USA > Maryland > The Maryland line in the Confederate Army, 1861-1865 > Part 30
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I will here endeavor to develop in as clear and concise a manner as possible, what I conceive to have been the object of the Government in the erection of this establishment. and its capacity to fulfill the purposes for which it was constructed :
First. It was clearly perceived at the commencement of the late war with Great Britain that our great commercial cities on this seaboard would be proper objects of attack by the enemy, and in many instances would be greatly exposed. Baltimore appears to have been particularly chosen as an object of attack, and from the great extent of the waters of the Chesapeake and the rich and fertile country adjoining, afforded great facility and additional inducement for the enemy to push their operations in that quarter, and the events of that crisis show, from the great deficiency in our military establishment, especially in the Department of Military Supplies, that it was for a length of time before the progress of the enemy could be checked or arrested : and independent of the causes which have existed. it is believed that in a similar encounter the enemy would renew his design, and as military positions are chosen for general and particular purposes in relation to definite objects, it was found that Baltimore became the natural point for the concentration of the
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military forces for ulterior operations, and it was determined by the Government to erect an arsenal and depot somewhere in the rear of that city, to afford the facility of supplies to the forces operating in the immediate vicinity, as well as those permanent military posts constructed for the defense of this section of our maritime frontier. In the selection of the site for this establishment, two things presented themselves - the topography of the country, and the means that an enemy might have in operating upon it, and it is believed that on a proper view of the country adjacent to Baltimore, the site for this depot was as judiciously chosen as the nature of the case would admit of ; secondly, it will be seen from the extent of these works (the drawings of which accompany this report,) that they combine in them- selves the advantage of an arsenal of construction, as well as a depot of military supplies, and can usefully employ one or two companies of citizens, as the nature of the service may require.
This arsenal is situated on the Reisterstown turnpike road, eight miles from the City of Baltimore. This road is smooth and firm at all seasons of the year, and affords the best land transportation ; it extends back north and northwest of the arsenal and passes through the upper counties of Maryland and into the productive counties of Pennsylvania, and is a great land thoroughfare to Baltimore, thereby presenting to the establishment the advan- tage of procuring land transportation in time of war with ease and on advantageous terms. The general aspect of the country around the arsenal is remarkable for its fertility of soil, gently rolling and well wooded, and is watered by Jones' and Gwynn's Falls, whose head waters take their rise in the vicinity of the post and present on both sides a number of springs of pure water. The situation is very healthy, the whole country around is remarkable for its salubrious air, and but few local diseases prevail ; these advantages render it a proper position for an encampment of troops and of military supplies. The means by which stores are transported from this arsenal to the permanent posts intended to be supplied from it, are by hauling them to Baltimore, or to the head of the navigable waters of the Severn River and from thence by water. The navigation of the Patapsco is obstructed by ice a part of the months of December and January, but no longer than from twenty to thirty days ; unless the season is unusually cold, it is kept open for commercial advantages. The navigation of the Severn is not usually obstructed by ice, hence this route can be resorted to in case the first fails, and in the event of both these routes being obstructed by the ice. the posts for the interior defense can be supplied by land transportation at short notice, and the fortifications for exterior defense can be readily supplied by taking the stores to Annapolis, where the navigation is scarcely ever known to be closed by ice, and from thence shipped. The distance of this arsenal from Baltimore is eight miles; to Fort McHenry, eleven miles : to the head of the navigable waters of the Severn River. eighteen to twenty miles, and to Fort Severn and Annapolis, thirty-five miles. The roads are firm and passable at all seasons of the year. The posts on the interior line of defense can be supplied with stores at all times ; the nearest to the arsenal, three and a half hours or four hours : the most remote, from about cighteen to twenty-four hours. The fortifications on the exterior line
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of defense can be supplied at all seasons of the year within from thirty-six to forty-eight hours. Annexed is a sketch showing the relative position of the arsenal to the principal cities, towns and water courses in the vicinity, and also the roads to and from the arsenal.
