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You wake up on a beautiful morning in Baltimore. You walk down the stairs of your lavish Mount Vernon home. As you do, you look briefly outside and glance at the towering monument to General George Washington.
Once downstairs, your see your only slave, your beloved servant Jeremiah, scurrying out the door. He is heading to his morning work at the docks. Your father, a prominent Baltimore lawyer allowed Jeremiah this job as long as he gave a percentage of his wages back to Papa.
Compared to other slaves, Jeremiah enjoys great living conditions. We have even allowed him to learn to read!
Your mother calls out, "who is it that just woke up? is that my favorite [[son|Male]] or [[daughter|Female]]?"
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After breakfast you head out into the city to take a pleasant stroll. Baltimore has been in great excitement since the firing on Fort Sumter. Many in the city, yourself included, feel those in South Carolina had every right to retake the fort in their harbor.
Some secretly hope that Maryland will follow South Carolina and more importantly Virginia into the new Confederacy. Only yesterday, a crowd of angry Baltimore citizens harassed a group of Pennsylvanian militiamen on their way to Washington City. The Pennsylvanians had answered President Lincoln's outrageous enlistment call for 75, 000 troops and are now on their way to subdue the South. How could a President of the United States command an army to attack his own people?
However, a few disloyal Marylanders who have economic ties with the North agree with Lincoln. You think to yourself, "the greedy scoundrels!"
As you continue on your walk, you see something strange in the distance. An anchor has been placed in front of the tracks which connect the President Street and Camden Street railroad stations. The obstruction would impede the horse drawn cars that transport commerce between the two stations.
Bizarre!
[[You move closer to investigate.|Investigate2]]
After breakfast you quickly dress and run out the door towards your job as a law clerk at your father's legal office. Since the firing on Fort Sumter, Baltimore has been seething with great excitement. Many in the city, yourself included, feel that the citizens of South Carolina had every right to retake the fort in their harbor.
Some secretly hope that Maryland will follow South Carolina and more importantly Virginia into the new Confederacy. Only yesterday, a crowd of angry Baltimore citizens harassed a group of Pennsylvanian militiamen on their way to Washington City. The Pennsylvanians had answered President Lincoln's outrageous enlistment call for 75, 000 troops and are now on their way to subdue the South.
How could a President of the United States command an army to attack his own people?
A few disloyal Marylanders who have economic ties with the North agree with Lincoln. You think to yourself, "those greedy scoundrels!"
As you continue on your walk, you see something strange in the distance. An anchor has been placed in front of the tracks which connect the President Street and Camden Street railroad stations. The obstruction would impede the horse drawn cars that transport commerce between the two stations.
Bizarre!
[[You move closer to investigate.|Investigate]]
It is April 19, 1861. Your home state of Maryland and the entire country are divided over the issue of slavery. Following the election of President Lincoln in 1861, numerous Southern slaveholding states have left the Union and formed the Confederate States of America. Less than a week ago on April 12, 1861, Confederate forces under the command of General Beauregard fired on the U.S. Fort Sumter located in Charleston's harbor. Following this attack, President Lincoln called on the loyal states to supply troops to put down the rebellion in the new Confederacy. However, many Southern states refused to fight their sister states and instead followed them out of the Union. On April 17, 1861 brave Virginia disregarded Lincoln's call for troops and instead sent her sons to the support of the Confederate Army. Will Maryland join her sister states? Will Virginia "call in vain?"
[[Put on your Maryland secessionist pin below and join the Southern band! |Family]]
<img class="algo-img" src="http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=JN.4s3bc5glfIudFc6Atuz5FA&pid=15.1&H=150&W=160" width="250.0" height="160" data-param="7">
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You quickly regain your composure and again look at the deep blue column of Union soldiers.
You immediately notice their blood smeared faces.
One of the crowd charges into the ranks of the troops and points a militiamen's gun at a soldier.
In response to his beleaguered comrade, another soldier turns his musket swiftly and takes aim at the rioter.
After the muzzle flash, the rioter's body falls quickly to the cobblestone.
Your anger swells deep inside of you.
How could U.S. soldiers fire on their own citizens? You suddenly realize that your city is under attack!
You look down and see a brick on the ground.
<img src="http://www.mdhs.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/digitalimage/med_prints_civil_war_riots_massachusetts_1861.jpg" alt="First Blood. The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment fighting their way through Baltimore. " title="" width="600" height="423">
[[Do you pick it up and avenge Maryland blood?|Yes]]
[[Or, think better of it?|No To Riot]]
Your unit, the Baltimore Guards was formed last year following John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry. Many Marylanders and other Southern states feared that another abolitionist like Brown would soon try to start another slave insurrection and that an armed militia was needed.
