Nathaniel P. Banks to George B. McClellan, July 1, 1861

GENERAL:

In pursuance of orders of the 24th ultimo, received from your department, I arrested, and now detain in custody of the United States, Mr. George P. Kane, chief of police of the city of Baltimore. Mr. Kane was arrested on the morning of the 27th ultimo. The strong position he held as the head of a large body of armed men, posted in

different parts of the city, who might be summoned together without loss of time, and the necessity of succeeding in the arrest, if attempted, made it impracticable, in my judgment, in view of all facts, to undertake at the same time the execution of other parts of this order.

The arrest of the chief of police, and the suspension of the powers of the board of police, were announced to the people of Baltimore in a proclamation, dated the 27th June, a copy of which is herewith inclosed [Aj. Upon the arrest of the chief of police, Col. John R. Kenly, of the First Maryland Regiment, was appointed provost-marshal within and for the city of Baltimore, who entered at once upon his duties. Subsequent to a recognition and protest against the suspension of their functions by the board of police, they declared, in resolutions formally adopted and published, that the police law itself had been suspended,

and the officers and men discharged from duty for the present, holding them at the same time to be subject to their orders, both now and hereafter. Colonel Kenly was obliged immediately to organize a force of four hundred men to serve as police officers, in order that the city Should not be entirely divested of all police protection, which, with the aid of many loyal citizens, was effected, and the men sworn to the just performance of their duty, in the course of a few hours.

The city has remained in perfect order and quiet since the organization of the new police. The headquarters of the police, when vacated by the officers appointed by the board, resembled a concealed arsenal. Large quantities of arms and ammunition were found secreted in sueh places and with such skill as to forbid the thought of their being held for just or lawful purposes. An inventory of the arms and ammunition will be forwarded. Colonel Kenly has performed his duties ag provost-marshal in the most prompt, faithful, and discreet manner.

This morning at 4 o’clock the members of the board of police were arrested by my order, and, together with the chief of police, are now securely held in custody by Major Morris, commanding officer at Fort McHenry, in behalf of the Government of the United States. The persons arrested are Messrs. Charles Howard, president of the board ; William H. Gatchell, Charles D. Hinks, and John W. Davis, being all its members, except the mayor of the city, who is connected ex officio with this department.

In view of possible occurrences, and the better to meet contingent action of disloyal persons, rumors of which have reached me from quarters entitled to respect, [ have placed a large part of the force ‘under my command within the city, and in possession of the principal public squares. No building of importance will be occupied, and no obstruction to the business of the city will occur, unless it be upon the strongest public necessity. The troops will be withdrawn from the city as soon as the question of the conflicting forces of police can be arranged. This I believe will be done at once. The arrests of this morning and the reasons for the occupation of the city have been announced by proclamation, a copy of which is herewith inclosed [B].

I have the gratification to inform you that all the arrests have been made without disturbance, and that the city is now and has been since the arrest of the chief of police more quiet and orderly than for any time for many months previous. .

I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,