Chronicles of Baltimore - Part 18



Page 584 continued

1861. In answer to a call published in the newspapers for some days, the 
citizens of Baltimore, favorable to the perpetuation of the union of the 
States, met in mass-meeting at the hall of the Maryland

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Institute on the evening of the 10th of January. The meeting was called 
for seven o'clock, but long before that hour every available spot on the 
lower floor and galleries was occupied by the immense throng, who pressed 
and wedged themselves together, until it was almost impossible for another 
creature to gain access to the building. The stage was occupied by the 
officers of the meeting, and distinguished invited guests from this and 
other States. The meeting was called to order by Wm. McKim, Esq., who 
announced the officers who had been nominated at a previous meeting. 
President, Archibald Stirling, Sr., and a number of vice-presidents and 
secretaries. The meeting adopted a set of resolutions, and were addressed 
by Wm. H. Collins, Esq., Augustus W. Bradford, Reverdy Johnson, B. Deford, 
Wm. E. Hooper, Joseph Cushing, Jr., and Hon. J. A. Pearre.

In response to a call, published in the papers, for "the citizens of 
Baltimore who are in favor of restoring the Constitutional Union of the 
States, and who desire the position of Maryland in the existing crisis to 
be ascertained by a convention of the people," a number of people 
assembled on the night of the 1st of February, at the Maryland Institute 
hall. The hall was well filled, and about half-past seven o'clock Hon. 
Joshua Vansant called the meeting to order by nominating Dr. A. C. 
Robinson as president. The meeting was addressed by Dr. A. C. Robinson, 
Wm. Henry Norris, Hon. R. M. McLane, S. Teackle Wallis, ex-Governor Lowe, 
and Mr. Kilgour. After Mr. Kilgour's remarks, a set of resolutions were 
unanimously adopted with loud cheering.

During the night of Friday, February 22d, Mr. A. Lincoln, President of the 
United States, passed through this city on his way to the Capital, from 
Harrisburg, Pa., by a circuitous route through Philadelphia.

Died, on the 19th of March, Mrs. Thomas Winans, the wife of one of our 
most enterprising and estimable citizens. She was a Russian by birth, and 
was distinguished for her extensive charities.

The Universalist Church edifice erected on Baltimore street, near 
Aisquith, was dedicated on Sunday, March 24th, the religious ceremonies 
being performed by Rev. B. M. Tillotson, Rev. J. R. Johnson, Rev. Moses 
Ballou, and Rev. A. Bosserman. The Home of the Friendless was dedicated 
Tuesday, April 2d. Messrs. C. Sidney Norris and his Honor Mayor Geo. W. 
Brown delivered appropriate addresses on the occasion.

Never before, perhaps, in the history of the old Monumental City did the 
citizens, one and all, labor under such a perfect furore of excitement as 
prevailed from Friday, April 12th, 1861, to the end of the month. At a 
late hour on the evening of the 12th, a dispatch was received from 
Charleston, announcing the startling intelligence that the war had been 
inaugurated. This dispatch was no sooner received than it became generally 
known throughout the entire city, and the immediate result was that a 
crowd of

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several hundred persons assembled around the bulletin boards, and the 
excitement became intense. "Extras" were issued by the various newspapers, 
and were caught up with anxious hands by the multitude, who hardly seemed 
to realize the alarming state of affairs as stated in the dispatches. 
Additional dispatches, detailing briefly the particulars of the battle, 
were received during the night, and at early morning the newspaper offices 
were besieged by hundreds of excited people. The expressions of feeling at 
the reception of the dispatches were varied, many expressing their 
heartfelt regret at the idea of the sheding of fatricidal blood, others 
expressing strong Union sentiments, and many giving expression to their 
feelings in favor of the South. As the crowd increased in numbers the 
excitement became more intense, but, although many were violent in their 
argument and gesticulations, no difficulty of any kind took place until 
about eleven o'clock, when a young man made his appearance in the 
neighborhood of South street wearing upon his hat a Southern cockade. He 
was saluted with hisses and groans by the Union men, who raised a shout of 
"take it off," "hurrah for the Union," &c. Extras were again issued during 
the morning, and toward noon many of those assembled dispersed, and the 
excitement partially subsided until about three o'clock in the afternoon, 
when it became known that additional news had been received announcing 
that Fort Sumter was on fire. As this report became circulated, the Union 
men assembled about the news offices in great numbers, and divers threats 
were made against any one sympathizing with the South. In spite of these 
threats, however, the Southern men gathered in their strength, and for 
some time serious difficulties were apprehended. Through the exertions of 
the efficient police department, however, quiet was partially restored. 
About four o'clock, however, the crowd again became excited by the 
appearance of another "cockade" upon Baltimore street. Many of those 
assembled made a rush toward the party wearing it, who proved to be a 
gentleman from North Carolina who was stopping at Barnum's hotel, and 
cries of "Go in, Union men," "Rally, minute men," and other riotous shouts 
were heard. The crowd pressed rapidly around the stranger, and although he 
was immediately surrounded by a number of sympathizing friends, he was 
forced up Baltimore street until opposite the clothing establishment of 
Messrs. Noah Walker & Co., when a decided stand was made, and with the 
assistance of Sergeant McComas, of the police department, the gentleman 
was enabled to return to the hotel. Extras were also issued on Sunday, 
April 14th, containing further details of the surrender of Major Anderson.

Died on the 15th of April, "Old Moses." Moses Small, the venerable old 
newspaper carrier, died at his residence in the court. in the rear of 
Charles street church. He was about 80 years of age, and until about four 
years before was quite active, when he was prostrated by sickness. Perhaps 
there was no person better

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known in Baltimore than Moses Small; he was universally respected and 
esteemed. From 1813 to 1838 he carried the Federal Gazette, and when that 
paper was merged into the Baltimore patriot, he continued in the same 
capacity upon the latter until 1857; and in all that long period of nearly 
half a century he never missed a single day. Such a long instance of 
uninterrupted service is as rare as it is remarkable.

On Sunday, the 14th of April, a secession flag was displayed from the 
mizzen topmast of the barque Fanny Crenshaw, lying at Chase's wharf, at 
the foot of Thames and Caroline streets, which was not at first perceived; 
but on being particularly noticed several hours afterward, the captains of 
other vessels in the neighborhood, the Agnes, the Mondamin, the 
Washington, the Chase, and the Seaman, immediately ran up the National 
flag. Ere long a crowd of persons, belonging mostly to East Baltimore, 
assembled at the wharf, expressing very emphatic disapproval of the 
secession flag, and then going on board the Crenshaw, ordered it to be 
lowered. No one was on he vessel at the time excepting a boy left in 
charge; and he, by the orders of the visiting party, hauled down the flag. 
In the course of an hour or two it was run up again and kept flying, this 
time being protected by a police force. It was understood the flag was 
displayed by the express orders of the owners of the barque, Messrs. D. 
and J. Crenshaw, of Richmond, Va. The 18th of April was a day of much 
excitement; strong parties of Union men and Secessionists appearing on the 
streets and giving vent to their political sentiments. Col. George P. 
Kane, Marshal of the police, actively exerted his authority in preserving 
order. An attempt was made to display a Secession flag on Federal Hill, 
and fire one hundred guns in honor of South Carolina, or perhaps more 
immediately of the secession of Virginia the day before. On the third 
round, however, the cannon was seized, and with the powder thrown into the 
Basin, while the gun-carriage was broken up and the flag torn into shreds. 
No other disturbance occurred there, although upwards of two thousand 
persons had gathered at the scene. Another large Confederate flag was 
hoisted about 4 P.M. at the intersection of Greenmount avenue and Charles 
streets, and saluted with one hundred guns.

The announcement by a special dispatch from Harrisburg, Pa., that the 
Northern Central Railroad had been requested to furnish accommodations for 
the transportation of a number of troops through Baltimore, caused on the 
18th of April the greatest excitement which had prevailed in this city 
since the news of the attack on Fort Sumter. Large crowds assembled, and 
curses and imprecations were freely uttered. An earnest and wide-spread 
determination was manifested to resist this threatened "invasion of the 
soil of Maryland." About 9 o'clock an impromptu meeting of the National 
Volunteers was held, and T. Parkin Scott, Esq., was called on to preside. 
Upon taking the chair he made a brief address,

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followed by W. C. N. Carr, William Byrne and others. Throughout their 
addresses these gentlemen were very earnestly applauded. About 2 o'clock 
P.M., two trains, containing twenty-one cars, which left Harrisburg at ten 
minutes past eight o'clock, arrived at the Bolton depot, Northern Central 
road. There were six companies of troops: two companies of United States 
artillery from St. Paul, under command of Major Pemberton, two companies 
from Pottsville, Pa., one from Reading, and one from Lewistown, Pa., 
called the Logan Guards, in all numbering a fraction over six hundred men. 
Several hundred persons had congregated at the depot to await their 
arrival, and amused themselves in the interim by singing "Dixie's Land," 
and cheering for the Southern Confederacy. Upon the troops disembarking, 
they were jostled and pushed about considerably by the crowd. The line of 
march was finally taken up for Mount Clare Station, where fifteen freight 
cars, with seats placed in them, had been prepared for their 
transportation. From the commencement of the march to the close of it, 
they were greeted with groans, hisses, cheers for Jefferson Davis, South 
Carolina, the Southern Confederacy and Virginia. Opposite the Howard House 
the hissing was remarkably strong. Upon arriving at Mount Clare the troops 
were subjected to numerous indignities, such as being spit upon, having 
their coat tails pulled, and references made to their beggarly appearance, 
cries of "let the police go and we'll lick you," "wait till you see Jeff 
Davis," "we'll see you before long," "you'll never go back to
Pennsylvania," and many similar expressions. But for the efficient police 
arrangements there would undoubtedly have been a collision between the 
populace and the military. About the time of the departure of the train 
bearing them, a stone was thrown into one of the cars. In the latter part 
of the afternoon the crowd assembled in front of the headquarters of the 
Minute men, where there was a fight. Several parties were slightly damaged 
about the face. In this row, although there were perhaps 2000 
participants, no weapons were drawn. This was likewise quelled by the 
police, who rushed in and carried off several parties. The excitement then 
subsided until about 7 o'clock in the evening, when an immense concourse 
of the Southern sympathizers collected at Taylor's Building, on Fayette 
street, to attend the States Rights Convention held there. Being excluded, 
the proceedings of the convention being secret, they formed in a body, 
numbering about 800 persons, and proceeded to parade the streets.