The Baltimore Guards are made up of true Maryland families. All in the unit come from the better sort and are men, Christian and white.
Once you reach your mustering post you put on your colorful uniform. It is in the French chasseur tradition and has a mix of blues, reds and yellows.
"My, don't we look dandy," you think to yourself.
Your commanding officer, with his bellowing voice, quickly awakens you from your daydreams.
He states, "Men, we have been ordered by General Steuart, General of all the Maryland Militia to burn bridges north of Baltimore. We do this on behalf of our Governor and the citizens of the Old Line State. We will keep the Yankee vandals out of our beloved home."
All of your brave comrades and yourself offer up a loud, "Huzzah!"
<img class="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" src="http://img.over-blog-kiwi.com/0/63/76/08/201312/ob_956442_tcwsc60-maryland-guard-private-1861-700x600.jpg" width="459" height="393">
[[You and the rest of the Baltimore Guards then board a Baltimore and Ohio railroad train and ride north towards your destiny. |Bridge]]
Once outside the city, your train comes to an abrupt stop somewhere in the area of Cockeysville, Maryland. You are not sure exactly where you are so you glance around and see in the distance a massive railroad bridge.
Quickly, your sergeant orders you and your squad off the train.
As you hastily put on your accoutrements, you hear your sergeant begin to issue orders.
"Hurry up and form ranks," he bellowed.
You quickly find your place in line and listen for commands.
The sergeant then states, "we have been ordered to burn that bridge yonder and cut any telegraph lines we see."
Being well drilled you keep your eyes to the front.
Once the order, "forward march" was given, you lurch onward.
As you come closer to the bridge, you marvel at the site.
For a brief moment, you ask yourself, "have I done the right thing?"
In any event, you have come too far and now there is no turning back.
[[Once the order, "burn it" was given, you throw a torch at the bridge and watch as it goes up in flames.|Arrest 3]]A few weeks later, a Union officer enters your cell.
He looks at you and says, "sir, let me make this clear, if you take an oath of loyalty to the Union, I will let you go home."
You look up and say, "but I haven't done anything!"
The officer responds, "I will not make this offer again, if you have been falsely accused just take an oath to the Union. What harm would it do?"
You think about it and say,
[["Alright, I will take the oath."|Loyal]]
[["I have done no wrong. If I take that oath I will admit to something I did not do. I have my honor."|Lawyer]] The officer then places in front of you the loyalty oath.
You say the following words, " I solemnly give my parole of honor that I will not openly or covertly commit an act of hostility against the Government of the United States pending existing troubles or hostilities between the said Government and the Southern seceded States or any one of them."
After you repeat the oath, the officer takes you aside and states, "just to inform you, there has been some tension between the President and Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Roger Taney."
You ask, "what do you mean?"
The officer looks at you and responds, "Well, you see President Lincoln thought it was prudent to suspend habeas corpus in Maryland to stop the rebels from surrounding Washington City. Taney, being a disloyal Marylander told the President that only Congress could suspend habeas corpus. In case you didn't know, habeas corpus is pretty old and protects citizens from unjust arrests and imprisonments."
You nod and say,"oh, ok thanks for the information, I better get home."
As you walk through the door of your house, your parents give you a huge hug.
You see a tear in your mother's eye.
[[You feel lucky to be out of jail. You think to yourself, "can you imagine if I had not taken that oath? I may have been locked up for ages."|No Vote]]
As the weeks pass by you keep your head down and remain out of trouble.
In October of 1861, Union soldiers arrest various members of the Maryland General Assembly. You are outraged by these arrests and feel that Lincoln is subverting the Republic.
Thankfully, there is an election coming up soon and you are ready to cast you vote for anyone but the pro-Union man, Augustus Bradford.
On the day of the election you head to the polls and see federal troops guarding the voting center.
You walk up to make your vote but are stopped by a soldier in blue.
He looks at you and with his hand up and says, "stop, you cannot vote."
In a state of disbelief you respond, "I don't understand, I have always been able to vote."
The soldier, tightens the grip on his musket and replies, "You have been deemed disloyal and as such are not allowed to vote. If you would like, we could talk about this at Fort McHenry,"
[[You respond, "No, that won't be necessary," and you return home. |Union]]As you wait in your cell, you notice that many inmates seem to disappear rather quickly. You hear plenty of rumors. Some say that they are taken to other forts. Others say that the prisoners were released after taking a loyalty oath.
