CHAPTER IX.
OPERATIONS IN MARYLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA, AND WEST VIRGINIA.*
April 16-July 31, 1861.
(Bull Run / Manassas)
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UNION CORRESPONDENCE.

{p.577}

P., W. AND B. R. R. Co., Philadelphia, April 16, 1861.

SIMON CAMERON:

DEAR SIR: I have received from our agent at Baltimore the following:

I send you the foregoing, thinking it important you should know of the communication, in order that you may ascertain the facts.

Yours, truly,

S. M. FELTON.

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WASHINGTON, April 18, 1861.

To his Excellency THOS. H. HICKS, Governor of Maryland:

SIR: The President is informed that threats are made, and measures taken, by unlawful combinations of misguided citizens of Maryland to prevent by force the transit of United States troops across Maryland, on their way, pursuant to orders, to the defense of this capital. The information is from such sources and in such shape that the President thinks it his duty to make it known to you, so that all loyal and patriotic citizens of your State may be warned in time, and that you may be prepared to take immediate and effective measures against it.

Such an attempt could have only the most deplorable consequences; and it would be as agreeable to the President as it would be to yourself that it should be prevented or overcome by the loyal authorities and citizens of Maryland, rather than averted by any other means.

I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.,

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War. {p.578}

APRIL 18, 1861.

Major CLARK, Quartermaster, U. S. Army, Baltimore :

Two or three. Massachusetts regiments may reach Baltimore in the next three days, and one New York regiment. Hasten the latter to this place. One of the Massachusetts regiments must be turned off to Harper’s Ferry, unless it be known that the establishment has been captured. If a fourth Massachusetts regiment by mistake arrive at Baltimore by rail instead of Fort Monroe by sea, send it down the bay to that fort.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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COLUMBUS, OHIO, April 18, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

We had made arrangements with, the Baltimore and Ohio Road to transport troops, and Mr. Garrett was anxious to take them until late last night, when he declined, on the alleged ground that the Washington Branch will employ all his empty cars in transportation of troops.

This looks ominous. We hope Harper’s Ferry is safe.

W. DENNISON, Governor of Ohio.

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PHILADELPHIA, April 19, 1861.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

We are informed here that the troops sent last night have been stopped at Baltimore, and that it is impracticable to send more through that city. Shall we send them by steamer to Annapolis?

J. EDGAR THOMSON. S. M. FELTON.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA., April 19, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: Having arrived at Philadelphia, we are informed by the Baltimore road that Governor Hicks states that no troops can pass through Baltimore City; in fact, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad refuse to transfer. We will wait for instructions.

J. EDGAR THOMSON. S. M. FELTON.

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WASHINGTON, April 19, 1861.

To S. M. FELTON:

Governor Hicks has neither right nor authority to stop troops coming to Washington.

Send them on prepared to fight their way through, if necessary.

By order of the Secretary of War:

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

{p.579}

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 3.}

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, April 19, 1861.

The Military Department of Washington is extended so as to include, in addition to the District of Columbia and Maryland, the States of Delaware and Pennsylvania, and will be commanded by Major-General Patterson, belonging to the volunteers of the latter State.

The major-general will, as fast as they are mastered into service, post the volunteers of Pennsylvania all along the road from Wilmington, Del., to Washington City, in sufficient numbers and in such proximity as may give a reasonable protection to the lines of parallel wires, to the road, its rails, bridges, cars, and stations.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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WASHINGTON, April 19, 1861-7.30 p. m.

General R. PATTERSON, Philadelphia:

Have you received General Orders, No. 3, sent by telegraph this afternoon? Major Porter, A. A. G., started this morning, with order for issue of 5,000 arms to troops near Harrisburg, and to secure line of communications from. Pennsylvania line to Baltimore, along route from Harrisburg to Baltimore. Answer by telegraph.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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PHILADELPHIA, April 19, 1861.

Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT, Commanding U. S. Army:

My DEAR GENERAL: I have orders to march and am intensely anxious to be with and support you, but a very large proportion of my men are without muskets, all are without ammunition, service clothing, greatcoats, blankets, knapsacks, haversacks, canteens, &c., and it is impossible to get them except from the Frankford and Gray’s Ferry Arsenals, where there is abundance of everything. Mr. Dayton, of New Jersey, has telegraphed General Cameron to supply these things. I implore you to go to the Secretary and have an order sent for a full supply. If you cannot get for ten thousand, get for five thousand men. It seems very strange that the people of the South seize the Government property to carry on rebellion, and the men of the North cannot get it to defend the flag of the Union. The law of necessity overrides all laws; we must have arms, ammunition, clothing, and equipments. The State authorities say that if the Government requires it, the State will pay for the clothing at cost price, and the stock can be replenished. Please attend to this at once, and I can have 5,000 men in Washington in five days. General Cadwalader is as decided as I am that our men shall not be made inmates of hospitals for want of comfortable garments, which the Government has at our doors, and which may be taken by others. Say to my good friend the Secretary I entreat him not to hesitate. The moment, the peril of the capital, and the necessities of the case fully justify him in making the order.

Faithfully, yours,

R. PATTERSON, Major-General, Commanding.

{p.580}

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SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 11.}

WASHINGTON, D. C., April 19, 1861.

Maj. J. C. Pemberton, Fourth Artillery, will, with his company, immediately proceed to the steamboat landing, seize and hold possession, in the name of the President of the United States, until further orders, of all the steamers plying between Washington City and Aquia Creek that are now lying at the company’s wharves, or that may arrive during the next twenty-four hours.

By order of Colonel Smith:

THEO. TALBOT, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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BALTIMORE, MD., April 19, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

I implore you not to send volunteer troops through our city. The rails will be destroyed. Immense excitement.

JOHN S. GITTINGS.

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BALTIMORE, MD., April 19, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War

Mob violence began. Attempts made to obstruct railroad in streets. Governor and mayor in consultation.

Will skeleton companies be received to be subsequently filled, and the pay of the men begin from date of their reception? If so, a large number ready at once. Answer.

L. A. WHITELEY.

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WASHINGTON, April 20, 1861-12.30 p. m.

Major-General PATTERSON, Philadelphia:

Have you received the arms from Frankford? Will it save time to march out the troops to the arms?

I suppose six thousand or eight thousand troops necessary to hold the roads from Harrisburg to Baltimore and from Wilmington to Washington. If the Pennsylvania quota be not enough, the deficiency shall be supplied from the New Jersey and New York quotas. Answer.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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PHILADELPHIA, April 20, 1861.

Lieut. Gen. WINFIELD SCOTT, Washington:

Arms not received; hope to have them to-day. Quota not sufficient for the purposes indicated.

R. PATTERSON, Major-General, Commanding.

{p.581}

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 20, 1861.

Hon. S. CAMERON:

SIR: Since I saw you in Washington last I have been in Baltimore City laboring, in conjunction with the mayor of that city, to preserve peace and order, but I regret to say with little success. Up to yesterday there appeared promise, but the outbreak came; the turbulent passions of the riotous element prevailed; fear for safety became reality; what they had endeavored to conceal, but what was known to us, was no longer concealed, but made manifest; the rebellious element had the control of things. We were arranging and organizing forces to protect the city and preserve order, but want of organization and of arms prevented success. They had arms; they had the principal part of the organized military forces with them, and for us to have made the effort, under the circumstances, would have had the effect to aid the disorderly element. They took possession of the armories, have the arms and ammunition, and I therefore think it prudent to decline (for the present) responding affirmatively to the requisition made by President Lincoln for four regiments of infantry.

With great respect, I am, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. HICKS.

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WASHINGTON, April 20, 1861.

Governor HICKS:

I desire to consult with you and the mayor of Baltimore relative to preserving the peace of Maryland. Please come immediately by special train, which you can take at Baltimore; or, if necessary, one can be sent from hence. Answer forthwith.

LINCOLN.

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BALTIMORE, April 20, 1861.

To Governor HICKS:

Letter from President and General Scott. No troops to pass through Baltimore, if, as a military force, they can march around. I will answer that every effort will be made to prevent parties leaving the city to molest them, but cannot guarantee against acts of individuals not organized. Do you approve?

GEO. WM. BROWN.

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ANNAPOLIS, April 20, 1861.

To the MAYOR OF BALTIMORE:

Your dispatch received. I hoped they would send no more troops through Maryland, but as we have no right to demand that, I am glad no more are to be sent through Baltimore. I know you will do all in your power to preserve the peace.

THOS. H. HICKS.

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BALTIMORE, MD., April 20, 1861.

To President LINCOLN:

Every effort will be made to prevent parties leaving the city to molest {p.582} troops marching to Washington. Baltimore seeks only to protect herself. Governor Hicks has gone to Annapolis, but I have telegraphed to him.

GEO. WM. BROWN, Major of Baltimore.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA., April 20, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

Will you give order to dispatch troops via Annapolis to-day from here to Havre de Grace by rail, thence by large iron ferry-boat? The Baltimore and Ohio Road decline to transport any more troops from the North. We think this decidedly best, and are joined in this opinion by General Patterson, General Cadwalader, and Governor Curtin.

M. LEFFERTS, Colonel Seventh N. Y. S. M.

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FORT MCHENRY, April 20, 1861.

Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army:

I shall probably be attacked to-night, but believe I can hold the post.

JNO. C. ROBINSON, Captain, Fifth Infantry.

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BALTIMORE, Saturday, April 20, 1861-10 o’clock.

[General SCOTT:]

My DEAR GENERAL: There has been no arrival from the North. Some one or more bridges have been destroyed; where it is not known; telegraph interrupted. Warford has sent by horses along the road to find where the trouble is; will send me and General Keim with his staff through by an express train, if locomotives are on the north side of the track.

This road must be under military control at once, and in charge of the Government. So must the road between here and Washington. This is absolutely indispensable. Our rapid communication with the North is otherwise cut off. Troops coming on your road could leave it about three miles from Baltimore, and by a march of five miles reach the Washington road some two and a half miles from the city on the Washington road. This would avoid the city. But the city must be under the Government control. You should not rely upon any sending dispatches. Trusty agents should keep you informed, and carry your directions. Depend upon it, a vigorous and efficient plan of action must be decided on and carried out, or we will have to give up the capital.

The communication with the South is perfect both by railroad and telegraph, and we must have the same, or we are gone. No arrivals from Philadelphia or Now York, and no information. Rumor says the bridge across the Gunpowder is destroyed, and also a bridge some six or eight miles out of the city. The Northern Central should be the base of operations, and the communications by water be kept open. Havre {p.583} de Grace, it seems to me, is a point at which our Pennsylvania troops might concentrate with advantage, as from there they could reach here by waiter or Annapolis by rail. We could keep the railroad open easy from the east bank of the Susquehanna.

Let there be prompt action. Let the Government as soon as possible take possession of the railroad necessary to keep open communication with Washington. Take, if necessary, tow steamers here for transporting troops by water. A few thousand men with artillery on the high grounds about this city would secure it to us.