About the hour of eleven o'clock on Friday, the 19th of April, a train of 
thirty-five cars arrived in the city via the Philadelphia, Wilmington and 
Baltimore Railroad, containing about 1200 troops from Lowell, Boston, and 
Acton, Massachusetts, under the command of Col. Jones, of that State, 
together with about 1000 volunteers from Philadelphia, Pa., under General 
John Small. No sooner had the announcement been made than the entire 
community was perfectly

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wild with excitement; and in less than fifteen minutes, hundreds of people 
were rushing in crowds towards the railroad track on Pratt street, leading 
from the Philadelphia to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, with the 
intention of preventing the passage of the troops. Having assembled on 
Pratt street, from Light street as far down as the bridge, some time was 
spent in giving vent to sheer indignation by groans for Hicks, Lincoln, 
and the Federal Government, and cheers for Jefferson Davis and the 
Southern Confederacy. About half-past eleven o'clock, a car drawn by 
horses was seen approaching from the bridge over Jones Falls, and a 
general shout was sent up by the crowd in favor of Jefferson Davis and the 
South. This car, together with eight others, was allowed to pass 
unmolested, except that the multitude groaned and hissed at them as they 
passed. As the tenth car arrived opposite Commerce street, the brake upon 
the car became disarranged by some means, and the car was consequently 
stopped, when a man standing upon the sidewalk threw a stone into one of 
the windows. This was a signal to all assembled, and in an instant the 
stones were flying thick and fast. The driver of the car becoming 
frightened, attached his team to the opposite end and drove rapidly toward 
the Philadelphia depot, the car being stoned until it disappeared from 
view. After the lapse of a few moments spent in cheers and groans, the 
crowd, which had by this time increased to the number of about 800, 
proceeded to tear up the street for the purpose of blockading the track, 
to prevent the passage of any more of the cars. Picks and shovels were 
soon procured, and in a short time the entire street, for a distance of 
about fifty yards, was entirely torn up, the bridges over the gutters were 
taken up, and the paving-stones thrown in larger piles in the centre of 
the track. About this time some one among the party discovered several 
large anchors lying upon the wharf near by, and a rush was immediately 
made to gain possession of them. A number of negroes employed as sailors 
upon schooners hailing from the South came ashore from their vessels and 
rendered every assistance in their power hauling the immense anchors to 
the centre of the railroad track, with cheers for the "Souf," and "Massa 
Jeff. Davis." By their assistance, some eight of the anchors were piled 
upon the track. A car loaded with sand happened at the time to be passing, 
and it was also seized upon, and being backed up, the contents were 
spilled on the centre of the track.

A messenger here arrived from the Philadelphia depot, announcing that the 
troops were about to form and march to the Camden Station, being unable to 
proceed thither by rail. This announcement led to a yell of disappointment 
from those assembled, when a cry of "to the depot" was heard, and the 
greatest portion of them moved off at a rapid rate down President street. 
As the crowd arrived in the neighborhood of the depot, hundreds of 
citizens joined in to discover the cause of the excitement, and the

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mass soon swelled to over 2,000 persons. Passing rapidly down President 
street, as far as the depot, they assembled beside the train containing 
the remainder of the military, and immediately sent up a shout for the 
Southern Confederacy, accompanied by the most unearthly groans for the 
troops and the Federal Government. No movement was made by the troops for 
about fifteen minutes to alight from the train. During this delay among 
those in command the crowd became furious with excitement, and were about 
to force an entrance into the cars, when a large detachment of police 
under charge of one of the captains made their appearance, and rushing 
forward at the risk of their lives, succeeded in preventing the attack 
upon the cars. The order being given by the captains of the various 
companies of the troops, six car-loads of them proceeded to alight from 
the train. As they descended single file into the crowd, they were hustled 
quite violently, and were hooted at and hissed by all assembled, but 
finally succeeded in pushing their way, with the assistance of the 
officers, to the footway alongside the depot, where they formed in double 
file, awaiting further orders. At this instant, a commotion was 
perceptible on President street, and a man appeared, accompanied by about 
one hundred friends, bearing in his hands a pole having upon it a flag of 
the Southern Confederacy. As it became perceptible, a loud shout of 
enthusiasm was sent up by the multitude, and for several moments the air 
was rent with cheer upon cheer for the Southern flag. Some one here stole 
silently into the crowd, and grasping at the flag-staff, tore it partially 
in half, when he was seized by the throat by the man who bore the flag, 
and would have been killed upon the spot had the police not saved him from 
their vengeance. The shreds of the flag were immediately caught up by the 
crowd, and being tied upon the staff, was again saluted with cheers. The 
most bitter taunts were thrown at the troops by those surrounding the 
flag, many of whom declared that they should march behind it, which they 
were compelled to do, as will be shown by the sequel.

The arrangement having been perfected for a march, the order was given, 
and the whole body made a movement towards President street, when those 
surrounding the Secession flag made a bold and determined stand, and 
refused to give an inch to allow them to pass. Finding it impossible to 
proceed, they wheeled around and started in an opposite direction, when 
cries of "head them off" were re-echoed through the vast assemblage, and a 
rush was made to the southern end of the depot. At this point they were 
completely surrounded, and for several minutes it was found to be 
impossible for them to move in any direction. Finally, however, the body 
of military were formed into platoons four abreast, when three or four of 
those in the rear were attacked and separated from their comrades. Here 
again the police, who were untiring in their efforts to preserve the 
peace, rushed in and protected the men,

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enabled them to regain their places in the ranks, when the body again made 
a move, and by their broad front, aided by the police, they forced a 
passage through the crowd. As the body moved off the Confederate flag was 
borne to the head of the ranks, and saluted with cheers. Groans were given 
for the troops, and the flag was immediately surrounded by about 200 
persons, who marched in front of the troops, protecting the flag and 
compelling the volunteers of Massachusetts to march for a distance of two 
squares behind the Confederate banner. When about one hundred yards from 
the depot, a second attempt was made by several Union men to seize the 
flag; and, upon being attacked by the citizens, they endeavored to escape 
by retreating behind the ranks of the military. This action, exasperated 
the entire mass of citizens to such an extent that an attack was 
immediately made upon the troops with. stones and such missiles as could 
be found. As the attack began one of the soldiers, a man named William 
Patch, from Massachusetts, was seen to fall about midway of the ranks, 
having been struck in the back with a large paving stone. As he fell upon 
his side into the gutter, his musket was seized by a portion of the crowd, 
apparently in a great state of exasperation, who set upon him, and before 
the police could prevent them, beat the unfortunate soldier most 
unmercifully. The gun was borne rapidly off to some distance, but was 
finally given up roan officer. As the man Patch was Seen to fall, the 
commanding officer of the troops gave a hurried order to the troops to 
"run," and dipping their heads, they were soon running at a rapid rate, 
followed by the crowd, who continued to throw stones into their midst as 
they retreated. When at the corner of President and Stiles streets the 
crowd pressed closely upon them, and rallying around them, knocked down 
two of the soldiers and seized their muskets, which were very promptly 
delivered into the hands of the police, who checked them in the attack. 
One of the soldiers who was knocked down managed to regain his feet and 
make his escape, but the second one was quickly picked up by an officer, 
and carried to the Middle station-house, where he was protected from the 
crowd.

The body of troops continued to run with great rapidity across Pratt 
street bridge, and as far as Commerce street, the point where the street 
had been torn up, where an immense concourse of people had assembled, 
completely blockading the entire street from one side to the other. As the 
troops advanced towards, them a tremendous shout of indignation resounded 
among them, and determined resistance was depicted upon every countenance. 
Almost every man of them provided himself with a huge paving-stone, and as 
the troops advanced a shower of the stones was poured into them. This had 
the effect of checking the speed of the troops completely, and for a few 
minutes the citizens were decidedly victorious. Finding themselves hemmed 
in, the commanding officer of the troops ordered them to "fire," and the 
order was no sooner

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given than several of the men foremost in the ranks took deliberate aim, 
and at the first fire a young man named Francis X. Ward, a member of the 
City Guard Battalion, fell to the earth, pierced by a minie-ball in the 
left side of the groin. The remainder of the troops fired in rapid 
succession upon the crowd in front, shooting several persons, hereafter 
named, some of whom were instantly killed. "A resident of this city was 
forced by the rush of the crowd in close proximity to one of the soldiers. 
He raised his gun, and taking deliberate aim, pulled the trigger. The cap 
exploded, but the gun failed to go off. The citizen rushed forward, and 
seizing the musket, plunged the bayonet almost entirely through his body."

As those who were shot down by the soldiers continued to fall, the 
citizens, who were entirely unarmed, wavered somewhat, and giving way 
before the fixed bayonets of the troops, they opened a passage and the 
troops were again in motion, running rapidly up Pratt street towards 
Camden Station. When at the intersection of Pratt and Charles streets, one 
of the soldiers, a man named Andrew Robbins, from Stoneham, Massachusetts, 
was shot in the neck by one of the citizens, and being picked up, was 
carried into the drugstore of Mr. Jesse S. Hunt, where he was attended by 
Dr. Dunbar. Upon the arrival of the nine cars at Camden Station they were 
greeted with hisses, groans, and insulting threats of every description. 
The troops appeared to be somewhat crest-fallen, and looked upon the 
crowds who surrounded the cars upon the outside with rather suspicious 
glances. While they were waiting for their comrades at the President 
street depot, the crowd gradually diminished, and a great many persons 
left the place under the impression that the excitement was subsiding, but 
in reality the greater part of them had gone off to the conflict on Pratt 
street, while others had repaired to the outskirts of the city for the 
purpose of tearing up the track and making preparations to attack the 
train as it moved off from the depot. A few minutes past twelve o'clock 
the appearance of Marshal Kane again drew the people together at the 
Camden Station, when the state of affairs in the lower section of the city 
became more generally known. At once a rush was made for the scene of 
disturbance. In a few minutes the crowd came swelling up Pratt street, 
hooting at the military, but kept somewhat at bay by the strong police 
force present, until, arriving near Howard street, when a volley was fired 
by the troops, in which one or two persons were wounded. Immediately after 
firing they started in a run, which was kept up until near Camden street, 
when about a dozen shots were fired by them, but no one was injured at 
this time. The run was then resumed and kept up until they reached the 
cars, into which they very unceremoniously jumped. Thirteen cars were then 
drawn out, which were entirely occupied by troops, and being attached to a 
locomotive, about a quarter before one o'clock moved out of

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the depot amid the hisses and groans of the multitude. At every point 
within the city they were stoned, and this was kept up until they were a 
considerable distance beyond the city limits.

A deep gloom was cast over the community by the wanton and brutal murder 
of Mr. Robert W. Davis, of the firm of Paynter, Davis & Co., dry-goods 
dealers on Baltimore street. It appears that Mr. Davis had gone out along 
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad early in the morning, for the 
purpose of looking at some land which he contemplated purchasing. He was 
accompanied by Thos. W. Hall, Jr., and other gentlemen, and at the time of 
his murder he was standing at a point near the foot of Eutaw street, known 
as McPherson's. The train carrying the troops at about this point was 
greeted by some boys with cheers for the Southern Confederacy, when Mr. 
Davis laughingly shook his fist at the train as it passed, all unconscious 
of any difficulty having occurred in the city. One of the soldiers ran his 
gun out of the window, and taking deliberate aim at Mr. Davis, shot him. 
Upon the shot being fired, Mr. Hall asked him if he was hurt. His only 
reply was, "I am killed."

About half-past two o'clock the populace, who about this time filled the 
streets, proceeded in a body, to the number of about eight or ten 
thousand, to the President street depot, a rumor having been spread abroad 
to the effect that the renowned 7th Regiment would arrive at 3 o'clock. On 
arriving at the depot they assembled around the train containing the 
Philadelphia volunteers, and began an attack upon those who were in the 
passenger cars, by throwing stones through the windows of the cars, all of 
which were soon smashed to atoms. Marshal Kane here appeared in company 
with General Egerton, and it was announced that the train would soon leave 
for Philadelphia. With this understanding the crowd withdrew for a short 
time, but becoming impatient, a second attack was made, during which about 
twenty of the volunteers, who were unarmed, were badly injured, being 
struck with stones about the body and head. Those in the passenger cars 
were removed to freight cars for safety, when a large body of them, 
numbering 110, including many members of the band accompanying the troops, 
became separated and were taken into the eastern-station-house by the 
officers for protection. After the lapse of a few moments, about 21/2 
o'clock, an engine was attached to the train consisting of some twenty 
cars, and it passed slowly out of the city, an order having been issued by 
the railroad company for their return to Philadelphia.

