Rebellion Record: a Diary of American Events: Documents and Narratives, Volume 1.
Frank Moore, Ed.

Sir: Immediately after finishing my despatch of the night of the 18th inst., I received positive and reliable information that 2,500 or 3,000 State troops would reach Harper's Ferry in two hours, from Winchester, and that the troops from Halltown, increased to 300, were advancing, and even at that time — a few minutes after 10 o'clock--within 20 minutes march of the Ferry. Under these circumstances, I decided the time had arrived to carry out my determination, as expressed in the despatch above referred to, and accordingly gave the order to apply the torch. In three minutes, or less, both of the Arsenal buildings, containing nearly 15,000 stand of arms, together with the carpenters' shop, which was at the upper end of a long and connected series of workshops of the Armory proper, were in a complete blaze.

There is every reason for believing the destruction was complete.

After firing the buildings, I withdrew my command, marching all night, and arrived here at 2 1/2 P. M. yesterday, where I shall await orders.

Four men were missing on leaving the Armory, and two deserted during the night.

I am, Sir, very respectfully, your obedient serv't,