Yours, truly,

D. WILMOT.

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SATURDAY, April 20, 1861-11 o’clock.

Have just heard that the bridges between Ashland and Cockeysville and two or three nearer towns are burned. Will advise the forces in Philadelphia and such as may be at Harrisburg to come, upon this road as far as they can and protect the balance of the road, and protect while temporarily repairing the bridges, or so much as is necessary-the balance to come in force and well armed to within three miles of Baltimore and cross over to Washington, and if in our possession, as it should be, to proceed by rail to Washington; if not, to march by forced marches to Washington. Am about starting in carriages, and, hope to get through without interruption to York, and there take express train to Harrisburg.

Yours,

D. WILMOT.

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NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 20, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR : I respectfully suggest that a military force be established at Annapolis to protect the frigate Constitution and Government property there which is now much exposed. Could not a portion of one of the regiments expected to land there to-day be detailed for that duty? The withdrawal of a considerable portion of the marines from this station for other duty leaves the navy-yard and Government property much exposed. I would therefore respectfully request that a military force be detailed to aid in guarding that point.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant

GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy.

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ADJUTANT-GENERAL’s OFFICE, Washington, April 20, 1861.

Major-General PATTERSON, Philadelphia:

Send the troops now en route to this city by rail to Havre de Grace; thence by iron ferry-boat to Annapolis, as suggested by Colonel Lefferts. Report the time the troops may be expected at Annapolis. They should be prepared to march if cars cannot be provided.

Carry out vigorously the orders of the General-in-Chief to occupy the road to Baltimore,

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

{p.584}

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To the OFFICER [in command]:

WAR DEPARTMENT, April 21, 1861.

The President, with a desire, to gratify the mayor of Baltimore, who fears that bloodshed would unnecessarily result from the passage through that city of the troops from Pennsylvania at this moment on the way, directs that they shall return to York, in Pennsylvania. This order refers to the troops now said to be at Cockeysville, Md., en route for this city. It will be obeyed by the officer in command, who will take care to leave force sufficient along the road to keep it safe from depredation of every kind and within his entire control.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

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ORDERS:]

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, April 21, 1861.

It is understood that a body of volunteers approaching this city has reached Cockeysville or other points within seventeen or twenty miles by rail of Baltimore.

The obstructions in the railroad within Baltimore and its neighborhood, and still more the unhappy excitement temporarily existing in that city, have induced the President to direct that those volunteers return to Harrisburg, and take the route via Philadelphia and Wilmington to Perryville, on the Susquehanna: thence to embark in steamers for Annapolis, or to proceed down the Delaware and through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal in sufficient tugs or other crafts to Annapolis. Major-General Patterson may direct.

Major Belger, assistant quartermaster, will convey this written order to the commanders of the volunteers in question, and, if necessary, accompany them to Philadelphia and beyond, in order to facilitate the movement. He will also leave directions at Harrisburg to prevent other volunteers from approaching Washington through Baltimore until further orders.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 1861.

Maj. J. A. HASKIN, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Washington, Md.:

SIR: The steamer Monticello, from New York, is expected soon to arrive in the river, perhaps some time to-day, having supplies for this place, which will undoubtedly be seized if the boat is allowed to go to Alexandria. The General-in-Chief directs that you bring her to and keep her under the protection of the guns of your fort until a safe convoy can be provided.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 1861.

Maj. J. A. HASKIN, First Artillery, Commanding Fort Washington, Md.:

SIR: The General-in-Chief directs that you bring to all vessels passing Fort Washington, and search them, to ascertain whether they have {p.585} on board men, munitions of war, or supplies of provisions; and, if so, keep them under the guns of your fort and prevent their proceeding until further orders. This of course does not apply to the troops or supplies of the United States, but does to steamer Monticello, as before ordered.

I am, &c.,

E. D. TOWNSEND.

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WASHINGTON, April 21, 1861.

Maj. Gen. R. PATTERSON:

SIR: The direct communication by rail and telegraph between us is interrupted by many breaks between the Susquehanna and the Relay House, this side of Baltimore. For the present Northern re-enforcements can only reach us by, 1st, the ocean and the Potomac; 2d, by the Susquehanna steamboats and Annapolis; and 3d, by Harrisburg, York, and a point on that railroad nearest to the Relay House, some six miles to be Marched over.

Please give your attention to the road up to the Susquehanna, and station a strong force at a point for the protection of transport steamers, if any besides the Maryland, and the embarkations. It was reported yesterday that this steamer had taken on board at that point two regiments of volunteers-the Seventh, of New York, and another, of Massachusetts-and I immediately dispatched a quartermaster to receive and assist them in reaching Washington. We have not heard of their arrival at Annapolis. But the route via Harrisburg is to us, perhaps, still more important.

Major Porter, assistant adjutant-general, was sent several days ago to Governor Curtin to muster in volunteers, and to string them along the railroad in Maryland, leading from Harrisburg toward Baltimore. Please give your attention in part to this line of communication. Communicate frequently the arrival and departure of troops, numbers, and the routes. Employ express when necessary.

I do not know that we can hire a steamer at Baltimore for Annapolis in addition to the Maryland, and perhaps a war steamer may be necessary to escort transports from the Susquehanna to Annapolis.

With the greatest respect, yours, truly,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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HEADQUARTERS PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS, Philadelphia, April 21, 1861.

Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, U. S. Army, Washington:

COLONEL: As I fear my letters and dispatches have not reached you, I therefore, by aid of a friend, send a special messenger. On receipt of Your telegram of yesterday I went to the transportation office and saw John Edgar Thomson and S. M. Felton, esqs., presidents of the Pennsylvania Central and the Philadelphia and Baltimore Railroads, and gave directions for the Eighth Massachusetts and Seventh New York to go via Annapolis to Washington. I could not find Colonel Lefferts, but saw General Butler, gave him the instructions, and desired him to communicate them to Colonel Lefferts. I requested General Butler to halt one {p.586} regiment at Annapolis and the others at the junction; to hold both positions, guard the road, and report to Lieutenant-General Scott for instructions.

I venture respectfully to suggest, for the consideration of the General-in-Chief, that inasmuch as the force at my disposal is entirely inadequate to, open the way and guard the railroad from Gunpowder to Baltimore and as I learn that all the regiments from the North and East are going by sea from Eastern ports I can hope for no substantial re-enforcements from that quarter-it will be best to adopt as our line of communication the Baltimore Railroad from here to Havre de Grace, the new boat of the rail company, with propellers and Government steamers, wen armed, to serve as escorts from here to Annapolis. The road from Annapolis to Washington can be protected without great difficulty, as there are no bridges, and a few small war steamers can keep the Susquehanna and Chesapeake, clear, and, if need be, aid Fort McHenry and threaten Baltimore, also blockade it; the road from here to Havre de Grace occupied and protected; a battery erected or war vessel (steamer, if it can be spared) to command the Susquehanna and cover Cecil and Havre de Grace. All available steam vessels and other craft to be concentrated at Cecil or Perryville, the railroad termini-is at the Susquehanna.

The garrison at Fort McHenry should prevent any steamboat, steam vessel, or any other craft hostile (or that the commander has reason to suppose hostile), from leaving Baltimore.

The Government forthwith to take possession of the railway line from Washington to Annapolis.

When we have sufficient troops and provisions, they shall be concentrated at Washington by means of the Annapolis route. The Government can take possession of the Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the railway lines from Baltimore to Harrisburg, and thereby secure a safe and speedy means of communicating with Washington.

These suggestions are with diffidence submitted to the better judgment of the General-in-Chief, who will at once see whether they are judicious or otherwise.

I have also to suggest that in my opinion it is expedient to declare or put the entire line, and ten, twenty, or thirty miles on each side, or the entire department under my command, under martial law; and if the General concurs, I ask his approval, or rather that he will give the order. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. PATTERSON, Major-General.

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BALTIMORE, MD., April 21, 1861.

Mr. TALCOTT, Manager, Washington Office:

The authorities have possession of office.

IKE.

Of course this stops all.

TALCOTT.

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 21, 1861.

To the Commander of the Volunteer Troops on board the steamer:

SIR: I would most earnestly advise that you do not land your men at Annapolis. The excitement here is very great, and I think that you {p.587} should take your men elsewhere. I have telegraphed to the Secretary of War, advising against your landing your men here.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. HICKS, Governor of Maryland.

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WASHINGTON, April 22, 1861.

Major General PATTERSON, Commanding, &c.:

SIR: Your letter to the Adjutant-General of yesterday, brought by Mr. Hill, came to me this night.

In my letter to you yesterday I intended that the railroad via Harrisburg and York towards Baltimore was more important, perhaps, for re-enforcing Washington than that from Philadelphia to Perryville, &c. That supposition was founded on the Secretary’s belief that the distance from a certain point on the Harrisburg Railroad to the Relay House, eight miles this side of Baltimore, was but some seven miles by a good wagon road, whereas there is no good common road between the two railroads of less than thirty miles. This fact renders the railroad from Harrisburg to Baltimore of no value to us here without a force of perhaps, ten thousand men to hold Baltimore-to protect the rails and bridges near it. This shall be done as soon as we shall have a surplus force over and above what is necessary for the security of Washington. With this information the line for troops coming from the North to this place via Perryville, thence by steamboats to Annapolis, and wagon roads, seems greatly preferable; but, besides the want of railroad transportation this side of Annapolis, we have no war steamer, and may not have one in ten days to convoy the transports from Perryville to Annapolis. The embarkations at Perryville you may be able to protect by a strong guard at that place.

The Massachusetts and New York volunteers which arrived at Annapolis yesterday debarked, it is believed, to-day, and have commenced their march upon this place. Up to this moment we do not know that the march has commenced. The difficulty is probably the want of cars or common wagons, leaving perhaps a guard of some three companies at the Naval School, Annapolis. The route for Northern troops coining here from Gettysburg by common roads to Frederick, Md., may be worth attention. Besides the troops supposed to have landed at Annapolis, we greatly need ten or twelve additional regiments for this place, now partially besieged, threatened, and in danger of being attacked on all sides in a day or two or three.

With the greatest respect, yours, truly,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

P. S.-Camp equipage is much wanted here, the preparation of which is Pushed at Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. The same remark is applicable to accouterments.

The public buildings here have already as many troops as they can receive.

Communicate often by express, if necessary.

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WASHINGTON, April 22, 1861.

Major G. H. THOMAS, Second Cavalry, Carlisle Barracks:

SIR: The General-in-Chief directs that the four companies of cavalry under your command be sent here as fast as they are mounted (which {p.588} must be done with all possible dispatch), and by the route which will insure their arrival at the earliest moment practicable. From your position you can judge better of the route than we. The men must be prepared to encounter opposition and to overcome it.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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WASHINGTON, April 22, 1861.

Col. C. F. SMITH, Commanding Department of Washington, &c.:

COLONEL: I respectfully suggest that two companies of infantry and one field piece be immediately dispatched to the High Bridge over the Potomac, to establish themselves at the Maryland end of the bridge, with directions to hold it against any assault to the last extremity.

