Unknown to RopErs, Frigate Constitution, April 24, 1861

Captain Rop@Ers, Frigate Constitution :

CAprAIN: Major General Patterson learns through S. M. Felton, esq., that you informed him that there is a small fort situate at the entrance of Annapolis Harbor, which it is highly desirable should be taken possession of, armed, and occupied. If you can supply ten guns for the purpose, or a sufficient number to hold it, you are hereby authorized to make a requisition upon the colonel of any regiment on the route to Washington for a detachment of a hundred men to garrison it.

As the troops on the route have little knowledge of guns, you will please detail one or more instructors.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ORAIG BIDDLE, A. D. 0.