The following is a complete list of killed and wounded in the riot: 
Citizens killed--Robert W. Davis, Philip S. Miles, John McCann, John 
McMahon, William R. Clark, James Cart, Francis Maloney, Sebastian Gill, 
William Maloney, William Reed, Michael Murphy. Patrick Griffith. Citizens 
wounded--F. X. Ward,--Coney, James Myers, boy name unknown. Soldiers 
killed--Addison

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O. Whitney, a young mechanic of Lowell, Mass.; Luther C. Ladd, another 
young mechanic from Lowell; Charles A. Taylor, a decorative painter of 
Boston; and Sumner H. Needham, a plasterer by trade. And many soldiers 
wounded.

The excitement continuing with unabated fury throughout the town, the 
citizens during the day broke into the stores of Patterson & Woolford, and 
John C. J. Meyer, and seized a large number of firearms, &c. During the 
afternoon an order was issued by Governor Hicks calling out the military 
throughout the city, and in a short time every company responded to the 
call, and reported themselves on Holliday street by five o'clock P.M. 
Detachments consisting of portions of each company were out upon guard 
during the night, to assist the police department in suppressing any 
riotous demonstrations, in the afternoon the following letter was 
telegraphed to Washington:

"To His Excellency the President of the United States:

"Sir:--A collision between the citizens and the Northern troops has taken 
place in Baltimore, and the excitement is fearful. Send no troops here. We 
will endeavor to prevent all bloodshed. A public meeting of citizens has 
been called, and the troops of the State have been called out to preserve 
the peace. They will be enough. Respectfully,

"(Signed)

Thomas H. Hicks. 
Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor."

After the departure of the troops, information was dispatched to the 
police department, to the effect that a freight car was standing at the 
Philadelphia depot containing a large quantity of arms and ammunition 
belonging to the Massachusetts troops. Gen. James Anderson was immediately 
dispatched to the spot to take possession of the car, which he did, 
leaving a large force of police officers to guard it until the contents 
could be removed. The baggage was conveyed to the Middle Station-house; 
the arms were subsequently seized upon and appropriated by the city. About 
3 o'clock A.M. Saturday, an order was issued for the destruction of all 
bridges on the line of the Northern Central and Philadelphia railroads 
within the State of Maryland, so as to prevent the passage of more troops. 
In pursuance of this order the police and military and a number of armed 
citizens performed the duty.

On the 19th of April a committee of citizens, consisting of Hon. H. Lennox 
Bond and John C. Brune and George W. Dobbin, proceeded to Washington in 
order if possible to effect some settlement of the difficulties caused by 
the transportation of large bodies of troops through the city to 
Washington. They bore a letter from Mayor Brown and Governor Hicks, to the 
President, of which the following is a copy:

Page 595

"Mayor's Office, Baltimore, April 19th, 1861.

"Sir:--This will be presented to you by the Hon. H. Lennox Bond, and Geo. 
W. Dobbin and John C. Brune, Esqs., who will proceed to Washington by an 
express train, at my request, in order to explain fully the fearful 
condition of affairs in this city. The people are exasperated to the 
highest degree by the passage of troops, and the citizens are universally 
decided in the opinion that no more should be ordered to come. The 
authorities of the city did their best to-day to protect both strangers 
and citizens, and to prevent a collision, but in vain; and but for their 
great efforts a fearful slaughter would have occurred. Under these 
circumstances it is my solemn duty to inform you that it is not possible 
for more soldiers to pass through Baltimore unless they fight their way at 
every step. I therefore hope and trust, and most earnestly request, that 
no more troops be permitted or ordered by the Government to pass through 
the city. If they should attempt it, the responsibility for the bloodshed, 
will not rest upon me.

"With great respect, your obedient servant,
"Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor.

"To His Excel'y Abraham Lincoln, President United States."

"I have been in Baltimore city since Tuesday evening last, and co-operated 
with Mayor G. W. Brown in his untiring efforts to allay and prevent the 
excitement, and suppress the fearful outbreak as indicated above, and I 
fully concur in all that is said by him in the above communication. Very 
respectfully your obedient servant,
Thomas H. Hicks, Governor of Maryland. 
"To His Excel'y Abraham Lincoln, President U. S."

The affair of the 19th of April naturally produced intense excitement in 
the community, and though the feeling against the Administration and the 
North was very general, almost all citizens regretted the collision that 
had taken place. But the feeling of the people of Baltimore was changed 
from one of mere excitement to one of stern determination when they heard, 
on the night of the 19th and on the following morning, that other Northern 
regiments, then on their way to Baltimore, were loud in their threats of 
vengeance against the people of the city. These troops were approaching 
Baltimore from the north and east, and thousands of them were within 
twenty-five or thirty miles of it. Information was also received by 
telegraph that the most vindictive feeling against the whole population of 
Baltimore had been aroused in the Northern cities, and that numerous 
bodies of men were organizing for the avowed purpose of marching on their 
own responsibility to inflict punishment upon our people, The Northern 
papers, too, were filled with the most savage denunciations and brutal 
threats. All were united in the resolution not to accept at the hands of

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Northern regiments the punishment with which they indiscriminately 
threatened Baltimore. It is not necessary here to enter upon a narrative 
of the events of the succeeding days. A few facts will suffice to show 
that almost the whole population of the State and city was united upon 
that occasion. On the afternoon of the 19th of April, at four o'clock, a 
town meeting was held in Monument Square, at which the Governor, the 
Mayor, Dr. A. C. Robinson, Gee. M. Gill, Win. P. Preston, S. Teackle 
Wallis, Marcus Duvall, John Wethered, Charles Marshall, and Robert M. 
McLane addressed the people, advising moderation, &c. Governor Hicks, in 
the course of his remarks, said, that "he had three conferences with the 
Mayor, and they had always agreed upon every point presented. He was a 
Marylander, and would sooner have his right arm cut off than raise it 
against a sister Southern State." On the same evening the following 
editorial article appeared in the American newspaper:

"Let Us Unite.--The results of this morning must determine the position of 
all men. We must agree first to secure the re-establishment of harmony 
among ourselves, and all then join in whatever measures may be determined 
ripen. Whatever differences may have, or do yet exist, the blood of our 
citizens shed in our streets is an irresistible appeal to us all to unite 
as Marylanders, to meet firmly and together the responsibilities 
clustering thickly about us. There can be no difficulty now in the 
Governor, the Mayor and the police authorities from together concerting 
those measures which are necessary to the public safety. Let us first seek 
unity among ourselves, and then act. In such a crisis as this all other 
considerations must give way to our duty towards one another, and to the 
State and city."

On that night the Mayor and Police Commissioners determined, Governor 
Hicks consenting, to burn the bridges on the Philadelphia and Wilmington 
and the Northern Central railroads. The citizens also turned out en masse 
with arms in their hands, and began to enrol themselves in companies, and 
the Police Commissioners thought it the wisest, as indeed it was their 
only course, to assume command of these volunteer organizations. The 
action of the Police Board was subsequently explained by them in their 
report to the Legislature, from which the following is an extract:

"The absolute necessity of the measures thus determined upon by the 
Governor, Mayor and Police Board, is fully illustrated by the fact that 
early on Sunday morning, reliable information reached the city of the 
presence of a large body of Pennsylvania troops, amounting to about twenty-
four hundred men, who had reached Ashland near Cockeysville, by the way of 
the Northern Central Railroad, and were stopped in their progress towards 
Baltimore by the partial destruction of the Ashland bridge. Every 
intelligent citizen at all acquainted with the state of feeling then 
existing must be satisfied, that if these troops had attempted to march

Page 597

through the city, an immense loss of life would have ensued, in the 
conflict which would necessarily have taken place. The bitter feelings 
already engendered would have been intensely increased by such a conflict; 
all attempts at conciliation would have been vain, and terrible 
destruction would have been the consequence, if, as is certain, other 
bodies of troops had insisted upon forcing their way through the city. The 
tone of the whole of the Northern press, and of the mass of the 
population, was violent in the extreme. Incursions upon our city were 
daily threatened, not only by troops in the service of the Federal 
Government, but by the vilest and most reckless desperadoes, acting 
independently, and as they threatened, in despite of the Government, 
backed by well-known influential citizens, and sworn to the commission of 
all kinds of excesses. In short, every possible effort was made to alarm 
this community. In this condition of things, the Board felt it to be their 
solemn duty to continue the organization which had already been commenced, 
for the purpose of assuring the people of Baltimore that no effort would 
be spared to protect all within its borders to the full extent of their 
ability. All the means employed were devoted to this end, and with no view 
of procuring a collision with the General Government, which the Board were 
particularly anxious to avoid; and an arrangement was happily effected by 
the Mayor with the General Government that no troops should be passed 
through the city."

The proceedings of the State and municipal authorities were heartily 
sustained by the community. On the afternoon of the 20th, the American put 
forth another appeal to the people, as follows:--"Preparation And 
Organization.--It is no longer a time to discuss, but to act so as to 
direct them. We have through our constituted authorities declared that the 
Northern troops shall not be passed through our city, and that declaration 
must now be supported with determination, energy and unanimity. There must 
be preparation, organization, and good counsel. To prevent the passage of 
these troops they should be met beyond the limits of the city by such an 
organized force as will make the prohibition effectual. We must keep the 
war away from our homes if possible. The facts stated elsewhere show what 
measures have already been taken to secure these ends." In the same 
article is referred to the specific measures which had been taken to place 
the city in a state of defence, all of which it evidently approved. It 
said: "The bridges on the Philadelphia and Northern Central railroads have 
been destroyed by order of the Mayor. This will prevent the attempt to 
suddenly precipitate any large bodies of troops upon us, and give time for 
preparation."

The Baltimore County American, which then was, and afterwards again 
became, a violent Union paper, published an "Extra" on the afternoon of 
the 20th, in which it said: "Civil war is in our midst. A riot has 
occurred between soldiers from the North

Page 598

and the citizens of Baltimore, and unarmed men have fallen beneath the 
musket-shots of soldiers from another State. We have stood long by the 
Union flag--we have contended thus far beneath its folds; but now we must 
coincide with Governor Hicks and Mayor Brown, as well as with the 
sentiment of the people of the entire State, in saying that Northern 
troops shall not pass unharmed through the State of Maryland for the 
purpose of subjugating the South. Northern troops are now, it is said, 
marching to Washington, intending to force themselves through Maryland; 
and we can but say to our people, respond to the call issued by the 
Governor, and defend your State."