I also recommend that two companies of infantry and one field piece be established at once at the Georgetown end of the Aqueduct, to hold it as above.

Vedettes should be, thrown out from there just as far as practicable on the Virginia side.

As soon as practicable I will send an Engineer officer to make defensive arrangements at these two places.

I have not been informed what arrangements are in effect to watch the Potomac, but think that armed steamers should be kept in motion, and that to one should be assigned the especial duty of watching the movements on the river between here and Alexandria.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. G. BARNARD, Major of Engineers.

P. S.-The planks of the High Bridge should be ripped up for a distance of one hundred feet at some point of the length near the Maryland end.

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Memorandum for Colonel Smith..

MONDAY, April 22-11 a. m.

Lieutenant Prime, Engineer, is examining the lunatic asylum on the heights opposite the navy-yard and arsenal, with a view of deciding whether it should be occupied. In the mean time I cannot too urgently recommend that a close watch be kept on that shore, and that troops be held in readiness to repel any attempt to seize these buildings.

J. G. BARNARD, Major Engineers.

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 22, 1861.

To his Excellency A. LINCOLN, President of the United States:

SIR: I feel it my duty most respectfully to advise you that no more troops be ordered or allowed to pass through Maryland, and that the troops now off Annapolis be sent elsewhere, and I most respectfully urge that a truce be offered by you, so that the effusion of blood may be {p.589} prevented. I respectfully suggest that Lord Lyons be requested to act as mediator between the contending parties of our country.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. HICKS.

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HAGERSTOWN, April 22, 1861.

Gov. T. H. HICKS, Annapolis :

Virginia troops searching houses in Maryland on Saturday near Harper’s Ferry for arms. I appealed to General Harper, commander, to recall them, which he promised, if Northern troops are forbidden. What is to be done with Southern? What steps shall I take?

EDWARD M. MOBLEY, Sheriff of Washington County.

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OFF ANNAPOLIS, April 22, 1861.

His Excellency THOS. H. HICKS, Governor of Maryland:

In reply to the communication from you on the 21st I had the honor to inform you of the necessities of my command which drew me into the harbor of Annapolis.* My circumstances have, not changed. To that communication I have received no reply. I cannot return, if I desire so to do, without being furnished with some necessary supplies, for all which the money will be paid. I desire of your excellency an immediate reply whether I have the permission of the State authorities of Maryland to land the men under my command, and of passing quickly through the State on my way to Washington, respecting private property, and paying for what I receive, and outraging the rights of none-a duty which I am bound to do in obedience to the requisitions of the President of the United States.

I have received some copies of an informal correspondence between the mayor of Baltimore and the president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and a copy of a note from your excellency, inclosing the same to Captain Blake, commandant of the Naval School.

These purport to show that instructions have been issued by the War Department as to the disposition of the U. S. militia, differing from what I had supposed to be my duty. If these instructions have been in fact issued, it would give me great pleasure to obey them. Have I Your excellency’s permission, in consideration of these exigencies of the case, to land my men, to supply their wants, and to relieve them from the extreme and unhealthy confinement of a transport vessel not fitted to receive them? To convince your excellency of the good faith towards the authorities of the State of Maryland with which I am acting-and I am armed only against the disturbers of her peace and of the United States--I inclose a copy of an order issued to my command before I had the honor of receiving the copy of your communication through Captain Blake.

I trust your excellency will appreciate the necessities of my position, and give me an immediate reply, which I await with anxiety.

I would do myself the honor to have a personal interview with your excellency if you so desire.

I beg leave to call your excellency’s attention to what I hope I may {p.590} be pardoned for deeming an ill-advised designation of the men under my command. They are not Northern troops; they are apart of the whole militia of the United States, obeying the call of the President.

I have the honor of being your excellency’s obedient servant,

BENJ. F. BUTLER, Brigadier-General in the Militia of the United States.

P. S.-It occurs to me, that our landing on the grounds at the Naval Academy would be entirely proper and in accordance with your excellency’s wishes,

* Not found.

[Inclosure.]

SPECIAL BRIGADE ORDER, No. 37.

BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS SECOND DIVISION MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER MILITIA, On board steamer Maryland., off Annapolis, April 22, 1861.

Colonel Munroe is charged with the execution of the following order:

At 5 o’clock a. m. the troops will be paraded by company and be drilled in the manual of arms, especially in loading at will, firing by file, and in the use of the bayonet, and these specialties will be observed in all subsequent drills in the manual; such drill to continue until 7 o’clock, when all the arms will be stacked upon the upper deck, great care being taken to instruct the men as to the mode of stacking their arms, so that a firm stack, not easily overturned shall be made. Being obliged to drill at times with the weapons loaded, great damage may be done by the overturning of the stack and the discharge of the piece. This is important. Indeed, an accident has already occurred in the regiment from this cause, and although slight in its consequence, yet it warns us to increased diligence in this regard.

The purpose which could only be hinted at in the orders of yesterday has been accomplished. The frigate Constitution has lain for a long time at this port substantially at the mercy of the armed mob which sometimes paralyzes the otherwise loyal State of Maryland. Deeds of daring, successful contests, and glorious victories had rendered “Old Ironsides” so conspicuous in the naval history of the country that she was fitly chosen as the school-ship in which to train the future officers of the Navy to like heroic acts. It was given to Massachusetts and Essex County first to man her; it was reserved for Massachusetts to have the honor to retain her for the service of the Union and the laws.

This is a sufficient triumph of right and a sufficient triumph for us. By this the blood of our friends shed by the Baltimore mob is in so far avenged. The Eighth Regiment may hereafter cheer lustily on all proper occasions, but never without orders. The old Constitution, by their efforts, aided untiringly by the U. S. officers having her in charge, is now safely “possessed, occupied, and enjoyed” by the Government of the United States, and is safe from all her foes.

We have been joined by the Seventh Regiment of New York, and together we propose peaceably, quickly, and civilly, unless opposed by some mob or other disorderly persons, to march to Washington, in obedience to the requisition of the President of the United States. If opposed, we shall march steadily forward.

My next order I hardly know how to express. I cannot assume that any of the citizen soldiery of Massachusetts or New York could under any circumstances whatever commit any outrages upon private property in a loyal and friendly State. But fearing that some improper person may have by stealth introduced himself among us, I deem it proper to state that any unauthorized interference with private property will be {p.591} most signally punished, and full reparation therefor made to the injured party to the full extent of my power and ability. In so doing, I but carry out the orders of the War Department. I should have so done without those orders.

Colonel Munroe will cause these orders to be read at the head of each company before we march.

Colonel Lefferts’ command not having been originally included in this order, he will be furnished with a copy for his instruction.

By order of B. F. Butler, brigadier-general:

WILLIAM H. CLEMENS, Brigade Major.

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 22, 1861.

To Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER:

SIR: I am in receipt of your two* communications of this date, informing me of your intention to land the men under your command at Annapolis, for the purpose of marching thence to the city of Washington. I content myself with protesting against this movement, which, in view of the excited condition of the people of this State, I cannot but consider an unwise step on the part of the Government. But I most earnestly urge upon you that there shall be no halt made by the troops in this city.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. HICKS.

* Only one found.

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FORT MCHENRY, MD., April 22, 1861.

Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.:

DEAR SIR: Please inform the War Department that I sent a detachment from my command, with two pieces of artillery, to take possession of Fort Carroll last evening. They were sent by the U. S. surveying schooner Howell Cobb, which happened to be lying at the dock of this Post. I also wrote by her to the commissary of subsistence in New York to send me three months’ additional supplies.

I send this under cover to Mr. Ruger, as I am afraid to communicate this intelligence through the regular channel, on account of the sudden and unaccountable change of sentiment in the city of Baltimore.

The Department has been informed of the resources of this place, and must act on what they already know of my condition.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

JNO. C. ROBINSON, Captain, Fifth Infantry, Commanding.

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WASHINGTON, April 22, 1861.

Capt. MORRIS S. MILLER, Assistant Quartermaster U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.:

CAPTAIN : You will proceed rapidly to Annapolis, to afford all facilities in your power to volunteers from Massachusetts and New York, or {p.592} other States there en route to this city. If cars can be obtained from the Baltimore and Washington Railroad, you will obtain as many as practicable for the transportation of those troops hither in one or more trips. Consult the naval commander at Annapolis whether he deems a detachment of troops necessary to defend the Naval School, the fort, and any U. S. vessels which may be there. You will next see the commanders of the regiments of volunteers, and request that one, or both of them together, leave the number of companies that may be needed by Commodore Make for those defensive purposes. On the arrival of a sufficient naval force at Annapolis for its defense, any detachment left behind will be ordered to join its regiment or regiments. You will remain with the volunteers as long as you can be useful, hiring wagons, &c.

I write by command of Lieutenant-General Scott.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

P. S.-As it is feared that Baltimore cars cannot be obtained to go to Annapolis for the troops, the cars belonging to the Annapolis road may, in many trips, be able to bring the troops to the junction house, and thence probably the Baltimore cars may bring the troops to Washington. Or in the worst case that may be apprehended, the necessity of marching the whole distance from Annapolis to Washington, you win hire wagons, and make all purchases necessary to their wants.

Take care to admonish the troops to be prepared, in landing, to repel force by force, as in war.

[Unsigned indorsement.]

Captain Blake and the governor both say that the occupancy of any position at Annapolis by volunteers will be prejudicial instead of beneficial.

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ADJUTANT-GENERAL’s OFFICE, Washington, D. C., April 23, 1861.

COMMANDING OFFICER, Carlisle Barracks, Pa.:

SIR: The Secretary of War directs that you at once order to this city and put en route the four companies of the Second Cavalry now at Carlisle Barracks. You will see that the companies are mounted and filled to the maximum standard, and fully armed, and equipped for service. They will march from Carlisle to Gettysburg, and thence to this city, by the best route, avoiding as far as practicable the large towns, such as Frederick City. If possible, send not less than two officers with each company, Lieutenant (now Captain) Roger Jones being one of the officers so sent. You are directed to make all needful arrangements to render this movement prompt and successful.

I am, sir, &c.,

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 23, 1861.

To Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER:

SIR: Having, in pursuance of the powers vested in me by the constitution of Maryland, summoned the legislature of the State to assemble {p.593} on Friday, the 26th instant, and Annapolis being the place in which, according to law, it must assemble, and having been credibly informed that you have taken military possession of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad, I deem it my duty to protest against this step, because, without at present assigning any other reason, I am informed that such occupancy of said road will prevent the members of the legislature from reaching this city.

Very respectfully, yours,

THOS. H. HICKS.

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HDQRS. THIRD BRIGADE MASS. VOL. MILITIA, Annapolis, Md., April 23, 1861.

