The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1892-01-30
Letter from R. b. Marcy, Chief ofstam.

GENERAL-Enelosed | have the honor
to send you an order regarding the Legis-
lature of Maryland Will you do me the
favor to acknowledge its receipt by the
bearer
Very respectfully, your ob't servt
R. B. MARCY,
Colonel and Chief of Staff.
Copelands report-Legisature. Sept. 16.
FREDERICK, Sept. 1G 1861.
Major-General Banks:
DEAR SRI find that there is some
probability of no quorum; this is particu-
larly General s. opinion. He thinks the
whole thing is crushed by the arrest. But
there is reason to believe he is mistaken.
Noakes is here, and says there are at
least twenty-five in town; that they have
spread the rumor that there will be no
quorum, in order to ull attention; but that
there will be enough to meet and adjourn
to place outside the town.
He saw tonight four carriages and
party of men come in one of the back roads
and 90 to a drinking saloon, where they
were loud and deep in threats and impreca-
tions. They left the tavern and came into
the town and separated, where he could
not tell, as he was on foot. He has got no
evidence of any messenger from Virginia;
thinks no one is here.
But there is one bad thing. General
Dix has sent his son here, and Major,
and the Provost Marshal of B-and
PARTY of police to make arrests. have
tried to get them sent back early in the first
train tomorrow, accompanied, at least as
far as Monocacy, by Mr. Dix. He does
not like to get up and 90 at that time. 1t
is mistake.
Gen. $. has no particular information,
and wants to shield some personal friends;
would like, for the future, to make it easy
for some men.
| | think | shall get a plan arranged to
take Il number at any rate The arrests in
B-have terrified them very much, and
all profess obedience there.
None of the members from the Eastern
Shore have come up yet, which inclines
me to wait for day after tomorrow.
! regret your letters to Colonel R
did not put the matter more under my
especial control, as he is rather disinclined
so be as careful and patient as is desirable,
and do not feel authorized to direct.
If anything occurs to you, send by mes
senger to me, care of Colonel R. I
am at the U. S Hotel. In haste,
Very respectfully,
r. NJ. COPELAND.
Young Dix tells me his errand was to
meet you and give you list OF names OF
men to be arrested-nothing more. He
will give the paper tomorrow and await
orders You will get this at six; a messen-
/ ger can return in three hours.
| Copy of Letter of Instruction Concerning the Legis
! lature.
Important and Confdentiall.
! HEADo'Rs, CAMP NEAR DARNEsTowN, /
September l6.
! Wisconsin Regiment. on Special Service at Fred
erick:
SIR-The Legislature of Maryland is
appointed to meet in special session to-mor
row, Tuesday, September Il. 1t is not
impossible that the members, or portion
of them, may be deferred from meeting
there on account of certain arrests recently
made in Baltimore. tits also quite possible
that ON the first day Of meeting the atten-
dance of members may be small. OF the
/ facts, as to this matter, | shall see that you
are well informed as they transpire 1t be-
comes necessary that any meeting of this
Legislature, at any place or time shall be
prevented. You will hold yourself and
your command in readiness to arrest the
members of both houses; list of such as
/ you arc W uctalH Will De cHCluSCu W you
herewith; among whom are to be especially
included the presiding officers of the two
nate officers. Let the arrests be certain,
and allow no chance of failure The arrests
should be made while they are in session,
! | think
! You will, upon the receipt of this, quiet
| ly examine the premises | am informed
that escape will be impossible, if the en-
trance to the building be held by you OF
that you will judge upon examination. If
no session is held, you will arrest such
members as can be found in Frederick.
The process of arrest should be, enter both
houses at the same time, announcing that
they were arrested by orders of the govern
ment; command them to remain as they
are, subject to your orders. Any resist
ance will be forcibly suppressed, whatever
the consequences Upon the arrests being
effected, the members that are to be de-
tanned will be placed on board special train
for Annapolis, where steamer awaits
them.
Everything in the execution of the or
dcrs is confded to your secrecy, direction,
promptness.
Copeland's Report Maryland Legislature, septem-
ber 18th.
FREDERICK, MD, Sept. II, 1861.
DEAR SIR The arrests in Baltimore
have entirely broken down and disorgan-
lied the secession element in the Legislature,
and much less than quorum have assem-
bled. OF the members present the larger
number are Union men, who, encouraged
L. IL