You are credibly informed that I have taken possession of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad.
It might have escaped your notice, but at the official meeting which was had, between your
Excellency and the
Mayor of
Annapolis, and the
Committee of the
Government and myself, as to the landing of my troops, it was expressly stated as the reason why I should not land, that my troops could not pass the railroad because the company had taken up the rails, and they were private property.
It is difficult to see how it can be, that if my troops could not pass over the railroad one way, the members of the Legislature could pass the other way. I have taken possession for the purpose of preventing the execution of the threats of the mob, as officially represented to me by the
Master of Transportation of the railroad in this city, “that if my troops passed over the railroad, the railroad should be destroyed.”
If the
Government of the
State had taken possession of the road in any emergency, I should have long hesitated before entering upon it; but as I had the honor to inform your
Excellency in regard to another insurrection against the laws of
Maryland, I am here armed to maintain those laws, if your
Excellency desires, and the peace of the
United States, against all disorderly persons whatsoever.
I am endeavoring to save and not to destroy; to obtain means of transportation, so that I can vacate the
Capital prior to the sitting of the Legislature, and not be under the painful necessity of incumbering your beautiful city while tho Legislature is in session.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
Your
Excellency's obedient servant,
