envy, having witnessed the attention shown to men leaving during the October deployment. BOOTHS INTEREST IN MILITARY SERVICE WAS GENUINE Booths interest in military service was genuine, his desire to join the November deployment, and his success in doing so, were the subjects of family concern discussed at the time. John is crazy or enthusiastic about going for a soldier. I think he will get off. It has been his dearest ambition, perhaps it is his true vocation (Kincaid, Deirdre Lindsay. Rough Magic: The Theatrical Life of John Wilkes Booth, PhD thesis, Univ. of Hull. 2000, pg. 77 [quotes: ML 518, Peale Museum. Written after Asias marriage and before Edwins, the date is between May 1859 and June 1860.], Barber, Deirdre. A Man of Promise: John Wilkes Booth at Richmond Theatre Symposium: Theatre in the Antebellum South Vol. 2, Tuscaloosa, Al: Univ. Alabama Press, 1994, pp. 113-129.] Your news regarding the mad step, John has taken -- I confess did not surprise me -- if you remember, I told you I thought he would seize the opportunity. Tis a great pity he has not more sense -- but time will teach him -- although I fear the discipline is hardly severe enough to sicken him immediately with a "soldier's life." I hope nothing serious will occur there, for that would frighten your mother so -- and you being absent too (The letters and notebooks of Mary Devlin Booth, Edited by L. Terry Oggel, Page 22, letter from Mary Devlin to Edwin Booth, (NYPL - TC) Nov. 28, 1859 emphasis added.)

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On November 19, 1859, when presented with the chance to volunteer, John Wilkes Booth did so. Notably, out of all those non-enrolled men who offered to go (as evidenced in historic newspaper reports at the time), only he was accepted. (Local Matters Exciting News from Charlestown Departure of the Richmond Militia, Richmond Daily Dispatch, November 21, 1859.) [His participation was confirmed by numerous firsthand accounts and militia pay audit records for the period of November 19 December 6, 1859 (Record Group 46, Department of Military Affairs, John Browns Raid Muster Rolls, 1859-1860. Accession 27684, Library of Virginia.)] HOW DID BOOTH, UNSOUGHT ENROLL HIMSELF,AND BOARD THE TRAIN ON NOVEMBER 19TH WHEN OTHERS COULD NOT? First and foremost, unlike the earlier October deployment, Booth was in Richmond to seize the opportunity. Second, Booth socialized with these men before the John Brown deployment. That in itself was not exceptional; the men who comprised Richmonds volunteer companies were fellow citizens who spent only a portion of their time serving in the militia and any of these men could have attended the outings and excursions as well. However, no other non-enrolled man in Richmond boarded that special train on the evening of November 19th, 1859, and no company other than the Grays accepted a non-enrolled man. The overlooked recollection from Richmond Gray John O. Taylor directly addresses how Booth came to board the train that night. WHO WAS JOHN O. TAYLOR A year younger than John Wilkes Booth, John O. Taylor would turn twenty on November 21 while in Charlestown in 1859. Taylor was the Virginian born son of the very successful and transplanted New York commercial grocery merchant, William O. Taylor. After the war, Taylor enjoyed a successful career as a Richmond businessman. His brother Dr. William H. Taylor served as the coroner for the City of Richmond for forty-seven years, was Virginias State Chemist, and a Professor at the Medical College of Virginia. Taylors other brothers were CSA Captain Charles F. Taylor and Richard M. Taylor, a Mayor of the City of Richmond. (Recalls Event 74 Years Ago, John O. Taylor celebrates his 83rd Birthday Anniversary in Richmond, Richmond Times Dispatch, November 22, 1922) 37

BEST KNOWN RECOLLECTIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF JOHN WILKES BOOTHS UNSOUGHT ENROLLMENT IN THE RICHMOND GRAYS The most frequently cited and best-known eyewitness recollections of John Wilkes Booth departing Richmond for Charlestown are those of Richmond Grays Edward M. Alfriend, Philip Whitlock, and George W. Libby (Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth. New Era Magazine 1901; Philip Whitlock, The Life of Philip Whitlock, Written by Himself, unpublished manuscript, donated to VHS in 1973; Libby, George W. , John Brown and John Wilkes Booth, The Confederate Veteran, Issue 37, April 1930, pg. 138-139 [ See also Libby, George W. Libby Recalls Incidents of the War Between the States, Richmond Times Dispatch, July 7, 1929.] However, the common perception of Booths enrollment in the Grays stems from an article written by Glenn Tucker 117 years after the event. Tuckers article, which has become a widely cited source, paints the events as the clandestine acts of the young Libby and Bossieux who pulled Booth into the baggage car of the nonstop train to Charlestown ( Tucker, Glenn, John Wilkes Booth at the John Brown Hanging , Lincoln Herald Spring, 1976 Vol. 78, No. 1, pgs. 3-11. He (Libby) was the leading factor in covertly bringing John Wilkes Booth to Charlestown.(page 6), They pulled him into the baggage car and the train rattled away toward Charles Town (page 9.) However, when all the first hand recollections are examined, including the overlooked recollection of John O. Taylor, a very different picture emerges.

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THE JOURNEY FROM RICHMOND TO CHARLESTOWN ACCORDING TO RICHMOND GRAY JOHN O. TAYLOR Taylors recollections may be found in the newspaper article, John Brown Hanging; Recollections of a Member of the Richmond Grays, [Richmond Times Dispatch, May 1, 1904 (Newspaper Article)], and in the undated John Taylor manuscript, a two page typescript (Manuscript), donated by Taylors daughter, Mrs. Blanch (Taylor) King (1864-1938) to the Virginia Historical Society (File 3610-22-T.) According to Taylor: The bells on the Old Market, and the Bell House near Ninth and Franklin were tolled and the city was in a high state of excitement. The First Virginia Regiment composed of the Richmond Grays, Montgomery Guards, Company F, German Rifles and Second Howitzers, marched up Main Street up to Eight and Broad, where a long train of cars stood ready for the troops to embark. (Newspaper Article) The Train did not leave on time, but had to wait for Governor Wise; and Booth arrived just as they were ready to leave: We did not get off promptly as we had to wait for Gov. Wise who accompanied us. Just as we were about to start, Jno. Wilkes Booth (who killed Lincoln) --- (illeg) and boarded the train. (Manuscript) After all were aboard, Taylor saw John Wilkes Booth, an overcoat over his arm, come out of the Marshall Theater that evening in the company of Grays Edward M. Alfriend and board the coach the Grays were in: After all of us got on aboard, I saw John Wilkes Booth with an overcoat over his arm come out of the Marshall Theatre and in the company of Ed. M. Alfriend, board the coach the Grays were in. (Newspaper Article) Grays Captain Wyatt Mosely Elliott granted Booth permission to go with the Grays to Charlestown: Capt. Elliot granted him permission to go with us (Manuscript) 39

The troops traveled from Richmond to Aquia Creek, where they boarded a steamer bound for Washington, arriving at daybreak: When we arrived at Aquia Creek we boarded a steamer for Washington, arriving about daybreak. (Newspaper Article) The troops marched down Pennsylvania Avenue, led by Governor Wise with John Wilkes Booth walking behind him, again Booth with the overcoat over his arm: On marching down Pennsylvania Avenue, Gov. Wise with his high beaver hat, and his head up in the air, with a pair of silver specks over his nose, cut a big figure. John Wilkes Booth walked behind him with his overcoat on his arm. (Newspaper Article) In Washington, they boarded a B&O train to Relay House: We took a train on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and arrived promptly at Relay House. (Newspaper Article) EDWARD M. ALFRIEND, YET AGAIN Alfriend has already been the subject of an investigation regarding the individual tentatively identified in the three Richmond Grays images previously examined in Has He Been Hiding in Plain Sight - John Wilkes Booth and the Richmond Grays (May 2010) and Out of Hiding - John Wilkes Booth and the Richmond Grays (May 2011.) In two of the images examined in those articles, one individual is seen exchanging dramatic restraining and attacking motions sharing the same knife with an individual identified as John Wilkes Booth. The poses indicate that these two men shared a sense of the dramatic and a familiar relationship. Taylors recollection confirms that on November 19, 1859 Booth and Alfriend shared such a relationship, evidenced by their leaving the Marshall Theater and boarding the Grays coach together. THE ACTUAL JOURNEY The 1859 Charlestown journey was segmented, with roll call undoubtedly taken periodically. The trip took almost 24 hours, including travel and delays. It crossed two states and the District of Columbia via three different railroads, one steamship, 40

and a 2-mile march in ranks down Pennsylvania Avenue with John Wilkes Booth marching behind Governor Henry A. Wise. Booths arrival at Charlestown could not have been a surprise, nor was the journey a nonstop express as Tuckers earlier cited article implies and other have accepted (See Swanson, James L., Manhunt, the 12 Day Hunt for Lincolns Killer Swanson, William Morrow, 2007, pg. 332. In 1859, he (Booth) caught the train to Charlestown to witness the execution of abolitionist John Brown emphasis added.) NO SURPRISE Booth did not covertly stow away in the baggage car, confined and undetected, as the train rattled away towards Charlestown. Factually, the train from Richmond did not continue past Fredericksburg / Aquia Creek. Nonetheless, Tuckers influence has led many to interpret Philip Whitlocks remark of surprise at seeing Booth as surprise upon arriving at Charlestown. Factually, Whitlock surprise of seeing Booth occurred at the Richmond Depot before departure. Whitlocks entire remark reads: The 1st Regiment assembled on Broad St. near the depot, which was then on the corner of 8th where the old Bijou now stands-that was one Saturday night about the 1st of December, in the year 1859. Many of us were surprised to see John Wilkes Booth, who was then acting in the Marshall Theatre, in a Richmond Gray uniform. We afterwards were informed that he joined the Company in order to go along with us. He is the same John Wilkes Booth who shot Abe Lincoln just after the war. We got to Charlestown and there we met a great many soldiers from the whole State of Virginia. (Whitlock, Philip. The Life of Philip Whitlock, Written by Himself, Richmond: Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives Trust, (used with permission). (Note: Written decades after the events, Whitlocks dating of the event as being about the 1st of December was incorrect) ALL FACTS CONSIDERED NO ONE RODE IN THE BAGGAGE CAR Contrary to popular belief, Booth did not actually travel in the baggage car with Libby and Bossieux. First, Libby does not expressly make that claim. Libbys claims are somewhat ambiguous, especially in light of the Taylor recollection. In one article Libby claims he [Booth]went along. 41

He hadnt a uniform and as it was a soldiers train, I lent him my coat and my friend Bossieux let him his cap and accoutrements and he went along. (Libby, George W., George Libby Recalls Incidents of the War Between the States , July 7, 1929, Richmond Times Dispatch emphasis added.) And in another article Libby claims that he and Bossieux took him in the car, and carried him with us. Louis F. Bossieux and I were placed as a detail from the Grays in the baggage car of the train in charge of the companys baggage. Booth appeared at the door of the car and asked if he could go with us to Harpers Ferry. We informed him that no one was allowed on that train but men in uniform. He expressed a desire to buy a uniform, since he was very anxious to go. So, after some consultation with him, Bossieux and I each gave him a portion of our uniforms, took him in the car, and carried him with us. (Libby, George. W., John Brown and John Wilkes Booth, The Confederate Veteran 37, April 1930, 138-139 emphasis added) For safety reasons, the railroads during this period specifically did not allow passengers to travel in boxcars or baggage cars. (The American and English Encyclopedia of Law, Second Edition Volume 5, 1897 Edited by David S. Garland and Lucius P. McGehee, Re: Carrier of Passengers, page 677) , Accident; Potomac; Winchester; Baggage; Passengers, Alexandria Gazette, April 30, 1859, Keep your Seats in the Cars, Alexandria Gazette, November 17, 1859, Alvarez, Eugene, Travel on Southern Antebellum Railroads 1828-1860, University of Alabama Press, 1974, pg. 121 ) True, Libby and Bossieux as junior members of the Grays were initially assigned to the baggage car to take on baggage and guard it prior to the train pulling out of the depot, but once secured they most likely joined the rest of the Grays in a passenger coach. Thus, when Libby states, took him in the car, and carried him with us, Libby is referring to one of the Grays passenger coaches. Any claim that a special guard detail was needed to guard the baggage car during the trip, and therefore the ordinary railroad ban on traveling in the baggage car did not apply, is not persuasive, because the train was a dedicated military transport, with no additional passengers or baggage taken on after departure. 42

Additionally, there was the location of the the baggage car that night in relationship to where Taylor sat on the train. In the standard configuration of the day, of the 9 cars, the baggage car would have been located immediately after the locomotives tender and before the 8 passenger cars (White, John H. Jr., The American Railroad Passenger Car, Parts I and II, Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology, (1978) 453, Chapter Six: Head-End Cars.) The entire train stretched for blocks down Broad Street. Taylor, sitting on the Grays coach had an immediate sightline to the Marshal Theater when he saw Booth and Alfriend exit the theater and board. Taylor had to have been in one of the last cars, and thus out of position to see the baggage car, which was at the opposite end of the long line of cars next to the locomotive. Taylor clearly relates seeing both Booth and Alfriend boarding the coach the Grays were already in. Booth riding in the Grays coach is also confirmed by the recollection of Dr. Joseph Southall. [o]n his way to the depot about 8 oclock in the evening, I noticed Wilkes Booth was walking just ahead of me on his way to the theater, where he was going to play that night. The play had been drawing great crowds. Just before we got as far as the theater I saw Booth, who had been walking at a brisk pace, stop suddenly as if he had forgotten something. Just as our group reached the spot where he had stopped, Booth deliberately turned back. Southall then continued to the depot and [t]hey (the group he was with) had not been there ten minutes before Booth reappeared wearing his uniform and with musket in hand, and immediately boarded the train where the rest of the troops were [Quotes from Dr. Joseph Southall, The John Wilkes Booth Story, Richmond Dispatch, Feb. 2, 1902 (emphasis added).] Wherever Booth may have gone after Southall first sees him stop and turn is unclear, but Southalls recollection again confirms that Booth boarded the cars in uniform where the rest of the troops were and not the baggage car. WHAT ABOUT BOOTHS MUSKET THAT NIGHT? Notably, Southall also said that he saw him (Booth) with a musket. According to Southall, [o]n his way to the depot about 8 oclock in the evening, I noticed Wilkes 43