At this time a few gentlemen, acting simply upon their own responsibility, 
undertook to obtain subscriptions among the merchants in their immediate 
neighborhood, to be devoted to "the purchase of arms to be placed in the 
hands of the police commissioners for distribution," or placing the city 
in a defensible position. Among the firms that subscribed and paid one 
hundred dollars each, were Messrs. Benner, Dennison & Co.; Wyman, Byrd & 
Co.; John S. Berry; Austin, Dall & Co.; Hodges Bros.; lsaac Coalo,Jr., & 
Bro.; H. Tiffany & Co.; Eaton Brothers & Co.; Turnbull, Slide & Co.; 
Duvall, Keighler & Boyd; Rice, Chase & Co.; Henry Reiman & Son; Mills, 
Mayhew & Co.; Lanier Brothers & Co.; Miller, Cloud & Miller; Whiteley, 
Stone & Co.; Hambleton Bros. & Co.; Magruder, Taylor & Roberts; Wiesenfeld 
& Co.; Paynter, Davis & Co.; John W. Bruff & Co.; Robert Mowet & Bro.; 
Hamilton Easter & Co.; Thos. J. Carson; Boyd Brothers & Co.; A. J. Albert; 
R. Walter & Bro.; Sam'l Bevan & Co.; Meredith Spencer; Devries, Stephen & 
Thomas; C. D. Slingluff & Son; Orendorf & Beam; McDowell, Robinson & Co.; 
Cushing & Bailey; John Turnbull, Jr.; Orem, Hopkins & Co.; Hurst & Co.; F. 
B. Loney & Co.; F. Fickey & Sons, and others. When it is remembered that 
the gentlemen composing the committee from the banks, and many of those 
belonging to the above-named firms, and the editors of the news-papers 
referred to, were recognized shortly afterwards as the most violent 
partizans of Mr. Lincoln, it is not reasonable to suppose that there was 
much division of sentiment in Baltimore on and immediately aider the 19th 
of April. It is equally capable of proof that, though the people were thus 
united, no violence was, with a solitary exception, done to the few whose 
opinions differed radically from those of the mass of the community. Men 
who were known always to have been strenuous supporters of Mr. Lincoln, 
and to have sympathized warmly with the most extreme politicians of the 
North, walked the streets unmolested. The people of Baltimore, though bent 
upon vindicating their own rights, did not then or afterwards desire or 
attempt to compel any citizen to forego his political opinions.

About ten o'clock on Saturday, the 20th of April, the following telegram 
was received by the Mayor:

Page 599

Washington, April 20th, 1861.

To Mayor Brown, Baltimore.--We have seen the President and General Scott. 
We have from the former a letter to the Mayor and Governor, declaring that 
no troops shall be brought through Baltimore, if, in a military point of 
view, and without interruption from opposition, they can be marched around 
Baltimore.

H. L. Bond, 
J. C. Brune. 
G. W. Dobbin.

There was considerable dissatisfaction expressed on the streets at the 
unsatisfactory tone of the President's reply, many being of the opinion 
that "these Northern troops should not be allowed to pollute the soil of 
the State of Maryland by their march to the rendezvous." Throughout the 
entire day the matter was discussed, and preparations were made for the 
defence of the city in any emergency. During Saturday morning Mayor Brown 
issued the following proclamation:

"Mayor's Office, Baltimore, April 20th, 1861.

"All citizens having arms suitable for the defence of the city, and which 
they are willing to contribute for the purpose, are requested to deposit 
them at the office of the Marshal of Police.

"George Wm. Brown, Mayor."

An immediate and hearty response was given to this call by citizens of 
every class and age. The members of the City Council met in their 
respective chambers at nine o'clock on Saturday, and alter a brief session 
appropriated half a million of dollars for the defence of Baltimore 
against any danger that might arise from the then condition of affairs. 
Messrs. Nicholas, Blanchard, and Drakeley, were the committee on the part 
of the First Branch, and Messrs. Miller, Hicks and Higgins, the committee 
on the part of the Second Branch, to carry out the terms of the ordinance.

The directors of the various banks in Baltimore held a consultation at one 
o'clock on Saturday, and proffered the city the loan of half a million 
dollars, through Messrs. Columbus O'Donnell, Johns Hopkins and John 
Clarke, a committee on the part of the banks. At the dawn of day on 
Saturday morning, the flag of the Confederate States was unfurled at 
Taylor's building, Calvert street, the headquarters of the National 
volunteers, and the multitude assembled at that early hour greeted it with 
vociferous cheers. In addition to the committee of citizens sent by the 
Mayor, Hon. Anthony Kennedy and Hon. J. Morrison Harris visited Washington 
and had an interview with the President. They sent the following despatch 
to the Mayor: "Washington, April 20th--We have seen the President, 
Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, also General Scott. The result is 
the transmission of orders that will stop the passage of troops through or 
around the city."

Page 600

About six o'clock, a company of men numbering about seventy, under command 
of Bradley T. Johnson, arrived from Frederick, Md. About four o'clock, 
considerable excitement was occasioned by the appearance era company of 
mounted men, styled the Patapsco Dragoons, Capt. E. J. Hinkle, from the 
fifth district of Anne Arundel county. At nine o'clock the Towson Mounted 
Guard, commanded by Capt. Charles Ridgely, rode into Monument Square. And 
on Sunday evening the steamer Pioneer arrived from Easton with two 
companies of troops. On the same evening the Howard Dragoons, Capt. Geo. 
R. Gaither, Jr., arrived in the city, and reported themselves for duty. A 
party of military, by authority of those in command, on Saturday took 
possession of five cannon belonging to the Catonsville Military Institute, 
and brought them to the city. They had been previously spiked, as was 
supposed by Rev. Mr. Van Bokkelen, the principal of the school. Quite a 
number of persons were kept upon the streets on Saturday night until a 
late hour, in consequence of a rumor that Fort McHenry would be attacked. 
A military force from the city was sent out in order to prevent such an 
attempt.

About 21/2 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, the Turner Hall on Pratt street, 
near Howard, was entered by a band of about thirty persons, who, after 
breaking down the doors, sacked the entire building from top to bottom, 
destroying the furniture, liquors, fixtures, &c., and damaging the 
building to the amount of several hundred dollars. This act was committed, 
it is alleged, by a number of indignant Southern men who obtained 
information to the effect that the German Turners, who were accustomed to 
occupy the place, had departed for Washington to tender their services to 
the Government. During the day large numbers of arms of every description 
were taken possession of by the city, and in a few hours several thousand 
stand of arms were packed away at the office of the marshal of the police, 
to be distributed to those who enrolled themselves as volunteers.

At an early hour on Saturday morning Major Hayward, together with several 
other military gentlemen, opened a recruiting office at the old City Hall, 
when the building was immediately besieged by hundreds who enrolled 
themselves. During the day a large body were enlisted, and being formed 
into companies of forty each, they selected their own captains, and joined 
different regiments, headquarters being provided for them by the 
authorities in various localities. The fife and drum were to be heard in 
almost every direction, parties having secured them for the purpose of 
drumming up the recruits, and in a short time large bodies of the 
volunteers were in the streets organizing, drilling and concluding all 
arrangements for instant duty when called upon. About 6 o'clock all 
taverns were ordered to be closed, which was carried into effect forthwith.

During the afternoon of Saturday, a large crowd of persons

Page 601

proceeded to the office of the Wecker, a German abolition paper, on 
Frederick street near Gay, and under threats of death compelled the 
proprietor to hang out a secession flag. The excitement was most intense, 
and those assembled gave free expression to their contempt for the editor. 
During the night the office was again attacked, and the windows completely 
riddled. The occupants were compelled to flee for their lives and take 
refuge in the houses of their neighbors.

Sunday was a clear and lovely day, and nature appeared as if smiling upon 
us with every assurance that our troubles were at an end. About 9 o'clock 
a rumor was spread abroad to the effect that 700 Virginia troops had 
arrived on board the steamer Louisiana. An immense crowd soon collected, 
and in a short time the streets leading to the wharves were literally 
black with people who ran shouting and cheering towards the steamer, but 
were mistaken in their expectations. All excitement had generally subsided 
until about ten o'clock, when a man mounted on a horse came dashing 
through the streets and rode to the office of the Marshal of Police, 
bringing intelligence that about 5000 Northern troops were at Cockeysville 
and were marching direct for this city. This news gave the finishing touch 
to the smothering flame which had been burning for the past week. The 
startling announcement was very soon spread abroad by the newspaper 
offices, and in a few moments the whole town was on fire with excitement. 
The church bells were ringing for morning service, when the quick roll of 
the drums at the various armories was instantly heard calling the forces 
to arms, and the effect was instantaneous. The men rushed from the 
churches as if crazy, to the armories; the females ran shrieking through 
the streets, supposing that the enemy were already in our midst. Some of 
the churches were deserted; most of the ministers read only a portion of 
the morning service, and then dismissed their congregations, and in less 
than fifteen minutes after the first alarm the streets were filled with 
people flying to arms to meet the "invaders." The old "Town Clock" bell 
soon rung an alarm, and by eleven o'clock, Holliday street from Baltimore 
to the old city hall was packed with a dense mass of citizens and 
soldiers. They were rapidly enrolled in companies of forty, and electing 
their captains, were furnished with a gun. They were then marched to the 
headquarters assigned them to await further orders. Hundreds of persons 
made their appearance at the Marshal's office, armed with small bird and 
heavy duck guns, bowie knives, pistols and every description of weapon. 
After some five hours spent in hasty preparation the forces were all 
collected and ready for a move, when at 2 o'clock several cannon were 
taken as far as Eager street, near Greenmount avenue, where they awaited 
the arrival of the remainder of the force stationed on Holliday street. 
Nothing definite however was known until about 5 o'clock, when it was 
announced that the President had

Page 602

ordered the troops back to Harrisburg. Col. I. R. Trimble was appointed to 
the command of the ununiformed volunteers, with Messrs. William H. Norris, 
R. M. McLane, B. C. Presstman, E. Louis Lowe, Charles Wethered, Frederick 
Harrison and Grafton D. Spurrier as aides.

The following correspondence took place by telegraph between John W. 
Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and Mayor Brown:

Baltimore, April 21st, 1861.

Hon. Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor of Baltimore at Washington:

Three thousand Northern troops are reported to be at Cockeysville. Intense 
excitement prevails. Churches have been dismissed, and the people are 
arming in mass. To prevent terrific bloodshed, the result of your 
interview and arrangement is awaited.

(Signed)

John W. Garrett, President.

Washington, April 21st, 1861, 1:25 P. M.

John W. Garrett, President.

Your telegram received on our return from an interview with the President, 
Cabinet, and Gen. Scott. Be calm, and do nothing until you hear from me 
again. I return to see the President at once, and will telegraph again. 
Wallis, Brune, and Dobbin are with me.

Geo.W. Brown, Mayor.

Washington, April 21st, 1861, 3:15 P. M.

John W. Garrett, President.

We have again seen the President, Gen. Scott, Secretary of War, and other 
members of the Cabinet, and the troops are ordered to return forthwith to 
Harrisburg. A messenger goes with us from Gen. Scott. We return 
immediately.

(Signed),

Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor.

