Headquarters of the
Army, WASHINGTON, April 29th, 1861
Brig. Gen. BUTLER
SIR: I was happy to receive Col. Butler last night, the
bearer of your despatches. The latter I have read with interest, and a hearty
approval. I send herewith a Copy
of my letter of this date to Major Gen’l. Patterson.
If Fort McHenry be not re-inforced, please send thither, by
some armed Steamer, from 250 to 500 men with subsistence for at least Sixty
days. I shall be glad to have your views on my proposed movements on Baltimore —
particularly on the part to be fitted out from Annapolis, which you will
probably be required to command.
Tho you command a separate Department and Maj. Gen’l.
Patterson another, a free correspondence between you may be of mutual
advantage. I am sorry that the fleet of transports and provision ships sent
from New York did not ascend the Potomac. Major Sibley, principal of the Qur.
Mst. Department here, wishes some of those vessels, with troops and supplies,
to be sent round to him, and has written accordingly. This river is yet
unobstructed by hostile batteries afloat or ashore, and is likely to remain so.
A strong war vessel to support Fort McHenry in case of an attack, is of great
importance.
If there be one not essential as a convoy to transports
between Annapolis and the Susquehannah, send her to Fort McHenry. If the cars,
promised from New York, arrive, those you have ordered from Philadelphia may be
unnecessary.
Having great confidence in your zeal, intelligence, and
discretion, I remain,
Yours truly,
WINFIELD SCOTT
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. 55