As you ponder when you'd like to eat your moldy bread, a Union officer walks toward your cell.
He says, "I'd like to talk to you."
You respond, "alright, well I could use some better food" as you show him your bread.
The guard replies, "no, no, nothing like that, my name is Colonel Morris and I want to offer you a way out of here."
His comment peaks your interest and you say, "I am listening."
"Basically," he says " I just want you to admit your wrong and that Maryland, nor any state, has any right to secede from the Union."
You ask, "and you'll let me go?"
Morris answers, "yes, that's it, and well you will have to take a loyalty oath to the Union and to President Lincoln. Then you would be free to go."
You think about it and say,
[["I would never betray the Southern cause!"|no2]]
[["Sure, the Union forever!"|Loyal5]]Some days later, you again count the cracks on the fort's battered walls.
Suddenly, your lawyer, Mr. Wilson again appears in your midst.
He twirls his mustache and says, "I have some news lad."
You look at him and ask indignantly, "what, have I finally been charged with something?"
"No, but I think if we write to the U.S. Secretary of State Seward he may order your release."
You retort, "why him?"
"Apparently, the State Department is handling treason arrests and if you and I write a reasonable letter he may release you."
You respond that, "it is worth a try at least."
[[Both you and Mr. Wilson craft a letter to Seward and your lawyer personally sends it to him.|Letter]]Augustus Bradford did win the election. You and your family find the U.S. troops actions tragic but find there is little you can do.
His victory, you come to believe in the coming years, was also a victory for President Lincoln and the Union. Never again would Maryland come so close to secession as it did in early April, 1861. Instead, many Marylanders were arrested and scores were never charged with anything.
Also, as expected, Lincoln interfered with the institution of slavery in Maryland. He did not do it overtly. Lincoln had for years promised to not touch the institution in the state. However, after the Washington D.C. Emancipation Bill, slaves from Maryland ran towards the nation's capital and gained their freedom. Lincoln's troops also stole slaves from their rightful masters and formed them into Union colored regiments. These former slaves now terrorize their former owners. Even your faithful slave Jeremiah abandoned you and became a soldier for Lincoln. He was obviously misled by Yankee lies.
[[Now, there is talk that Maryland will end slavery.|Emancipation]]
Over the next few weeks, without being charged you rot away in your prison cell. Other famous Baltimore personas join you in the prison. Such people as Mayor Brown and the Chief of Police Marshal Kane make Fort McHenry their home.
Finally, on a bright and sunny day you notice a man approach your cell.
You recognize him as he works with your father at his law firm.
He motions towards you and asks, "how are you son?"
You answer, "Fine, fine, thank you for coming Mr. Wilson."
Mr. Wilson then asked, "have they formally charged you?"
"No, they haven't, I've been stuck here for ages" you retort.
"Well", your lawyer states, "I will petition the Chief Justice of the U.S.
Supreme Court, Roger Taney for a writ of habeas corpus."
"Right" you say, "This is his circuit and being a Marylander he may be sympathetic to my situation."
"Exactly and furthermore if they can't show just cause for your arrest we may just get you out of here, " said Mr. Wilson.
As Mr. Wilson leaves you feel a bit better. Now it's time to return to counting the cracks on the prison wall.
[[1,2,3,4.....|Habeas]]
Some days later your lawyer, Mr. Wilson returns to your prison cell.
"Well," you ask, "were you able to procure a writ for my release?"
"No, the ah, Chief Justice has been rather busy the past few days," responded Mr. Wilson.
You are confused, and reply, "why, what do you mean?"
"You see, President Lincoln took it upon himself to suspend habeas corpus in Maryland following the riots on April 19th. After he did so, many of Maryland's prominent citizens, like yourself have been arrested. You may not know him, but one was John Merryman. Anyway, Merryman's lawyers petitioned Taney for a writ. Taney then demanded the Federal commander here at Fort McHenry, a ah General Cadwalader come before him at the old Masonic Hall in Baltimore. Well Cadwalader didn't show and Taney ruled that Lincoln, as President had no right to suspend habeas corpus. That it was a power left to Congress."
You feel overjoyed. "My, that is great news."
"Unfortunately," said Mr. Wilson, "the President has ignored the Chief Justice and arrests continue to be made."
"Oh," you reply.
"Cheer up lad," said Mr. Wilson.
