Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

[226] were marching from Baltimore to Harper's Ferry, which could not have been the case if Baltimore expected any attack upon her, provided there was any intention of making a stand against her capture.

I determined to have satisfactory and reliable information, Therefore, by ruse, the details of which are not necessary here, I sent a staff officer, Captain Haggerty, into Baltimore. There he remained for three days, examining into everything, seeing everybody, and learning exactly the military condition there, with an accuracy and intelligence entirely trustworthy.

I had reported to General Scott what military stores were in Baltimore from time to time. These reports were answered by my friend General Hamilton, his private secretary, with directions that when I thought it best I might capture these stores, and stop them from being sent to Harper's Ferry. Among the rest there was a large quantity of provisions reported as being prepared at a bakery in Baltimore for the support of the rebel troops at Harper's Ferry. I also informed General Scott I had ascertained that the limits of my department included Baltimore. In answer I received the following from Colonel Hamilton:--

General Scott desires me to invite your attention to certain guilty parties in Baltimore, namely, those connected with the guns and military cloths seized by your troops [at the Relay House], as well as to the baker who furnished supplies of bread for Harper's Ferry. It is probable that you will find them, on inquiry, proper subjects for seizure and examination. He acknowledges your telegram of this morning, and is happy to find that Baltimore is within your department.

Now, I was very anxious to go into Baltimore. I had no doubt, from all I had learned, that a properly equipped and managed expedition could seize Federal Hill and hold the place. I wanted to go for another reason : I had promised my old comrades of the Sixth Regiment, with whom I had served for many years, that I would march them through Baltimore and revenge the cowardly attack made upon them on the 19th of April. I desired to keep that promise. I had these orders from General Scott to seize property, arms, ammunition, and provisions in Baltimore, and the places where the guilty parties were to be found were given me,