Upon the announcement of the news contained in the dispatches, the 
military and volunteers quickly dispersed and a perfect calm ensued, the 
streets being almost deserted in a short time. On Monday by eight o'clock 
in the morning, the volunteers were out in great numbers, and were soon 
collected at various points throughout the city engaged in drill practice. 
At about 9 o'clock an order was issued by Major Isaac D. Trimble, the 
commanding officer of the ununiformed volunteers, commanding the various 
companies to assemble and report themselves at the Calvert station of the 
Northern Central railway. The order was quickly complied with, and after a 
brief delay companies were to be seen approaching the depot in every 
direction. They underwent an examination by their commanding officer, and 
were thoroughly organized for immediate

Page 603

action wherever their services might be required. They were encamped in 
the vicinity for several hours. Sentinels were stationed around the lines, 
and every rule of camp life was kept up for some time. Early in the 
morning the Maryland guard battalion, consisting of six companies, under 
Captains Loney, Carroll, Murray, Conway, Woodville, and Pennington, took 
possession of the hall of the Maryland Institute for their headquarters.

Nearly all the pastors and ministers of the Gospel in the city met at the 
New Assembly Rooms on Hanover street, on Monday morning at 10 o'clock, "in 
compliance to the public call to consider and adopt such measures as by 
God's blessing might promote the public peace." On motion of Rev, Dr. N. 
H. Schenck, of the Episcopal Church, Rev. Dr. Thomas Sargeant, of the M. 
E. Church, was unanimously appointed chairman, and led the meeting in 
prayer. On motion of the Rev. Dr. Morris, of the Lutheran Church, Rev. Dr. 
Dickson, of the Presbyterian Church, was appointed secretary. After a free 
and friendly conference the following resolution was offered by the Rev. 
F. Wilson, of the Baptist Church, and unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That 
we will request the respective churches under our pastoral care, and all 
other churches in this city, to meet in their respective places of worship 
on Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, and spend that day as a day of 
humiliation, fasting and prayer to Almighty God to avert the civil war 
which is now impending over our country." The meeting then adjourned with 
prayer by the Rev. Dr. Backus, of the Pres. byterian Church.

On Monday morning between 200 and 300 of our most respectable colored 
residents made a tender of their services to the city authorities. The 
Mayor thanked them for the offer, and informed them that their services 
would be called for if they could be made in any way available.

We extract the following from the proceedings of the Board of Police, 
which met at 1 o'clock A. M., at the office of the Marshal, on Saturday 
morning, the 20th of April:

"Present, C. H. Howard, president, W. H. Gatchell, J. W. Davis, and Hon. 
Geo. Wm. Brown. The Mayor informed the Board of the nature of a dispatch 
received by the Master of Transportation of the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad Company, in reference to the further passage of troops from the 
North through the city. He further stated that his Excellency the Governor 
fully concurred with him in the opinion that the only security against the 
arrival of troops within not many hours, which they were perfectly assured 
would necessarily produce in the city a wide-spread scenic of slaughter 
and devastation in our streets, would be the immediate destruction of some 
of the bridges on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad and 
the Northern Central Railroad. The Board of Police being fully convinced 
of the soundness of the above views, authorized Marshal Kane to proceed 
with

Page 604

a party to accomplish the object in view, on the Northern Central 
Railroad, and Isaac R. Trimble, Esq., to do the same on the Philadelphia, 
Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. Adjourned at half-past two o'clock A. 
M."

The following letter was written and complied with by Mr. Charles Howard, 
President of the Board of Police Commissioners, to Capt. Robinson, 
commanding at Fort McHenry:

"Office Board of Policie,
"Baltimore, April 20th, 1861 (8 o'clock P. M.)

"Capt. Robinson, U. S. A., Commanding at Fort McHenry:

"Dear Sir:--From rumors that have reached us, the Board are apprehensive 
that you may be annoyed by lawless and disorderly characters approaching 
the walls of the fort to-night. We propose to send a guard of perhaps 200 
men to station themselves on Whetstone Point, of course entirely beyond 
the outer limits of the fort, and within those of the city. Their orders 
will be to arrest and hand over to the civil authorities any evil-disposed 
or disorderly persons who may approach the fort. We should have confided 
this duty to our regular police force, but their services are so 
imperatively required elsewhere that it is impossible to detail a 
sufficient number of men to your vicinity to ensure the accomplishment of 
our object. This duty has therefore been entrusted to a detachment of the 
regularly organized, militia of the State, now called out pursuant to law, 
and actually in the service of the State of Maryland. The commanding 
officer of the detachment will be instructed to communicate with you. 
Permit me here to repeat the assurance I verbally gave you this morning, 
that no disturbance at or near your post shall be made with the sanction 
of any of the constituted authorities of the city of Baltimore, but that 
on the contrary all their powers shall be exerted to prevent anything of 
the kind by any parties. I have the honor to be very respectfully your 
obedient servant,

"Charles Howard, President.

"P. S. There may probably be a troop of volunteer cavalry with the 
detachment; these will of course be under the orders of the officer in 
command.

Yours, &c.,
"C. H., President."

No attack or even threatened movement was ever made against Fort McHenry, 
which in a short time afterward was fully garrisoned and powerfully armed.

We deem it necessary to give here other details with extracts from 
official documents, in illustrating the history of this stirring period. 
Maryland being a border State, in which the institution of slavery still 
existed, it was natural that the sympathies of her people should be 
divided on the outbreak of the late civil war; but the feelings of the 
majority both in the State and in the city of

Page 605

Baltimore, were strongly enlisted on the side of the South. When, 
therefore, the President of the United States by his proclamation issued 
on the 15th of April, 1861, called out a volunteer force of seventy-five 
thousand men, who were to assemble in Washington, a violent feeling of 
indignation was aroused, because it was regarded as an attempt to overrun 
and subjugate the South. The passage of some of these troops through the 
city was the exciting cause of the memorable riot which occurred on the 
19th of April, 1861, and as the events of that day and of the days which 
followed have furnished occasion for much misrepresentation of the motives 
and conduct of the chief executive authorities of the city, consisting of 
the Mayor and Board of Police Commissioners, a brief account of them will 
here be given. The following account of the riot and the subsequent events 
is extracted from the message of the Mayor communicated to the City 
Council on the 12th of July, 1861:

"On the 19th of April last, an attack was made by a mob in the streets of 
Baltimore on several companies of a regiment of Massachusetts troops, who 
were on their way to the city of Washington, in pursuance of a call for 75,
000 men made by the President of the United States. On the day previous 
troops had been safely passed through the city, under the escort of the 
police. In the afternoon of the same day (18th), the regiments from 
Massachusetts were expected, and provision was made by the police for 
their reception; but they did not arrive, and the board of police could 
not ascertain when they would come, although two of the members of the 
board went in person to the station of the Philadelphia railroad company 
to obtain the necessary information. On the morning of the 19th, about ten 
o'clock, I was at my law-office engaged in the performance of my 
professional business, when three members of the City Council came to me 
with a message from Marshal Kane, to the effect that he had just learned 
that the troops were about to arrive, and that he apprehended some 
disturbance. I immediately hastened to the office of the board of police 
and gave notice. Geo. M. Gill, Esq., counsellor of the city, and myself 
got into a carriage and drove rapidly to the Camden Station, and the 
police commissioners followed without delay. On reaching Camden Station we 
found Marshal Kane in attendance, and the police coming in squads to the 
spot. The plan of the agents of the railroad companies was that the troops 
which were to arrive in the cars at the President street station, should 
in the same way be conveyed through the city, and be transferred to the 
cars for Washington at the Camden station. Accordingly, the police were 
requested by the agent of the road to be in attendance at the latter 
station. After considerable delay the troops began to arrive, and were 
transferred, under the direction of the police, to the Washington cars as 
rapidly as possible. There was a good deal of excitement, and a large and 
angry crowd assembled, but the transfer was safely effected. No one

Page 606

could tell whether more troops were expected or not. At this time an alarm 
was given that a mob was about to tear up the rails in advance of the 
train on the Washington road, and Marshal Kane ordered some of his men to 
go out the road as far as the Relay House, if necessary, to protect the 
track. Soon afterwards, and when I was about to leave the station, 
supposing all danger to be over, news was brought to Commissioner Davis 
and myself, who were standing together, that other troops were left at the 
President street station, and that the mob was tearing up the track on 
Pratt street. Mr. Davis immediately ran to summon a body of police to be 
sent to Pratt street, while I hastened alone down Pratt street towards 
President street station. On arriving at the head of Smith's wharf I found 
that anchors had been piled on the track so as to obstruct it, and 
Sergeant McComas, and a few policemen who were with him, were not allowed 
by the mob to remove the obstruction. I at once ordered the anchors to be 
removed, and my authority was not resisted. On approaching Pratt street 
bridge I saw several companies of Massachusetts troops who had left the 
cars, moving in column rapidly towards me. An attack on them had begun, 
and the noise and excitement were great. I ran at once to the head of the 
column--some persons in the crowd shouting as I approached, 'Here comes 
the Mayor.' I shook hands with the officer in command, saying as I did so, 
'I am the Mayor of Baltimore.' I then placed myself by his side and 
marched with him as far as the head of Light street wharf, doing what I 
could by my presence and personal efforts to allay the tumult. The mob 
grew bolder, and the attack became more violent. Various persons were 
killed and wounded on both sides. The troops had some time previously 
begun to fire in self-defence; and the firing as the attack increased in 
violence became more general. At last, when I found that my presence was 
of no use, either in preventing the contest or saving life, I left the 
head of the column; but immediately after I did so Marshal Kane, with 
about fifty policemen from the direction of the Camden station, rushed to 
the rear of the troops, forming a line across the street, and with drawn 
revolvers checking and keeping off the mob. The movement, which I saw 
myself, was perfectly successful, and gallantly performed.

"It is doing bare justice to say, that the Board of Police, the Marshal of 
Police, and the men under his command, exerted themselves bravely, 
efficiently, skilfully, and in good faith to preserve the peace and 
protect life. If proper notice bad been given of the arrival of the troops 
and the number expected, the outbreak might have been prevented entirely, 
and but for the timely arrival of Marshal Kane with his force, as I have 
described, the bloodshed would have been great. The wounded among the 
troops received the best care and medical attention at the expense of the 
city, and the bodies of the killed were carefully and respectfully 
returned to their friends. The facts which I have witnessed myself, and all

Page 607

that I have since heard, satisfy me that the attack was the result of a 
sudden impulse, and not of a premeditated scheme. But the effect on our 
citizens was for a time uncontrollable. In the in tense excitement, which 
lasted for many days, and which was shared by men of all parties, and by 
our volunteer soldiers as well as citizens, it would have been impossible 
to convey more troops from the North through the city without a severe 
fight and bloodshed. Such an occurrence would have been fatal to the city, 
and accordingly, to prevent it, the bridges on the Northern Central 
Railroad and on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad were, 
with the consent of the Governor, and by my order, with the co-operation 
of the Board of Police (except Mr. Chas. D. Hinks, who was absent from the 
city), partially disabled and burnt, so as to prevent the immediate 
approach of troops to the city, but with no purpose of hostility to the 
Federal Government. This act, with the motive which prompted it, has been 
reported by the Board of Police to the Legislature of the State, and 
approved by that body, and was also immediately communicated by me in 
person to the President of the United States and his Cabinet.