Booth was walking just ahead of me on his way to the theater, where he was going to play that night. The play had been drawing great crowds. Just before we got as far as the theater I saw Booth, who had been walking at a brisk pace, stop suddenly as if he had forgotten something. Just as our group reached the spot where he had stopped, Booth deliberately turned back. Southall then continued to the depot and [t]hey (the group he was with) had not been there ten minutes before Booth reappeared wearing his uniform and with musket in hand, and immediately boarded the train where the rest of the troops were [Quotes from Dr. Joseph Southall, The John Wilkes Booth Story, Richmond Dispatch, Feb. 2, 1902 (emphasis added).] Edward M. Alfriend in his recollection also stated that Booth procured a uniform and a musket (Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth by Edwin M. Alfriend, The Era, October, 1901 emphasis added) THE GRAYS MINI MUSKETS On May 24, 1859 the Richmond Grays were on parade to receive the "Minnie" (Mini) muskets, tendered to them by Governor Henry Wise. The ceremonial presentation took place in Capitol Square that evening (City Items, Richmond Whig, April 26, 1859.) The Mini rifle was developed in 1849 and was designed to allow rapid muzzle loading, an innovation that brought about the widespread use of the rifle as a mass battlefield weapon. These valuable weapons were owned by the Commonwealth of Virginia, issued to each enrolled militia member, who was responsible for the rifles maintenance and safekeeping. Each of the men who boarded the train that night would have their issued weapon with them. This fact might explain the remark made by Isabella Pallen Beale as recalled by her daughter, Mary Bella Beale. 1859 when the drums beat to summon the Jefferson Guards to start to Aquia Creek --- Wilkes Booth was one of the first to don his uniform. He had always been one of the boys in Richmond, ready for a fire or a fray. My mother (Isabella Pallen Beale) who was one of Virginias most devoted admirers, and one of the most rebellious of rebels, gave Wilkes Booth her blessing and even offered him an ancient carbine that was rusty, not having been used since the war of 1812(Notes and Correspondence of Mary Bella Beale in the David Rankin Barbee Papers, Georgetown University Library, Special Collections Research Center, Box 5, folder 280.) 44

Isabella Pallen Beale was the wife of noted Richmond physician and theater patron Dr. James Beale. Dr. Beale was Booths physician. The Beale home on 9th Street was in close proximity to the Marshall Theater, the RF&PRR Depot, Capitol Square, and Booths hotel the Powhatan House. As a non-enrolled member frantically trying to volunteer that night, Booth's lack of a musket might have been the reason he visited the Beale home that evening, as recollected by Mrs. Beale's daughter. Booth thought well of both Dr. and Mrs. Beale. I called on Dr. Beale soon after I arrived here. He and his Lady seem a very nice couple. I like them very much (John Rhodenhamel and Louise Taper, editors, Right or Wrong, God Judge Me, the Writings of John Wilkes Booth, University of Illinois Press, Urbana and Chicago, 2001, Pg. 45.) The Beales were also fond of Booth, and he was a frequent visitor in their home. WHERE DID BOOTH GET HIS MUSKET? However, the ancient musket offered by Mrs. Beale was probably not the same one that Booth was subsequently seen with when he was observed boarding the train. The Grays state-issued arm, the Mini Rifle, was an innovation standard, which fired and required the unique and greatly improved projectile, the Mini bullet. Militia rifles were stored in the armory located in Capitol Squares Bell Tower. (Dowdey, Clifford, 1992, A History of the Confederacy: 1832-1865, Barnes & Noble Books, pg. 63) In order to be issued one of these weapons a bond was required by law. In 1860, an additional condition would be added requiring an order from the Adjunct General. (Virginia News, Alexandria Gazette, December 25, 1860) Whatever its source, from the sequence noted in Southalls recollection, the gun was apparently acquired in a very short period of time. BOOTHS DISTINCTIVE OVERCOAT THAT NIGHT On the subject of Booths overcoat ,which Taylor noted him carrying that night and in Washington D.C., Richmonder George Crutchifeld, who claimed to have known Booth quite well, remarked that in Richmond he frequently wore, when on the streets, a fur trimmed over-coat. (Crutchfield, George. Personal Letter to E.V. Valentine dated July 5, 1904, V.M.T.C.) Could this be the same coat?

45

John Wilkes Booth, Carte de Visite taken by Charles D. Fredricks New York (1863) Library of Congress. A coat matching the one that Crutchfield described appears in several later photographs of John Wilkes Booth. The stylish coat had a unique Inverness style attached cape and Astrakhan (curly lamb) fur collar. Its design would make it memorable and Booth evidently was fond of it. There are numerous instances of Booth being described wearing this coat. It stood out even during his 1864 career as an oilman in Pennsylvania [ impressively handsome in an overcoat with astrakhan collar and flowing overcape (Dolson, The Great Oildorado, pg. 148).] Even his sister Asia remarked about this distinctive garment: [h]e was known everywhere by his large loose-hanging light overcoat, with its deep sleeves and cape His was not a face or figure to go unremarked. He was easily recognizable (Clarke, Asia Booth, The Unlocked Book; A Memoir of John Wilkes Booth by his Sister, New York, G.P. Putnams Sons, 1938, pg. 118 emphasis added) So was his overcoat. 46

GOVERNOR HENRY ALEXANDER WISE

Henry Alexander Alexander Wise Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia (Shown with his high beaver hat Taylor described but alas, no spectacles) 1856-1860 (Library of Congress) Amongst the first hand Grays recollections found to date, Taylors alone states that Governor Henry Wise accompanied these men, and unexpectedly, that John Wilkes Booth marched behind him down Pennsylvania Avenue. Thanks to the Governors flamboyant personality and the national press coverage it always drew, Wises presence on this journey ensured that the deployments progress was chronicled in leading newspapers. From reading the articles documenting Wises journey, a 47

complete and remarkable picture of Booths journey with the Grays emerges. Wise indeed cut a big figure while leading his regiment down Pennsylvania Avenue, in fact his march was a national sensation, as was the man himself. WHO WAS THE FANTASTICAL HENRY ALEXANDER WISE? In 1859, the 53-year-old Wise was in the last year of his 4-year term as Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Previously, Wise had served as a four time U.S. Congressman (representing the Accomac (Accomack) region of Virginias Eastern Shore) and American Minister to the Court of Brazil. Wise legal and political career was colorful from the very start, distinguished by a dazzling intellect, impassioned eloquence and a volatile temperament. When electrified during a soaring flight of oratory, the tall but small boned Wise resembled an animated tobacco spewing corpse, a fascinating sight, impossible to forget and in some cases, depending on Wises rhetoric, impossible to forgive. Henry Wises contemporaries either hated or loved him, sometimes holding both emotions concurrently. Deemed patriot or lunatic, Knight of the Old Dominion or Disgrace to the Commonwealth, everyone had their opinion, Henry Wise left no one without one. In an 1858 editorial, Richmond Whig editor Robert Ridgway had been inspired by Wises rhetoric to refer to him as some form of ass no fewer than 11 times. (The Kansas Question, Richmond Whig, January 12, 1858. ) A year later, playing upon John Browns nickname of Osawatomie Brown yet another one was added for the governor, What-an-ass-am-I Wise. (Governor Wise, Alexandria Gazette, December 22, 1859) Henry Wise knew best on all subjects and at all times and would do any talking that needed to be done and on any and all sides of the issue at hand. The last word was always his, regardless of how many words or pages of newsprint it took for Wise to get the last word. In 1851 at Virginias Constitutional Convention, it took five days. When Wise finally got the last word, he had outdrawn Johns father the great Junius Brutus Booth who was appearing at the Marshal Theater. And no wonder: The speech of Henry A. Wise is one of the most remarkable harangues ever delivered to a deliberative body. Whether considered in respect of its magnitude or the manner of its delivery, or the doctrine it promulgates, it is a phenomenon an intellectual monster. No man who has not seen and heard him in his present performance can have the least conception of the matter or the manner. The attitudes and gesticulations of the man are in themselves a marvel. Now he stands erect, with uplifted hand, imploring the favor, or imprecating the wrath 48

of heaven; again he sinks almost to the floor in the agony of some extreme passion. Now he whispers forth the accents of persuasion, anon he hisses out some withering anathema. At one time his voice rings like the blast of a sufferent call; again it sinks to the solemn sound of a Sunday sermon. At one moment his face beams with gentleness, presently it flames with all the passions of a fury. He strides up and down the floor, he tosses and wings his arms, he shakes his fist and points his finger he stamps, and raves and scowls. Every topic is discussed by the orator, no matter what its irrelevancy. Now he is speculating about the origin of society, in a moment he launches into an invective against race-horses. Now he is complimenting Jesus Christ and now abusing John Randolph; at one moment he quotes Shakespeare, at another the Bible, Magna Carta and King John, the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Jefferson, the Medes and the Persians, the Greeks and the Romans, the French and the English, the whites and the blacks all figure in this comprehensive medley. In power, in interest, in effect, no man in the Convention can compare with him. Crowds flock to hear him, just as they go to the playhouse, to be amused and excited by comic passages, and by brilliant declamation. Booth was playing Hamlet at the theater, and Wise Harlequin at the Capitol, and the latter drew the crowd (Southside Democrat; Petersburg, Va., Henry A. Wise, May 12, 1851, Daily Alabama Journal.) Whether playing aristocrat as a common man, or a common man among aristocrats, Wise scripted and changed his role as necessary. Standing between political parties, Wises constituents were governed by Wise and not Wise by his constituents. From the time he entered political life until the day of his death, Henry Alexander Wise was at all times the head of the dragon and never its tale. Whether viewed as Democrat or Demagogue, Henry Wise knew himself to be an exceptional man who openly gloried in his genius and reveled in his eccentricities. Wises many colorful antics included the following. Acting within the definition of gentlemanly conduct as prescribed in the Souths Code Duello Wise had engaged at age 27 in a duel and wounded the man, Richard Coke, whom he had narrowly defeated for his first term in congress. A few years later, Wise incurred life-long notoriety as a duelist resulting from his role as a second in the deadly, Cilley-Graves duel. 49

 Outside the scope of gentlemanly conduct, Wise initiated several truly remarkable brawls while in the House of Representatives, at least one of which engulfed the entire House floor in a scene of mayhem. He was infamous for having threatened to shoot a Congressional witness during the mans testimony in the House chambers. His intense hatred of House Speaker (and future president) James K. Polk was legendary. Wises verbal and physical abuse of Speaker Polk actually culminated in his storied pulling of Speaker Polks nose. During a dispute with the Royal Court of Brazil over a a new-born princesss baptism, American Minister Henry A. Wise threatened to have the American warships anchored in the harbor at Rio open fire on the town. In 1856, as the newly elected Governor of Virginia, Wise vowed to march his states entire militia to Washington and take over the Capitol if John C. Fremont had won the 1856 Presidential election. During his time as governor of Virginia, Wise had engaged in a widely publicized physical altercation in his office within the Capitol building, during which he contributed a deft punch in the nose and a strong kick in the seat of the pants to vanquish his opponent. In 1858, Henry Wise had set his sights on the 1860 Democratic presidential nomination. In August, Wise corresponded with New York Democrat party committee chairman and professed admirer, Bernard Donnelly. In an exchange of personal correspondence regarding the upcoming convention, Wise, in a fatal indiscretion, discussed with Donnelly the possibility to suborn the New York delegation as a means to secure Wise the nomination. Wises letter was subsequently published in the New York papers, seized upon, and widely distributed. It caused a tremendous negative reaction that effectively derailed Wises prospects for the nomination. However, in 1859 the aging dragon had lost none of his fire or his presidential aspirations. In his last few months as Governor, Wise was hoping to somehow still pursue the nomination when John Browns raid at Harpers Ferry hit Virginia and Henry Wise like a lightning bolt. In October, Wise had been denied the opportunity, and the glory, to defend Virginias sacred soil, arriving too late at Harpers Ferry to take part in the battle. However, when lightning struck a second unexpected time in November, it seemed fate had handed Henry Wise another chance to both redeem Virginias honor and salvage his presidential prospects. 50

BOOTHS MOVEMENTS NOVEMBER 19, 1859 A LIKELY RECONSTRUCTION Booths first stop before boarding the train was likely the baggage car where he obtained a cap and a jacket from Libby and Bossieux. After obtaining the cap and jacket, Booth then obtained a musket. After obtaining the musket, Booth returned to the theater and he exited with Alfriend carrying his distinctive coat over his arm, musket in hand. In the last few moments before the train pulled out, Booth and Alfriend board one of the coaches that held the Grays. BOOTHS PERMISSION TO BOARD LIBBY AND BOSSIEUX WERE BOYS WITH NO AUTHORITY Contrary to the impression that Tuckers article conveyed, neither Libby nor Bossieux, two junior members of the Grays, delegated to guard the companys baggage, had the authority to grant Booths permission to accompany the Grays to Charlestown. Further, Taylors recollection claims Capt. Elliott granted him permission to go. CAPTAIN WYATT MOSELY ELLIOTT A MAN WITH AUTHORITY

