The New York Times
May 21, 1861
Baltimore, Monday, May 20.
A letter to the American, from Williamsport, says that about 1,000 Virginia and South Carolina troops, from Harper’s Ferry, took a position on Sunday, on the Virginia side of the Potomac, opposite to that from, and commanding, the ferry, and they expected to be joined by another thousand to-day, with field pieces. Williamsport is but 7 miles from Hagerstown, Md.
This afternoon a detachment of soldiers from the Philadelphia encampment came to the city, and marched, with muskets and fixed bayonets, from the steamboat landing to the office of the United States District-Attorney, and delivered to him a document, and, after a brief stay, returned.
There are many surmises and rumors in regard to their visit. Most probable it seems to be that their object was to take possession of arms said to be secreted in the city.
A cold and easterly rain has prevailed all day, which renders the condition of the camp at Locust Point very disagreeable.
A number of soldiers of Col. SYLE’s Regiment are reported on the sick list to-day, but it is believed that none are serious.
The eight companies of United States recruits raised here the last few days, left this afternoon for the Relay House, where they are to be encamped. It is understood that they will occupy the fort now held by the Massachusetts troops, who are to go to Fortress Monroe.
The Boston Artillery are ordered to Annapolis immediately; it is supposed to proceed to Fortress Monroe.