"On the evening of the 19th of April a portion of the military of the city 
were called out. On the 20th of April your honorable body, by a unanimous 
vote, placed at my disposal the sum of $500,000 for the defence of the 
city, and the banks with great patriotism and unanimity voluntarily 
offered to advance the money, through a committee of their presidents, 
consisting of Messrs. Columbus O'Donnell, Johns Hopkins, and John Clark, 
who notified me in person of the fact on the morning of the 20th of April 
at the Mayor's office. A number of citizens in all the wards, volunteered 
for the purpose of defence, were enrolled under the direction of the Board 
of Police, and for their use arms were partially provided. The Commander-
in-Chief of the forces of the United States, with the approbation of the 
President, in view of the condition of affairs then existing in the city, 
on the earnest application of the Governor of the State, of prominent 
citizens, and myself, ordered that thereafter the troops should not be 
brought through Baltimore, and they were accordingly transported to 
Washington by way of Annapolis. But great danger existed to Baltimore from 
large bodies of unauthorized men at the North, who threatened to cut their 
way through the city, and to visit upon it terrible vengeance for the acts 
of the 19th of April.

"As soon as this danger had passed away, and the excitement among our own 
citizens had sufficiently subsided, the military were dismissed, and the 
citizens who enrolled were disbanded by order of the Board of Police. The 
peace of the city had been preserved, and its safety, and the persons and 
property of men of all parties protected under circumstances of great 
peril and the most intense-excitement, and it was hoped that affairs would 
be allowed to return as nearly as possible to their previous condition.

Page 608

To this end my efforts and those of the board were devoted. Large bodies 
of troops from the North have ever since passed through the city without 
molestation, and every proper precaution to accomplish that object was 
taken by the Board of Police and carried out by the force. But civil war 
had begun on the immediate border of our State. A great division of 
opinion in regard to it existed among the people, and the events which had 
occurred in the city and their consequences seemed to have made an 
indelible impression on the minds of the authorities in Washington, that 
the police force of the city of Baltimore was prepared to engage in 
hostility against the General Government whenever an opportunity should 
occur. The result has been very unfortunate. On the ground of military 
necessity, of the existence of which, and of the measures required by it, 
the Federal officers claim to be the sole judges, our city has been 
occupied by large bodies of troops in its central points; picket-guards 
have been stationed along many of our streets; the arms provided by the 
city for its defence, and those left by private individuals with the 
authorities for safe-keeping, the station-houses and other property of the 
city, have been seized; operators in the police and fire-alarm telegraph 
office have been displaced and others substituted in their stead; the 
Marshal of Police and Board of Police, with the exception of myself, have 
been arrested, and are now imprisoned in Fort McHenry--one only, who is in 
bad health, has been released on his parole; the writ of habeas corpus has 
been suspended; the police force, established under a law of the State, 
has been set aside by superceding the only power which could lawfully 
control it; a new police, without authority of law, has been established, 
under the control of a marshal appointed by the commanding general; and 
all power to hold elections in the city has been for the present set 
aside, by suspending the functions of the board under which alone 
elections can lawfully be held.

"Indeed, my experience of the fidelity of the board to its legal 
obligations during my whole official connection with it, and the common 
understanding between myself and my colleagues as to our course of duty 
since the present troubles began, justify me in saying that if any 
organizations in this city for resistance to the laws could have been 
discovered by proper vigilance, they would have been found out and 
suppressed to the extent of the powers conferred on the board by law. I 
mention these facts with profound sorrow, and with no purpose whatever of 
increasing the difficulties unfortunately existing in this city, but 
because it is your right to be acquainted with the true condition of 
affairs, and because I cannot help entertaining the hope that redress will 
yet be afforded by the authorities of the United States upon a proper 
representation made by you. I am entirely satisfied that the suspicion 
entertained of any meditated hostility on the part of the city authorities 
against the General Government is wholly unfounded,

Page 609

and with the best means of knowledge, express the confident belief and 
conviction that there is no organization of any kind among the people for 
such a purpose. I have no doubt that the officers of the United States 
have acted on information which they deemed reliable, obtained from our 
own citizens, some of whom may be deluded by their fears, while others are 
actuated by baser motives; but suspicions thus derived can, in my 
judgment, form no sufficient justification for what I deem to be grave and 
alarming violations of the rights of individual citizens of the city of 
Baltimore and of the State of Maryland."

This message of Mayor Brown is a calm and frank statement of the 
occurrences of the 19th of April, and of the action of the police 
commissioners at and subsequent to that time, and it thoroughly vindicates 
the authorities from the false and malignant aspersions of the 
unscrupulous partisans who have so persistently libelled them. Mr. Brown 
shows that the Police Board, and the officers and men under its control at 
the time, did impartially and manfully discharge the duties assigned them; 
and that whatever might have been their individual sympathies and 
opinions, they did in the trying circumstances in which they were placed 
strenuously and successfully exert themselves to preserve the peace of the 
city and to enforce the laws of the State. The assault was an 
unpremeditated one, and the authorities did all in their power to preserve 
the peace. The police commissioners had not only been unable to obtain any 
information in regard to the precise time at which the troops were 
expected to reach Baltimore, but there is every reason to believe that 
such information was designedly withheld. But they were not the less 
energetic in their efforts to protect the troops. The police had been on 
duty in force the previous day and evening awaiting the arrival of these 
very troops. When the latter reached Baltimore at an unexpected hour, the 
police were sent to the Camden street depot, where most of the soldiers 
were assembled. It was not known to Marshal Kane that another detachment 
was on its march through the city, until he received information that it 
was then being attacked about a half a mile from where he was stationed. 
He instantly marched a police force to the place, and as he met the 
retreating soldiers, he formed his men, with their revolvers in hand, 
across the street between the troops and their assailants. The police of 
Baltimore that day saved the soldiers from extermination. No one doubted 
the good faith and efficiency of the authorities. The evidence on this 
point is conclusive. Mr. Lincoln at an interview between him and the Mayor 
and other gentlemen of Baltimore, on the 22d of April, "recognized the 
good faith of the City and State authorities." The following is an extract 
from the editorial columns of the Baltimore Clipper of April 20th, 1861, a 
leading Union journal of the City:

"We cannot too highly commend the conduct of Mayor Brown

Page 610

throughout the troubles of yesterday. He acted honestly, firmly and 
bravely. Placing himself at the head of a detachment of the Massachusetts 
volunteers passing through Baltimore, he did all in his power to stay the 
violence of the assembled mob, and willingly exposed his person in the 
defence of the soldiers who were thus wantonly assailed, From the 
beginning of our troubles until now, he has shown himself a chivalrous 
gentleman, and a brave, honorable and right-meaning citizen and upright 
officer. It gives us pleasure to bear testimony to his right bearing. 
Notwithstanding all that has been said and feared of the police, we are 
assured that their efforts to preserve the public peace yesterday, where 
they had reason to apprehend difficulties, were strenuous and well 
directed. They had a difficult duty to perform, and although they failed 
to prevent a riot, they were not wanting in effort to do so. The result 
only shows the impossibility of a simple police force to suppress such a 
riot as was seen among our people yesterday."

The following letter was written by Col. Edward F. Jones, of the Sixth 
Massachusetts regiment, to Marshal Kane, in reference to the remains of 
the unfortunate soldiers who fell in the riot of the 19th of April:

"Headquarters Sixth Regiment, M. V. M.
"Washington, D. C., April 28th, 1861.

"Marshal Kane, Baltimore, Maryland.

"Please deliver the bodies of the deceased soldiers belonging to my 
regiment to Murrill S. Wright, Esq., who is authorized to receive them and 
take charge of them through to Boston, and thereby add one more to the 
many favors for which, in connection with this matter, I am, with my 
command, much indebted to you. Many, many thanks for the Christian conduct 
of the authorities of Baltimore in this truly unfortunate affair. I am 
with much respect, your Obedient servant,

Edward F. Jones,
"Colonel Sixth Regiment, M. V. M."

On the 25th of April, Gov. Hicks had occasion to send a message to the 
Legislature at the opening of the special session, in which he said: "On 
Friday last a detachment of troops from Massachusetts reached Baltimore, 
and was attacked by an irresponsible mob, and several persons on both 
sides were killed. The Mayor and Police Board gave to the Massachusetts 
troops all the protection they could afford, acting with the utmost 
promptness and bravery. But they were powerless to restrain the mob. Being 
in Baltimore at the time, I co-operated, with the Mayor to the full extent 
of my power in his efforts."

Now let us see what one of the parties most interested and most likely to 
know, thought of the conduct of our "treasonable" authorities on the 
occasion. The following is the card of Captain Dike on the subject, taken 
from the Boston Courier:

Page 611

"Baltimore, April 25th, 1861.

"It is but an act of justice that induces me to say to my friends who may 
feel any interest, and to the community generally, that in the affair 
which occurred in this city on Friday, the 19th inst., the Mayor and city 
authorities should be exonerated from blame or censure, as they did all in 
their power, as far as my knowledge extends, to quell the riot, and Mayor 
Brown attested the sincerity of his desire to preserve the peace, and pass 
our regiment safely through the city, by marching at the head of its 
column, and remaining there at the risk of his life. Candor could not 
permit me to say less, and a desire to place the conduct of the 
authorities here on the occasion in a right position, as well as to allay 
feeling, urges me to this act of sheer justice.

John H. Dike,
"Captain Co. C, 7th Reg. attached to 6th Reg., Mass. V. M."

In such a period of intense excitement, many foolish and unnecessary acts 
were undoubtedly done by persons in the employment of the city as well as 
by private individuals, but it is undoubtedly true that the Mayor and 
board of police commissioners were inflexibly determined to resist all 
attempts to force the city into secession or into acts of hostility to the 
Federal Government, and that they successfully accomplished their purpose. 
If they had been Otherwise disposed they could easily have effected their 
object.

The election to represent this city in the extra session of the State 
Legislature, which met on the 26th of April, 1861, at Frederick, Md., took 
place on the 24th of April. There was but one ticket nominated, the 
"States Rights candidates," who were John C. Brune, Henry M. Warfield, T. 
Parkin Scott, S. Teackle Wallis, Wm. G. Harrison, Ross Winans, J. Hanson 
Thomas, H. M. Morfitt, Chas. H. Pitts, and Laurence Sangston. The 
aggregate number of votes cast exceeded nine thousand two hundred.

Late on the evening of the 11th of May 1861, Mayor Brown received the 
following urgent application for assistance from Edward G. Parker, aide-de-
camp of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler:

"Camp at Relay Saturday, P. M.

"To Mayor Brown:

"Sir:--I represent Gen. Butler at this camp during his absence at 
Annapolis. I have received intimations from many sources that an attack on 
us by the Baltimore roughs is intended tonight. About 4 P. M. to-day these 
rumors were confirmed by a gentleman from Baltimore, who gave his name and 
residence in Monument St. He said that he heard positively that on 
Saturday night the attack would take place by more than a thousand men, 
every one 'sworn to kill a man' before he returned; a portion were Knights 
of the Golden Circle, &c. I wish you to guard every avenue from your city, 
and prevent these men from leaving town.

Page 612

They are coming in wagons, on horses and on foot, we are informed. We are 
also told that a considerable force is approaching from the West, probably 
Point of Rocks, to attack on that side and co-operate with the Baltimore 
mob, with whom they have constant communication. Mr. Clark, whom I have 
already sent to you will tell something about it. It may be all a sham, 
but the evidence is very cumulative, and from several sources.

"Edward. G. Parker, Aide-de-Camp."