Captain Wyatt Mosely Elliott (1823-1897) Image Courtesy VMI 51

According to Taylors manuscript, the individual who authorized Booth getting on the train that night was Richmond Grays Captain Wyatt Mosely Elliott. That night Elliott, who was 36, would also be functioning as 1st Regimental Commander due to the illness of Colonel Thomas P. August. Col. August would travel and join the Regiment separately a few days later. ELLIOT GRANTED PERMISSION BUT WAS IT SOLELY ON HIS OWN AUTHORITY, OR WAS IT AT THE DIRECTION OF SOMEONE ELSE? Elliott, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institution, VMI, known as the West Point of the South, would have followed accepted military protocol that night and observed the understood mandate that only enrolled members be allowed to board the train. Why would Elliott deviate from protocol and authorize Booth to go along? There was no known connection between the two men. Elliott never provided any recollections of knowing Booth. Even if Elliott, as acting regimental commander, granted Booth permission to go, it is unlikely that Elliott would have done so on solely his own authority when the ultimate authority, the tempestuous Governor Henry A. Wise, a political adversary, would be on that same train. Richmond Grays Captain Wyatt Mosely Elliott was the proprietor of the Richmond Whig, a Wise opposition paper. That evening Elliott was in a very delicate position. His editor, Robert Ridgway, was amongst Wises most fervent political enemies. In less than two years the Governors son, O. Jennings Wise had been involved in eight duels defending his fathers honor and had beaten Ridgway in a very public canning over repeatedly calling his father an ass in an editorial which had appeared in Elliotts own paper. Wise and his son and champion, O. Jennings Wise, a Private in Company F, would both be on this same train. As acting Regimental Commander that night, would Elliott have further strained his relationship with the Governor or his son by authorizing an unproven volunteer to accompany the Regiment without first obtaining either Wises consent? Without that consent, Elliott would be held responsible for any subsequent embarrassment caused by the mans actions. Even worse, his inclusion in the first place could be construed by the combustible Governor to have been an intentional act by Elliott to politically sabotage Wises hopes to salvage his 1860 presidential aspirations. (Shall the Charleston Convention Nominate Henry A. Wise, National Era, November 7, 1859). Could the authority behind Elliotts permission have been the Governors son, Private O. Jennings Wise? 52

PRIVATE O. JENNINGS WISE A MAN WITH MORE AUTHORITY Private O. Jennings Wise was in a unique position to add authority, if sought, to Elliotts permission. O. Jennings Wise, Obie, the eldest son of Governor Henry Wise and Editor of the Richmond Enquirer, was Virginias most unusual and powerful private. Under the laws of the State of Virginia, any man who participated in a duel, either as a principal or second, was barred (disenfranchised) from holding commissioned rank or elected office. Virginia granted periodic amnesties, but any known dueling activity that stemmed subsequent to the last declared amnesty period resulted in disenfranchisement until the next amnesty was adopted. This law led to some very unusual privates during the 1859 militia deployments, the most famous being Obadiah (O.) Jennings Wise himself. Obie held the singular distinction of having engaged in a record eight duels in less than two years while defending his fathers honor, in one even borrowing a flint rifle from the State Armory (To the Public, Richmond Whig, November 26, 1858.) Despite being the Governors son, under the laws of Virginia, until the next amnesty was adopted, Obies very public dueling record held him, officially at least, to the rank of a private in Richmonds Company F. During the November 1859 deployment of the 1st Virginia Regiment to Charlestown Col. J. Lucius Davis, then commanding on site, (the same man whose alarmed telegram to Governor Wise on November 19th set the special train in motion) proudly recounted to the northern newspapermen present that he had served as Obies second in a recent affair of honor. (John Browns Invasion, November 19, 1859, New York Herald Tribune) The public knowledge of this detail, was seized upon with Northern glee and spread beyond Virginia. Once widely known, Gov. Wise was compelled to appoint, in a delicately worded order of substitution, General William B. Taliaferro in Lucas stead (Morsenographic for the Public Ledger from Charlestown, Va Public Ledger November 24, 1859, and Military Orders, Alexandria Gazette, November 28, 1859.)

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Members of Governor Wises staff at Charlestown Quarter Plate (Ambrotype taken by Lewis Dinkle at Charlestown 1859 Museum of the Confederacy) Left to Right (Standing) - James Lyons Esq., Major Alexander G. Taliaferro, Private O. Jennings Wise. Seated: General William B. Taliaferro, Military Secretary Samuel Bassett French. [James Lyons was the brother of Governor Henry Wises third wife, Mary (Lyons) Wise, who was Obies Stepmother. In the above ambrotpe, Lyons is seen facing and saluting in the direction of a whimsically smiling Private O. Jennings Wise.]

54

JENNINGS WISE AND WILKES BOOTH

O. Jennings Wise, Cropped from Charles Dinkle Group Ambrotype Charlestown, 1859 While in Charlestown, Elliott performed double duty as both Captain of the Richmond Grays and reporter for his newspaper the Richmond Whig. Obie, Editor of the Richmond Enquirer, did likewise, serving both as a private in Company F and as reporter for his own newspaper (Boyd Stutler database; NY Semi-Weekly Tribune article dated November 25, 1859.) Both papers represented opposing political views. The Enquirer, partially owned by Henry Wise, and edited by his son, was known as Wises Organ. Elliotts paper, the Richmond Whig and its editor Robert Ridgway, were political opponents. The often quoted sock and buskin reference to John Wilkes Booth at Charlestown (see below), commonly associated with the December 1, 1859 New York Herald, was actually a stringer from earlier articles that appeared on November 29, 1859 in both Elliotts and Wises newspapers, the Richmond Whig and the Richmond Enquirer. As such, the original article must have been written and telegraphed by one of the only two reporters who could have filed the story from Charlestown, Wyatt M. Elliott or O. Jennings Wise.

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The Richmond Grays and Company F, which seem to vie with each other in the handsome appearance they present reminded one of uncaged birds, so wild and gleesome they appear. Amongst them I notice Mr. J. Wilkes Booth, a son of Junius Booth, who, though not a member, as soon as he heard the tap of the drum, threw down the sock and buskin and shouldered his musket and marched with the Grays to the reported scene of deadly conflict (The Harpers Ferry Trouble, New York Herald, December 1, 1859, reprinted from: Charlestown Intelligence, Richmond Whig, November 29, 1859, and Charlestown Intelligence, Richmond Enquirer, November 29, 1859 emphasis added.) Of additional interest is that the article addressed both respective companies, O. Jennings Wises Company F and John Wilkes Booths Richmond Grays. Notably, another period article that comments on Obies dueling disqualification, astonishingly links both Obies and John Wilkes Booths presence at Charlestown in the same sentence. In the ranks of Company F from Richmond are O. Jennings Wise, the Governors son and a younger brother of Edwin Booth, the tragedian. The later left the theater immediately after a performance and hastened to join his corps. Mr. Wise who would occupy a higher post were he not a duelist, and thus disqualified from holding office, shares the privations of his associates a fact which the citizens point to with astonished pride. He takes his turn at the picket guard and the cook shop manfully with the rest (The Harpers Ferry Troubles, Commercial Advertiser, December 1, 1859.) The source of the article is attributed to the New York paper, Commercial Advertiser, but like the Charlestown Intelligence article, it might too have been a stringer from an earlier Richmond newspaper. If so, then along with the sock and buskin article referencing Booth at Charlestown, there could only have been two sources, reporters Wyatt Mosely Elliott (The Richmond Whig) or O. Jennings Wise (The Richmond Enquirer).

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AN ADDITIONAL CONNECTION BETWEEN O. JENNINGS WISE AND JOHN WILKES BOOTH In a letter from noted researcher James O. Hall to Dr. Constance Head, dated March 17, 1982, Hall wrote that in the Booth effects listed in M599 is the signature, O. Jennings Wise on the back of a little card of some sort (M599; Investigation and Trial Papers relating to the Assassination of President Lincoln, NARA, National Archives, Washington D.C., Catalog ID: 595601.) The card had no bearing on the events of 1865. Thus, the card was not cataloged and is buried in over at thousand feet of microfilm, making it a challenge to locate. Until that card is located, there can only be theories as to what it might be and what light it can shed on the relationship that existed in 1858-1860 between Jennings Wise and Wilkes Booth. It is known that John Wilkes Booth left Richmond by the end of May 1860. The card bearing O. Jennings Wises signature had to predate that departure. Perhaps the card pertained to some event held in Richmond, possibly at the Governors Mansion. It is also possible that the card played a role in the events of November 19th. Perhaps Booth in the last few minutes at the depot presented the card to Captain Elliott: It authorizing Booth to board the train. Perhaps the card was used to obtain a State issued gun [Militia rifles were stored in the Bell Tower in Capital Square (Dowdey, Clifford, 1992, A History of the Confederacy: 1832-1865, Barnes & Noble Books, pg. 63)] However, the existence of the card establishes that a relationship of some sort existed between the two men. Whatever its meaning, the card was important enough to Booth for him to keep for the remainder of his life, winding up in the cataloged Booth effects in 1865. Perhaps it even served as a reminder of when his sister Asia said John had unsought, enrolled himself on that remarkable night. WHO WAS O. JENNINGS WISE? In antebellum Richmond, the gallant O. Jennings Wise, eldest son of Governor Henry Wise, was the personification of all things Southern and Chivalrous. Richmond Gray Edward M. Alfriends brother, noted author Frank Alfriend, would leave a recollection of Obie. he [Obie] had become, at the time of his death (1862), a sort of idol to worship and model to imitate. He was the highest type of their class, the purest reflection of their time-honored code of chivalry, the champion of their state pride and the fitting exponent of their 57

unrivalled traditions. (Alfriend, Frank, Recollections of O. Jennings Wise, Crescent Monthly, Vol. 1, April 1866.) Others would comment on Obies embodiment of the concepts of gentility and chivalry, velvet and steel. it would be difficult to imagine a human being more modest, kindly and simpleyet with these softer traits his nerve had in it something antique and splendid, as of the elder days of chivalry, when neither monster nor magician, giant nor winged dragon, could make the heart of the good knight quail, or move him from his steadfast purpose. Indeed you would have said that the Creator had breathed into this clay the loveliest traits of humanity, and raised up in the prosaic nineteenth century a good knight of old days, to show the loveliness of honour. (Cooke, John Esten, The Wearing of the Gray, 1867) Gentle as was that brother tender and loving as he was to everyone, devoted as a slave to his father, deferential to his mother as if she had been a queen, courteous and considerate towards the humblest servant who ministered to his wants, honored and beloved by everybody with whom he was thrown he was nevertheless as fearless and uncompromising in certain things as the fiercest knight who ever entered the lists. He was, more emphatically than any man I ever knew, the type of the class to which he belonged. (Wise, John Sergeant, End of an Era, Houghton Mifflin, 1899, pg. 65 emphasis added) In 1859, Obie, the 19th centurys good knight, was the idol to worship and model to imitate. He was Richmonds Prince of the City.

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WHY WOULD O. JENNINGS WISE AUTHORIZE BOOTH TO GO ALONG THAT NIGHT? According to John Sergeant Wise, Obies youngest brother, [o]ne night we attended the play of East Lynne at the old Richmond Theatre. The performance was poor enough, to be sure, to a young man fresh from Paris, but I thought it was great. On our way home, he [Obie] remarked that the only performer of merit in the cast was the young fellow, John Wilkes Booth. In him, he said, there was the making of a good actor. The criticism made an impression upon me, who remembered the man and the name. Little did I imagine then that in seven years[1865] my beloved companion would be one of the victims of our great national tragedy or that, at its close, the callow stripling who played before us that night would shock the civilized world with the awful assassination of the President (Wise, John Sergeant, End of an Era, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1899, pg. 65.) Given the social aspects of antebellum Richmond and the signed card found in the Booths 1865 effects, it is more than likely that O. Jennings Wise and John Wilkes Booth were acquainted. John Sergeant Wises recollection of a single observation of one performance some 40 years later might have been a loving brothers protective post-assassination distancing. We know from John Sergeant Wise that Obie enjoyed the theater, they went often, and Alfriend stated that Booth in Richmond was a great social favorite, knowing all of the best men and many of the finest women. Certainly O. Jennings Wise more than qualified as one of those best men in Richmond. Dr. Beales daughter would recall that their home was an almost nightly site for after-theater parties with John Wilkes Booth often present. Many a night he (Booth) would return home with my father after the play was over. There was always a warm supper and a warm welcome for my fathers guests after the theater doors were closedAlmost every night my father would drop in the Richmond Theater, where he had a box, and it was seldom that he came home alone. (Notes and Correspondence of Mary Bella Beale in the David Rankin Barbee Papers, Georgetown University Library, Special Collections Research Center, Box 5, folder 280) 59

Dr. James Beale was a prominent Richmond physician. John Wilkes Booth was a frequent guest at his houseand here the young actor met the cream of Richmond Society (John Rhodenhamel and Louise Taper, editors, Right or Wrong, God Judge Me, the Writings of John Wilkes Booth, University of Illinois Press, Urbana and Chicago, 2001, Pg. 46.) The best men were very social beings, and sociability was one of the marks of being a gentleman. Obies home at the Governors Mansion in Capitol Square, the Marshall Theater, the Beale residence, and Booths hotel room at the Powhatan House, were all within a few blocks of each other, providing the opportunity for Obie and Booth to socialize, and they would have. To the class of men who represented the Chivalry of Richmond, which O. Jennings Wise personified, the young Wilkes Booth, the southern boy from the Maryland countryside with his Quixotic notions would have already been accepted as one of them. On the night of November 19th, determined to board the train, Wilkes Booth would likely have sought out and appealed to the acknowledged leader of that class of men, Jennings Wise, for permission to prove his fealty to Virginia. When the John Brown raid occurred, Booth left the Richmond Theater for the scene of strife in a picked company with which he had affiliated for some time. From his connection with the militia on this occasion he was wont to trace his fealty to Virginia. (Townsend, George Alfred, New York, Dick & Fitzgerald, The Life, Crime and Capture of John Wilkes Booth, 1865, Page 22 emphasis added) GOVERNOR HENRY A. WISE THE ULTIMATE AUTHORITY The final decision on who could allow Booth to board the train that evening would have rested with the ultimate authority, both on that train and within the Commonwealth of Virginia, its indomitable Governor Henry Alexander Wise. Henry Wise was a flamboyant individual with a volatile temper. That night, the stakes could not have been any higher for Henry Wise who was risking both his personal and States honor as well as his own political future on the conduct of his 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers.

