Simon Cameron to Major-General Nathaniel P. Banks, September 11, 1861

WAR DEPARTMENT,

Washington, September 11, 1861.

 Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Commanding near Darnestown, Md.:

GENERAL: The passage of any act of secession by the legislature of Maryland must be prevented. If necessary, all or any part of the members must be arrested. Exercise your own judgment as to the time and manner, but do the work effectively.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

SIMON CAMERON,

Secretary of War,

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 5 (Serial No. 5), p. 193