[[As he leaves, you suddenly feel overcome with sadness.|Debate]]
Though it takes some time, Seward eventually responds to your letter. He informs you that if you take a loyalty oath to the Union you will be released.
You and Mr. Wilson feel that there is no other option in order to gain your freedom. If you do not take this opportunity, you will be sent to another prison outside of Maryland.
[[ "I give in." You say the following words, " I solemnly give my parole of honor that I will not openly or covertly commit an act of hostility against the Government of the United States pending existing troubles or hostilities between the said Government and the Southern seceded States or any one of them."|Release4]]
[["Never! 'The despot's heel is on thy shore!'" |Despot]] After leaving the fort you discover that much has changed in Maryland during your incarceration and as time passes, much more will change.
Many Marylanders, of your Southern inclination traveled South and joined the Confederate Army. Of those who stayed, numerous were arrested including members of the Maryland General Assembly. Scores were never charged with anything.
Maryland has also fallen into Unionist hands and has become a supporter of the Lincoln administration. Though, you feel that the president played a role in this. Union soldiers kept those Marylanders who were thought to be disloyal away from the polls. This tactic led to the Unionist victory of governor Augustus Bradford in 1861.
Without surprise, Lincoln interfered with the institution of slavery in Maryland. However, he did not do it overtly. He had for years promised to not touch the institution in the state. However, after the Washington D.C. Emancipation Bill, slaves from Maryland ran towards the nation's capital and gained their freedom. Lincoln's troops also stole slaves from their rightful masters and enlisted them into colored regiments. These former slaves now terrorize their former owners. Even your faithful slave Jeremiah abandoned you and became a soldier for Lincoln. He was obviously misled by Yankee lies.
[[Now, there is talk that Maryland will end slavery.|Emancipation]]
Following the riots you return home and try to help your city reclaim a sense of normalcy.
This proves difficult because many of your neighbors feel wronged by the murder of Baltimore citizens in the Pratt Street Riots. Daily they cheer for Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy.
You at times feel threatened by those you once called friends because of your refusal to go to your militia post. Often, when you walk down the street or enter a pub, you swear you hear the word "coward" or "yellow" whispered.
However, everything changes for you and your city on the night of May 13, 1861. You awake early in the next morning and walk towards Federal Hill. Something catches your eye and you look briefly up and see the stars and stripes of the American flag boldly waving in the wind. Cannon are now pointed towards Monument Square from atop the hill. You are confused because you haven't seen the national colors since the Pratt Street Riots. Then it becomes clear. You see Union soldiers patrolling the streets. Baltimore has been occupied!
Suddenly in front of you is a Federal soldier harassing a beautiful Maryland belle.
[[Do you step in and defend her honor?|Rebel Action]]
[[You instead fear for your own arrest and stay quiet. |Cont. Union Occ]]
You reach your home very late the following day. As you enter Mount Vernon, you notice Federal troops patrolling up and down the same streets you played on as a child.
Later that night, you wearily head to bed for a much deserved rest.
At about 3 o'clock in the morning, your slumber is interrupted by loud knocks on the door.
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
As you walk down the stairs and open the door, you see a squad of Union soldiers outside your home. They ask for your name and you give it to them.
The leader of the troops states, "sir, one of your neighbors have accused you of treason and swore under oath that you have committed disloyal acts."
[[With this statement, you are grabbed and dragged to Fort McHenry in Baltimore.|To the Fort 2]]As you throw the brick you watch as the projectile hits a Union soldier. Blood spurts out of the soldiers head.
However, as you continue to hurl curses and stones at the Yankee invaders, you notice that the police have begun to form a protective circle around the Union troops.
Then one of the police officers yells," return to your homes or I'll be forced to fire upon you!"
Implementing the old saying that, "'discretion is the better part of value'", you decide to leave the scene of the riot.
[[You quickly decide to run towards Monument Square. This the unofficial heart of the city and Monument Square is home to the majestic War of 1812 memorial.|Head to Monument Square]] As the war between North and South continues you become more disenfranchised with the Yankee occupier.
Daily, drunken soldiers roam the streets and accost men and women.
More importantly, the soldiers begin to infringe on citizen's rights of property.
Unfortunately, you find this out for yourself when your once loyal slave Jeremiah runs away to Union lines.
As you walk towards the Union camp on Federal Hill you find the officer on duty and ask him about the whereabouts of your slave.
You say, "I have heard that my slave Jeremiah can be found here. He is only twenty and stands about six foot. Have you seen him?"