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Henry Wise had his eye upon these men and when he cautioned them he relied upon them for his honor they were well aware of the responsibility those words carried and the consequences of failure. All of Virginia and certainly these very same men knew of his rage at missing the earlier October opportunity to defend its sacred soil. Upon his arrival and dismay at finding the combat ended, Wise was likened to a man who in a violent passion had kicked at a door, only to find it open (David Hunter Strothers Lecture on John Brown, Cleveland, 1868.) After arriving too late in October, Wise was determined that on his second unexpected chance to defend Virginia, he and his men would arrive in time and that they would face up to any challenge encountered. As with the earlier deployment, Wise fully expected these men to again be able to preserve their order, composure, dignity and discipline in the midst of highest excitement and confusion. It would be no holiday parade, but a summons into actual service; there must be no childs play; and you must, and I am sure you will, observe strictly the orders and requirements of the service in which you are engaged (The Harpers Ferry Outbreak; Speech of Governor Wise at Richmond, New York Herald, October 26, 1859 and Governor Wises Speech at Richmond on the Subject of the Harpers Ferry Rebellion, Alexandria Gazette, October 27, 1858.) And of course, there was that coming presidential election as well. Under the circumstances, it is highly unlike that someone below Wise in the chain of authority that night would countermand the sole military aspect of that evenings special train and risk embarrassing or incurring the wrath of the Governor of Virginia, especially that governor with so much riding on this deployments success. For very different reasons, neither Richmond Grays Captain Wyatt Mosely Elliott (the Acting Regimental commander that evening) or his son, O. Jennings Wise, would have put the governor in a position to risk everything on an unknown and untrained participant without first clearing it with him. The time to bring to Henry Wises attention the existence of a volunteer non-enrolled member requesting permission to accompany the 1st Regiment would have been prior to the train pulling out, and certainly not later. In spite of all of the odds against him going, the fact that John Wilkes Booth actually went that evening and was observed by Taylor marching behind Governor Henry Wise in Washington likely proves that Wise himself, the ultimate authority that night, at a minimum ratified the decision allowing Booth to board. 61

TRAVELING IN THE CARS IN 1859 THE RAILROAD EXPERIENCE

THE DISJOINTED RAILROADS OF VIRGINIA In 1859 Virginia, the concept of railroad consolidation remained a distant one. Virginias railroads had not been designed to create a comprehensive transportation network connecting the major cities in the state. Railroads had been independently chartered and financed. Initially, the focus was on transporting goods (farm products), and most track ran east and west. Gradually the transportation of goods included passenger traffic. Once its specific track was laid and its own needs met, little, if any, thought was given to any next logical extension. Adding to the segmented aspect of Southern railroads was the non-standardized track gauges. In the same city, railroads built terminals/depots, in separate locations requiring ground transportation between depots, even if the two points were merely blocks away from each other, as was the case in Richmond with both the Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad and the Richmond Petersburg Railroad depots along 8th Street. The route of the Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad was unique in that rather than running east and west across Virginia, it ran north and south, carrying passengers and freight between Richmond and Fredericksburg. From there, passengers and freight were transferred to steamboats sailing from Aquia Landing up the Potomac River to reach Washington D.C. From Washington D.C. the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad offered transit to Baltimore and up through its connecting network fanned out east and west.

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THE RICHMOND FREDERICKSBURGE & POTOMAC DEPOT, 8TH & BROAD

Sources for Map are from the 1859 Richmond Directory: Map of the City of Richmond, Va. From a survey by I.H. Adams, Assist. U.S. Coast Survey, 1858 With Additions from Smiths Map of Henrico County, 1853 Prepared at the U.S. Coast Survey Office, A.D.Bache, Supt. 1864

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RF&PRR Depot at 8th & Broad Streets (circa 1866) Library of Congress

RF&PRR Depot at 8th & Broad Streets (circa 1866/65) National Archives

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The Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroads (RF&PRR) first station in Richmond was a combined freight and passenger depot and was located on the north side of H Street (later renamed Broad, perhaps in recognition of its 120 foot width) between 7th and 8th. It was not an impressive structure. John Sergeant Wise would describe it as dingy (Wise, John Sergeant, End of an Era, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1899, pg. 84.) Trains loaded and unloaded passengers and freight in the middle of Broad Street, which was unpaved, and the tracks then continued up the middle of the street on an embankment to what was later called Harrison Street. The RF&PRR tracks terminus along Broad Street did not end at the depot, but continued, most likely via a wye, to the RF&PPRR yards, warehouses and workshops located along the two blocks paralleling Broad, along Marshall and Clay Streets. The Marshall Theater was located immediately adjacent to the RF&PRR depot on the Southeast corner of 7th and Broad Streets. This close proximity meant that any train noises (whistles, bells, steam) could easily be heard by theatergoers and disrupt performances. Thus, no trains were scheduled to arrive or depart between 7 oclock and Midnight (The Strangers Guide and Official Directory for the City of Richmond Virginia, Geo. P. Evans & Co., Printers.) THEATRICAL CONSEQUENCES OF A SPECIAL TRAIN An extra or special train was an unscheduled train, one not found in the railroads normal timetable (Train Rules ad Kindred Subjects, from The Railroad Trainmens Journal, January, 1906.) In 1859, there were two special trains that left Richmond during theater hours, both in response to the affairs at Harpers Ferry, and, both disrupted the performances at the Marshall Theater. On October 17, 1859, The notable comedian Ben Rogers was playing in Tom and Jerry when he was unexpectedly greeted by a loud hissDont get mad Philips (Stage Manager Israel B. Phillips) its only the keers (cars) letting off steam! That was the truth. The depot being directly opposite the theater, the hissing came from the locomotive which had just arrived and was steaming(A Theatrical Joke, New Hampshire Patriot, November 23, 1859 based on Hissing an Actor by Steam, October 19, 1859 in the Alexandria Gazette, reprinted from the Richmond Whig) 65

The timing of the special train on Saturday evening, November 19th, would again interfere with that nights scheduled performance of The Filibuster and The Toodles. From the time the alarm bell started ringing on Saturday, November 19th, it is doubtful that Manager Kunkel at the Marshall Theater had any hope of salvaging his box office that evening when most of the audience poured out of the theater to witness the proceedings, leaving the performers to play to vacant seats (Exciting Reports from Charlestown Departure of the Richmond Military, Richmond Daily Dispatch, November 21, 1859.) THE AMERICAN RAILROAD TRAVEL EXPERIENCE SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL There is a great deal of jolting, a great deal of noise, a great deal of wall, not much window, a locomotive engine, a shriek, and a bell. The cars are like shabby omnibuses, but larger; holding thirty, forty, fifty people. The seats, instead of stretching from end to end, are placed crosswise. Each seat holds two persons. There is a long row of them on each side of the caravan, a narrow passage up the middle, and a door at both ends. In the center of the carriage there is usually a stove, fed with charcoal or anthracite coal, which is for the most part red-hot. It is insufferably close; and you see the hot air fluttering between yourself and any other object you may happen to look at, like the ghost of smoke---Tears the mad dragon of an engine with its train of cars; scattering in all directions a shower of burning sparks from its wood fire; screeching, hissing, yelling, panting, until at last the thirsty monster stops beneath a covered way to drink, the people cluster round, and you have time to breathe again. (Dickens, Charles, American Notes for General Circulation, 1842)

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THE IRON HORSE Harness me down with your iron bands, And be sure of your curb and rein: For I scorn the strength of your puny hands, As the tempest scorns the rain! Rambles in the Path of the Steam-Horse An Off-Hand Olla Podrida Ele(Eli) Bowen 1855

Typical 4-4-0 Engine with boxcar and passenger car Steam locomotive styles were commonly described by their progressive series of wheel arrangements. In 1859 the American Design locomotive industry standard would have had (4) driving wheels and a swiveling (4) wheel truck and no (0) trailing wheels; designated by a 4-4-0 configuration.

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The inventory of the RF&PRR taken March 31, 1861 showed the following locomotive engines; all referenced to be in good order. Any of these could have been the engine, which pulled the special train on the November 19th 1st Virginia Militia Deployment:

Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Name of Locomotive John A. Lancaster 1856 Thomas Sharp 1849 James Bosher 1851 Eclipse 1846 Nicholas Mills 1847 Tecumseh 1845 Henry Clay 1844 George W. Munford 1853 North Star 1852 G.A. Myers 1855 GPR James 1858

Type 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0 4-4-0

(David L. Bright,

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The American Railroad Locomotive with cow catcher and all the other Fixins Complete showing 4-4-0 engine The New World in 1859: Being the United States and Canada The iron horse consumed large quantities of coal or wood for fuel and water. The heat generated by the fuel turned the water into steam and the steam drove the engine that pulled the iron horses cart, the cars. Attached to the engine was the iron horses feedbag, its tender. The tender had a compartment for fuel (wood or coal) and one for the water. Both water and fuel need to be replenished about every 50 miles. In 1859, trains travelled at approximately 20-25 miles per hour during the day. Running at night, which was less frequent, the trains speed would have averaged between 12-18 mph. (David L. Bright,

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Taking on Water Library of Congress THE CARS (ROLLING STOCK) THE BAGGAGE CAR The Head End Cars, the freight, baggage and mail cars, were commonly placed at the front of the train immediately after the locomotive and tender to separate the passengers from the large amount of smoke and cinders that the locomotive emitted. This placement of cars was also done for passenger safety in the event of a derailment, because the first few cars following the locomotive were typically derailed along with it. Railroads enforced strict rules of no passengers on freight or baggage cars.

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THE PASSENGER CAR

Circa 1856 - Baltimore & Ohio RailRoad Passenger car, arched roof, eight wheel car Capacity 50 passengers, weight, 22,000 lbs. The American Railroad Passenger Car Side View, End Elevation, Interior layout with Stove and WC (The Passenger car, (Part One) (White, John H. Jr., The American Railroad Passenger Car, Parts I and II, Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology, 1978) Bound for Glory has utilized the contemporary (1856) Baltimore & Ohio Railroad specifics as provided in White, John H. Jr., The American Railroad Passenger Car, Parts I and II, Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology, (1978.) It is unknown if the RF&PRR cars reflected these exact specifications.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad passenger car specifics for 1856 stated that its ceiling had been raised to 7 feet, deep cushions, high padded backs and footrests added to the seating. A water closet, 71

dressing room and water cooler were provided. Lighting inside the car was very primitive, dimly light by candles or kerosene lamps.

The windows opened but on some cars, tiny ventilators were placed high between the windows so that air could be admitted near the ceiling without opening the windows (to avoid ash and cinders flying into the car. The overall length was 45 feet, 6 inches, the width of the body overall was 8 feet 9 inches; height 10 feet 7 inches; truck centers, 26 feet; truck wheelbase 4 feet 3 inches. On average each car could accommodate 40-50 passengers with minimal carryon baggage.

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In the universal American-style open passenger car, double passenger seats were placed along a center aisle, which greatly contrasted with the European styled car, which was comprised of a series of private compartments. Travel in the compartment was characterized by immobility, whereas the American car provided a great deal of mobility throughout the trip, both within the car itself and the connecting ones. Within passenger cars, the plainer cars were deemed Accommodation Cars with the Best Cars being just that, offering the best accommodations and amenities. Often a railroads most elaborate car was reserved for use by its president and board of directors and was loaned out for VIP needs. The Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad had just such a car and its President Edwin Robinson most likely loaned it for Governor Wises use during the October and November special trains.

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SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS On November 19th the sleeping accommodations would be the seats.

White, John H. Jr., The American Railroad Passenger Car, Parts I and II, Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology, (1978.) Sleeping Cars on southern railroads remained years in the future. During this period of time, a unique sleeping configuration was that of men reclining on the seats with their feet up on either the seat in front of them or out the window. It was not uncommon for a train to go by with rows of feet seen sticking out of both sides of the trains windows (Alvarez, Eugene, Travel on Southern Antebellum Railroads 1828-1860, University of Alabama Press, 1974, pg. 57. ) Perhaps Governor Wise and his staff had better accommodations in the RF&P Directors car, but the men. Any of the men able to drift off to sleep amidst the excitement and apprehension would likely have assumed the standard sleeping position.

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The Railroad Passenger Car, An Illustrated History of the First Hundred Years with Accounts by Contemporary Passengers

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THE STOVE The iron stove, both blessing and curse, was usually located in the middle of the passenger car. Despite railroad signs advising that Gentlemen are Requested Not To Spit on the Stove, the stove, fired by firewood or anthracite coal, provided a tempting target for tobacco chewing men. The monotony of a long journey was often interrupted by the sizzle of success, the sound of a direct hit coming off the stoves hot iron. (Alvarez, Eugene, Travel on Southern Antebellum Railroads 1828-1860, University of Alabama Press, 1974, pg. 62 ) Despite its popularity as a target, the stoves primary purpose was to provide heat, and this it did poorly. In addition, the passenger cars were poorly insulated. The end result was that people near the stove were too warm and everyone else too cold. The stoves haze of smoke added to the general passenger discomfort, and in the case of a heavy jolt or hard braking, or worse an actual derailment, everyone in the coach, particularly those sitting nearest it, faced a potential life-threatening hazard from the stove (See Railroad Accident, Alexandria Gazette, February 9, 1859. LIGHTING THE WAY When railroads first started running trains at night, they kept a bonfire lit on a flat car pushed by the engine. By the late 1830s, a kerosene lamp was mounted on the locomotives front aided by a reflector in back of the flame. By the 1840s the familiar box shaped light with enhanced reflector was in common use. The light was strong enough for the engineer and fireman to see clearly down the track at night. During this same time period a bell was added to warn people of an oncoming train. In the passenger cars, illumination would be by candles, placed at the ends of each car or arrayed in fixtures that ran down the center of the coach above the aisle. Gentlemen wearing high stovepipe hats needed to be cautious that they did not catch on fire.

