Unknown to Simon Cameron, June 16, 1861
Fort McHenry, June 16, 1861.
Hon. Suwon CAMERON, Secretary of War:
Str: The election passed without disorder, but the fact is not a just indication of the spirit of the city. Active demonstrations on the part of secessionists can only be suppressed by constant readiness of our forces. We need greatly some assistance here.
1st. Authority to establish a home guard. There are many good Union men here, who are ready to enter the service, and we have arms for them, which have been taken from ill-disposed persons. They can ‘ be deposited at the custom-house under guard of our troops, so as to make secure their possession. This will give occupation to the Union men and confidence to the loyal portion of the city. I think it will be prudently and safely managed.
2d. We need a corps of cavalry to suppress the contraband trade on the back roads leading southward. We have not now a mounted orderly by whom to send a message even to the city. Some assistance of this kind is indispensable. The infantry can well command the railways. I have written to Mr. Secretary Chase to loan us the service of a revenue cutter for a brief period, by which we could control this trade upon the river and bay. To cut off the contraband is to deprive Baltimore of the support now given publicly to the secession spirit and strip the rebel army of its most useful supplies. I beg you to think of this subject, and give us prompt aid.
3d. Baltimore would afford most excellent camps of instruction for raw troops. They can be easily and cheaply supported here in healthy and convenient locations, well drilled and disciplined, and their presence would afford support to the Government against the rebel elements in the city. In a short time you could safely withdraw the best troops for service elsewhere, leaving the new levies in possession here.
With respect I submit these considerations to you, and remain your obliged and obedient servant,
NATH. P. BANKS, General, Commanding.
Cnar. 1X.) CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION. 691
CINCINNATI, June 16, 1861. General WINFIELD Scott: I hear from General Patterson that he is checked at Harper’s Ferry. If I do not hear from you to the contrary, I will attack from the west in sufficient force to make it sure. Will require two or three days to prepare. In mean time will arrange so that I can move by the route suggested in my earliest dispatch to you from Columbus, if you prefer.
Please reply. GEO. B. McCLELLAN, Major-General, Commanding Department of Ohio.