New York Herald
April 28, 1861
Washington is now garrisoned by 18,000 troops. All the regiments despatched from the North have arrived there safely. New York sent the Seventh, Seventy first, Twelfth, Sixth, Sixty ninth and Eighth; Brooklyn, the Thirteenth; Albany, the Twenty fifth—each a thousand strong; while Massachusetts sent her two regiments, the Seventh and Eighth, numbering two thousand. The Twenty eighth, Brooklyn regiment, leaves today by the Kedar, and the Fifth (German) regiment, now in camp at the Battery, together with the Zouaves (firemen’s caps), each a thousand strong, also start for the seat of war today. The concentration of this large force renders the federal capital secure.
The latest reliable reports represent a complete reaction of feeling in Maryland, thus confirming the news of yesterday that the Union sentiment was taking courage and acquiring strength. In Baltimore, as well as in other parts of the State, the Stars and Stripes were hoisted in various buildings. The message of Governor Hicks to the legislature, which has just assembled at Frederick, impresses upon that body the necessity of Maryland remaining neutral as the only hope of safety; but while this sentiment is indicative of a friendly disposition towards the Union, it is manifestly absurd that a mere condition of neutrality on the part of any State can be accepted in the present crisis. The Senate has also issued an address to the people of Maryland, declaring that the Legislature will not pass an act of secession; but if they believe that the people desire it, they will give them an opportunity of declaring for themselves their future destiny. Such, then, is the present position of Maryland.
Delaware has taken a still more decisive position for the Union. Governor Burton has issued a proclamation stating that as Delaware has no regular militia, or no Militia laws, it cannot be compelled to place troops under the authority of the general government, but at the same time he advises the raising of volunteers, who may, if they choose, tender their services to the government.
From Virginia we have intelligence that General Harper, the commander of the State troops at Harper’s Ferry, has declared as the sentiment of Governor Letcher, that Virginia will permit no invasion of Washington for her soil. Amongst our other dispatches, we publish the report that the Secretary of War, General Cameron, has asked for an armistice of sixty days from Governor Letcher; but it is unnecessary to say that this statement is on the face of it absurd.
The news from Kentucky confirms the previous reports of her intentions to remain neutral in the contest. The troops which left Louisville to join the army of the Confederate States, it appears, was not furnished with arms by the State, nor had they the sanction of Governor Magoffin for the proceedings. In Missouri, too, although the Governor refused to furnish men in response to the President’s proclamation, the quota of volunteers has been raised for the service of the United States government.
General Harney, of the United States Army, who was on his way to Washington from the West, to report himself at headquarters, was arrested yesterday by the Virginia troops on the train from Wheeling to Harper’s Ferry, and held as a prisoner of war. It is very probable, however, that Governor Letcher, will release him, inasmuch as ex-Senator Mason, of Virginia, is now in Philadelphia, transacting some private business, in the process of which he has not been molested; but if General Harney is detained in custody, the Philadelphians might be tempted to make a reprisal in the person of Mr. Mason.
The Montgomery Congress meets tomorrow, and as the proposition of Jefferson Davis with regard to establishing a system of privateering is to be then considered, and the members are by this time satisfied as to the general feeling of the entire North in favor of sustaining the government, the proceedings of the session will be highly interesting.
There is no abatement in the warlike ardor which animates all classes in this city and throughout the Northern States. Men and money are still pouring in rapidly for the service of the government at Washington. The Common Council has voted a million and a half of dollars for this purpose, the Board of Supervisors a quarter of a million, and private subscriptions to the amount of $390,000 have already bee contributed in this city alone—making a total of $2,140,000—not a mere loan, but a free gift to the government, without interest or return of principal. Throughout the entire North, up to this time, not less than millions of dollars have thus been contributed — a fact which very plainly indicates the strength of feeling in favor of maintaining the United States government against its enemies.