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THE NECESSARY The necessary on the end of each train car was given esoteric labels such as salon, lavatory, dressing room, washroom, water closet and retiring room, even the term loafing room was employed. In reality during this time frame they were airless, cramped closets barely 3 feet square which contained the toilet and in some instances, a wash basin. The toilet itself was nothing more than a wooden box with a circular hole (sometimes two) cut out on the top for a seat and the refuse dropped directly onto the tracks. Sometimes two compartments were provided to separately accommodate ladies. However primitive the arrangement, at least passengers on long rides were no longer expected to solely tend to their needs before the start of a journey or wait until the next station. (White, John H. Jr., The American Railroad Passenger Car, Parts I and II, Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology, 1978)

REFRESHMENTS Other than any liquor flasks carried on board, the only refreshments in each car consisted of a water barrel and communal tin cup attached with a chain. Normally a 20-minute rest stop to allow for a quick meal would coincide with the train taking on water and fuel. But things that night for this special train were not normal and to our knowledge there were no delays for meals along the route. Even with a stop along the way, with its unusual 9:30 p.m. departure time from Richmond, the train would have left after the usual supper period and departed from Fredericksburg on the Potomac Steamers prior to the breakfast period. Lastly, a train with 9 cars would have far exceeded the usual number of travelers normally anticipated. Without sufficient advance warning, 400 men would have swamped any way stations service capacity, most certainly within a 20-minute period. That night in Richmond, other than a hastily grabbed biscuit eaten on the run between a mans dash home and his sprint to the depot, there would be nothing but a hoped for meal somewhere along the way later on. Even Governor Wise left without his dinner that evening. (The Harper's Ferry Invasion; Terrible Excitement in Richmond Our Richmond Correspondence Richmond, Va. November. 20, 1859 New York Herald, November 23, 1859)

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THE FOOD THEY WOULD HAVE EATEN IF THEYD STOPPED In addition to hosting Richmonds militia companies retreats and excursions Ashlands The Cottage Hotel or more simply The Cottage, operated by its genial proprietor, Mr. J. L. Thompson, served as the breakfast house for the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroads train going north from Richmond, the mid-day dining house for the train on its way south to Richmond, and as the supper house for the evening train. Speeding by, the men on board this nights special train would have been familiar with the stop and the food but would see neither on that evenings journey. The following meal selections were provided from Railroads in America in The New World in 1859: Being the United States and Canada, Illustrated and Described in 1859 and likely reflect standard fare. Breakfast Station Early a.m. The breakfast station, with its plenty of good cheer, in hot coffee, tea, toast, potatoes, ham and eggs, beef steaks, mutton chops, bread and butter, eggs (boiled, poached and fried) with a tumbler of iced-water. Dinner Station 12:30 1:00: Normally at the country way station; Most of the dishes are cut up, all ready, and between soup, delicious trout from the mountain streams at hand, farm-yard poultry, mutton, beef, pork, vegetables and pies and tarts innumerable, with for desert in summer season water melons, musk melons, huckleberries, and several fruits Tea or Supper Station - Generally about 5 oclock: The fare presented is similar to breakfast, with the addition of pies, tarts, etc. with all kinds of preserves.

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THE DANGERS OF THE RAIL Whenever possible, [w]hen a trail derailed, which was not uncommon, everyone, including the passengers, had to help place it back on the rails. (Daniels, Rudolph, Trains across the Continent, North American Railroad History, Second Edition, 1997/2000 Indiana University Press)

Original track of the RF&P RR consisted of cross ties about 12 inches square and 7 feet long laid 5 feet apart. The rail, a straight flat strip of iron inch thick and 2 inches wide, was laid by nailing it down to wooden stringers that were wedged into the cross ties. Shown contrasted with a modern rail circa 1980. The rail weighed only 16 pounds to the yard and was often the cause of serious accidents.

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Snapped rail was also responsible for derailments including the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad passenger car derailment depicted below in Western Virginia. This is the same area and terrain where the November special train would be traveling.

Depiction of historic derailment of B&ORR Two passenger cars tumbled 100 feet down at steep cliff at Cheat River in West Virginia Mountains 1853. Cars were derailed by a loose rail. Train Wrecks a Pictorial History of Accidents on the Main Line

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SNAKEHEADS Another danger was from Snakeheads. If a nail became loose, the thin strap would bend up in what was known as a snakes head which occasionally was known to thrust itself through the wood floor of coaches, injuring, maiming or killing passengers. Sledgehammers were kept handy to pound the offending snakehead back onto the wooden stringer. (Griffin, William E., Jr. , One Hundred Fifty Years of History: Along the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. Richmond: Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Co., 1984.)

Snakehead circa 1861 Train Wrecks a Pictorial History of Accidents on the Main Line THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO THE NOXIOUS WEED TRAIN ETIQUETTE The southern mans love of his noxious weed in all of its forms was legendary. Smoked, chewed or sniffed, it would be embraced by many, if not all of the men of Richmond, including those who comprised its 1st Regiment of Volunteers. That night on the train many of these 400 men, most certainly including Governor Wise, engaged in all of these pursuits; whether smoking against the rules on the trains platforms or spitting on the stove tobacco was in the air one way or another, and a prodigious amount of it too. Sometimes the presence of ladies (certainly not present on this nights special military train) would shame a mans smoking or chewing on the cars into a 81

temporary submission; or force men to smoke or spit concealed in the water closets. The absence of ladies that night meant that a man could light up at will in his seat, or on the car platforms to get a breath of fresh air, or spit as he pleased on the hot stove in each car without censure. THE SEGAR Cigars or Segars were prominently and incongruously on display when an unidentified volunteer company chose to smoke them while on parade (City Items The Militia, Richmond Whig, April 29, 1859.) The inundation of segars in Virginia was decried in the article Inveterate Smoking, which complained about the invasion of segars everywhere one looked. (Alexandria Gazette, August 3, 1848) THE DANGERS OF SMOKING While disapproving ladies were absent that night on the train, a gentlemans need for his segar coupled with the dangers of smoking on a moving train remained. Sudden train movements were common and an unprepared gentleman enjoying his segar on the cars platform could find himself and his segar deposited along the tracks or crushed between the cars. While no accidents was reported that night, incidents like these were common. The railroad prohibitions against standing on the platforms to smoke or secreting oneself in the baggage car to do so were routinely ignored in the love affair between a gentleman and his segar. THE JUICE Although the offensive cigar in everybodys mouth caused smarting of the eyes within the coaches, the tobacco-chewer was believed to have had no manners at all .[t]he most disgusting passenger was the tobacco chewer. (Alvarez, Eugene, Travel on Southern Antebellum Railroads 1828-1860, University of Alabama Press, 1974, pgs. 130 &131) One could always extinguish a cigar, but remedying a mouth full of saliva required a receptacle, an open space, a handkerchief, or a nonchalant attitude as to where it was deposited. On the railroad cars of the day, the heating stove positioned in the middle of each car made for a handy target. This practice of whiling away the time spent on a journey by spitting at the cars stove was not held in universal high 82

regard but with inveterate chewer Governor Wise on board setting the example, and the absence of any ladies, likely the tobacco juice was flying that evening. The Richmond Compiler very properly exposes the offensive and disgusting practice of many passengers upon the Rail Road Cars, in spitting great streams of tobacco juice on the heated stoves, thereby rendering the confined atmosphere not only offensive, but sickening to those who have no taste for the vile weed. But this is not all. Every corner and space under the seats is also filled by the filthy saliva, so that, if by accident you drop your handkerchief, gloves or cloak, they are rendered unfit for decent hands ever after. (Hit them Again, Alexandria Gazette, January 12, 1846) In railroad cars-it was not uncommon to see the floor covered with the filthy scum. (Alvarez, Eugene, Travel on Southern Antebellum Railroads 1828-1860, University of Alabama Press, 1974, pg. 130)

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BOUND FOR GLORY WITH HENRY WISE: CHRONICLING THE JOURNEY TO CHARLESTOWN NOVEMBER 19-20, 1859

Governor Henry A. Wise

Library of Congress

The Route to Charlestown

Richmond, Virginia - Saturday, November 19, 1859 Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Depot: 8th & Broad Streets 6:00 PM - Capitol Square Bell Tower alarm rings calling for assembly of troops to be sent to Charlestown.

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Capitol Square circa 1850 From Urban Scale Richmond Total area, fourteen (14) acres and three (3) quarters; two acres of which is taken up by the grounds of the Executive Mansion, leaving twelve (12) acres and there (3) quarters as the area of the Square proper. Capitol Square, June 21, 1872 (Richmond Whig)

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6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers gather at the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad (RF&PRR) Depot at 8th and Broad Streets under the command of Richmond Grays Captain Wyatt Mosely Elliott, Acting Colonel Commanding. (Colonel Thomas P. August was ill and would follow separately) Richmond Grays Richmond Light Infantry Blues Company F Montgomery Guard Young Guard Howitzer Corps Virginia Rifles 1st Regiment 80 78 75 50 40 46 35 404

The number given above a little over 400 men is as nearly correct as we could ascertain it in the confusion of the moment (Local Matters -Exciting Reports from Charlestown Departure of the Richmond Military, Richmond Daily Dispatch, November 21, 1859.) The company breakdown provided in the article did not include Governor Wise and his staff who left that evening as well. Average passenger coach capacity would be approximately 50. Some of the companies occupied multiple cars. 9:30 - 10 PM Special (unscheduled) dedicated military train departed from the Broad Street Depot consisting of one class 4-4-0 engine pulling 9 cars (8 passenger cars, 1 baggage car) and transporting approximately 400+ men including Governor Wise and staff. Governor Wise and Staff most likely riding in RF&PRR President Edwin Robinsons coach car. Destination terminus at Fredericksburg/Aquia Creek. The train followed the same route as the Great Southern Mail, The RF&PRR from Richmond to Fredericksburg with a transfer via the Potomac Steamships at Aquia Creek for the remainder of the trip to reach Washington. D.C.(Advertisement, Alexandria Gazette, January 13, 1855, Daily National Intelligencer, February 12, 1855) 11 PM Ashland. The first stop along the RF&PRR line from Richmond to the railroads terminus at Fredericksburg would normally have been at Ashland, 16 86

miles from Richmond. Ashlands familiar grounds and its hotel, Slash Cottage, was the site of many a gala social event held under the guise of a militia excursion. On the night of November 19th however, the special train carrying these men would not be stopping and the journey on which they were embarking would be no excursion. Milford, Virginia - Sunday, November 20, 1859 1 AM A Special Train (an unscheduled train taking a direct route) would not have stopped until the mandatory 50 mile interval to take on wood and water. This stop would most likely have been at the Milford Depot. There was an approximate delay of 1 hour at Milford. Fredericksburg/Aquia Creek, Virginia - Sunday, November 20, 1859 From/To: Richmond to Aquia Creek, Virginia Distance Traveled: 76 miles Arrival Time: 4:00 am (approximate) Travel Time: 5 hours Travel Speed: 12 mph (average reduced night running speed) 4:00 AM The train arrived at RF&PRR terminus at Fredericksburg located near the wharf at Aquia Creek where the Potomac steamship already loaded with the Great Southern Mail, had been kept waiting. The troops disembarked and baggage transferred from the train to the steamship for the next travel segment to Washington D.C. There was no delay in forwarding either the men or the mail. (The Harpers Ferry Invasion , New York Herald, November 24, 1859.) Travel Notes In 1859, Aquia Landing was located at the confluence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac River in Stafford County, Virginia. Aquia Landing had served as a steamship wharf as early as 1815. In 1842 the Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad was extended north to Aquia Landing, completing its line from Richmond to the Potomac River. Aquia Landing was the only direct rail to steamboat transfer point on the Potomac River between Richmond and Washington D.C. The connection between Richmond and Washington normally took nine hours by rail and steam. This 9-hour travel time included additional stops for meals, which the special train did not make. 87

Northern Terminus RF&PRR at Aquia Creek

Aquia Creek Landing where the RF&PRR transferred its passengers To steamships for the run up to Washington D.C. The line of track can be seen curving to the right in the middle of the picture (Circa 1862) David L. Bright,

One Hundred Fifty Years of History Along the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad (Circa 1861)

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Aquia Creek Battlefield Shoreline Erosion Map Showing location of original RF&PRR railway, siding & wye (1862) Stafford County, Virginia

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The Potomac River - Sunday, November 20, 1859 From/To: Aquia Creek, Virginia to Washington City, District of Columbia Distance Traveled: 55 miles Arrival Time: 7:00 am Travel Time: 3 1/2 hours Travel Speed: 12 mph 4:30 AM - The journey continued by steamboat on the Potomac River to Washington City, District of Columbia, passing in view of Mount Vernon. Travel Notes In the distance, the just risen moon was throwing its beams across the rippling waters of the Potomac and at the wharf lay the noble steamer careening as company after company marched with heavy tramp to her spacious decks. The loud tones of command of the busy officers and the hurried rush of the baggage porters were the only sounds that disturbed the stillness of the night. (Richmond Dispatch, Nov. 21, 1859) The above recollection provided to the Richmond Dispatch by a member of the Richmond Howitzers who went on the train indicates that a single steamship was used. The ship could have been the Mount Vernon, the Powhatan or perhaps the larger steamship the Baltimore (Local Items, Alexandria Gazette, December 23, 1859.) During the initial October deployment, Governor Wise made a speech on the steamship to the only company with him during that trip, Company F. His words below were most likely repeated in some fashion during this second trip to his entire Regiment. The most dramatic point of course for Wise to have made the comments would have been when passing Mount Vernon, invoking the memory of George Washington. I thank you for your prompt response to the call made upon you at an hours notice. You are already known as gentlemen at home and you are now, for the first time, to prove yourselves soldiers. Called to restore order, you will be careful to preserve order in your own ranks. On no holiday parade, but summoned into actual service, there must be no childs play; and you must, and I am 90

sure you will, observe strictly the orders and requirements of the service in which you are engaged. It may be my duty to proclaim martial law; it will be yours to enforce it with the sternest discipline, and strictest regard to military rule. I shall be jealous of your honor, as I am confident you will be of mine. I rely upon you. (The Harpers Ferry Outbreak; Speech of Governor Wise at Richmond, New York Herald, October 26, 1859.)

