Governor Wise takes over the Winchester and Potomac Railroad in preparation for the execution of John Brown
Governor Henry Wise of Virginia, fearing the worst reaction to the approaching execution of John Brown in Charlestown, commandeered the Winchester and Potomac Railroad. He had earlier dispatched the Richmond militia regiment to the town. He also advised Virginians to remain home and be vigilant of their property on the day Brown was to die. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation
The American Almanac and Repository of Useful Knowledge (Boston: Crosby, Nichols, Lee and Company, 1861), 405.