On April 19, 1861, the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment arrived via train in Baltimore en route to Washington, D.C., where it had been called to fortify the city against what was believed to be impending attack by the Confederate States. The main body of the 6th Massachusetts proceeded out from the President Street Station on foot to make a connecting train at Canton Depot, temporarily leaving its 24-piece band posted at the first station. As the regiment entered downtown Baltimore it was beset by Baltimoreans, outraged at the presence of Massachusetts troops in Maryland, and had to fight its way through the city, during the course of which at least three soldiers were stoned to death, one soldier was dragged to the sidewalk and beaten to death, and many more were injured from gunfire directed at them from rooftops. Part of the mob, upon learning that the regimental band remained at the President Street Station, ended its attacks and returned to the station. This faction was led by Konig and it began stoning the railway car in which the bandsmen were waiting, injuring several. At this point the unit separated in two and fled the station, each element pursued by Konig's men. The first group was rescued by the Baltimore Police while the second became lost in the maze of streets and alleys of Fell's Point.