N. BADEN, First Lieutenant on Ordnance Duty.
Shortly after, or during the late war, the arsenal was abandoned as a military post, and in 1880, the Federal Government relinquished the same to the State of Maryland. The commandant in 1860, just preceding the commencement of the war, was that distinguished soldier, Major (afterwards Lieutenant-General ) Huger. The State, after taking possession of the property, made no practical use of it ; in fact, it was an item of expense for several years, by reason of the salary of a custodian. No repairs had been placed on the property for a period of some twenty years, and the condition at the time of the transfer to the care of the Mary- land Line was little short of that of a ruin. Work was at once commenced to rescue it from this sad plight in April, 1888, and on June 27, in the same year, had so far progressed as to admit of the formal opening and dedication. Appropriate exercises were held, with a large attendance of citizens from Baltimore and the neighboring country. Addresses were made by Hon. George William Brown, who presided ; General A. H. Colquitt, United States Senator from Georgia ; General Charles E. Hooker, member of Congress from Mississippi ; Hon. Ferd. C. Latrobe, Mayor of Baltimore City ; Hon. C. Ridgely Goodwin, State Senator from Baltimore City ; General Bradley T. Johnson, and others. Every year since, reunions and like celebrations have taken place, which have been frequently graced by the attendance of distinguished Confederates, many of whom have, since the war, been prominent in the national councils of the country.
The administration of the Home rests with the board of governors of the Association of the Maryland Line, and is under the immediate supervision of a board of managers, who are largely aided in their duties by the labors of a board of visitors, which is made up of well-known ladies, who give the benefit of their counsel and are untiring in their efforts in caring for the sick and ministering to their wants. The command of the Home is intrusted to a superintendent, Mr. W. H. Pope, a gallant soldier of the Maryland Line, who, with his devoted wife, have faithfully given their entire services to the institution.
It was determined from the first to make the institution in fact, what it was in name - a home for those who sought its sheltering care, and this view was held in the furnishing of the rooms, and the rules enacted for the government of the inmates. These last have been framed so as to insure the least restraint possible with the maintenance of proper discipline and decorum. The separate buildings
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have been named after distinguished Maryland Confederate soldiers or sailors, and the rooms have been furnished as memorials by the friends or relations of some loved one who gave his life for the cause, or who was conspicuous for his gallantry or devotion. These rooms have been furnished in a substantial manner, with many of the comforts and elegancies found in private homes, and at an estimated cost of ten thousand dollars, which expense has been defrayed by the generous friends undertaking this important and interesting feature. As a result, the management have been relieved almost entirely of the great expense incident to the furnishing of the Home, and their means made available for the necessary repairs of the prop- erty and the purchase of proper equipment and supplies required by an institution of this character.
The State has continued to make increased appropriations, which, supple- mented by generous private contributions, both in money and material, have enabled the management to maintain the high standard of comfort originally had in view, and at the same time there has been due regard to proper economy.
The total admissions, from the opening in June, 1888, to October 1, 1898, a period of over ten years. have been 235. Of this number 70 have died. The number borne on the roster in October, 1898, was III.
The medical administration is in the hands of the surgeon, Dr. W. P. E. Wyse, who daily visits the Home and is most attentive to the wants of the inmates.
The library is supplied with many valuable and interesting books and period- icals, the gift of friends, and the newspapers of the States regularly mail their issues without charge.
A cordial invitation is extended to the public to visit the institution.
Here will be found a noble charity, creditable to the honor of our State and the public spirit of our citizens. It is a comfort to the old veterans, who feel that if adversity proves too strong for them in their declining years, a haven of rest is here provided, to which they may retire and find refuge, and, at the same time, lose none of their self-respect, nor suffer in the estimation of those whose experience in life is more fortunate ; and it is a standing illustration to the young that our loved Commonwealth reveres manliness and courage, and is proud of the military record of the past and not unmindful of its heroes in their old age.
THE COURT -- LOOKING NORTH.
THE COURT - LOOKING EAST.
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DESCRIPTION OF MEMORIAL AND OTHER ROOMS IN THE RESPECTIVE BUILDINGS.
1. TRIMBLE BUILDING.
2. BUCHANAN BUILDING.
3. LITTLE BUILDING.
4. TILGHMAN BUILDING.
6. SEMMES BUILDING.
7. ELZEY BUILDING.
8. WINDER BUILDING.
9. MACKALL BUILDING
5. ARCHER BUILDING. IO. JACKSON BUILDING
THE MAJOR-GENERAL ISAAC R. TRIMBLE BUILDING contains the relic hall, also a bathroom, and the following memorial rooms : Captain R. B. Buck, Frank H. Sanderson, First Maryland Artillery, Zollinger and Colonel Harry Gilmor.