To his Excellency THOS. H. HICKS, Governor of the State of Maryland:

I did myself the honor, in my communication of yesterday, wherein I asked permission to land the portion of the militia of the United States under my command, to state that they were armed only against the disturbers of the peace of the State of Maryland and, of the United States.

I have understood, within the last hour, that some apprehensions were entertained of an insurrection of the negro population of this neighborhood. I am anxious to convince all classes of persons that the forces under my command are not here in any way to interfere with, or countenance any interference with, the laws of the State. I am therefore ready to co-operate with your excellency in suppressing, most promptly and effectively, any insurrection against the laws of Maryland.

I beg, therefore, that you announce publicly that any portion of the forces under my command is at your excellency’s disposal to act immediately for the preservation and quietness of the peace of this community.

And I have the honor to be, your excellency’s obedient servant,

B. F. BUTLER, General of the Third Brigade.

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THIRD BRIGADE U. S. MILITIA, Annapolis, Md., April 23, 1861.

To his Excellency THOS. H. HICKS, Governor of Maryland:

You are credibly informed that I have taken possession of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad. It might have escaped your notice, but at the official meeting between your excellency and the mayor of Annapolis and the authorities of the Government and myself it was expressly stated as the reason why I should not land that my troops could not pass the railroad because the company had taken up the rails, and they were private property. It is difficult to see how it could be that if my troops could not pass over the railroad one way, the members of the legislature could pass the other way. I have taken possession for the purpose of preventing the carrying out of the threats of the mob, as officially represented to me by the master of transportation of this city, “that if my troops passed over the railroad the railroad should be destroyed.”

If the government of the State had taken possession of the railroad in any emergency, I should have long waited before I entered upon it. {p.594} But, as I had the honor to inform your excellency in regard to the insurrection against the laws of Maryland, I am here armed to maintain those laws, if your excellency desires, and the peace of the United States, against all disorderly persons whatever. I am endeavoring to save, and not to destroy; to obtain means of transportation, so I can vacate the capital prior to the sitting of the legislature, and not be under the painful necessity of occupying your beautiful city while the legislature is in session.

I have the honor to be, your excellency’s obedient servant,

B. F. BUTLER, Brigadier-General.

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 23, 1861.

To Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this morning, tendering the force under your command to aid in suppressing a rumored insurrection of the slaves in this county.

I thank you most sincerely for the tender of your men, but I had, before the receipt of your letter, directed the sheriff of the county to act in the matter, and am confident that the citizens of the county are fully able to suppress any insurrection of our slave population.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. HICKS.

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HDQRS. MILITARY DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON, Philadelphia, April 23, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of 21st instant,* and to thank you for the suggestions, which have had my most cordial consideration. I adhere, however, to the opinion, heretofore expressed to the General-in-Chief, as to the line which could be most readily kept open with our present force, and hope that the Government has seized the railway between Annapolis and Washington, with its rolling-stock.

I trust that there are small war steamers in, the Chesapeake in sufficient numbers to protect our transports and capture or destroy all armed vessels of the insurgents. Information has reached me from a source which, though not entirely reliable, entitles it to consideration, that they have a steam-tug in the Chesapeake, armed with a single rifled cannon, for the purpose of sinking our transports. She should be overhauled if possible, and no vessel should be permitted to enter or leave the harbor of Baltimore while the people of that city continue to defy the authority of the General Government.

I have furnished four hundred muskets to the mayor of Wilmington, eighty of which have been used to arm Du Pont’s workmen, embodied for the defense of the mills, and the residue appropriated to the organized volunteers of the city, whose loyalty is vouched for by the mayor.

The inclosed statement is obtained from a refugee from Norfolk, whose face and conduct indicate integrity of purpose, and who is evidently familiar with all the localities. I venture to suggest that you bring the {p.595} subject to the notice of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, who has the means of seizing vessels and owners, and preventing further mischief.

With much respect,

R. PATTERSON, Major-General.

* Not found.

[Inclosure.]

Captain Russell, of the steamer Louisiana, carried fifteen barrels of gunpowder, stolen from the powder-magazine at Norfolk, to General Steuart, Baltimore. Powder seized by police for the use of the mob. The Louisiana returned within an hour with cannon for the use of the rebels at Norfolk.

The Georgianna, Captain Smith is carrying contraband articles for the use of the rebels. William Selden (James River boat) is employed in same way.

Capt. Arthur Sinclair, late of the Navy, has a steamboat called Reany, armed with a 6-pounder rifled can-non, cruising off Cape Henry, to sink transports. Steam-tug Star cruising in the bay plundering. Four rifled cannon (6-pounders) in the possession of the secessionists at Norfolk.

Captain Baker, owner of the Star and Reany, lives in Norfolk, and should be captured.

Lieutenants Pegram and Page, late of the U. S. Navy, are connected with the secession movement.

Norfolk could be held by fifteen hundred men if the railroad bridges are destroyed.

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PHILADELPHIA, April 23, 1861.

Col. L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General, Washington:

COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the letter of the General-in-Chief, dated 21st instant, per special messenger, W. J. Palmer. All my efforts have been directed to open the line to Washington by rail from here to the Susquehanna River, thence by Annapolis, and from there by rail, believing this to be the only line which could be maintained with the force at my disposal. I hope that more than one war steamer has been put on the water part of the route to protect the transports and sink or capture armed vessels of the enemy.

Two regiments will be embarked immediately for Annapolis, but they are deficient in equipments and their ammunition is unsuitable, cartridges not fitting the muskets in many cases. Great efforts have been made to supply this deficiency, and I hope that it will soon cease to exist.

I have reliable information that 8,000 men are now on their way from New York to Annapolis. Major Sherman arrived last night with his battery, and has been directed to take post for the present at Elkton, Md., supported by 100 infantry. I have no other battery on this side of the river, where one is much needed.

The medical officers appointed to the volunteer regiments are, so far as I am aware, good selections, but, of necessity, without experience in the field, except in rare instances.

It is of great importance that the medical staff should be promptly organized under the direction of an experienced surgeon. I have therefore earnestly to request the General-in-Chief to assign an Army surgeon to my command for service as medical director.

I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,

R. PATTERSON, Major-General.

{p.596}

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PHILADELPHIA, April 23, 1861.

General SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

DEAR SIR: The Suspension of intercourse between this place and Washington has caused an intense feeling here in relation to the safety of the capital, and there is great eagerness to rush to its assistance. This anxiety, however, has not been participated in by the military authorities, and as yet there have been but few troops passed through to Havre de Grace. The people of Philadelphia exhibit some mortification that the Bostonians should have got nearly a week ahead of their troops, notwithstanding their greater distance from the scene of action.

After our communication with Washington was cut off via Baltimore in consequence of Mr. Garrett changing his plan of conveying troops through that city from a steam ferry-boat between Canton and Locust Point to the railroad through the streets, I immediately arranged transportation between Havre de Grace and Annapolis for five regiments per day. It seems, however, that the remaining New England and New York troops have for some reason taken the ocean route, and but few Pennsylvania troops are prepared to move. If the route from Annapolis to Washington City is open, we have transportation facilities now on the Chesapeake equal to the movement of fifteen thousand troops per day to your city, together with any amount of provisions, &c., for their support.

Sherman’s battery arrived here last night, And could have been in Annapolis to-day. It is understood, however, that it will not leave until to-morrow morning, and then stop at Elkton. We infer from this that you must feel entirely safe at Annapolis and at Washington. Mr. Palmer informs me that you have not taken military possession of the Washington Branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company and the Annapolis Road. If you have no superintendent fit to control such an enterprise, I would mention Joseph D. Potts, now in Baltimore, at the Northern Central Railroad Office, and T. H. Duprey, here. Colonel Small smuggled himself off without arms Against my earnest protest and refusal to send him without them. He, however, got his force back without much damage to it.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. EDGAR THOMSON.

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PHILADELPHIA, April 23, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War :

DEAR SIR: Since I wrote my last of this date I have been informed that the Baltimoreans and Marylanders have destroyed the whole of the bridges on the Northern Central. This seems to have been a mere spite action and must convince the Government that those loyal to the Government in Maryland are in a vast minority. As soon as the capital is safe from attack, it seems to me that the Government should at once turn on Baltimore and place it under martial law, and require that it should pay all damages to the railroads it has destroyed, and-to their business.

There seems to be very little vigor in the organizing and dispatching of troops from this place. Who is to blame time must show. There is evidently a great deal of red tape to retard matters. Sherman’s battery, which could as well have been in Annapolis to-day, is still here. I hope you will give them a stirring up. I have provided ample means {p.597} of transit for everything that could be offered. The War Department should at once destroy, if it has not already done so, the bridges on the main stem of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as high up as Harper’s Ferry.

There is now a large field for vigorous operations in the vicinity of Washington, without troubling Charleston until frost. Maryland should feel the power of the General Government in a manner that will hereafter keep her quiet, if it does not make her loyal.

After the excitement in Baltimore on Friday last, I saw at once that the only inland route to Washington was via Annapolis or some point below that place as near to Washington, and did not hesitate to make every preparation to send all the Pennsylvania troops and those from the East over it. The movement down the Northern Central, it seemed to me, could not be more easily effected than through Baltimore, via Havre de Grace. To complete the route, military possession of the Annapolis road, should be taken at once. There must be ample force at Annapolis by this time for this object, supported by a respectable artillery force.

If you are in want of railway men to control the road, or locomotives or cars to work it, they can immediately be sent down from here, with competent and loyal engine men. We are in for a fight now, and what we do should be done so as to make an impression over the whole country, striking terror into the malcontents.

Yours, truly,

J. EDGAR THOMSON, President Pennsylvania Central Railroad.

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NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 23, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: On a verbal requisition of Commodore John A. Dahlgren, I would respectfully request that at least a battalion of reliable troops be ordered at once for the protection of the navy-yard.

Commodore Dahlgren deems this precaution absolutely necessary for the preservation of the Government property, and I would express my urgent concurrence, and that there should be no delay.

I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,

GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy.

[Indorsements.]

APRIL 23, 1861-10.30 p. m.

The request of the Secretary of the Navy is respectfully referred to Lieutenant-General Scott.

SIMON CAMERON Secretary of War.

APRIL 23, 1861-11 p. m.

Colonel Stone directed to send two companies to the navy-yard.

T. TALBOT, Assistant Adjutant-General.

{p.598}

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WASHINGTON, April 24, 1861.

General PATTERSON, &c.:

DEAR GENERAL: I have only a moment to say the troops have not got round from Annapolis. Butler says he will be here to-day. The New York Seventh decline coming on some punctilio, as I am informed.

There must be no delay in sending the Philadelphia troops by that route, so as to command the road at once. Those coming from the West should, in my opinion, be concentrated on the Northern Central Railroad near Baltimore, so as to force our way through the city if they continue to harass our troops coming round it. The fine counties of York, Lancaster, &c., will furnish supplies, and the march across to the waters of the Potomac is good. These are at present only suggestions, but I beg for them your examination and reflection.

