Marylanders and the Invasion of 1862

MARYLANDERS AND THE INVASION OF 1862 Richard R. Duncan The secession crisis and its subsequent eruption into civil war had far-reaching ramifications for die state of Maryland and its citizens . Strong economic, social, and family ties witii Virginia and die Soutii made die problem of loyalty one of die state's most perplexing difficulties during die war period. Despite the official support of die Federal government, internal dissension and division made the state's early position uncertain. Those sympathetic witii the Soutii believed diat the state was being held in the Union by force. Northerners , remembering the rioting in Baltimore on April 19, 1861, against the Sixth Massachusetts regiment and noting other displays of prosouthern sentiment, regarded Maryland with suspicion. However, the crucial test of her loyalty came in the fading summer of 1862 when southern forces invaded and occupied much of the western portion of die state. An invasion of Maryland posed definite advantages for the South. An army threatening Washington, Baltimore, or Philadelphia would relieve pressure on Richmond and also would allow farmers in Virginia to gather their crops without interference. Another important consideration was the liberation of Maryland from Union control. As many southerners believed diat Federal forces were denying Marylanders the right to freely choose their destiny, it followed that the presence of a Confederate army in the state would allow its citizens that opportunity to express themselves and, very likely, declare for the Confederacy . But one of die most important factors was that Maryland, a rich area thus far untouched by the war, was a potential source of urgently needed supplies and possibly additional recruits for Lee's army.1 By September 3, Lee had decided to risk crossing the Potomac, and 1 U.S. War Dept, The War of the Rebellion: A Compihtion of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Washington, 1880-1901), Ser. I, XIX, pt. 2, 590-592. Hereafter cited as OR with all references to Ser. I; Clifford Dowdey (ed.), The Wartime Papers of R. E. Lee (Boston, 1961), pp. 292-295, 312-314, and 287; and Douglas Southall Freeman, R. E. Lee: A Biography (New York, 1934-1935), II, 351-352. 370 within two days die Confederate army was moving into Union territory at White's Ford. Witii shouting, cheering, and a brass band playing "Maryland, My Maryland," the southerners assumed the spirit of a liberating army as they marched into the state. Despite their enthusiasm , however, their reception was not what they had anticipated. The expected upsurge of sentiment in favor of the Confederacy failed to materialize. Unionists received them coolly, and many who sympathized with the southern cause held aloof from identifying themselves with the Confederates. Perhaps the ragged, dirty, and odorous condition of die army helped to destroy some of their romantic illusions and caused diem to temper their welcome. As the news of the crossing spread rapidly throughout the western part of the state, citizens in Frederick became excited and alarmed. The local provost marshal, Captain W. T. Faithful, attempted to maintain order, and one individual was arrested for spreading sensational reports.2 Many unionists, anticipating arrest and imprisonment for their sentiments, fled to Pennsylvania , while others busily secured their private papers and valuables against possible loss. Captain Faithful, fearing that the government stores in die city would fall into Confederate hands, wired Colonel D. S. Miles, commander of the garrison at Harper's Ferry, for instructions. The Colonel ordered the destruction of all stores and the removal of government horses to Pennsylvania. Instead of fully complying, however , Faithful contacted die office of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, obtained a small engine and all die railroad's available cars, loaded them to capacity, and hauled as many of the stores as possible to Baltimore . Through his quick action, most of the supplies were saved; the remainder, which were not of much value, were burned.3 Some clotiiing , shoes, and muskets which were overlooked did fall into southern hands, but most were consumed in the conflagration.4 Along with the removal of government stores, all Federal funds and mail were removed to a place of safekeeping, as was the local telegraph instrument .5...