Diary of John Hay: May 4, 1861

The Maryland disunionists — that branch of them represented by Bob McLane called to-day upon the President. . . . They roared as gently as 'twere any nightingale. The only point they particularly desired to press was that there was no special necessity at present existing for the armed occupation of Maryland. . . . They also implored the President not to act in any spirit of revenge for the murdered soldiers. The President coolly replied that he never acted from any such impulse; and, as to their other views, he should take them into consideration, and should decline giving them any answer at present.

Gen'l Scott gave orders to Gen'l Butler to occupy the Relay House as soon as practicable, and Butler instantly replied that he should hold divine service with his command there to-morrow (Sunday).

SOURCES: Clara B. Hay, Letters of John Hay and Extracts from Diary, Volume 1, p. 30; Tyler Dennett, Editor, Lincoln and the Civil War in the Diaries and Letters of John Hay, p. 18;