Very respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

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P., W. & B. R. R. Co., Philadelphia, April 24, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON:

DEAR SIR: Mr. Thomson, Mr. Sanford, and myself organized a plan to supply Washington with troops and provisions, &c., by way of Annapolis. A part of this plan was for Fort McHenry to allow no hostile force to leave Baltimore to seize transports. This we have not effected, of course, as we had no means to do it. We want command of the railroad from Washington to Annapolis and of the telegraph. This, of course, the Government must effect. The rest we can do, and are doing as rapidly as we can. We have assumed great responsibility, both pecuniarily and otherwise, but no good man ought in these times to shrink from any amount of responsibility within his reach. It is a question between government or anarchy, and who can hesitate?

Yours, truly,

S. M. FELTON.

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STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, Annapolis, April 24, 1861.

To Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER:

SIR: A dispatch signed by you, addressed to Gov. A. [G.] Curtin [following], has been received by me, with a verbal request that I countersign it and have it forwarded to its address.

In reference to the arsenal at Pikesville, I have no official information. I do not know who is now in possession of it. I am cut off from all communication with other parts of the State, and have no means to forward your dispatch if I were willing to countersign it.

I am compelled, therefore, to decline to accede to your request.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

THOS. H. HICKS.

{p.599}

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ANNAPOLIS, April 24, 1861.

To his Excellency ANDREW [G.] CURTIN, Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of Pennsylvania:

SIR: Should this dispatch be forwarded to you, countersigned by his excellency Thomas H. Hicks, governor of Maryland, you will please to understand that the insurgents have surrendered Pikesville Arsenal, and that it therefore will not be necessary to advance your troops, as you were yesterday requested by me.

B. F. BUTLER, Brigadier-General.

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PHILADELPHIA, April 24, 1861.

Col. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-General U. S. Army:

COLONEL: The orders of the Lieutenant-General Commanding to secure the forts on the Delaware have been anticipated. Captain Gibson reported last week that he was able to hold Fort Delaware, but requested that the remainder of his company be directed to join him. I have detailed one hundred men (raw volunteers) to be placed under his command.

Fort Mifflin is held by a detachment of volunteers. I inclose herewith a memorandum from a source believed to be reliable. I also inclose copy of a letter to Captain Rodgers, of the Navy. Major Thomas, Second Cavalry, has telegraphed the orders received from headquarters; Orders have been given to purchase horses, and I have directed the ordnance officers at Allegheny and Frankford to report as to the ammunition and equipments.

I have respectfully to request that a commissary be sent here without delay, furnished with funds to purchase rations and supply the troops when mustered into service. Three regiments from this State have been sent forward, and the residue of the quota only awaits organization.

Maj. F. J. Porter, who has carefully examined the ground, concurs with me in the opinion that it is impracticable at present to throw re-enforcements into Washington by the interior of Pennsylvania, and all my efforts shall be directed to the route via Annapolis.

I have directed Colonel Thomas to be ready to organize a wagon train.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. PATTERSON, Major-General.

[Inclosure.]

HDQRS MILITARY DEP’T OF PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia, April 24, 1861.

Captain RODGERS, Frigate Constitution:

CAPTAIN: Major-General Patterson learns through S. M. Felton, esq., that you informed him that there is a small fort situate at the entrance of Annapolis Harbor, which it is highly desirable should be taken possession of armed, and occupied. If you can supply ten guns for the purpose, or a sufficient number to hold it, you are hereby authorized to Make a requisition upon the colonel of any regiment on the route to Washington for a detachment of a hundred men to garrison it.

As the troops on the route have little knowledge of guns, you will Please detail one or more instructors.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

CRAIG BIDDLE, A. D. C.

{p.600}

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Colonel STONE: WASHINGTON, April 25, 1861.

This will be handed to you by Thomas A. Scott, who will take charge of the operations of railroad and telegraphs between Washington City and Annapolis in a few days. Please give him all the information you can in relation to roads, cars, locomotives, &c. Until Mr. Scott takes direct charge, act with him in this movement.

Yours, respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

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WASHINGTON, April 25, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, Massachusetts Volunteers:

SIR: If this letter should find you not too far this side of Annapolis, I will ask you to consider yourself, for a time, as the commander of that city and retain a competent force to hold it. Next, I wish you to select a regiment (the one of your brigade or any other), and string it at convenient distances all along the railroad, by the junction and towards this city, as far as its numbers may suffice, to protect the road, its rails, bridges, and cars, so as to keep the communication open for troops and travelers between Annapolis and Washington by rail.

The principal points in the road to be occupied are: the junction, Beltsville, the bridges, cross-roads, and a few of the other stations. Some of the intermediate stations may also require smaller detachments, and every post ought to be instructed to throw out scouts to the right and left frequently during the night and day. If the regiment takes, in the first instance, cooked provisions for a few days, the posts may afterwards be supplied by the trains which will be passing daily. Tents and cooking utensils will, perhaps, be needed at some of the posts or detachments.

Send to this place all the spare troops from Annapolis as fast as you may find means of transportation, and report often.

Very respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Albany, N. Y., April 25, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

SIR: The news just at hand of the arrival in Washington of the Sixth, Twelfth, and Seventy-first Regiments has awakened emotions hardly to be described. Our information one hour before was of the most painful character. The greatest possible efforts are being made to furnish everything needed by the troops sent, and none will follow till they are properly uniformed, equipped, and provisioned. All the troops sent via the Potomac had thirty days’ supply of provisions. Open the way through Baltimore, cost what it may. I write earnestly, but feelingly.

Faithfully, yours,

E. D. MORGAN.

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WASHINGTON, April 25, 1861.

Major-General PATTERSON, &c., &c., &c.:

SIR: We have found it difficult to communicate with Annapolis, from which place to the junction the railroad has, been broken up in several {p.601} places, but now repaired. The New York Seventh Regiment got over it yesterday, and is here to-day. The people all along the route are quite hostile, and the road is in danger of being broken up everywhere and at any moment.

I have just instructed Brigadier-General Butler to hold the command of Annapolis, and to string one of the regiments along the railroad from that city towards Washington for its protection. Road wagons cannot be hired or impressed for the transportation of baggage for any part of the route. Instructions have been given for making camp equipage and accouterments as fast as possible in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. We are destitute of those supplies here, but have arms.

I wish no troops to be sent hither deficient in essential equipments.

Sherman’s battery, and a company of foot artillery with it, are needed here. If they can be spared from Perryville (and I think they may), send them to me. I wish Maj. W. W. Morris to take command of Fort McHenry. Perhaps he can only reach the fort by water.

Surgeon Tripler, from Newport, Ky., has been ordered to join you.

Assume command of Maj. F. J. Porter, assistant adjutant-general, sent hence to Harrisburg on duty, as you were informed at the time.

Yours, very respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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OFFICE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY, Philadelphia, April 25, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War, United States:

DEAR SIR: Matters are progressing here satisfactorily. We have ample provisions to transport ten thousand men daily from here to Annapolis, and I would recommend that no more be sent from New York or the East via the ocean.

Any amount of provisions can be placed in Annapolis at very short notice as soon as you direct that it shall be done. Having taken the responsibility of establishing the route via Annapolis, and placing upon it the necessary transports, I should be glad if you would, to enable me to have all the accounts properly presented in accordance with the customs of your Department, send to my agent, R. F. Loper, esq., a commission to act as United States transport agent between Philadelphia and Annapolis, the commission to date from April 18, 1861. Captain Loper acted in this capacity during the Mexican war, and understands all the routine that the Government requires in such service.

The Philadelphia regiments have not yet gone forward, but I am glad to say that General Patterson is using his best exertions to have them properly equipped, and will dispatch them as speedily as he can. It seems that we have been wofully deficient in arms and ammunition in this city. I trust the difficulty will be remedied before it is too late for our city troops to assist in the defense of the capital.

Yours, very truly,

J. EDGAR THOMSON.

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WASHINGTON, April 26, 1861.

[Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER:]

The undersigned, General-in-Chief of the Army, has received from the President of the United States the following instructions respecting the legislature of Maryland, now about to assemble at Annapolis, viz:

{p.602}

It is “left to the commanding general to watch and await their action, which, if it shall be to arm their people against the United States to adopt the most prompt and efficient means to counteract, even if necessary to the bombardment of their cities, and in the extremest necessity suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.”

In the absence of the undersigned, the foregoing instructions are turned over to Brig. Gen. B. F. Butler, of the Massachusetts Volunteers, or other officer commanding at Annapolis, who will carry them out in a right spirit; that is, with moderation and firmness. In the case of arrested individuals notorious for their hostility to the United States, the prisoners will be safely kept and duly cared for, but not surrendered except on the order of the commander aforesaid.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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GENERAL ORDERS, NO. 4.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, April 26, 1861.

I. From the known assemblage near this city of numerous hostile bodies of troops it is evident that an attack upon it may be expected at any moment. In such an event, to meet and overwhelm the enemy, it is necessary that some plan of harmonious co-operation should be adopted on the part of all the forces, regular and volunteer, present for the defense of the capital-that is, for the defense of the Government, the peaceable inhabitants of the city, their property, the public buildings, and public archives.

II. At the first moment of an attack every regiment, battalion, squadron, and independent company will promptly assemble at its established rendezvous (in or out of the public buildings), ready for battle, and wait for orders.

III. The pickets (or advance-guards) will stand fast till driven in by overwhelming force; but it is expected that those stationed to defend bridges-having every advantage of position-win not give way till actually pushed by the bayonet. Such obstinacy on the part of pickets so stationed is absolutely necessary to give time for the troops in the rear to reach their places of rendezvous.

IV. All advance guards and pickets driven in will fall back slowly and delay the advance of the enemy as much as possible before repairing to their proper rendezvous.

V. On the happening of an attack the troops lodged in the public buildings and in the navy-yard will remain for their defense, respectively, unless specially ordered elsewhere, with the exceptions that the Seventh New York Regiment and the Massachusetts regiment will march rapidly towards the President’s square for its defense, and the Rhode Island regiment (in the Department of the Interior) will make a diversion or detachment to assist in the defense of the General Post Office building, if it be necessary.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

By command:

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

Informal assignments.

The following assignment was informally made before the arrival of any volunteer regiments from the North. The officers passed the night {p.603} at their posts during the time of greatest danger. Since a sufficient force has been each night stationed in the public buildings, it is believed the officers generally hold themselves ready, in case of an alarm, to repair at once to their posts to give such advice and aid as they can. Since the assignment was made other officers have arrived, and some have left the city, which should perhaps cause a new arrangement to be made:

The staff of the General-in-Chief, General Totten and Captain Fry, to repair to headquarters on an alarm. Gen. L. Thomas to command in Georgetown. Major McDowell, assisted by Capt. J. N. Macomb and Lieutenant Woodruff, Topographical Engineers, assigned to Capitol Hill. Captain Meigs is now here, and should be the engineer of the Capitol building. Captain Garesche to repair to the General Post-Office. Capt. W. F. Raynolds, Topographical Engineers, to the Patent Office. Captain Shiras to Corcoran’s building, corner of Fifteenth and F streets, where there are public offices. Colonel Larned to repair to Winder’s building. Major Hunter, paymaster, to the President’s mansion. Colonel Stone to command of Executive square, assisted by Captain Wright, as engineer. Capt. W. R. Palmer, Topographical Engineers, to the Coast Survey., Capt. A. A. Humphreys to the Smithsonian Institution. Maj. H. Bache, Department of State. [Great seal.] Captain Franklin, Topographical Engineers, Treasury building and in charge of a depot of ammunition placed there for use in case of attack.

