Nath. P. Banks, July 1, 1861

To the People of the City of Baltimore:

In pursuance of orders issued from the headquarters of the Army at Washington, for the preservation of the public peace in this department, I have arrested and do now detain in custody of the United States the members of the late buard of police, Messrs. Charles Howard, William H. Gatchell, Charles D. Hinks, and John W. Davis, the incidents of the late week furnishing full justitication for this order. The police headquarters, under charge of the board, when abandoned by their officers,

resembled in some respects a concealed arsenal. After public recognition and protest against the “suspension of their functions,” they continue in daily secret session. Upon a forced and unwarrantable construction of my prociamation of the 27th ultimo, they declared the police -law itself suspended, and the officers and men off duty for the present, intending to leave the city without any police protection whatever. They refused to recognize the force necessarily appointed for its protection, and hold subject to their orders now and hereafter the old police, a large body of armed men, for some purpose unknown to the Government, and inconsistent with its security. To anticipate their intentions and orders, L have temporarily placed a portion of my command within the city. I disclaim for the Government I represent all desire, intention, and purpose to interfere in any of the ordinary municipal affairs of Baltimore. Whenever a loyal citizen can be nominated to the office of marshal who will execute the police laws impartially and in good faith to the United States, the military force will be withdrawn at once from the central parts of the municipality. No soldier will be permitted in the city except under regulations satisfactory to the marshal, or

by order of the