R. Patterson, May 14, 1861
To the ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters of the Army, Washington, D. O.:
Sir: A few minutes since I received a telegram from the commander at York stating General Butler, on Federal Hill; Baltimore, had sent a special messenger for re-enforcements. At the same time came another from Col. Andrew Porter stating the Northern Central Railroad was insecure and should be guarded by at least two regiments.
Lest the re-enforcements should be checked by an injury to the road I immediately, as I telegraphed you, changed the route of the command to leave to-day to the direct one, and have arranged for General Cadwalader to land at Locust Point to-morrow morning at daybreak.
General Keim has been directed to secure today the Northern Central Road, after which other troops, as they are prepared, will be pushed over the route. Two regiments will leave here on Thursday.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Major General, Commanding.
SPECIAL oe ee Hpgrs. DEP'T OF PENNSYLVANIA,
No. 39. Philadelphia, May 14, 1861.
'the regiments now equipped, and assume command of the troops in that
'vicinity.
The quartermaster will at once provide transportation.