Potomac Steam Ship (circa 1860) One Hundred and Fifty and Fifty Years of History along the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac RailRoad

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Broadside for Richmond Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Steamships circa 1856 Library of Congress

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Washington City, District of Columbia, Sunday, Nov. 20, 1859

Sixth Street Wharf, Washington DC (circa 1865) Library of Congress 7 AM 10 AM The steamship docked at the 6th Street Wharf landing at Washington at the foot of 6th Street and the Washington Channel. The men disembark, form ranks, and follow Governor Wise on a two-mile march through the city, to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&ORR) depot at New Jersey Avenue and C Street, arriving there at 10AM. (Richmond Dispatch, Nov. 21, 1859) Travel Notes There would be an approximate 3-hour layover in Washington City, more than enough time for Henry Wise to shake things up in the Nations capitol. In 1851, Wises flamboyant 5 day speech made in Richmond at the Constitutional Convention was noted in contemporary newspaper accounts as having outdrawn Johns father, the great Junius Brutus Booth who was then performing at the Marshall Theater (Southside Democrat; Petersburg, Va., Henry A. Wise, May 12, 1851, as reprinted in Daily Alabama Journal.) Both performances would pale in comparison to the show that Henry Wise put on that morning in Washington.

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Sunday was a day of great excitement in Washington, and our old woman, together with some of the democratic politicians are not entirely over it. Troops were continually marching through the city (on the Sunday mentioned; this would be Sunday, Nov. 20th) and the wildest rumors were flying over the town. Some had it that John Brown had escaped, others that a terrible battle was going on near Charlestown that five hundred men all armed to the teeth, had come down from the Western Reserve (Pennsylvania) to the rescue of Brown. (Washington; Gov. Wise, St. Albans Messenger, December 1, 1859) Governor Wise is a thousand times more dangerous at large and clothed with a little brief authority, than Osawatomie Brown. He is going to hang the brave old man for treason against Virginia, and with his hand upon the throat of his victim he threatens to break up the Union! A late Washington letter, in noticing the tramp through the National Capitol of Governor Wise and his Virginia militia says: Since I commenced this letter, the gallant Governor has passed through Washington on his way to Charlestown and John Brown. He was accompanied by five hundred troops and several pieces of cannon. (Henry Wise Breaking up the Union, Cleveland Leader, November 29, 1859 emphasis added,) Governor Wise passed through this city with five hundred men, armed for warcertainly enlivened an early morning Sunday in Washington(Mr. Lovejoys Address, Constitution, Nov. 26, 1859.) Arrival here yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 20, 1859) morning of Governor Wise of Virginia, with a regiment of Virginia Volunteers from Richmond, four hundred and four strong in rank and file. They left Washington by railroad for Harpers Ferry and Charlestown at 10 oclock a.m., Governor Wise accompanying them. (Local Matters, Washington Daily National Intelligencer, Nov. 21, 1859,) Gov. Wise of Virginia, accompanied by nearly 400 troops, arrived here by special conveyance (special train) and at twenty minutes past ten a.m. today left by express train (Baltimore & 94

Ohio Railroad) of cars en route for Charlestown, Va. (Movements of Governor Wise and the Military, Washington Daily National Intelligencer, Nov. 20, 1859 and Correspondence of the Baltimore Sun, Nov. 21, 1859) The sight of Henry Wise cutting a big figure while parading through Washington at the head of his 400 armed and uniformed 1st Regiment of Virginia was a matter of grave concern and got the entire citys attention. The concern stemmed, in part, from Wises threat to invade Washington D.C. three years earlier with the entire states militia. Henry Wises Threatened March on Washington 1856 In 1856, the then newly elected Governor Wise had threatened that if Republican John C. Fremont were elected President he would march at the head of twenty thousand men on Washington to take possession of the Capitol and prevent his inauguration, thereby saving the Confederation of States (the United States,) from the disunion which would ensue from Fremonts abolitionist platform. Gentlemen: Are you aware of the fact that this madcap, Wise for I declare upon my honor I would say he was a crazy man are you aware that Wise has issued his proclamation for offering all the militia of the state and to hold themselves in readiness for his call? (Botts Vs. Wise, National Era, October. 9, 1856, emphasis added) The scheme of Gov. Wise to take forcible possession of the public offices at Washington and turn out Col. Fremont, in case he should be elected.(Gov. Wise, Milwaukee Sentinel, February 16, 1860 quoting from the Knoxville Whig) Wise received more than criticism. There were calls for his arrest, even within Virginia from a former United States Congressman: I address you this note to request that you will, at the earliest practicable moment, publish in your paper the speech of his Excellency, Henry A. Wise, Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia Let them see what this madman of their own selection is prepared for them. I have often listened to the insane ravings of a lunatic in the asylum but never, never in the whole course of my 95

life have I heard, read or witnessed the workings of a disordered brain more strongly stamped with madness than in this instance this man is either a natural born fool, a lunatic, or conspirator in fact, and a traitor in his heart Is he a natural born fool? I do not think he is. Is he a lunatic? I believe before God he is partially deranged, and I have believed so for the last six years of his daily conversations as reported in the public streets, of his intention in the event of Fremonts election, to take possession of Old Point Comfort (Washington) and then tell whether he is lunatic or conspirator, and whether it has not become the duty of the proper authorities to have him immediately arrested. Where is Judge Taney? Where is Judge Halliburton? Where is the District Attorney? Where is the Grand Jury of this Eastern District of Virginia Finally, where is the President of the United States? Letters John M. Botts Botts Declares Gov. Wise a Madman, October 7, 1856, New York Herald.) Henry Wises March on Washington - 1859 Driving the intense public interest over the early Sunday mornings fine display of military was Wises well-remembered 1856 threat to march on Washington. We all remember that Governor Wise, in 1856, threatened in the event of Freemonts election, to march a southern army upon Washington to seize the treasury and archives of the federal government, and to march off with them, and set up an independent Southern Confederacy.(Reprinted in New York Herald, Dec. 26, 1859) The flamboyant Henry Wise was good for it and every politician and newspaperman in Washington, including the man who had won the 1856 election, President James Buchanan, certainly knew. It was also common knowledge that the eccentric and ambitious Henry Wise made no secret of his desire to sit in the chair Buchanan then occupied. Unlike his threatened march in 1856, Wise during the October 1859 militia deployment followed proper protocol and requested authorization to pass through the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland with his armed Virginia regiment. It was likely that Wise followed the same advance notification for the November deployment. 96

Telegrams were also sent to the Governor of Maryland and President Buchanan for authority to pass through the District of Columbia and Maryland with armed troops that route being the quickest to Harpers Ferry (Wise, John Sergeant, End of an Era, Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1899, pg. 84.) Having sent proper notice of his and the Regiments arrival, Henry Wise fully expected President James Buchanan to formally receive him and his Regiment at a public welcome at the White House. Wise did not take a direct route from the 6th Street Wharf to the next departure point, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Depot at New Jersey Avenue and C Street. Instead, after arriving at the wharf, Henry Wise conspicuously, and with as much fanfare as possible, marched his staff, officers and troops of the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, which by some accounts now included the addition of several cannon (perhaps acquired at Fredericksburg or borrowed from somewhere in Washington) down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the White House. All of Washington took note of the fine military display that Wise put on except for President Buchanan who, apparently with blinds drawn, remained oblivious and unavailable inside the White House. Incredulous, Wise marched at the head of his parade of approximately 400 men as they circled the White House and its slumbering president at least once and by some accounts as many as three times, still with no reception or greeting extended. Embarrassed and enraged, Wise finally gave up and led his regiment towards the Baltimore & Ohio Depot no doubt spewing both tobacco and invective as he marched along. Henry Wise considered the act an insult to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the men of the First Regiment of Virginia Volunteers and, of course, to Henry Alexander Wise himself, both personally and as Governor. Leaving Richmond soon after dark, the soldiers arrived in Washington before daylight the following morning. Hoping to be recognized by President Buchanan, the regiment marched past the White House, but the heavy tramp of a thousand men (Note: here the article greatly exaggerated the total) failed to disturb the slumbers of the Chief Magistrate, or at least he did not show himself which caused Wise to indignantly declare, Were I President of the United States, no body of armed men should march through the capitol of the Union without my knowing it! And he never forgave Buchanan for what he termed a studied slight. (John Brown, New York Sun, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemens Magazine, Vol. 9, Jan. 97

1885) A month after the march itself and the subsequent events at Charlestown had concluded, Wise was still fuming over the insult. If he could not actually pull Buchanans nose as he had done James Polks, then he at least wanted to poke his fist under it. On December 22, 1859, the return of 200 southern medical students and the press covering their welcome at the Governors Mansion in the last few days of Wises term provided just such an opportunity. Gov. Wise in his recent fantastical speech,New York Herald Tribune, December 31, 1859,) The recent speech of Gov. Wise to the returning medical students at Richmond is the subject of much comment in the Northern papers and some of the comments are ill-natured enough. Our Governor is an impulsive man and may write and talk too much but his patriotism and state pride none can doubt (Gov. Wise; Richmond, December 30, 1859, Alexandria Gazette emphasis added) I (if elected President) wont let a Virginia regiment pass three times back and forth by the White House without poking my head out of the window and asking Brothers! - whats the matter!? (The Vital Questions of the Day, Great Union Speech of Gov. Wise, December 26, 1859, New York Herald) His allusion to a Virginia Regiment passing three times by the White House, without inducing the President to poke his head out of the window, was in bad taste and betrayed, we fear, a little sourness of temper still existing which the Governor should have kept to himself. (The Vital Questions of the Day Great Union Speech of Gov. Wise, Dec. 26, 1859, New York Herald) Henry Wise never learned to keep anything to himself, especially an insult.

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White House, taken in June 1859 Library of Congress Whether circled, once, twice or three times, The view of the White House as seen that morning. John Wilkes Booth Walks Behind Governor Wise Down Pennsylvania Avenue Amidst all of this drama, or comedy, John Wilkes Booth walked behind Governor Henry A. Wise down Pennsylvania Avenue. That morning, in a reversal of roles, Booth the actor was in the audience with the best seat in the house. On marching down Pennsylvania Avenue, Gov. Wise with his high beaver hat, and his head up in the air, with a large pair of silver specks over his nose, cut a big figure. John Wilkes Booth walked behind him with his overcoat on his arm. (John O. Taylors article entitled John Brown Hanging, the Recollections of a Member of the Richmond Grays, Richmond Times Dispatch, May 1, 1904,)

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Henry Wise Continues the Show at the B&O Depot Profanely ill disposed after enduring the snub by President Buchanan, Governor Wise arrived at the Baltimore & Ohio Depot only to find that the special train, which should have been waiting to convey them without delay to Relay was not ready. Wise was now particularly incensed because it was a repeat of the same thing which in October had prevented him from arriving at Harpers Ferry prior to Robert E. Lee and the U.S. Marines during the initial outbreak. A subject he continued to complain about even after the November deployment. Had I reached Harpers Ferry before these men were captured and I would have reached there in time, had I been forwarded as I ought to have been from Washington and the Relay House!. Henry A. Wise letter to Fernando Wood, December 4, 1859) Wise felt that the same President Buchanan who had just snubbed him had been responsible for the October delay, which had denied Virginia, and Henry Wise the opportunity and glory to deal with Browns insurgency on the State level. Already furious over the mornings insult, Wise probably now assumed that Buchanan had interfered with his plans yet again. While waiting for the train to arrive that morning, Governor Wise did what he was famous for he talked. Gov. Wise made a speech to his soldiers at our railroad depot, in which he displayed his well known qualities. A friend who heard the speech declared him to be insane; but he is mistaken. Gov. Wise is playing what he supposes to be a deep game in this matter. He is trying to force himself upon the South as a presidential candidate. It is his policy to keep the south in a continual panic till after the Charleston Convention (pertaining to the 1860 Democratic Presidential Nomination) has met. (Washington; Gov. Wise, St. Albans Messenger, December 1, 1859 emphasis added) He made a speech at the Railroad depot, in which he proved himself a madman. He told his soldiers that they would drive off the dd Yankees and hang John Brown before they returned; 100

and, added the valiant Governor, We will put an end to this state of things on the border, or break up the Union! (Henry Wise Breaking up the Union, Cleveland Leader, November 29, 1859 emphasis added) Despite the criticism that Wise was drawing, it seems that the Northern press was more than happy to join in on taking a swipe at the beleaguered and unpopular President Buchanan because the article then continued: How came Gov. Wise to make a speech in Washington of a Sunday morning, to his troops? Why didnt he make it on Virginia soil! Simply that he might defy the Government and poke his fist under Mr. Buchanans nose. I really believe that if Gov. Wise were to demand the public buildings in Washington, Mr. Buchanan, the cowardly old doughface who shakes in the Presidential chair would give it to him. The panic in Washington is great, while I write, and many of our citizens predict that the present is the last Congress that will meet here. (Henry Wise Breaking up the Union, Cleveland Leader, November 29, 1859) Between seething, speechifying and sending yet more telegrams during the delay at the Depot, Wise spent his spare time fielding interviews from the press while his men, or at least some of them, ate a quick morning meal of some description, perhaps biscuits and coffee. After being detained in Washington just long enough to get breakfast (Article signed by Rambler, Letter from Harpers Ferry, Richmond Whig, Nov. 22, 1859,) Waiting at the depot for the trains arrival, the troops would have had the opportunity to view the citywide commotion that their presence and their Governor had caused while reporters vied with each other to cover the event. In typical Henry Wise form, the Governor took advantage of one reporters question to get off a memorable retort, a phrase that would be often repeated during the days prior to Browns execution whenever the likelihood of a rescue attempt was mentioned in conjunction with an overabundance of troops at Charlestown: Governor Wise and staff, with about four hundred men left the Washington Depot on Sunday morning. While the troops were 101

embarking on the cars at Washington (B&ORR Depot at New Jersey Avenue and C Street) someone approached Governor Wise and said that the people were laughing at such a great military display, when there was no actual necessity for it. Well, said the Governor, I would much rather meet General Ridicule than General Disgrace. This answer silenced the laughing. (Local Items, Alexandria Gazette, November 22, 1859) Link to Rumseys Washington D.C. History Circa 1861 Map Overlay (Click on hyperlink to open)

Street Map Showing B&O Railroad Depot

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Unfinished Washington Monument circa 1859 Library of Congress

View of Washington looking down Pennsylvania Avenue Towards the unfinished Capitol National Hotel, Washington DC Library of Congress

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View of the Capitol Appletons Railroad and Steamboat Companion 1859