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WASHINGTON, April 26, 1861.

Lieut. Col. A. PORTER, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.:

SIR: The General-in-Chief directs that you proceed to the State of Pennsylvania, to take charge of the arrangements for conducting to this city the quota of troops called for from that State and other troops en route hither. You will give particular attention to keeping open the railroad from Harrisburg to Baltimore, for the purpose of securing a free communication with the capital of the United States.

In pursuit of this object you will receive from his excellency the governor such aid as he may be pleased to give; and, having accomplished it, you will return to this city and report.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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WASHINGTON, April 27, 1861.

To whom it may concern:

Thomas A. Scott has been appointed to take charge of the railways and telegraphs between Washington City and Annapolis. Parties in charge thereof will place Mr. Scott in possession, and in future conform to his instructions in all matters pertaining to their management.

Yours, respectfully,

SIMON CAMERON Secretary of War.

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WASHINGTON, April 27, 1861.

J. EDGAR THOMSON, Philadelphia, Pa.:

DEAR SIR: Yours of the 24th [23d] inst. is here. I am really gratified to hear from you that our military friends in Philadelphia have opened {p.604} their eyes to the existing state of affairs in the country. We have been without any response, except request for small matters of detail, while all my orders and wishes of the last week have been neglected until the day before yesterday we had not 2,500 men here under arms. Now we shall have enough in a day or two.

The railway from Annapolis to this place, under the direction of Scott, will be open by Monday for the whole amount of business of which it is capable. We shall want very few more troops by that route, but provisions, clothing, and munitions should be hurried here by it.

I have sent an engineer to reopen the Northern Central, and have ordered an able officer of this Department to take charge of the troops that may assemble at, Harrisburg, and bring them in immediate connection with Baltimore, to be concentrated where the city can be reached. We must occupy it without delay. I will never consent, if the whole power of this Department can prevent it, that a rebel force shall prevent the passage of our fellow-citizens from coming here unmolested. The authorities of Baltimore have acted with bad faith, and one of the most painful acts I have witnessed was the order for the return of our troops from Cockeysville; but that is past, and now we will amend the error.

The President has given me full power to open this communication, and I will do it. To-day the President has ordered me to raise twenty-five regiments of regulars, and also ordered the erection of a manufactory for arms at Rock Island, Ill. This shows you that there will be no lack of energy here. If the officers now in command will not act with energy, General Scott shall be authorized to find others that will.

SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.

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HEADQUARTERS ANNAPOLIS, April 27, 1861.

[General SCOTT:]

SIR: I had the honor to receive this morning your letter from headquarters, of April 25, detailing me to the command of this city. I am deeply sensible of the honor conferred, and will endeavor to hold it. I had taken the liberty to make dispositions for that purpose before I had the honor to receive your order. I had caused Professor Lockwood, a very competent person, fully acquainted with the locality, to make a survey of its environs. From that, aided by my own observations, I find a water battery, known as Fort Madison, without casemates, which commands the channel, and prepared to mount twenty-one guns, but none are mounted. Everything is ready for the reception of its armament, being left in that condition by the Engineer Department last season; but this in its turn is entirely commanded by a height, upon which there is an old redoubt known by the soubriquet of Fort Nonsense. This was built during the year 1812, and, so far as I can learn, has never been occupied since. This also commands the town and the Naval Academy, where we have established our depots. An enemy there with a gun or two properly used would render our position entirely untenable. I have therefore detailed one hundred men from Colonel Pinckney’s regiment, the New York Sixth, which was here with a force of only about five hundred, to occupy Fort Nonsense, and also a company of fifty men from the same command to occupy Fort Madison and to keep up the communication between them, the distance being a short half mile.

During the past night, as I am informed by the very accurate report of the major in command, the troops were disturbed by signal-rockets being thrown up along the line of the interior road for some miles. Impressed {p.605} with the importance of the point, I have ordered an increased force from the same regiment, so that the detachment is now two hundred men, and have furnished them with signal-rockets, so that in case of attack we can immediately re-enforce them from the academy. I have directed Lieutenant Luce, acting quartermaster here, to organize a flotilla of boats so that we can send re-enforcements at once.

We believe that we have entire command of the bay through the means of the iron steamers Maryland, mounting four 32-pounders, commanded by Captain Steadman, and the Philadelphia ice-boat, which had been put in the service of the United States, free of expense, by the city of Philadelphia, commanded by Captain Chisson [?], of the Navy, which also mounts four guns.

My attention was next drawn to the rear of the town. The conformation of the ground there is peculiar, as will be seen from an examination of the maps. A creek runs up on each side of the point of land on which the town and the academy are situated, too broad and too deep to allow the passage of any considerable force, and in the rear of the town they approach each other within the space of less than two-thirds of a mile. Nearly in the center of this space runs the high road, and a little to the right of that the railway. The land is high, and presents natural means for a defense. I have caused Professor Lockwood to mark out a line of intrenchment there, and unless I am directed to the contrary, I shall proceed to throw up a field work to protect the rear of the town. I have detailed for the permanent occupation of this place the Third Battalion of Rifles, of Massachusetts, Major Devens, 246 men; the Sixth New York Regiment, Colonel Pinckney, 500 men; the Boston Light Battery, six pieces, Major Cook, 100 men; and I propose to add to them the Thirteenth New York Regiment, Colonel Smith, about 500 men; making in all 1,300 men. I believe that I have thus stated the effective strength, and with this, unless better instructed when my intrenchments are complete, I think I shall be able to hold the city, especially as I shall be aided from time to time, by troops arriving and necessarily delaying here. There is a distance of about a mile between the present railway depot and the wharf at the Naval Academy at the deepest water. I have caused Lieutenant Hopkins, assistant professor of engineering, and well experienced in the matter of railroads, to make a survey for a line of railroad, and find it an easy and practicable route from the depot to the wharf. I have also sent to Philadelphia for rails, cars, and workmen, with which to build the roads between Annapolis and the Junction, and I doubt not, if my acts are approved at headquarters, to be able to make a railroad communication without other carriage between tidewater at Annapolis and the capital within five days.

Acting according to your letters of instruction, I have sent forward the Sixty-ninth Regiment of New York, Colonel Corcoran, with directions to occupy the railroad from a point near the depot in Annapolis to the Junction in the manner following: Three men are stationed together, each picket within sight of the other, and once in about a mile a squad Of ten men, according to the nature of the ground and the proximity of bridges, culverts, and other valuable points, on which the pickets may rely. It is believed that this regiment, being about 1,100 strong, will be able to protect the road and the telegraph lines from further depredations.

In order to the operation of the telegraph, as there is no operator here who can be trusted, I have caused my command to be examined, and I believe I shall be able to find therein a competent operator as soon as the wires are, put in order. I have also detailed Lieutenant Billings and a squad of twenty-five men to be stationed at a place called Patapsco {p.606} Ford, where I am informed the foes of law and order are making some small head. I believe these dispositions will prevent further annoyance to the railroad, and I have received from Philadelphia a coups of competent track repairers, who are now putting a destroyed bridge in order, so that I trust hereafter our communications will not be obstructed, and the regular trains will pass over the road. Acting under what I believed were the instructions from headquarters, I have pushed forward all the troops possible with more celerity than I otherwise would have dictated to Washington. I expect the arrival to-morrow or during the night of upwards of three thousand New Jersey troops, some two thousand from New York and about a thousand from Pennsylvania. These are all of which I have authentic intelligence. I do myself the honor to inclose herewith a list of the troops which have arrived and departed.

I have received what I believe to be authentic intelligence from the information of Mr. [Purnell], of Baltimore, who had the honor to receive the nomination of postmaster of that city, and who is comptroller of the State of Maryland, and whom I believe to be a loyal and true man. He states, in a personal conversation with me, that he has positive information that sea-ling ladders are being prepared, and that a force is being organized for the purpose of throwing up batteries on the heights, with the intention of making an assault upon Fort McHenry. This information, if true, as I believe it to be, is important.

The steam gunboat of three guns Monticello has just reported to me, and I shall be able to send up re-enforcements or supplies. A list of the stores on board that vessel I have the honor to inclose.

Unless otherwise directed I shall continue to forward supplies with what celerity I may, and troops more slowly and with more comfort to themselves.

Since I commenced writing this dispatch I have received notice from the roadmaster that the track is in good running order, but we are deficient in engines and cars, which I hope to receive from Philadelphia tomorrow.

I had the honor also to receive the order* as to the course to be pursued in the case of the secession of Maryland. I will endeavor to carry out the orders with firmness and moderation.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

B. F. BUTLER.

* See General Scott’s order of April 26, 1861, p. 601.

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OFFICE PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY, Philadelphia, April 27, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

Yours of the 24th is received.* Mr. Scott left Harrisburg on the 25th to go to Washington, and I presume is with you now, unless he has fallen by the way. I congratulate you upon having secured the safety of the capital, and trust that you will as soon as possible reduce Baltimore to her allegiance. This will not be a difficult matter when they know that you are strong. The Union men of that place should be courted, and made to lead in the restoration of the city to law and order.

...

This war can be brought to a close in ninety days, if pushed with the vigor that the people now seem disposed to sustain it.

In haste, yours, very truly,

J. EDGAR THOMSON.

* Not found.

{p.607}

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 12.}

WAR DEP’T, ADJT. GEN.’S OFFICE, Washington, April 27, 1861.

1. The Military Department of Washington will include the District of Columbia, according to its original boundary, Fort Washington and the country adjacent, and the State of Maryland as far as Bladensburg, inclusive. Col. J. K. F. Mansfield, inspector-general, is assigned to the command, headquarters Washington City.

2. A new military department, to be called the Department of Annapolis, headquarters at that city, will include the country for twenty miles on each side of the railroad from Annapolis to the city of Washington, as far as Bladensburg, Md. Brig. Gen. B. F. Butler, Massachusetts Volunteers, is assigned to the command.

3. A third department, called the Department of Pennsylvania, will include that State, the State of Delaware, and all of Maryland not embraced in the foregoing departments. Major-General Patterson to command, headquarters at Philadelphia, or any other point he may temporarily occupy.

4. Bvt. Col. C. F. Smith, having been relieved by Colonel Mansfield, will repair to Fort Columbus, N. Y., and assume the duties of superintendent of the recruiting service; to which he was assigned in Special Orders, No. 80, of March 15. Major Heintzelman, on being relieved at Fort Columbus, will repair to this city, and report for duty to the department commander.

