April 15, 1861 – Federal Troops Expected to Occupy Maryland

Those of our readers who interpreted the President’s Inaugural as we did, will not be surprised at the tenor of the despatches published to-day, which announce a call by the Government, upon the States, for an army of volunteers. Those who, in common with us, have feared that the North has been animated by an uncompromising and aggressive spirit, which would prevent it from making any concession whatsoever to the South, will not be much astonished to find that a most determined disposition is now manifested by the former to make instant and desperate war upon the latter. Nor can any one be much surprised to learn that the Northern regiments, when they do move, will first march into or through the State of Maryland. It has all along been obvious that, in case of a collision between the hostile parties, the Northern army would be concentrated in and around Washington; and the announcement in a New York paper that Maryland is to be held by the North is only what we had every reason to expect. When many weeks ago we insisted upon the necessity of convening the Legislature, we took occasion to point out, in that connection, the helplessness of our position. We endeavored to show that under pretence of protecting the Federal Capital, but in reality to secure this State to the North, troops would be collected here and in the District of Columbia, and ships of war would be stationed in our waters, and that we would not then be suffered to determine our own destinies. We urged the people to consider these things, and at least place themselves in a situation to make their wishes respected where their all was at stake. Our suggestions were unheeded, and now we are about to he rudely aroused to the knowledge of our real situation, by the tramp of the approaching squadrons. Whether the people of Maryland ought still to preserve the attitude they have heretofore maintained, it is for them to say. It is our duty to call their attention to the events which are transpiring hourly around us, and which may for weal or woe so speedily decide the fate of us and our children. That duty we are frankly endeavoring to discharge to-day.

The Daily Exchange, Baltimore, MD

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