John A. Dix to George B. McClellan, September 19, 1861
Maj. Gen. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding Army of the Potomac: .
GENERAL: There are several companies in Caroline, Queen Anne, and Carroll Counties under arms once or- twice à week drilling. They are composed exclusively of secessionists, and are armed with rifled muskets. I have not been able to ascertain whether they are organized
in every instance under the laws of this State, but it makes no difference. If they are, they are acting in violation of the order of the governor, who ealled on them some months ago to give,up their arms. If
they are unauthorized organizations, they ought to be broken up. If you approve of the suggestion, I will send a few policemen, with a competent military force, from 50 to 100 men in each case, and take their arms from them. I know the governor approves the measure, and I propose to consult him in each case before I act. We can get a few hundred arms of the best quality, and take them out of the hands of men of the worst character. d I am,
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major-General, Commanding.
GENERAL ORDERS, ! WAR DEPT., ADJ'T Guns OFFICE,
No. 80. ' Washington, September 19, 1861.
State of that name, Indiana, and so much of Kentucky as lies within 15 miles of Cincinnati, under the command of Brigadier-General
, Mitchel, of the U. S. Volunteers; headquarters, Cincinnati.
So much of Virginia as lies west of the Blue Ridge Mountains will