General Trimble was born May 15, 1802. Cadet at West Point, 1818 ; graduated, 1822 ; resigned, 1832 ; entered the Confederate service May, 1801, and appointed Colonel of Engi- neers ; and September 3, 1861, ordered to comniand of river batteries at Evansport ; November 13. 1861, relieved from duty at Evansport, and assigned November 16, 1861, to command of Third Brigade, Second Division, Army of Northern Virginia ; November 22, 1861, assigned to command of Fourth Brigade, Second Division. Army of Northern Virginia ; October 26, 1862, recommended by General Lee to be promoted to Major General to command Jackson's Division ; January 19, 1863, promoted to Major-General : May 28. 1863, assigned to command of Shenandoah Valley ; engaged at Cold Harbor. Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, Westover, Winchester (1863), Port Republic, Cross Keys, Slaughter Moun- tain, Cedar Run, Hazel River and capture of Manassas Junction, August 26, 1862, and Gettysburg. At Cross Keys, General Ewell in his report says : "Trimble's Brigade had the brunt of action and is entitled to most thanks." Angust 26, 1802. General Trimble. with a force of five hundred men, was voluntarily detached from Jackson's army, and, in co-opera- tion with a portion of Stuart's cavalry, captured a vast quantity of quartermaster's commissary and ordnance stores at Manassas Junction, which was then far in the rear of the Federal Army. His loss was but fifteen men wounded, and the capture amounted to eight guns and three hundred prisoners, besides the immense stores. General Trimble was twice severely wounded - once at the second battle of Manassas, and at Gettysburg, where he was taken prisoner. At Gettysburg he commanded Major-General Pender's Division.
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MEMORIAL ROOM TO CAPTAIN RICHARD B. BUCK .- This room is furnished in oak with four beds, dressing case, wardrobes, tables, rockers. woven wire springs, and hair mattresses for the beds. A beautiful china toilet set, a rich drugget and rugs, also lace curtains at the windows ; furnished by Mrs. R. B. Buck.
MEMORIAL ROOM TO FRANK H. SANDERSON .- In this room a fine picture of this brave and handsome youth hangs on the wall. and underneath is a tablet, which reads thus :
IN MEMORIAM
On the fourth day of July, 1863, after receiving a fatal wound the day previous, at that ever memorable battle of Gettysburg. Frank H Sanderson yielded up his young life in the cause he loved so well. He enlisted in Captain William H. Murray's Company A, Second Maryland Infantry. August 26, 1862. In September of the same year his command was ordered to Winchester, and under the command of General W. E. Jones, experienced a great deal of very hard service. in all of which Frank H. Sanderson was an active participant.
The room was furnished by his brother, W. Cook Sanderson, of Baltimore City.
FIRST MARYLAND ARTILLERY ROOM .- This was one of the best known and most efficient artillery organizations in the Army of Northern Virginia. The room has been furnished through the liberality of Lieutenant-Colonel R. Snowden Andrews, who was the first captain, and who was succeeded by that gallant soldier, Captain William F. Dement. Captain Andrews was distinguished for his skill and soldierly conduct and bearing. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of Artillery and was severely wounded at Mechanicsville, Cedar Mountain and Jordan Springs.
ZOLLINGER MEMORIAL ROOM .- In memory of Lieutenant William P. Zollinger and his brother, Jacob E. Zollinger. This room is furnished very handsomely and its wants are always kept supplied by Mrs. Charles .\. Oakford, Mrs. William P. Zollinger, and Mrs. W. G. Power.
William P. Zollinger enlisted in the Confederate service, Company H. First Maryland Infantry, June 18, 1861 : discharged, August, 1862 : again enlisted in Company A. Second Maryland Infantry, August 20, 1862, and elected Second Lieutenant ; was wounded on the Weldon Railroad, also at Pegram's farm.
Jacob E. Zollinger enlisted August 20, 1862, in Company A. Second Maryland Infantry; was severely wounded at Gettysburg, July, 1863, from effects of which he eventually died.
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LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HARRY GILMOR ROOM .- This room was furnished by the survivors of Colonel Gilmor's old command, and is one of the handsomest in the Home.
Colonel Gilmor enlisted in the Confederate service August 31, 1861, as a private in Captain Frank Mason's Company G, Ashby's Regiment of Cavalry ; March 27, 1862, was elected Captain ; May 7, 1863, was commissioned Major and subsequently Lieutenant- Colonel in command Second Maryland Cavalry.