View of unfinished capitol dome circa 1858 Government Printing Office S. DOC. 106-29 History of the United States Capitol: A Chronicle of Design, Construction, and Politics 104

Baltimore & Ohio RR Depot, Washington New Jersey Avenue & C Street

B&ORR Depot in Washington, New Jersey Avenue & C Street Washington Historical Society The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Depot opened in this location in 1851. The Italianate styled building, with its distinctive 100 foot clock tower, was located just north of the U.S. Capitol at the corner of New Jersey Avenue and C Street and was one of the busiest locations in Washington for a very good reason; only one railroad connected Washington to the outside world; The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. From this depot the line ran northeast into Maryland and forked at the Relay House Junction, as known as the Washington Branch Junction approximately 9 miles outside of Baltimore. This was the next route on the journey to Charlestown. A short branch from there continued into Baltimore where travelers could then make a connection taking them to the middle Atlantic and New England states. The other branch turned west, towards Harpers Ferry and the seat of war to which the men were going. This depot where the men were delayed waiting for the next train on their continuing journey could not be more different from the one from which they had departed in Richmond. The B&O Depot was 106 feet wide and 68 feet deep, Once inside, passengers entered a beautiful hall to board their trains. A 105

ticket office, freight office and ladies and gentlemens salons were also located within the depot. The main carhouse, which was 60 feet wide and 330 feet in length, ran diagonally through the square, the iron roof supported by granite pillars. One downside to this elegance; it made the depot a prime location for pickpockets to operate. (Washington National Republican, Dec. 12, 1861) 10:20 -10:30 AM - The train arrived at the depot and Governor Wise and his men departed to Harpers Ferry via Relay, Maryland. Henry Wise had put on quite a show that morning in Washingtons City. Washington District of Columbia to Harpers Ferry, Virginia - Sunday, November 20, 1859 From/To: Washington City, District of Columbia to Relay, Maryland Distance from Washington City: 40 Miles From/To: Relay Maryland to Harpers Ferry, Virginia Distance from Relay to Harpers Ferry: 73 Miles Total Miles: 107 (approximate) Arrival Time Harpers Ferry: 4 PM Travel Time: 5. 5 hours Travel Speed: 20 mph From Washington, the B&ORR line ran northeast 40 miles into Maryland and forked at the Relay House Junction, as known as the Washington Branch Junction approximately 9 miles outside of Baltimore. This was the next route on the journey to Charlestown. The continuing Special (unscheduled train) would have required a stop for fuel and water every 50 miles stop/s unidentified. Potentially at Relay and Monocacy/Frederick Junction

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Travel Notes Baltimore & Ohio Railroad The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&ORR) was one of the oldest railroads in the United States and the first common carrier railroad. At first this railroad was located entirely in the state of Maryland with an original line from the port of Baltimore west to Sandy Hook. At this point to continue westward, it had to cross into Virginia (now West Virginia) over the Potomac River, adjacent to the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. From there it passed through Virginia from Harpers Ferry to a point just west of the junction of Patterson Creek and the North Branch Potomac River. Relay House, Maryland The B&O Railroad started its westward course 9 miles south of Baltimore at Relay House or Relay, Maryland. From here it moved westward, initially following the course of the Patapsco River where the river divided into the west and south branches, continuing on its western route following the west branch of the river. It continued to Monocacy Junction, also known as Frederick Junction. There the main line of the B&O turned south going across the Monocacy River on an iron railroad bridge onto Point of Rocks, before resuming its westward route to Harpers Ferry following the banks of the Potomac River. At Harpers Ferry the B&ORR left the relative comfort of the river valley and proceeded through the hilly terrain of northern West Virginia to Martinsburg. Monocacy Junction provided a two story brick building containing the railroad and telegraph offices, a water tank and a block house for housing a military detachment. (Collins, Joseph V., Battle of West Frederick, 2011)

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Approaching Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry by Moonlight Library of Congress The scenery the men would have seen on this leg of the journey was breathtakingly beautiful, almost otherworldly. The scenery around Harpers Ferry is beautiful description (Letter from Harpers Ferry, Richmond Whig, Nov. 25, 1859) The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad crosses the Potomac at the place on a magnificent bridge, and the Winchester and Potomac Railroad has its northern terminus in the townThe Maryland Heights rise in successive plateaus to an altitude of thirteen hundred feet above the surrounding country and two thousand feet above the level of the sea. Between the Maryland Heights and the Loudoun Heights ran a gorge of savage grandeur No person with the least poetry in his soul will consider his (Jeffersons) assertion extravagant. It is truly, a sublime spectacle. (Barry, Joseph, The Annals of Harpers Ferry, 1872) 108

Harpers Ferry is situated in Jefferson County, Va., at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, at the passage of these streams through the Blue Ridge, here upwards of 1,200 feet in height. The scenery here is all of the wildest and most majestic description. Jeffersons Rock is a pile of huge detached rocks, leaning over the steep cliffs of the Shenandoah, and looking into the mountain gorge of the Potomac. It is a wild eagles nest which, as Jefferson truly declares, is worth the trip across the ocean to behold. It is not, however, equal to the enchanting scene presented to the view from the opposite mountain, about a mile and a half up, on the Maryland side. From this height the beholder surveys with admiration a large extent of country, fields, woodlands, and plantations; while the beautiful Shenandoah, as it breaks upon this magic picture, appears like a series of beautiful lakes. (Appletons Railroad and Steamboat Companion, 1858) To enter this beautiful scene, a bridge 750 feet long crossed from the Potomac River from the Maryland side.

The New World in 1859: Being the United States and Canada 109

1859 View of Lower Town Harpers Ferry and the covered Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Viaduct Historic Photo Collection, Harpers Ferry National Park Sunday, November 20th, Harpers Ferry, Virginia 4:00 PM Governor Wise and the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers arrive at Harpers Ferry. 4:30 5:00 PM transfer via Winchester & Potomac Railroad (W&PRR) for Governor Wise and his staff along with The Richmond Grays, Company F, Virginia Riflemen and Young Guard. The balance of the regiment was forwarded the following day: The companies which came to Charlestown were the Richmond Grays 76; Company F 65; Virginia Riflemen 41; and Young Guard 55; - 250 .(From Charlestown, Alexandria Gazette, Nov. 23, 1859)

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Travel Notes Travelers from Baltimore and Washington took the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Harpers Ferry where the B&ORR had its terminus. The B&O crossed the Potomac River through the Harpers Ferry River gap over a covered railroad bridge and went west along the bank of the Potomac River a distance of several hundred yards before going across land. This was necessitated because the land adjacent to the river was owned by the federal government and was the site of the U S Musket Factory at Harpers Ferry. To travel the remaining 10 miles to reach Charlestown, a transfer to yet another railroad, the Winchester and Potomac Railroad (W&PRR) was required. The exhausted men who had left Richmond almost 24 hours earlier would have to now do this as well. The Winchester and Potomac came into Harpers Ferry along the Shenandoah River and ended at "The Point." While, the B&O and W&P lines were within yards of each other, passengers and freight were offloaded or onloaded from each. The juncture of the Shenandoah River and Potomac River occurred at "The Point" at Harpers Ferry. (P. Douglas Perks, Director Charles Town Library) The Winchester & Potomac Railroad The Winchester and Potomac Railroad (W&PRR) was incorporated in 1832 to connect the town of Winchester with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal at Harpers Ferry. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, W&PRR owned six locomotives: Ancient, Pocahontas, Farmer, President, Virginia and Potomac, all of which were the most modern engines (4-4-0) with the exception of the Farmer (4-2-0). The B&O train carrying the First Regiment of Virginia Volunteers and Governor Wise and his staff would have been pulled by one of these locomotives. The W&PRRs rolling stock (cars) consisted of only 4 passenger cars, one mail/baggage car, 48 freight cars and 8 repair cars. The limited number of available rolling stock (passenger cars) mandated why some of the companies of the 1st Regiment of Volunteers were left at Harpers Ferry and not forwarded until the following day. 111

The companies which came directly to Charlestown were the Richmond Grays 76; Company F 65; Virginia Riflemen 41; and Young Guard 55. (From Charlestown, Alexandria Gazette, Nov. 23, 1859,) This unexpected circumstance also added to the trains delay leaving Harpers Ferry as noticed by the welcoming party awaiting the Governors arrival at Charlestown. Sunday, November 20th, Charlestown, Virginia From/To: Harpers Ferry to Charlestown, Va. Distance from Harpers Ferry: 10 miles Arrival Time: 6:00 p.m. Travel Time: 1 hour Travel Speed: 12-15 MPH 6:00 PM Charlestown, Virginia Finally, the long journey endsat least for some At four oclock on Sunday afternoon almost the entire population turned out and made their way to the depot. It was soon announced that a dispatch had been received and the cars would not be in until five oclockAbout six oclock the shrill whistle of the iron horse was heard, and citizens flocked to the courthouse and vicinity, where the solders would have to pass. The line was formed under the command of Colonel GibsonThe appearance of the troops as they marched down the main street was fine, and all were impressed with the soldierly tread of the visitors. Gov. Wise was met by Hon. Andrew Hunter, and he and his staff conveyed to that gentlemans residence. It was with great difficulty that sufficient accommodations could be obtained for them, coming as they did after night, and not having had anything to eat for twentyfour hours. The companies which came to Charlestown were the Richmond Grays 76; Company F 65; Virginia Riflemen 41; and Young Guard 55; - 250 (sic). The companies remaining at Harpers Ferry for the night were Richmond Blues 68; Montgomery Guard 46; and Howitzer Company 51. The latter companies will be brought up to-day.(From Charlestown, Alexandria Gazette, Nov. 23, 1859 emphasis added) 112

For John Wilkes Booth and The Richmond Grays, the journey which had started at 9:30 pm on Saturday, November 19th in Richmond had passed from Virginia, up the Potomac Creek, across the nations capitol, through the state of Maryland, returned into Virginia and had finally brought them to the anticipated seat of war, Charlestown, on Sunday evening, November 20th at 6:00 pm. The route required travel over three different railroads and one steamship and during its continuous 20 travel hour period, the men covered over 200 miles. For those companies that remained at Harpers Ferry awaiting the arrival of the required passenger cars, their journey ended the following day. THE LAST WORDS, AS ALWAYS, BELONGED TO HENRY WISE I KEPT MY EYE UPON YOU Henry Wise delivered the following speech upon the return of the troops from the initial October militia deployment to Harpers Ferry, but the sentiments and thanks he expressed then could also easily pertain to the November one. If you and I never had a fellow feeling before, we have it now. Rumors of insurrection, invasion, robbery and murder by ruffians on our border, called you to the field, to exert the authority of your state to protect the safety of her people. You, fellow citizens, and citizensoldiers were ready to start, and did start on the path of duty at a moments warning --- I thank you I thank all who joined you and were ready to join you, with my whole heart, for this whole people, not only for your being ready, for the manner in which your duty was performed. It is due to you and your fellow citizens that I should say, and that they should know, that you were ready to do, and if necessary, to die in their defense. I kept my eye upon you, and I proudly attest that you were men. On the way, on board the steamer at the Potomac, I reminded you that you were already known at home in the character as gentlemen, and that then you were called upon to win the character as soldiers. That character you have won. Although not commanded to charge a bayonet or pull a trigger, you preserved order, composure, dignity and discipline in the midst of the highest excitement and confusion I have ever witnessed.(Governor Wises Speech at Richmond on the subject of the Harpers Ferry Rebellion, Alexandria Gazette, October 27, 1858,) 113

From what we know of the Governor, Henry A. Wise keeping his eye upon anyone, friend or foe, was a daunting experience. The already heavy burden, and expectations, on the men who made the journey to Charlestown were only heightened by Wises lingering resentment over the October deployment. In addition to missing the fight, Wise was enraged and embarrassed that the local Jefferson County militiamen who had surrounded Browns insurgents had refused to storm the engine house, preferring to await the arrival of the U.S. Marines. The fiery furnace of his wrath which had been kindled to consume the Abolition invaders now blazed out against the unlucky volunteers and militia officers. They were not allowed a hearing for explanation or justification. They were overwhelmed with contempt and opprobrium. (David Hunter Strothers Lecture on John Brown, Cleveland, 1868 emphasis added) Adding fuel to Wises fury, the towns hostages while unarmed had outnumbered their captors, but had not attempted to overpower them. The Governor expressed his mortification at the disgrace which had been brought upon the state. He would rather have lost both legs and both arms from his shoulders and hips than such a disgrace should have been cast upon it. A hostages justification that there were ten of them (prisoners) and nine insurgents but that the latter were each armed with three Sharpes rifles and two colt revolvers explaining to the enraged governor that We were huddled in like a flock of sheep prompted a sneering reply; Yes, said the disgusted Governor, you were in a corner, and you were very much like sheep They certainly cornered all the sheep at Harpers Ferry! (The Harpers Ferry Outbreak, New York Herald, October 21, 1859,)

During his last few waning days in office, the November militia deployment to Charlestown provided Governor Wise through his 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers a second chance to redeem the states honor, and his. Wises citizen soldiers again readily responded to the likelihood of armed conflict, and his men, all of them, including one non-enrolled actor, did not disappoint. 114

Governor Henry A. Wises official comments that he entered into the Virginia public record pertaining to the November deployment were these: Information from all quarters---came of organized conspiracies and combinations to obstruct our laws, to rescue and seize hostages, to commit rapine and burning along our borders on Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana, proceeding from these states and from New York, Massachusetts and other states and Canada. These multiplied in every form for weeks; and at last, on the 19th of November, a call was very properly and timely made by Col. Davis for an additional force of 500 men. These reports and rumors, from so many sources of every character and form, so simultaneously, from places so far apart, at the same time, from persons so unlike in evidences of education, could be from no conspiracy to hoax; but I relied not so much upon them as upon the earnest continued general appeal of sympathizers with the crimes. It was impossible for so much of such sympathy to exist without exciting bad men to action of rescue or revenge. On this I acted I ask for special favor to the gallant militia corps who have volunteered so spiritedly for public defense. They have rivaled each other in a patriotic and martial spirit I cannot distinguish among the corps, except in training and drill. The 1st Regiment of Volunteers is now worthy of being the pride of the state. Foster it, and never let it be less in numbers or lower in discipline.(Journal of the House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia, 1859-1860 Session, Governors Message Number 2. emphasis added)

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EPILOGUE
Henry Alexander Wise leading his 400 men of the 1st Regiment of Virginia Volunteers down Pennsylvania Avenue was as momentous a sight as their send off from Richmond. That event would be particularly fateful in the lives of both of the men so remarkably and unexpectedly linked together in John O. Taylors recollection, Governor Henry Alexander Wise and John Wilkes Booth. HENRY WISE Henry Wises triumphant morning march through Washington on Sunday, November 20th 1859 proved to be his high water mark. Leading his boys of the 1st Virginia Regiment down Pennsylvania Avenue, his beloved son and champion at his side and the White House looming before him, Wises future looked as bright as that mornings sun. Wise never got any closer to the White House but his role in history was far from over. While the union of states strained to their breaking point, Wise would first try to fight for Virginia In the Union before being instrumental in leading Virginia out of the Union in 1861. A year later at the disaster of Roanoke Island, the gallant O. Jennings Wise would be a blood sacrifice when CSA Brigadier General Henry Wise, trapped between a hopeless defense of the strategic island and abandoning his new nations honor, was forced to order his son and his regiment into a lost battle. From a lifetime of eloquent words and lengthy superlatives, Wises own anguished few while holding his sons body; He died for me! He died for me! He died for his father! were his most profound. Weighed down by loss, the proud old dragon would still somehow soldier on to the bitter end. At the surrender of Appomattox, Union General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlains ill-timed offer of national forgiveness would be met with a venomous response spit back at him by the ragged-looking profane scarecrow of a general; You may want to forgive us but we wont be forgiven. We HATE you sir! After the war, Henry Wise, by then the self-described Ex everything, ExCongressman, Ex-Governor, Ex-General, would have one thing left to define him. The Confederate Prisoner on Parole Henry Wise lived Unforgiven and Unforgotten until his death in 1876, the nations centennial year.