5. Fort Adams, Rhode Island, is hereby placed temporarily under the control of the Secretary of the Navy, for the purposes of the Naval Academy now at Annapolis, Md.

The necessary transfer of property will be made by the departments interested.

By order:

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General.

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WASHINGTON, April 28, 1861. Major-General PATTERSON, &c., &c., &c.:

SIR: I hope in a few days to have the railroad communication between Washington and Annapolis well re-established and guarded, and in about the same time troops enough here to give reasonable security to the capital-that is, to the Government, the public buildings, and archives-with a surplus of troops for offensive operations. The next step will be by force to occupy Baltimore and reopen regular communications between Washington and Philadelphia by rail and wires. The plan that has occurred to me is, 1st, to advance a column from this place via the Relay House to the Washington depot; 2d, another column by the road from York; 3d, the same from Havre de Grace, if destruction of bridges be not an insuperable obstacle; and, 4th, to move the principal force by water from Annapolis, and to make the four attacks simultaneously.

I wish you to consider and methodize the second and third attacks, and give me your views in advance on the whole subject.

Nothing shall prevent the occupation of Baltimore by a competent force but the voluntary reopening of free communications by rail and wires through Baltimore and Maryland before our preparations are ready.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

{p.608}

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 9.}

HDQRS. DEP’T OF WASHINGTON, Washington, D. C., April 28, 1861.

Agreeably to Special Orders, No. 12, of the War Department, assigning me to the command of the Military Department of Washington, I hereby assume command of that department, and all reports and communications pertaining to my immediate command will be made to these headquarters.

JOS. K. F. MANSFIELD, Colonel, U. S. Army, Commanding.

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WASHINGTON, April 29, 1861.

Brigadier-General BUTLER, &C., &C., &C.:

SIR: I was happy to receive Colonel Butler last night, the bearer of your dispatches. The latter I have read with interest and a hearty approval.

I send herewith a copy of my letter of this date to Major-General Patterson. [Following.]

If Fort McHenry be not re-enforced, please send thither by some armed steamer from 250 to 500 men, with subsistence for at least sixty days.

I shall be glad to have your views on my proposed movement upon Baltimore, particularly on the part to be fitted out from Annapolis, and which you will probably be required to command.

Though you command a separate department and Major-General Patterson another, a free correspondence between you may be of mutual advantage.

I am sorry that the fleet of transports and provision ships sent from New York did not ascend the Potomac. Major Sibley, principal of the quartermaster’s department here, wishes some of those vessels with troops and supplies to be sent around to him, and has written accordingly. This river is yet unobstructed by hostile batteries afloat or ashore, and is likely to remain so.

A strong war vessel, to support Fort McHenry in case of an attack, is of great importance. If there be one not essential as a convoy to transports between Annapolis and the Susquehanna, send her to Fort McHenry.

If the cars promised from New York arrive, those, you have ordered from Philadelphia may be unnecessary.

Having great confidence in your zeal, intelligence, and discretion, I remain, yours, truly,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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WASHINGTON, April 29, 1861. Major-General PATTERSON, Commanding, &c.:

SIR: I wrote you by Major Porter on the 27th and also sent by him certain verbal messages in that letter* I gave, you the outline of my plan for taking and strongly occupying Baltimore, and I asked for your views on the subject. At present I suppose a column from this place of 3,000 men; another from York of 3,000; a third from Perryville or Elkton by land or water, or both, of 3,000, and a fourth from Annapolis by {p.609} water of 3,000 might suffice. But it may be, and many persons think it probable, that Baltimore, before we can get ready, will reopen the communication through that city and beyond each way for troops, army supplies, and travelers voluntarily.

When can we be ready for the movement upon Baltimore on this side? Colonel Mansfield has satisfied me that we want at least 10,000 additional troops here to give security to this capital, and as yet we have less than 10,000, including some very indifferent militia of the District, &c. With that addition we will be able, I think, to make the detachment for Baltimore.

The Secretary of War tells me that he has sent a party, not military, to repair the bridge and relay the Maryland part of the Harrisburg and Baltimore Railroad to a point near the city. This I am sure cannot be done without the protection of a military force. I wish you to look to this.

I am not sure that either you or Brigadier-General Butler has re-enforced Fort McHenry. I suppose 250 or 300 men to be wanted, if it be not already re-enforced. If with you, send Maj. W. W. Morris there to command. I shall ask General Butler to send up the men that may be yet needed.

I desire Major Porter, assistant adjutant-general, to obtain from you or the governor of Pennsylvania the means of breaking two bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, somewhere below Frederick, but pause a few days for further instructions, as we may want to use that road in taking possession of Harper’s Ferry.

We are in great want of camp equipage and accouterments at Annapolis I believe, and certainly here, and we have occupied all the shelter for troops to be found here. Therefore please send no more troops this way without camp equipage.

The Cabinet have under consideration a plan for volunteers of long period of service. Please, therefore, to withdraw your request addressed to the governor of Pennsylvania to increase his quota of three months’ men.

Tell me what you can do, and when, towards seizing and occupying Baltimore.

The quartermaster in Philadelphia has two hundred wagons, and thinks he can obtain as many more in ten or fifteen days. Four locomotives and ten passenger cars have been ordered from New York for service on this-side of Annapolis.

With respect, yours, very truly,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

P. S.-Occupy Havre de Grace at your discretion.

WINFIELD SCOTT.

(Copy to General Butler.)

* Not found; reference probably to letter of 28th, p. 607.

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P., W. AND B. R. R. Co., Philadelphia, April 29, 1861.

Major-General PATTERSON:

DEAR SIR: In order that the line from here to Washington should work with the greatest efficiency, it is desirable that it should be under one head, that there may be no clashing of orders. Should the Government think it advisable that it should be so organized, I am ready to {p.610} organize and work it I refer the matter to you to do with as you think best.

Yours, truly,

S. M. FELTON.

[Indorsements.]

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia, April 30, 1861.

I have no control over the road beyond Havre de Grace. The Annapolis road is, I understand, managed by an able and efficient engineer, placed by the honorable Secretary of War. The ability to manage the two roads of the writer is undoubted, but the propriety of placing them both under him at this point distant from Washington is doubted.

Respectfully referred to the headquarters of the Army.

R. PATTERSON, Major-General, Commanding.

WAR DEPARTMENT, May 4, 1861.

The Secretary of Wax deems it advisable to retain the management of Government lines at Washington. Would be glad to have Mr. Felton assume the management of his own road to Perryville, and control boats for passengers and mail service to and from Annapolis while the present route is used for that service.

SIMON CAMERON.

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SIXTY-NINTH REG’T NEW YORK STATE MILITIA, Annapolis Junction, Md., April 29, 1861.

Lieutenant-General SCOTT, Commanding Army, &c.:

Not having received any positive instructions through the brigade orders of General Butler, when leaving Annapolis, I beg leave to report to headquarters:

I have performed the required duty so far, and am now in complete possession of the entire line of railroad from the point nearest Annapolis to Paint Branch Bridge, with my headquarters at this point, which I reached last evening at 5.30 o’clock. During my march here I found a small detachment of the Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia at Patuxent Forge, three miles from here, and the officer in command, who announced himself as First Lieut. K. Stark, with twenty-seven rank and file, who said he was ordered to report to me for duty and orders on my arrival. I then commanded him to maintain the position he had, describing the duty as it was detailed to me by General Butler, and told him that when I reached my assigned headquarters I should send out a force to relieve his and take him to this place.

At 10.30 o’clock I took five of my engineer corps and proceeded by a hand car to make a tour of inspection of the road, and to visit the sentinels all along the worst considered portion of the road. On my arrival at the detachment commanded by Lieutenant Duffy, of my command, and consisting of eighteen rank and file, and some distance nearer to headquarters than Lieutenant Stark’s, I was surprised to learn that he had passed that point, stating that his orders were not to remain on guard of the road after night. I inquired the direction he had taken, and had no difficulty in finding the desired information, as he told several {p.611} on the road he was going to rest with his men at a given point. I followed up, and found them at a farmer’s house at least one mile from the railroad, and found them even there without guard or order or any military precaution to prevent surprise and capture.

Under the circumstances I ordered him to proceed to my headquarters, where, on his arrival, I placed him under arrest, and his command to do duty in connection with my own, until I received further orders. I would have ordered them back to their posts and placed them under the command of some of my own officers, but not knowing what might be the probable conduct of the men under such circumstances, I adopted the one which suggested itself to me as the safest; but I must say, from my inspection of them on this morning and the conversation I had with them in relation to the affair, that they are a reliable body of men, and had no participation in the affair, except of obedience to orders of a superior.

I beg leave to transmit a report of the strength of my command as reported to me on board the steamship from New York to Annapolis, and also a report of my strength at this point.* My entire command is in a healthy condition.

Respectfully submitted.

MICHAEL CORCORAN, Colonel.

* Not found.

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GENERAL ORDERS, No. 23.}

HDQRS. DEP’T OF PENNSYLVANIA, Philadelphia, Pa., April 29, 1861.

I. By order of the Secretary of War, the original Military Department of Washington has been broken up, and the States of Pennsylvania and Delaware and that portion of Maryland east of Bladensburg, exclusive of the country twelve miles on each side of the railroad from Annapolis to the city of Washington, formed into a new military department, called the Department of Pennsylvania, under command of Major-General Robert Patterson, headquarters Philadelphia, Pa.

...

By order of Major-General Patterson:

F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant-General.

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WASHINGTON, April 30, 1861.

Brig. Gen. B. F. BUTLER, &c., &c., &c. :

SIR: In a telegram from your staff officer, Major Hamilton, it is said that no more troops would be sent from Annapolis to Washington for the present. I have suggested that I wished the regiments sent here should be provided with equipments, particularly with camp equipage-tents camp-kettles, mess-pans, &c. But we want at least eight additional regiments to give security to the capital, besides a surplus for the expedition against Baltimore. This surplus, with camp equipage, might be halted near the junction, at the Laurel factory, with a guard at the Junction. There is, however, some hope that that expedition may not be needed to open hence the direct railroad communication, through Baltimore, with the North, as Maryland may do that voluntarily for us.

With high respect, yours, truly,

[WINFIELD SCOTT.]

{p.612}

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HEADQUARTERS, April 30, 1861.

Col. J. DIMICK, U. S. A., Commanding Fort Monroe, Old Point Comfort, Va.:

COLONEL: Your letter of the 28th instant* was received this morning, and Colonel Keyes’ notes of the 22d* are also before the General, who directs me to give you a statement of the measures known to have been taken to strengthen your command. Ex-Governor Boutwell, of Massachusetts, states that the steamer Cambridge will sail this day from Boston with about 350 volunteers, to complete one of the regiments now at Fort Monroe. The same vessel will take one mouth’s rations for 4,000 men, and camp equipage for the Massachusetts troops. It is known that you have already a large amount of army subsistence stores now on hand; the General therefore desires that you continue the charter of the Cambridge, or make a new one, so as to send her here with such of the Massachusetts supplies and camp equipage as are not necessary at Fort Monroe, that the Massachusetts troops here may have the advantage of them.

