They cut the telegraph wires on the way, and reached Harper's Ferry about 11 o'clock.

He himself broke open the armory gates, took the watchmen prisoners, and made that place his headquarters.

Separating his men into small detachments, he took possession of, and attempted to hold, the two bridges, the arsenal, and the rifle-factory.

Next he sent six of his men five miles into the country to bring in several prominent slaveowners and their slaves.

This was accomplished before daylight, and all were brought as prisoners to Brown at the armory.