Simon Cameron to Smon Cameron, May 1, 1861

Hon. Smon CAMERON, Secretary of War, Washington : DEAR Sir: You will have learned from others that General Patterson forbids the sale of passenger tickets by the military line. I have given Mr. Scott some reasons why I think he cannot work this line successfully for a passenger route. Mr. Felton tells me that he thinks he could now repair his road from Havre de Grace to Baltiinore in four or five days if you would protect it as the work progresses. As this work has to be done, would it not be well to have it done at once? General Patterson, I lear n, thinks it would require one thousand men to protect it. In a few days I think a much less number would answer. He has the men, but needs arms and ammunition. Looking at the large fleet of steamers at Annapolis and Havre de Grace, with the confusion at the former place, I believe it would save the Government a large—a very large—amount to transport directly by rail from here to Washington. I presume there would now be no diffi- -eulty with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. Mr. Scott could soon ascertain this. By the time the road is repaired I think there will be no difficulty about going through Baltimore, but if there is to be, [ know of no reason why that question cannot be settled as well now as at any time—perhaps the sooner the better, and before an opposition can be organized or aid obtained elsewhere. Just now the North seems to . be spoiling fora fight with Baltimore, and if there is to be one, I repeat the sooner it comes off the better, i in my judgment. If you concur in \ we, OPA CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. these views, instructions given to General Patterson to protect the road will set Mr. Felton at work with great energy. Would it not be well -for me to secure all the powder Du Pont has tor sale if to be had at fair prices ? Yours, respectfully and truly, Washington, May 2, 1861. J. W. GARRETT, Baltimore, Md. : In reply to your dispatch of yesterday I beg leave to say that this Department will consent to your proposal whenever the railroad lines running into Baltimore from the North and East are placed in such a condition as to admit free and uninterrupted travel over them, and when the U. 8. Government can be assured that satisfactory arrangements have been made to enable it to transport through Baltimore, unmolested and without interruption, such troops, arms, ammunition, supplies, &c., aS it may deem necessary or desire.

SIMON CAMERON,