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JOHN WILKES BOOTH We are all the unconscious actors and spectators in the worlds theater. The parts we play, and the scenes we applaud, are the double substance of the current attraction. (Anecdotes of Public Men, John W. Forney, 1873) In May 1860, John Wilkes Booth would finish his two year internship at the Marshall Theater and embark upon what the actress Clara Morris would later recall poignantly as his three little years as a star. Over his few remaining years, one can wonder if Booth ever really left the Richmond of 1859 and the events from which he traced his fealty to Virginia. How could he forget the unforgettable memories of John Brown, of this journey to Charlestown, of his brothers in arms, of the Fantastical Henry A. Wise, Governor of Virginia, and Wises son, the Gallant O. Jennings Wise, the Souths Sir Galahad in Gray. In 1862 while in Boston, did Booth hear the minstrels popular song set to Yankee Doodle, which mocked Obies death at Roanoke? Theres the Burnside Expedition, It is the nations pride, For it has lately struck a blow, which cannot be denied; For by surprise took Jennings Wise Nothing could be finer, How are you North Carolina? Alone among the laughing audience, did he silently grieve the loss of the man who had signed that little card of some sort later found in his effects? Did the card serve as a treasured reminder of that train ride to glory, the parade down Pennsylvania Avenue when with his adopted band of brothers; Wilkes Booth had proudly marched next to Obies father, Governor Henry Wise, on his unforgettable parade around the White House on their way to defend Virginia. Did he remember when he too was once included as worthy of being the pride of the state? Along with his other mementos of that time, his uniformed picture and John Brown pike, did that little card also serve as both balm and accuser, tangible proof of when he had traced his fealty to the South but silent accuser for his inactivity in the following years when Every Marylander worth his salt was fighting for her. Booth risked a fine while singing Bonnie Blue Flag while men that he had known risked, and lost, their lives fighting for it. 117

By 1864, the tide of the war had turned against the Cause. With Booths only friends in the South now beneath the sod the star still strode the boards, took his bows and was well paid for playing at fighting so convincingly and looking so handsome while doing it. Did that little card and its memories serve as silent sentinel, a constant reminder of the wrong road taken in 61 when the hidden lie amongst his countrys foes had promised his frantic mother to stay clear of the war? Was it these memories, which drove him forward when his justifications for not doing so previously could at last no longer suffice? I have only an arm to give; my brains are worth twenty men, my money worth a hundred. I have free pass everywhere, my profession, my name is my passport, my knowledge of drugs is valuable, my beloved precious money oh never beloved till now! is the means, one of the means, by which I serve the South! In the last days of the war, Booth stood on a street in Washington, perhaps upon that very same street where once he marched, faced Richmond and cried repeatedly, Virginia Virginia. Shedding tears for a lost cause, and perhaps for the lost opportunities to have caught up with that band of brothers he had left behind in 1860. By April 1865, Wilkes Booth having come to despise his existence would beg to rejoin them and Virginia, to triumph or die, even if only in that last ditch. In his lifes concluding scene at the Garretts barn, a lone cripple would desperately cling to the shreds of honor in his soaring challenges to fight his pursuers entire command. Booths epitaph I died for my country exists only in his dying words gasped for his mother. His shroud was not the flag of Virginia or the Stars and Bars, but a horse blanket stamped U.S. Army. He has no tombstone and remains unclaimed by any Country.

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1883 - THOSE WHO REMAINED Smiths beloved Armory Band had remained a constant companion to the Old First and its men throughout their lives changing seasons. Their music played at their militia musters, parades, balls and cotillions, and during Richmonds balmy evenings, serenaded all who strolled throughout the grounds of Capitol Square. In 1859 at Richmonds depot, as that special train pulled out on the night of November 19th amidst the shouts of the crowd rising to the heavens, Smiths music was there to inspire and salute the men as they departed and hearten the loved ones they had left behind. Smiths band was such an important a part of the Old First themselves that Governor Wise sent a special train to take the band to Charlestown to provide his boys with a welcomed reminder of home. They were at the Charlestown depot on December 3rd. playing Goodbye as the Richmond Grays (and one volunteer) departed from Charlestown for the return to Richmond. Once back home, Smiths Armory Band played a welcome for the returning companies at the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad Depot, as each man came home to embrace The Girl Hed Left Behind Him. Smiths band was on hand to welcome the hundreds of Southern medical students who had returned to Richmond in the last few days of an undivided nation. The band played Carry Me Back to Old Virginia and escorted them to the Executive Mansion where during his last speech as Governor they heard Henry Wise fire off his final salvo at President Buchanan over an insult neither forgiven nor forgotten. Smiths Armory Band played at the birth and death of the Confederacy. In the heady days during Richmonds secession fervor, Smith and his band lent soul-stirring accompaniment to torch-lit processions. They serenaded the gallant O. Jennings Wise from his balcony at the offices of the Richmond Enquirer when he accepted the captaincy for the storied command that of the Richmond Light Infantry Blues. They serenaded his fathers successor, Governor John Letcher when Virginia seceded and they played at Jefferson Daviss inauguration at the birth of a new country. The faithful band provided the patriotic tunes played as background music for mass enlistments calling for men to defend that country. It was Smiths band, who proudly accompanied the gallant volunteers at Richmonds depots when all of the boys marched off to war. For an endless march of Bands of Brothers the 119

lighthearted, The Irish Jaunting Car, had become the Confederate Marsellaise, The Bonnie Blue Flag. A year later, Smiths band met another special train this one returning Jennings Wises body home for burial. With all of Richmond draped in mourning, Smiths band accompanied its lost prince during his state funeral. Enfolded in the Flag of Virginia and the Stars and Bars, the Good Knights epitaph at Hollywoods hallowed ground would simply and truthfully state, Died for his Country. The sadness would not end with Obies death, nor would Richmonds parade of funerals Over the next 3 years, men continued to fight and Die for their Country. During innumerable sad processions to Hollywood, Smiths rendition of Sauls Death March conveyed an army of men, including the honored dead of the Old First among them, men who had earlier gone on this storys journey to Charlestown, on their sad final homecoming. At the end, in the aftermath of Richmonds evacuation fire, the strains of the bands familiar music in Capitol Square provided scarce consolation amidst the ruins of a city and a people caught in the death throes of their county. The 1st Virginia Infantry by Lee A. Wallace, Jr. contains a poignant 1883 recollection from The Daily Dispatch of an aged James B. Smith, the venerable leader of Richmond's beloved Armory Band, playing at a reunion for the Old First at Richmonds B[l]enners (sic)Park at the head of Marshall Street. (Wallace, Lee A, 1985, 1st Virginia Infantry, H.E. Howard, Inc., pg. 61) Wallace does not provide the names of the tunes played, merely telling readers that the old musicians entertained with tunes reminiscent of the war. The program most likely included sentimental favorites like Dixie, Bonnie Blue Flag and Maryland, My Maryland. At the conclusion of the bands selections, its leader, now a frail old man of 68, slowly mounted the bandstand to play before the few surviving veterans of the Old First a concluding ballad guaranteed to moisten all eyes present - "The Last Rose of Summer." Eighteen years after that wars conclusion, James Bolton Smith and his Armory Band still served as a faithful reminder to those remaining few of all who had gone, and their world that had passed. In that touching vignette at Blenner Park, Smith, now an old man bent with age and afflicted with arthritis, softly, lowly, and perhaps quavering, played his last fitting tribute to all that remained of the Old First in his haunting rendition of The Last Rose of Summer. 120

Those few remaining men, and their constant companion, Richmonds beloved Armory Band, were indeed the last rose of that worlds summer. Their companions all gone, they only awaited the gardeners hand or a gentle breeze to join those who waited for them. James Bolton Smith himself would do so three years later.

********************************************************** They say that in the end, all you have is memories We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother; be he neer so vile, This day shall gentle his condition.
Have you ever seen Booth Mr. Boyd? Is he an elderly man? I saw him once in Richmond, about the time of the John Brown raid, and I thought he was rather a young man. John Wilkes Booth, spoken as Mr. Boyd to Richard Garrett on the evening of April 25, 1865, less than 12 hours before his death at the Garret Farm (Richard H. Garret; An Authentic History of the Capture of J. Wilkes Booth at the Garrett Farm, Alexandria Gazette, April 29, 1868)

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CREDITS/ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First and always to my husband David, Editor, Webmaster and Sounding Board, without whose love, support and patience none of this would have been possible. Professor Terry Alford (My special thanks for bringing to my attention the existence of the undated John Taylor manuscript, donated by Taylors daughter, Mrs. Blanch (Taylor) King to the Virginia Historical Society ) David L. Bright Mark Greenough William E.Griffin John Hennessy Noel Harrison Bruce and Nancy Haynes Nancy Kackley Arthur F. Loux (My special thanks for informing me of the letter from James O. Hall to Dr. Constance Head, dated March 17, 1982, which disclosed the existence in the Booth effects listed in M599 of the (yet to be examined) card signed on the reverse by O. Jennings Wise.) Alice & Brandon Martin Fred OCallaghan Betty Ownsbey P. Douglas Perks Roseanne Shalf Errol Sommay (My special thanks for providing me with the article; Exciting Reports from Charlestown Departure of the Richmond Military, Richmond Daily Dispatch, November 21, 1859

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REFERENCES
Bright, David L. www.csa-railroads.com Daniel, Rudolph, Trains Across the Continent North American Railroad History, Second Edition Indiana University Press, Bloomington and Indianapolis, 1997/2000 Griffin, William E. Jr. One Hundred and Fifty Years along the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, Whittet & Shepperson, Richmond, Va., 1984 Martin, Alice & Brandon Old Dominion Chapter, NRHS Mencken, August, The Railroad Passenger Car, an Illustrated History of the First Hundred Years with Accounts by Contemporary Passengers, The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore & London, 1957 Mordecai, John B. A Brief History of the Richmond Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, Old Dominion Press, Richmond, Va., 1940 White, John H. Jr. The American Railroad Passenger Car Part I and Part II; Studies in the History of Technology The Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore & London, 1978

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SOURCES
Reconstructing the Scene that Night Wise, John Sergeant, End of an Era, Houghton Mifflin, 1899 Alfriend, Edward M., Recollections of John Wilkes Booth. New Era Magazine 1901 Whitlock, Philip, The Life of Philip Whitlock, Written by Himself, unpublished manuscript, donated to VHS in 1973 Libby, George W. , John Brown and John Wilkes Booth, The Confederate Veteran, Issue 37, April 1930, pg. 138-139 Libby, George W. Libby Recalls Incidents of the War Between the States, Richmond Times Dispatch, July 7, 1929 John Brown Hanging; Recollections of a Member of the Richmond Grays, [Richmond Times Dispatch, May 1, 1904 John Taylor unpublished manuscript, Virginia Historical Society (File 36-10-22T.) Dr. Joseph Southall, The John Wilkes Booth Story, Richmond Dispatch, Feb. 2, 1902 Notes and Correspondence of Mary Bella Beale in the David Rankin Barbee Papers, Georgetown University Library, Special Collections Research Center, Box 5, folder 280 A Theatrical Joke, New Hampshire Patriot, November 23, 1959 John Brown, The New York Sun, Firemans Magazine , Vol. IX, No. 1, January, 1885 The Insurrection at Harpers Ferry, Alexandria Gazette, October 19, 1859 Exciting Reports from Charlestown Departure of the Richmond Military, Richmond Daily Dispatch, November 21, 1859 The Harpers Ferry Invasion; Terrible Excitement in Richmond Our Richmond Correspondence Richmond, Va., November 20, 1859, New York Herald, November 23, 1859 John Brown, Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemens Magazine, Vol. 9, Jan. 1885 The Alarm of Saturday Night, Charleston Mercury, November 23, 1859 Promptness of the Richmond Military, Providence Evening News Press, November 26, 1859 The Capture and Execution of John Brown by an Eye Witness, Lippincotts Monthly Magazine, Vol. XLIII, January - June 1889 Late Excitement at Richmond, National Intelligencer, November 22, 1859 124

Recent Affair at Harpers Ferry, New York Clipper, December 3, 1859 The Harpers Ferry Outbreak, New York Herald, October 26, 1859

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