Simon Cameron to Patterson, Éc, April 24, 1861

General PATTERSON, éc.:

DEAR GENERAL: I have only a moment to say the troops have not got round from Annapolis. Butler says he will be here to-day. The New York Seventh decline coming on some punctilio, as I am informed.

There must be no delay in sending the Philadelphia troops by that route, so as to command the road at once. Those coming from the West should, in my opinion, be concentrated on the Northern Central Railroad near Baltimore, so as to force our way through the city if they continue to harass our troops coming round it. The fine counties of York, Lancaster, &c., will furnish supplies, and the march across to the waters of the Potomac is good. These are at present only suggestions, but I beg for them your examination and reflection.

Very respectfully,