Maria Black Letter to Governor Wise 1859

Title:               Maria Black to Governor Henry A. Wise, 30 November 1859.
Author:          Maria Black
Date:              November 30, 1859
Subject:          John Brown’s Rebellion
Type:             Letter
Source:          Library of Virginia


Rock Island
Illinois
Novr 30th ‘59

Gov’r Wise
Dear Sir

My two daughters have left with a party of young women who purpose to effect the rescue of John Brown.  They number abut sixteen & wear large petticoats filled with powder, having slow matches attached.  If caught they intend to set themselves off & (so effective is the inflammable material about them) the consequence will be awful.  In fact, Virginia will be blown sky high.  My anxiety about my two children aforesaid & my affectionate concern for your welfare induce me to forewarn you of the imminent peril that awaits you.  If you find the girls, send them back before the blow up & send some chivalry along.  There is none of your kind up north.

Truly yrs

Maria Black

Governor’s Office, Letters Received, Henry A. Wise, Record Group 3, Library of Virginia.