Year: 1861

To HIS Ercellency Thomas II. Hicks Goreror Of Nary
| land:


Dear Sir-Mr. Richard Swami late Mayor of the city
of Annapolis, and attached to the Naval Academy
there called my yesterday where was confined
by Sickness with letter addressed you by per-
in this city informing you that conspiracy exists in
Baltimore to take possession of the city of Annapolis and
eXpe the public authorities therefrom by force unless
you would convene the Legislature previously the
first OF February next or thereabouts This letter. Mr.
Swami informed me, transmitted by you to the Com
mander of the United States Naval Academy, who had
directed him to exhibit it me, and ask for information
in regard to its subject-matter.


The signature of the writer had been from the let
ter and his was withheld from me- Mr.. Swami
represented to me, by your direction which, presume,
must nave been anisunderstandng From all the nor-
nation, which my official position places command,


have no hesitation in expressing my conviction that
the statement OF your correspondent Is sheer and
groundless fabrication. The Importance however which
it is manifest that you attach to it, from the fact of your
having deemed it necessary to place the officer command
ing the United States Naval Academy in possession of
this letter. renders my official duty investigate the
matter as we'll for the maintenance public order here,
for the vndcation of the people of this city and State
if the imputation unjust l. therefore, respectfully
request you to furnish at your earliest convenience
with the name Of your correspondent.


If there be any truth in his statement ought to be
furnished his evidence and the ground of his know
edge that may prevent the crime and disgrace said
to be threatened, and bring the conspratOrs to punish
ment.


Ithe statement be not true will have opportunity
belongs the responsibility of this many
other of the false and exciting reports which have been
circulated freely and widely to the disparagement of
our citizens How injurious such reports if believed,
must be to the reputation, and disparagng to the ei
cheney OF the force under command cannot but be OBJ
vious to you therefore earnestly invoke your perms
sion and aid to investigate these truths if they true,
expose these fasehoods if they false. most
spectfuy repeat my solicitation to be furnished with the
of all the parties from whom you have informa


ton of conspracies existing here against the peace of the
State, the United States tender you my best efforts
in that behalf and all the of detection my
mand. Yours respectfully,


GEO. P KANE Marshal.
ANNAPOLIS, February 2, 1861.
GEORGE P. KANE, Esq,


Marshal Of Police, Bditimore:
Dear Sr-Your letter of yesterday received by
this mornings mail To your request to be furnished
with the of the writer of the letter shown you by
Mr.. Swami, must for obvious reasons, decline. Should


make known the of those who may feel It their
duty communicate with matters of public inter-
est, might endanger their safety; and besides, such
action my part would deprive of all opportunity of
obtaining information other than that given in the
papers. will say, however that attach but little
sequence such reports and while have undoubed in
formation that attack Washington at one time
contemplated had the slightest fear oits


do not and have not, feared that any effort would be
made possession of Annapolis but, at the
time, prudence requires that neglect should not invite
attack.


have believed that any considerable number of