THIE RELIC HALL .- In the relic hall is to be found a most interesting collection of relics, consisting of battle flags and regimental colors, pictures of distinguished Maryland Confederate soldiers and sailors, engravings of battle scenes and inci- dents, arms and uniforms, making in all one of the most complete collections of Confederate relics extant, and well worthy of inspection and study by those who are interested in these reminders of the glorious past. Among the most valuable of these articles is the camp chair of General Robert E. Lee, used by him in his cam- paign with the Army of Northern Virginia.
ADMIRAL FRANKLIN BUCHANAN BUILDING .- This building, in memory of that distinguished naval commander, contains four memorial rooms - Jenkins, Gill, Brown and Murray.
Franklin Buchanan was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 11, 1800 ; he entered the United States Naval Academy January 28, 1815 ; became a Lieutenant January 13, 1825 ; Master Commander September 8, 1841 ; First Superintendent of the Annapolis Naval Academy 1845 ; Captain September 14. 1855 ; in charge of Naval Yard at Washington, 1861 ; resigned his commission, and on the fifth of September. 1861, entered the Confederate service and was assigned to duty as Chief of Orders and Details ; ordered to the command of the Virginia (old Merrimac) February 24. 1862 ; Flag Officer of the James River squadron, March, 1862 ; in the battle between the Virginia and Monitor, March 8, 1862, he was seriously wounded ; Admiral, August 21, 1862 ; assigned to the naval force at Mobile June, 1863 ; wounded and taken prisoner August, 1864, at Mobile Bay.
JENKINS ROOM .- This room was furnished by George C. Jenkins. Esq., in memory of his brother, John Carroll Jenkins, who lost his life October 11, 1861, in his country's cause. This room is in oak, very tastefully furnished with everything comfortable. It contains a very quaint old chimney and fireplace.
J. C. Jenkins was a member of Maryland Guards, which company was in the Twenty- first Virginia Infantry.
George C. Jenkins, who furnished this room, also served the cause faithfully in Company C, Maryland Cavalry.
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Gif ROOM .-- Furnished by Mr. John Gill, in memory of his brother, Sommer- ville P. Gill, who was killed at Pegram's Farm, Virginia. He was a member of Company A, Second Maryland Infantry. This room is furnished in cherry, and contains four beds, wire springs, hair mattresses, wardrobe, dressing case, stove, lamp and table. The floor is covered with a large rug, rocking chairs, and all that goes to make a room comfortable. Mr. John Gill was also a Confederate soldier ; he served in Company H. First Maryland Infantry, and afterwards in the Signal Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia.
RIDGELY BROWN ROOM .- Was furnished through the efforts of Mrs. John F. Hunter, by subscriptions of money and donations of articles suitable. This room contains four beds, wire springs, hair mattresses, dressing ease, wardrobes, and everything to add to the comfort of its occupants. The room is in the memory of the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Ridgely Brown, of Montgomery County, Maryland, who lost his life on the South Anna, Virginia, June 1, 1864, on the field of battle. He was Lieutenant-Colonel of the First Maryland Cavalry, and was one of Mary- land's best and bravest soldiers. His picture adorns the wall of this room ; also a copy of the general order published at the time of his death.
Colonel Brown went to Virginia on the first of June, 1861 ; was Lieutenant in Company K, First Virginia Cavalry : afterwards (in 1862) made Captain of Company A, First Mary- land Cavalry, which was the nucleus of that organization, and to which he was promoted Major and subsequently Lieutenant-Colonel commanding.
MURRAY ROOM .- This room is furnished by the Murray Association in memory of their Captain, William H. Murray, of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. He entered the service of the Confederate States June 18, 1861, and was killed at Gettysburg in July, 1863. His picture hangs on the wall ; also a picture of his monument at Loudon Park Cemetery. This room is in oak, and contains four beds with woven wire springs and hair mattresses. The floor is covered with a large rug, and the other furniture consists of wardrobes, washstand, dressing case, tables, toilet set and various other articles which enure to the comfort of the members. Captain Murray was a most lovable character, modest and unassuming in disposi- tion, pure and chaste in his conversation, tender and considerate for those under his charge ; no one occupied a warmer place in the affections of their men than did this gallant soldier. His soldierly qualities were as marked as was his personal character unblemished. He will ever live in the memory of those who knew him, and their sorrow over his early fall is just as keen today as it was thirty years ago. To their children will his character be handed down as an example worthy of emulation, as a Maryland soldier who reflected the honor of his State and whose private life was bright with Christian virtues.
HOME.
