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Chapter 13: Patterson's campaign.
Under the
President's three months call the
State of Pennsylvania was required to furnish sixteen regiments.
This entitled her to two
major-generals, and one of these, appointed by the
Governor, was
Robert Patterson.
He had served with credit as a lieutenant and captain in the war of 1812, and as a major-general in the
Mexican War;
General Scott regarded him as “an excellent second in command;” his selection seemed, therefore, natural and proper.
Notwithstanding he had now reached the age of sixty-nine, he entered at once with alacrity on the task of organizing the three months volunteers in the city of
Philadelphia.
After the
Baltimore riot and the
Maryland uprising, it became necessary to create the military “Department of Pennsylvania,” comprising
Pennsylvania,
Delaware, and part of
Maryland, and
Patterson was assigned to its command, with directions to co-operate in restoring Union authority in
Maryland.
Sundry joint military movements projected to accomplish this object, were happily soon rendered unnecessary by the rapid accumulation of troops at
Washington,
Butler's occupation of
Baltimore, and the sweeping political reaction in
Maryland.
But, meanwhile, the rebels had established a strong camp at
Harper's Ferry, and
Patterson's close attention was thus very naturally transferred to that point.
The