The Mayor, although he well knew that the alarm of Colonel Parker was 
wholly unfounded, immediately referred the application to Col. Kane, who 
promptly sent detachments of the police to guard all the roads leading 
from the city so as to prevent the dreaded attack on Gen. Butler s camp by 
the roughs of the city.

On the 13th of May Gen. Butler, with a force under his command composed of 
a portion of the Boston light artillery, Major Cook, a strong detachment 
of the 6th Massachusetts regiment, Col. Jones, and about 500 of the 8th 
New York regiment, Lieut.Col. Waltenburg, marched by night to the city and 
took possession of Federal Hill, no one offering the slightest resistance. 
He remained here in command until removed for acting without orders, by an 
order of Gen. Scott, and for this exploit, which was the moot successful 
of his military achievements, was made a Major-General.

On the 14th of May Col. Hare, with 28 of the New York volunteers, marched 
to the warehouse on the southeast corner of Gay and Second streets, where 
were stored a large number of muskets and pikes, similar to those captured 
at Harper's Ferry during the John Brown raid. Over sixty wagon-loads of 
the arms were removed, and it was not until after dusk that all had been 
muskets, to Fort McHenry. The arms consisted of about 2900 muskets, of 
which about 2000 were of the old flint-lock pattern, and 3500 pikes 
manufactured in this city for the authorities. The arms were the property 
of the city.

On the same day Ross Winans, Esq., was arrested at the Relay House as he 
was returning to the city from Frederick, where he was in attendance as 
one of the members of the Legislature, and conveyed under guard to Fort 
McHenry.

Mr. John Merryman having been arrested by the government troops on the 
charge of treason, a petition was filed May 25th in the United States 
Circuit Court by him, through his counsel, Messrs. George M. Gill and G. 
M. Williams, praying the issuing of a writ of habeas corpus, which was 
granted by Chief Justice Taney, of the Supreme Court, and refused by 
General Cadwallader. Subsequently the Chief Justice issued an attachment 
for contempt of Court. It was thought best, however, by the Mabel to leave 
the matter to the President.

At three o'clock on the morning of the 27th of June, a detachment

Page 613

of military proceeded to the residence of George P. Kane, Marshal of 
Police, which they surrounded, and upon the door. bell being rung the 
Marshal made his appearance at the window, and was immediately informed 
that he was wanted. He then came down to the front door, and was informed 
that they came to arrest him. A hack was in waiting in which the Marshal 
was placed, and he was driven to Fort McHenry. The policemen on the route 
were taken into custody to prevent any unnecessary alarm, but were 
liberated on the arrival of the troops with their prisoner at the fort, 
where he was confined. On the same day, by order of Gen. Banks, Col. John 
R. Kenly suspended the board of police, and assumed command of the police 
force of the city. As usual when anything exciting occurred, crowds of 
people collected on the street corners, and of course indulged freely in 
conversation that grew more angry as it progressed, and in some instances 
led to blows, though no one was seriously hurt.

On Friday evening, June 28th, the St. Nicholas, a steamer running between 
Baltimore and various landings on the Potomac river, left the city at her 
usual time, having on board about fifty passengers, Nothing in their 
appearance indicated that anything unusual was about to happen, and all 
passed off very quietly until after the boat had touched Point Lookout, 
about 10 o'clock P. M. Here several of the passengers landed, and a 
gentleman came on board, who afterwards proved to be Captain Hollins, late 
of the Federal Navy, who had resigned and joined the Confederate service. 
He Wok his station on the deck in the rear of the ladies' saloon. Among 
those passengers who had embarked at Baltimore, was a very respectable-
looking "French lady," heavily veiled, who had appeared much concerned 
about the arrival of the boat at Washington, but on reaching the Point she 
retired to her stateroom, reappearing shortly after the boat had resumed 
its course as a stalwart man in a Zouave uniform, climbing over the 
railing of the deck, who whispered to Captain Hollins, when both rushed 
below and in a moment or two more the boat stopped. A party of sores 
twenty-five men who had gone on board at Baltimore, disguised as 
mechanics, &c., now proved to be fully in the secret, and under the 
directions of Captain Hollins and the "French lady," who was Col. Zarvona 
Thomas of the Confederate Army, but formerly of St. Mary's county, 
overpowered the officers and crew of the boat. She was then headed for the 
Virginia shore; Captain Kirwin, the commander of the boat, being informed 
by Thomas that she was now to be engaged in a privateering expedition. At 
Cone Point, on the Virginia shore, most of the passengers were landed, and 
one hundred and twenty-five officers and men of Virginia and Tennessee 
troops were taken on board, Captain Kirwin and fourteen of his crew being 
held as prisoners. The steamer was then run down as far as the mouth of 
the Rappahannock river, where three large brigs were hailed, lying off the 
shore. These vessels were at

Page 614

once boarded and taken as prizes, laden with ice, coal and coffee, into 
Fredericksburg, where the steamer with her captain and crew were delivered 
into the hands of the Virginians, who shortly after released them. About 
ten days after this bold exploit the "French lady" was captured on her 
return to Baltimore, and shut up in Fort McHenry. Marshal Kenly had 
dispatched Lieutenant Carmichael and Mr. John Homer to Fair Haven to 
arrest Neal Green, a barber doing business on Pratt street near Frederick, 
charged with being a participant in the assault on the Sixth Massachusetts 
regiment on the 19th of April, and other, offences. They arrested Green on 
July 8th, and were returning with him and his with on the steamer Mary 
Washington, and on conversing with some of the passengers, Lieutenant 
Carmichael learned that Captain Kirwin, with the engineer and another 
officer of the captured St. Nicholas, were on board the Mary Washington 
returning to Baltimore, as was also Col. Thomas, who had seized him, with 
seven or eight others of the captors. As soon as these facts were 
ascertained, and each one of the party recognized beyond doubt, Lieutenant 
Carmichael directed Captain M. L. Weems, the commander of the Mary 
Washington, to proceed on reaching Baltimore harbor to land the passengers 
at Fort McHenry the direction being given while the steamer was off 
Annapolis. Soon afterwards Carmichael and Horner, Who were in the ladies' 
cabin, were approached by Thomas, who demanded to know by what authority 
the steamer had been ordered to land at Fort McHenry.. Carmichael informed 
him through authority vested in him by Provost-Marshal Kenly. On hearing 
this, Thomas drew a pistol and called his men around him, while Carmichael 
and Horner, provided with revolvers, displayed them, and the other 
passengers supporting them, matters thus stood until the steamer stopped 
at Fort McHenry, when Carmichael at once informed-General Banks of his 
capture. The General instantly ordered out a company of infantry, who 
marched to the steamer and secured all the accused excepting Thomas, who 
could not be found for an hour and a half. At length he was discovered 
secreted in a bureau-drawer in the ladies' cabin. He and the other 
prisoners were then marched into the fort and placed in confinement, while 
the witnesses, some ten or twelve in number, were also detained over night.

A new sensation was created on the first day of July by the arrest of the 
Police Commissioners, with the exception of the Mayor. These arrests took 
place between three and five o'clock in the morning by Col. Morehead's 
Philadelphia regiment, who first proceeded to the residence of John W, 
Davis, arrested him, and sent him under guard to the fort. They next 
visited the residences and arrested Charles D. Kinks, Charles Howard, and 
William H. Gatchell. All four of the Commissioners were conveyed to Fort 
McHenry, and were afterwards imprisoned for more than a year in Fort 
Warren, Boston harbor. William McKewen, the

Page 615

clerk of the police, was arrested, and discharged by Marshal Kenly, there 
being no charge against him. A force of the military was marched into the 
city at an early hour, and posted in the different quarters. A portion of 
Col. Cook's Boston light artillery were stationed in Exchange Place, while 
three companies of Col. Pratt's 20th New York were marched into the 
Exchange building as a guard over the custom-house and post-office. 
Another portion of the Boston artillery and some infantry occupied 
Monument Square. Detachments were also stationed in Broadway, opposite St. 
Patrick's Church, and were on guard about the steamboat wharfs and other 
places. The 13th New York regiment broke camp at "Bellevue Garden," and 
marched out to the hill known as McKim's, overlooking the jail and Jones 
Falls, on the York Road, and encamped there, the officers taking 
possession of the mansion. The Eastern police-station was taken possession 
of, and also the public-school on the corner of Broadway and Bank street.

On the 11th of July Col. Kenly was relieved of the office of Provost-
Marshal at his urgent request. George R. Dodge was appointed in his place, 
and the troops which had been quartered in the heart of the city were 
withdrawn and marched back to their several camps.

The United States Government being resolved on permanently holding 
Baltimore during the continuance of the war, extensive additions were made 
to the fortifications from time to time, and in August Federal Hill, first 
occupied by Gen. Butler, was crowned with a strong work, mounting upwards 
of fifty heavy guns, and effectually reprimanding the city, as well as 
Fort Mc-Henry, being some thirty feet higher than that post. Colonel 
Brewerton, of the United States Topographical Engineers, designed the 
plans of the work, which were carried out in construction by a New York 
Zouave regiment. It enclosed the entire crown of the hill. The angles of 
the bastions were so arranged that the guns mounted on them would rake by 
an enfilading fire all the streets by which the hill could be approached. 
As completed the work was a very strong one, its huge cannons in close 
proximity to South Baltimore, and effectually overlooking the city across 
the basin and the shipping below. A number of other forts were afterwards 
constructed, that of Fort Marshall being the chief, a very strong work to 
the east of Patterson Park; and Fort Worthington, northeast, of the 
Maryland. Hospital. These were fully mounted and garrisoned, Fort 
Worthington towards the middle of the war, after one or two of the 
threatened Confederate raids had convinced the military authorities that 
the key of Baltimore lay in the heights to the northeast of the city, an 
invading column being sure to attack by way of the Belair road and others 
in its vicinity. Besides these regular works a number of others were at 
different times erected, and completely defended the city. These wore 
numbered, beginning at the head of Baltimore street, on the estate

Page 616

of General George H. Steuart. His property there was confiscated, and his 
mansion and extensive grounds devoted to the use of a hospital, known as 
the Jervis Hospital. Adjoining, on a ridge overlooking a wide extent of 
country, an extensive fortification was reared, the lines of which may 
still be traced. This was Fort No. 1, and these earthworks, regularly 
numbered, encircled Baltimore. Many of them were never used at all, and a 
number of the smaller ones within the inhabited parts of the city have now 
disappeared. Fort No. 4 stood at the intersection of Gilmor street with 
the Liberty road, and No. 5 is now distinguished as the little eminence 
just within the gate of Druid Hill Park. These two posts were garrisoned 
after the raid of 1864. No guns were ever mounted in No. 5, although 
several pieces of heavy ordnance were sent out there, the company of the 
Veteran Reserve Corps occupying it only a few weeks. Fort No. 7 was the 
extensive work near Mount Royal Reservoir, and was garrisoned for a few 
days also in July, 1864, by the Union Club Company. Two heavy pieces of 
cannon were sent out there, but not mounted, and shot and shell provided. 
In addition to these strong lines of defence there were numerous great 
hospitals in different sections of the city, as well as camps and 
barracks. Jervis Hospital, already mentioned, was very extensive, and 
considered one of the finest in the country. The National Hotel, in Camden 
street, near the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was converted into another. 
That of "West's Buildings," on the Union dock, was also very extensive, as 
well as that in Patterson Park. But now in this beautiful city, since
"Grim-visaged war hath smoothed his wrinkled front,"
it is almost impossible in many cases to reproduce the scenes of the past. 
Patterson's Park and Lafayette Square, the favorite pleasure grounds of 
Baltimore, presented far different aspects: one the site of an immense 
hospital, its long rows of wards and barracks filled with soldiers; and 
the other the camp of various companies, armed sentries pacing where happy 
children now disport. o late as 1865 Lafayette Square was filled with ugly 
wooden sheds, swarming with rough troops, while not one of the elegant 
mansions now surrounding it had been reared.