THE ENTRANCE.
3
THE SUPERINTENDENT'S HOUSE.
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BRIGADIER-GENERAL HENRY LITTLE BUILDING .- This building contains a bathroom and memorial rooms as follows : Virginia, McKim, Baltimore Light Artillery, Little, Colston, Marshall, Stonebraker, Goodwin and Chantilly.
General Little was born in Baltimore, March 19, 1817. His record is as follows : United States Army .- Second Lieutenant Fifth Infantry, July 1, 1839 : First Lieutenant Seventh Infantry, April 18, 1845 ; brevet Captain for gallant conduct at Monterey, Mexico, September 23, 1846 ; Captain Seventh Infantry August 20, 1847 ; resigned May 7, 1861.
Confederate States Army .- Colonel and Adjutant-General, staff of General Price, May, 1861 ; Brigadier-General April 16. 1862 ; Brigadier-General in command of Confederate forces in the vicinity of Rienza, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, April 22, 1862.
General Henry Little was engaged in the battles of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, Arkansas, March 6-8, 1862 ; killed at battle of Iuka, Mississippi, September 19, 1862, commanding First Division, Army of the West.
In a letter from General Earl Van Dorn to General Beauregard, dated April 27, 1862, he says : "I want Little as Major-General."
General Van Dorn, in his report of the battle of Pea Ridge, or Elkhorn Tavern, says : "To Colonel Henry Little my especial thanks are due for the coolness, skill and devotion with which for two days he and his gallant brigade bore the brunt of the battle."
General S. Price, in his report of the same battle, says : "The brunt of the action fell during the early part of the day upon my right wing, consisting of General Slack's and Colonel Little's brigades ; they pushed forward gallantly against heavy odds and the most stubborn resistance, and were victorious everywhere."
General S. Price, in his report of his retreat from Missouri, says : "Colonel Henry Little, commanding the First Brigade, covered the retreat from beyond Cassville and acted as the rear guard. The Colonel commanding deserves the highest praise for unceasing watchfulness and the good management of his entire command. I heartily commend him to your attention."
General Sterling Price, in his report of the battle of Inka. says : "It will thus be seen that our success was obtained at the sacrifice of many a brave officer and patriot soldier. Chief among them was Brigadier-General Little, commanding the First Division of this army. Than this brave Marylander no one could have fallen more dear to me, or whose memory should be more fondly cherished by his countrymen. Than him, no more skillful officer, or more devout patriot, has drawn his sword in this war of independence. He died in the day of his greatest usefulness, lamented by his friends, by the brigade of his love, by the division which he so ably commanded, and by the Army of the West, of which he had from the beginning been one of the chief ornaments."
Brigadier-General Louis Herbert, in his report of the same battle, says : "Early in the action, when the main charge had been ordered. Brigadier-General Little was instantly killed by a minnie ball, and the command of the division devolved on the undersigned. The
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tall of the General was immediately known throughout the lines, but far from creating consternation, panic or confusion, every officer and every soldier seemed to become animated with new determination. The leader whom they had learnd to love and esteem, and in whom they had full confidence, had fallen - the foe who had deprived them of him was in front, and revenge was within their grasp. The First Division of the Army of the West will ever remember and venerate the name of Henry Little."
VIRGINIA ROOM .- The Virginia room was furnished through the efforts of Mrs. Martin B. Brown, by subscriptions, in honor of old Virginia. This is a beau- tiful room, and contains two beds and is furnished in walnut. The appointments are of the first class. The toilet china is inscribed with the name " Virginia " in gilt.
McKIM ROOM .- Furnished by Mrs. William Reed, in memory of her brother, Robert B. McKim, who was a member of the Rockbridge Artillery. He entered the Confederate service April 20, 1861 ; was engaged in the battles of Manassas, Kernstown and Winchester, where he was killed May 25, 1862, aged eighteen years. The furniture of this room is in oak, with two beds, and is very tastefully furnished.
THE BALTIMORE LIGIIT ARTILLERY ROOM .- This room is most tastefully and comfortably furnished by the surviving members of that battery, the Second Mary- land Artillery, in memory of their deceased comrades. Its surviving members have been as true to each other in the latter days of peace, as were they in the trying scenes which proved their manhood and courage. They have maintained the memories of the past by forming a social organization, and the furnishing of this memorial room is but one of the fruits of their love and appreciation of the cause for which they so nobly fought. endured privation, and for which so many of their number died.
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