Scott, Winfield (1786-1866) to Benjamin Franklin Butler
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05996 Author/Creator: Scott, Winfield (1786-1866) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 26 April 1861 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.3 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
United States General-In-Chief Scott relates orders received from President Abraham Lincoln to General Butler, Brigadier General of Militia, regarding the Legislature of Maryland scheduled to assemble at Annapolis. Hoping to prevent further uprising following the 19 April 1861 Baltimore Riot, Lincoln orders that if the Legislature arms their people against the United States, Butler must "adopt the most prompt and efficient means to counteract, even if necessary to the bombardment of their cities- and in the extremest necessity suspension of the writ of habeas corpus."
Headqrs. of the Army,
Washington, April 26. 1861.
The undersigned, General?in?Chief of the Army, has received from the President of the U. States the following instructions respecting the legislature of Maryland now about to assemble at Annapolis, viz -
It is "left to the Commanding General to watch and await their action, which if it shall be to arm their people against the United States, he is to adopt the most prompt and efficient means to counteract, even if necessary to the bombardment of their cities-and in the extremest necessity, suspension of the writ of habeas corpus."
"In the absence of the undersigned the foregoing instructions are turned over to Brig. General B.F. Butler, of the Mass. Volunteers or other officers commanding at Annapolis who will carry them out in a right spirit-that is, with moderation & firmness. In the case of arrested individuals, notorious for their hostility to the United States, the prisoners will be safely kept & duly cared for; but not surrendered except on the order of the commander aforesaid.
Winfield Scott
By command:
E.D. Townsend
Asst. Adjt. Genl.
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