Collectors Office

Georgetown So.Ca. Octbr. 25. 1859

Sir,

The desire to see specemins of those Weapons captured in the late insurrection at Harpers Ferry, has been manifested by several of our largest Planters and most prominent Citizens of this Town, and requested me, to petition your Excellency for a sample of the different Weapons;

I therefore, in complying with the wishes of my fellow Citizens, would respectfully beg you, to send me Per Adams Express Co. in care of Messrs. Z & H. Ravenel & Co. in Charleston So.Ca. One of the captured Pikes, one do. Rifle, and one do. revolving Pistol- and to inform me of the time you require me to return same to you.

In conclusion Sir, permit me to convey to you the high Esteem of the Citizens of this District for your Excellency, in quelling so promtly and efficiently a Movement, which treatned to desolate our Homes.

I am Sir with the greatest Respect

Your Obdt. Servant

John N. Merriman

Collector

His Excellency

Henry A. Wise

Governor of Virginia

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