n
person. There is a large body of troops, the people are gradually
gaining confidence in the army and the Government, and the regulations
seem to be effective. General Butler is popular with the officers whom
I met. He has taken command of the highlands that command the town and
the encampment. All sorts of rumors are spread among the troops
concerning an attack upon the Annapolis Station; but the place can be
defended under any conceivable circumstances. I am sorry to say, that
everything is in confusion at Annapolis Junction, and a moderate force
might, in a single night, break off the connection of this city with
the North. Each colonel, as he moves towards Washington, commands for
twelve or twenty-four hours. My own belief, however, is, that Maryland
will never see two thousand men together as a military organization
in opposition to the Government.

I presume that your Excellency has means of obtaining information
concerning the condition of Massachusetts men, morally and physically;
but, as I am here, I shall try to obtain and transmit any information
that seems important. I may say now, that the Eighth Regiment is
quartered in the rotunda of the Capitol; and a military man, not of
Massachusetts, says, that they are already suffering from the cold
and dampness of the place. He advises tents and out-door encampment.

I repeat what is every hour and in my hearing, that Massachusetts
has taken her place at the head of the column in support of the
Government; and our regiments are everywhere esteemed as noble examples
of citizen soldiers. I, for one, feel anxious that everything that is
proper should be done.

I have written this communication in great haste; and I have only time
to subscribe myself your Excellency's obedient servant.

GEORGE S. BOUTWELL.

The next day I called upon General Scott. It was apparent that he was
in no condition to organize or lead armies. He was lying upon a
lounge, and when he arose he walked with his hand upon his hip and gave
an account of his wound at the battle of Lundy's Lane. He was national
in his views of duty, and he spoke with earnestness in reprobation of
the conduct of Virginia. He spoke also of the efforts that had been
made to induce him to go with his State. He seemed like a man without
hope, but there were no indications of a lack of fidelity to the
country. Aside from the circumstance that he was a native of Virginia
and that Virginia was engaged