April 21, 1861 (Sunday): Lincoln Makes A Decision

BALTIMORE, April 20, 1861

To Governor Hicks:

   Letter from President and General Scott.  No troops to pass through Baltimore, if, as a military force, they can march around.  I will answer that every effort will be made to prevent parties leaving the city to molest them, but cannot guarantee against acts of individuals not organized.  Do you approve?

GEO. WM. BROWN

ANNAPOLIS, April 20, 1861.

To the mayor of Baltimore:

   Your dispatch received.  I hoped they would send no more troops through Maryland, but as we have no right to demand that, I am glad no more are to be sent through Baltimore.  I know you will do all in your power to preserve the peace.

THOS. H. HICKS

President Lincoln personally opened talks with the governor and mayor on preserving the peace in Maryland.  Governor Hicks had preserved Maryland for the Union by delaying any action by the state on secession until there were numerous Union troops at hand, making the question moot.