Your several requisitions have been acted on as soon as received, and the supplies have been ordered, and in some cases increased. Fourteen 10-inch columbiad barbette carriages have been ordered to be sent forthwith from Watertown Arsenal; and, if possible, twelve 8-inch columbiad barbette and twenty-eight 42-pounder barbette carriages will be sent from Washington Arsenal to-day. Captain Dyer reports that he will soon have ready several 8-inch iron gun-carriages, which of course are at your disposal. If powder and cartridges have not already been ordered from New York, they will be furnished as soon as possible. There is no ordnance officer who can be ordered to report to you.

The Secretary of War has been urged to procure from the Navy Department an armed steamer, to insure your supply of water and to guard the approaches from Hampton.

The Quartermaster-General ordered camp equipage, bed-sacks, spades, axes, &c., the 19th April, from Philadelphia.

The Engineer Department ordered from New York, by steamer, the 24th instant, all the supplies required by Colonel De Russy, with additions, including a large number of sand bags. There should now be three Engineer officers, at Fort Monroe, who can certainly secure the magazine and other works against any such batteries as you apprehend may be erected.

The General-in-Chief directs me to say, in conclusion, that he believes all the supplies you have required are either now at Fort Monroe or will very soon be landed there; and he is satisfied that with the force-soon to be increased from Boston-and means at your command, Fort Monroe is by far the most secure post now in possession of the United States against any attack that can possibly be made upon it, independent of the war vessels, the Cumberland and the Niagara, at hand and approaching you.

I am, &c.,

E. D. TOWNSEND, A. A. G.

P. S.-The General says, beg the commander of the naval forces to do his best to prevent the erection of batteries within reach of Fort Monroe.

Respectfully,

E. D. T.

* Not found.

{p.613}

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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE DEP’T, Council Chamber, Boston, April 30, 1861.

Brigadier-General BUTLER:

GENERAL: The propeller Cambridge, Capt. S. H. Matthews, owned and fitted jointly by the State of Massachusetts and the underwriters of Boston, is loading as a transport for the purpose of taking out supplies for the Massachusetts troops (of which a memorandum will be hereto appended), provided at the expense of the State, and intended to be charged to the General Government, which charge will be allowed or not, as the General Government may decide.

You will note that in addition to the ordinary rations we have added a few articles which may be necessary for the comfort of the troops, for officers’ use, or for hospital purposes. The largest item among these is preserved meats in tin, which ought to be carefully used as a reserve. They will keep for years, are already cooked, and being the most concentrated form of carrying food, may be useful for camp service. I learn this morning that Colonel Jones’ Sixth Massachusetts Regiment is in great need of these at Washington and the vegetables now put on board. We have added a small quantity of pipes and tobacco.

The ship will probably have fifty to eighty men to fill up Colonel Packard’s regiment at Fort Monroe, and a small quantity of supplies for our troops there. After landing there she is ordered to proceed to Annapolis, and there land her stores and the company sent to guard them, subject to your orders, and immediately to return here. She can bring any sick or discharged soldiers. Should any change of circumstances arise, Captain Matthews will be directed to use his discretion, and to give weight to any recommendation from you. It is possible that there may be a prospect of opening the Potomac route for transporting stores and troops. Upon hearing from you to that effect at Fort Monroe, Captain Matthews will either await further advice there or land his stores and men there, subject to your orders.

It is desirable to have him back early, as we have more troops getting ready, and wish, if possible, to send them by water. In about five days we shall probably dispatch a small iron propeller, well armed, with further stores, with the contributions that are pouring in for the men of clothing and other things.

The Cambridge has two 8-inch guns forward on main deck and two light guns for her hurricane deck; has a full crew, including thirteen Marines, with a good supply of small-arms, and can take care of herself against any pirates on her way back. She will have coal enough on board to get her back here. She ought to reach Fort Monroe some time Friday, if she gets off to-morrow; the doubt being as to delay in getting her big guns from the navy-yard. She will be considered in the transport service until she reaches Boston on her return.

When sending Colonel Wardrop’s regiment by the propeller Spaulding we put on board an invoice of provisions, estimated sufficient for eight hundred men for thirty days, with orders to use as a reserve. If the United States supply the troops at the fort or your troops with rations, it will only be necessary to have these reserve stores taken care Of They have been carefully bought, and will be worth just about what they cost.

The Cambridge has a quantity of private baggage and contributions for the troops at Fort Monroe, and probably some of your troops, in charge of a special agent. From present appearances there will be much more. It is our present plan to keep two armed propellers (Cambridge, of eight hundred and sixty, and the Pembroke, of two hundred and sixty {p.614} tons) running between here and the Chesapeake. It would be great economy if you could get the General Government to form a depot of coal at Fort Monroe for transports to buy there at cost.

Since ordering the above we hear that the Potomac is open and also that our troops at Washington are suffering for certain supplies. In view, of the difficulty of getting stores across from Annapolis, we have decided, unless we get other information before she sails, to give the captain sealed orders to go directly up the Potomac after landing at Fort Monroe, with, or without convoy of a war ship, unless she gets at Fort Monroe or on the way up other orders from General Scott, whom we inform of her movements.

Should you have reason to suppose that there is very great hazard in going up the Potomac, or have any information bearing on the subject that requires action, please call General Scott’s attention to the subject. You may also be able to send down to Fort Monroe by return transport any important information which would justify Captain Matthews to await at Fort Monroe or at the mouth of the Potomac further orders from General Scott.

Please note that we intend to clear her for Annapolis here, in order to avoid publishing through the telegraph that we are sending Massachusetts troops up the Potomac. The Pembroke, being of iron and more vulnerable than this ship, will be less suitable to go up the Potomac, where she might be exposed to a land battery.

The Cambridge ought to reach Fort Monroe between Friday at sundown and Saturday morning.

Yours, faithfully,

JOHN A. ANDREW, Governor.

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HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON, April 30, 1861.

Maj. IRVIN McDOWELL, Assistant Adjutant-General:

Dispatch immediately two companies of Pennsylvania volunteers to the navy-yard, with instructions they be sent forthwith in a steamer to re-enforce Fort Washington. Let them take their to-day’s provisions in their haversacks.

J. K. F. MANSFIELD, Colonel, Commanding.

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WASHINGTON, May 1, 1861.

Major-General PATTERSON, U. S. A., Commanding, &c.:

SIR: I am glad to learn that Brigadier-General Butler has re-enforced Fort McHenry, and hope that Maj. W. W. Morris may be soon sent there to command.

We still need eight or nine additional regiments of volunteers to give to this capital a reasonable security against a threatened attack. All the troops which have arrived here have been and are, with the exception of the Seventh New York Regiment, without camp equipage, and several regiments without accouterments.

In those essentials, we are here, and everywhere else, most deficient, although I gave orders to the Quartermaster-General five weeks ago on the subject of camp equipage, and to the Ordnance Department at the same time on the subject of the accouterments, and each order has been often repeated since.

{p.615}

But even with the same deficiencies, we must have here the additional regiments, some of which, it is supposed, may be spared from those already at Annapolis. To save time in writing, I put this letter (open) under cover to Brigadier-General Butler, to be read and forwarded.

The governor of Maryland writes that it is reported a new regiment from New York, called the Zouaves, threatens to force its way to Washington through Baltimore. This is not fully credited. That operation, if it become necessary, must be duly authorized and methodized in the manner I have heretofore indicated in my letters to you.

With high respect, yours, very respectfully,

WINFIELD SCOTT.

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BALTIMORE, May 1, 1861.

Hon. SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War:

Yesterday sent our master of transportation to Washington to wait upon Mr. Scott and yourself about arranging for the reopening of business and intercourse between Baltimore and Washington. He conferred fully with Mr. Scott, who advised that he would represent our views and wishes to you, under which Mr. Smith considered it unnecessary to trouble you directly with the subject. We have not as yet received any response. For more than ten years past we have run four regular passenger trains daily each way between Baltimore and Washington, and at least one freight train. We now ask the privilege of running two passenger and mail trains and one freight train each way daily, subject to such supervision as you may deem desirable, and not to interfere with the movements of the Government trains. The interests and convenience of numerous parties in Washington and Baltimore, and we hope of the Government, can be greatly served if you can gratify these requests.

J. W. GARRETT, President.

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PHILADELPHIA, PA., May 1, 1861.

Lieut. Col. E. D. TOWNSEND, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. of the Army, Washington City:

SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt from the General-in-Chief of two communications, dated April 28 and 29, relating to moving troops upon Baltimore via York and Havre de Grace.

Anticipating the wishes of the General-in-Chief, I have, since the withdrawal by the President of troops placed at Cockeysville, given attention to the demonstrations designed, and have posted unequipped regiments in camps of instruction at points from which they can be easily withdrawn and distributed on these lines of communication, viz: At York, 6 regiments; Chambersburg, 2; Lancaster 6; Harrisburg, number unknown, but probably 6; and in this vicinity, 6.

The impoverished condition of the quartermaster’s department here in regard to tents, canteens, and other camp and garrison equipage and the depleted arsenals will prevent the execution at an early day of any plan of operations. The troops are not fully armed, and are very incompletely equipped, having but few cartridge-boxes, no canteens, tents, or cooking utensils. Articles ordered for troops in advance will exhaust the supply for the next three days. I have directed these commands to be drilled and made efficient, and by the time they are equipped I hope {p.616} to be able to move on Baltimore with an effective force of six thousand men via York and six thousand via Havre de Grace, and have sufficient to guard the road as they advance.

To effect this I request my requisitions may be filled as rapidly as forwarded, or the depot quartermaster here and the arsenal at Frankford be directed to fill them direct from me. I will keep you informed of my progress and my probable advance in time for concerted action. I shall lose no time, but for success take care not to be too fast.

I have authority to draw good volunteers from this State, but I desire, if regular artillery companies are en route to Washington City, to obtain one to serve as artillery with the column from York.

The railroad companies here, and also via York to Baltimore, are now ready to repair their roads, but the troops cannot advance. As soon as the men are equipped they will be thrown to the front, and in a few days the lines will be in working order. Col. Andrew Porter has gone to York to hasten the organization of that column.

Major Porter, governed by the prospect of being able to use for our purposes the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Road, deferred arranging for their destruction, and sent parties to examine the bridges and a portion of the road. He is informed that the large bridges are each guarded by about two hundred men, and so carefully that they cannot be injured. The road, however, will, under his plans, be rendered impassable for our opponents as soon as desired, and he will act when convinced that the present hopes of submission in Maryland prove delusive.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

R. PATTERSON, Major-General, Commanding.

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PHILADELPHIA, May 1, 1861.