On September 5th the United States authorities promulgated an order 
forbidding the display and sale of all secession badges, flags, pictures, 
songs, photographs, music, neckties, infants' seeks, &c.

On Saturday night, September 14th, Mr. W. W. Glenn, one of the proprietors 
and editors of the Exchange, was arrested by the police and taken to Fort 
McHenry "for treasonable expressions published in the Exchange," which was 
a few days after suppressed. Mr. John L. Crise was also arrested charged 
with treason.

On the 18th of July the following resolutions of thanks were introduced in 
the First Branch of the City Council by Mr. Crout, and unanimously passed:

Page 617

"Resolved by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the thanks of 
the corporation are eminently due, and are hereby tendered, to Mrs. George 
Brown and Thomas Winans, Esq., for the great and munificent liberality 
displayed by them in establishing, and keeping daily in operation, 
extensive soup-houses for the benefit and relief of the suffering 
thousands in our city. And be it further resolved, That the Mayor be 
requested to transmit to Mrs. Brown and Mr. Winans a copy of the foregoing 
preamble and resolution, with the seal of the city of Baltimore attached 
thereto."

The following order was issued on the 12th of September by Major-General 
Dix, then commanding in Baltimore, with his headquarters at Fort McHenry, 
for the arrest of the parties therein named.

Fort McHenry, 12th September, 1861.

George R. Dodge, Esq., Provost Marshal:

Arrest without an hour's delay George Wm. Brown, Coleman Yellott, Stephen 
P. Dennis, Charles H. Pitts, Andrew A. Lynch, Lawrence Sangston, H. M. 
Morfitt, Ross Winans, J. Hanson Thomas, Win. G. Harrison, John C. Brune, 
Robert M. Dennison, Leonard D. Quinlan, and Thos. W. Renshaw.

John A. Dix, Major-General Commanding.

And in pursuance thereof the most important arrests of the times occurred 
between eleven o'clock on Thursday night and 11 o'clock Friday morning, 
September 12th and 13th. The arrests transpired as follows: Hacks 
containing two police officers halted in front of the dwellings of those 
arrested. The door-bell was rung, and the sought-for party was informed 
that his presence was required at Fort McHenry. When the news of the 
arrest of the parties became known in the city, it created great 
excitement, and many declared that a most flagrant outrage had been 
committed. The following were the arrested parties: Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor 
of Baltimore; S. Teackle Wallis, Francis Key Howard, Lawrence Sangston, T. 
Parkin Scott, Chas. H. Pitts, T. C. Morfitt, John C. Brune, Thomas W. 
Hall, Dr. Lynch, L. G. Quinlan, Dr. J. Hanson Thomas, Wm. G. Harrison, 
Robert Denison, Benjamin C. Howard, Ross Winans, Henry M. Warfield, and 
Henry May, member of Congress from the fourth district. They were all 
committed to Fort McHenry. Mr. Thomas W. Hall, Jr., was proprietor of the 
South, and Mr. Frank Key Howard was editor of the Exchange, newspapers 
which were suppressed. It was the intention of the authorities then in 
power to send these gentlemen, with the police commissioners arrested on 
the 1st of July, to the "Dry Tortugas," as the following telegraphic 
dispatches sent at the time show:

"United States Military Telegraph, received August 28th, 1861:

"From Fort McHenry, to Major-Gen. N. P. Banks.

Page 618

"There is but one sea going steamer here; sailing vessels can be obtained, 
but I suppose there would be too much hazard, in sending one.

John A. Dix."

"United States military Telegraph, received August 28th, 1861:

"From Fort HcHenry to Major-Gen. Banks.

"Do you still want the vessel to go to Tortugas? There is but one here 
suitable for the service. Three hundred ($300) dollars per day. She must 
be chartered at once or cannot be had.

"John A. Dix."

Mr. Henry E. Johnson, of the banking firm of Johnson Bros. & Co., was 
arrested and conveyed under guard to Fort McHenry, September 24th; and on 
the 15th of October, Wm. McKewen, late secretary to the board of public 
commissioners; and on the 16th of October, Mr. Robert Renwick.

The venerable Thomas Wildey, familiarly known as the "Father of Odd-
Fellowship in the United States," died at his residence in this city, on 
the corner of Front and Gay streets, early on Saturday morning, October 
19th, at the advanced age of eighty years. It is in connection with the 
order of Odd-Fellowship that Mr. Wildey is best known, and his efforts in 
that behalf have been time and again acknowledged throughout the whole 
country. He was born in the city of London on the 15th day of January, 
1783, during the reign of George III., and at the close of the 
Revolutionary War. He was initiated into Lodge No. 17, of the Order of Odd-
Fellows in the city of London, in which he served in every capacity, from 
the humblest to the highest office, and was so distinguished for his zeal 
and diligence as an officer and member as to secure at the early age of 
twenty-three the substantial approbation of his brethren. On the 30th day 
of July, 1817, he bade adieu to his native land and embarked for America; 
he reached Baltimore on the 2d of September following, and without delay 
sought and obtained employment. In the following year, having formed the 
acquaintance of Mr. John Welch, a fellow-countryman, who had also been an 
Odd-Fellow in England, the subject of introducing the order in this 
country was discussed. Mr. Welch cordially entered into Mr. Wildey's 
suggestion for the formation of a lodge, and after various Unsuccessful 
efforts to increase their number, they adopted the expedient. of 
advertising through the public press; accordingly the advertisement was so 
made in the Baltimore American, in the following words:

"Notice to all Odd-Fellows.--A few members of the society of Odd-Fellows 
will be glad to meet their brethren for consultation upon the subject of 
forming a Lodge. The meeting will be held on Friday evening, the 2d of 
March, 1819."

This advertisement was continued for one month and failed to assemble a 
sufficient number to form a lodge. But two persons appeared,

Page 619

who acquiesced in the purpose; one other was required to make up the 
number necessary, and the advertisement was re-inserted in the same paper 
on the 27th of March, 1819, which produced the desired effect. On the 13th 
of April, 1819, Messrs. John Welch, John Duncan, John Cheatham, and 
Richard Rushworth assembled at the dwelling of Mr. Thomas Wildey, and 
arranged with him the preliminaries for the formation of a lodge of Odd-
Fellows, and on the 26th day of the same month pursuant to previous 
accord, they assembled in an upper room of a tavern on Fell's Point, and 
organized the first Odd-Fellows' lodge on this continent. This lodge they 
called, as an earnest of their respect for their adopted country--being 
all foreigners--Washington Lodge No. 1. Within ten years from the 26th of 
April, 1819, Thomas Wildey instituted four lodges in Maryland, organized 
the Grand Lodge of Maryland and of the United States, and originated the 
Patriarchal Order: he had extended the institution to Massachusetts, New 
York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia, in each of which States 
Grand Lodges had been formed, and out of these Grand Lodges the present 
Grand Lodge of the United States. In the year 1826, at his own cost, 
Thomas Wildey made a pilgrimage across the ocean to Manchester, England, 
the then Mecca of Odd-Fellowship, and arrived in Liverpool on the 17th of 
June, 1826. The order which he had instituted, although self-created, or 
organized independently of England, nevertheless obtained the approval of 
the authorities of the Order in that country, and Washington Lodge No. 1 
of Maryland accepted a charter from the Duke of York's Lodge at Preston, 
Lancaster, bearing date the 1st day of February, 1820. From this lodge the 
order in America originated; yet in the progress of Odd-Fellowship the 
English charter had been ignored, and a wholly independent form of 
government had been substituted. After being greeted with a perfect 
ovation by the order in England, on the day fixed for his return to his 
adopted country, Thomas Wildey was surprised by a visit of the grand 
officers of the order, and after a formal address to him, pronounced by a 
distinguished brother, he was made the bearer of several memorials of 
fraternity, which were presented to the Grand Lodge of the United States 
as a testimony of the interest awakened in that country by the success of 
Odd-Fellowship in America. Among these memorials was a charter, engrossed 
upon parchment, from the Grand Master and officers of the order in 
England, recognizing the Grand Lodge of the United States, and 
surrendering all claim to jurisdiction in Odd-Fellowship in America. This 
was the great purpose of Thomas Wildey's ambition, and although it had 
been the subject of much conversation and deliberation between him and the 
brethren in England, this was the first intimation of their purpose to 
comply with his request, and was therefore the more gratifying. On the 
26th of April, 1831, the members of Odd-Fellowship now numbering six 
hundred in Baltimore, dedicated

Page 620

their new hall with the first public procession of the kind in the United 
States. From this period the order progressed with unparalleled rapidity.

On the 22d of October Mr. Wildey was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, with 
one of the most imposing funeral pageants that was ever gathered in our 
city.

There assembled on the morning of the 5th of December, at the House of 
Refuge, upwards of two hundred ladies and gentlemen, to witness the 
opening of that portion of the institution intended for females.

The following resolution was passed by the Legislature of Maryland, whilst 
in session at Frederick, June 22d, "requesting the representatives and 
senators of the State of Maryland, in the Congress of the United States, 
to urge and vote for an immediate recognition of the independence of the 
Confederate States."

Died, on the 1st of September, at Yonkers, near New York city, Philip E. 
Thomas, Esq., of this city, aged nearly 85 years, He was a merchant and a 
philanthropist, and was always respected. Hen. John C. Legrand, late Chief 
Justice of the Maryland Court of Appeals, died at his residence in this 
city, early on Saturday morning, in the 47th year of his age.

In October a wagon train of nearly one hundred wagons was established 
between Baltimore and Washington city. This was rendered necessary by the 
closing of the Potomac by the Confederate batteries at Evansport, 
Virginia, and the great amount of freight thus thrown upon the railroad.

On the 3d of October, a United States gunboat, the Pinola, was launched 
from the ship-yard of Abrahams & Ashcraft. This was the first government 
vessel built in Baltimore since the opening of the war. The contract for 
building her was made on the 8th day of July, and she was ready for water 
in seventy days, including Sundays. The Pinola was 540 tons burthen, and 
was pierced for thirteen guns, and had accommodations for one hundred men.

On the 20th of November Miller's Hotel, Messrs. Joseph H. McGee & Bro., 
proprietors, was taken possession of by the police, who, placing guards at 
the avenues of entrance and exit, proceeded to search for articles 
contraband of war, taking the keys of the safe and desk for that purpose. 
Several persons connected with the house were arrested, to answer the 
charge of treason in holding communication with the Confederate States. A 
number of letters and papers were also seized to await examination at the 
station-house. A man by the name of Webster, passing under the name of 
Hart, was seized and ordered to Fort McHenry, and while on his way thither 
at night in the charge of several police officers, he suddenly, when near 
the fort, sprung from the wagon and made good his escape in the darkness.