PERRYVILLE, April 23,
1861
To His Excellency Gov. JNo. A. ANDREw, Commander in Chief
I HAVE just returned from Annapolis, whither I repaired
yesterday to learn the exact situation of the 8th regiment under Genl. Butler,
and to carry supplies and provisions. I found Genl. Butler engaged in the most
energetic prosecution of his plans for opening communication with Washington,
in which he had been delayed from various causes. He had only time to spare
from his pressing duties before my return, to write you the following dispatch:
To His Excellency, JoHN
A. ANDREw
“I have brought the regiment entrusted to me safely here. I
believe we have had but one man sick. We have landed at Annapolis. Have full
possession of the town, and are gathering in means of transportation to Washington.
We have the railroad in our possession. The troops of Massachusetts have done
good service, and are worthy of all praise. Major Ames will telegraph more in
detail.”
The regiment left Havre de Grace for Annapolis in steamer
for transportation troops at six P.M. Saturday, April 20th. Arrived late at
night, when secret measures were taken to ascertain the condition of the town.
A plot to take possession of the United States Ship Constitution, moored at the
wharf of the naval academy, by the secessionists was discovered, and Capt.
Devereaux of Salem was detailed with his company to repair on board, & she
was towed some five miles out of the town. Sunday, the ferry boat unfortunately
got aground, and the troops were obliged to remain on board until this morning,
when they effected a landing with the seventh regiment of N. York, which had in
the meantime arrived. The Secessionists were preparing to erect a battery,
which they were prevented from doing. This morning, hearing of the threatened
slave insurrection, Genl. Butler tendered the forces under command to Governor
Hicks for its suppression. He is now most vigorously engaged in pushing forward
advanced parties toward Washington, returning the rails which were displaced,
and will, on the arrival of the troops expected tonight via. N. York, be fully
prepared to keep and maintain open communication between Washington and
Annapolis. In the meantime, troops are pouring in from Harrisburg to Havre de
Grace, now in possession of Penn. troops. And they will, after today, be
transported in large numbers to Annapolis, steamers for that service having
been sent there from Phil.
I am preparing, by request of Genl. Butler, from data
furnished by him, a more detailed account of the doings of the 8th regiment
which I will forward you by mail. The troops are in excellent condition and
spirits. I am hurrying back to Phil. for future supplies, as well as for cannon
and men to fortify and garrison the fort in Annapolis.
H. ADAMs AMEs, Major, Acting Adjt. Com. in Chief
SOURCE: Jessie Ames Marshall, Editor, Private and
Official Correspondence of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler During the Period of the
Civil War, Volume 1: April 1860 – June 1862, p. 29-30
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