The officer responds, "No, we don't have any slaves here."
You look over the officer's shoulder and notice Jeremiah cooking for some Union soldiers. You immediately point to him and say, "right there, that is him. He is my property and I demand that you return him."
Your comments rouse the soldiers. Some grab their weapons while others clench their fists.
Some of the soldiers begin to throw rocks at you and call you vulgar names.
The officer looks at you and states, "I think sir, that you best go home."
[[You look around and see that you are outnumbered and return to your house.|Rebel Action5]]
Maryland did end slavery when its citizens voted, in 1864 to outlaw the practice in the state's new constitution. However, the destruction of slavery did not end racist and immoral practices against Maryland's African American citizens. Following the adoption of the new constitution, former slaveholders used a 1860 state apprentice system to attach thousands of African American children to their control.
Though, Maryland never seceded from the Union, the Pratt Street Riots led President Lincoln to distrust the state's intentions. He feared if Maryland left the Union, Washington would be open to attack and undoubtedly lost to the Confederacy. Indeed, had Maryland seceded, Confederate would have had access to the state's robust industries centered in Baltimore.
Due to the importance of Maryland, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus in the state and later across the country, which led to the arrest of numerous citizens. Many of these individuals were held without trial indefinitely. Of course, many of those arrested were held because they had supported the Confederacy in some way. However, not all did and many were falsely accused and arrested. The lesson learned may be that liberty and freedom are at times untenable and that we as citizens should guard it for future generations.
Both Maryland men and women were influenced by and took active part in the occupation of Maryland. These same people made decisions based upon their own personal beliefs and experiences. Their choices often came at a high personal cost. We should also not forget that many Marylanders, both white and black, fought for the Union, even when it may not have been popular back home.
[[Bibliography|https://docs.google.com/document/d/19UIeplRch__trZP-xjXOR-Wzi5P6sov2lYIRyiNBVFw/edit?usp=sharing]]
You quickly decide to run towards Monument Square. This the unofficial heart of the city and Monument Square is home to the majestic War of 1812 memorial.
As you reach Monument Square you see the Mayor of Baltimore George Brown pleading with his citizens for peace.
His pleas are met with loud shouts and boos.
Someone from the crowd shouts, "You defend the invader? You have blood on your hands!
Next the Governor of the State, Thomas Hicks meekly walks towards the podium and says, "we must have peace."
In his next breath however, Hicks boldly says, "I call on all brave Maryland men to rush to their militia posts, in order to maintain calm and tranquility for the Old Line state!
[[Do you answer the Call?|Militia]]
[[You instead fear for your life and run home. |Union Occupation]]Riot 2
You quickly regain your composure and again look at the deep blue column of Union soldiers.
You immediately notice their blood smeared faces.
One of the crowd charges into the ranks of the troops and points a militiamen's gun at a soldier.
In response to his beleaguered comrade, another soldier turns his musket swiftly and takes aim at the rioter.
After the muzzle flash, the rioter's body falls quickly to the cobblestone.
Your anger swells deep inside of you. How could U.S. soldiers fire on their own citizens? You suddenly realize that your city is under attack!
You look down and see a brick on the ground.
<img src="http://www.mdhs.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/digitalimage/med_prints_civil_war_riots_massachusetts_1861.jpg" alt="First Blood. The Sixth Massachusetts Regiment fighting their way through Baltimore. " title="" width="600" height="423">
unofficial heart of the city and Monument Square is home to the majestic War of 1812 memorial.
[[Do you pick it up and avenge Maryland blood?|Yes2]]
[[Or think better of it. Realizing the danger you are in you make your Monument Square, the unofficial heart of the city. |No to Riot4]]
As you near the tracks you see various people running in all sorts of directions. Chaos is taking hold of your beloved city. You hear loud shouts and was that possibly gunfire?
You run quickly towards the noises.
Once you have traveled about a block, you see a large, angry crowd gathering.
You head towards the group and ask, "what is going on?"
Someone in the crowd replied, "The Yanks are coming!"
Another, holding a brick, shouted, "they are trying to take over the city! We must stop them!"
You stay with the crowd and in an instant you glimpse blue clad soldiers turning the corner.
[[You are awestruck by the sight and realize your feet won't move.|Riot]] As you reach Monument Square you see the Mayor of Baltimore, George Brown, pleading with his citizens for peace.
His pleas are met with loud shouts and boos.
Someone from the crowd shouts, "you defend the invader? You have blood on your hands!
Next, the Governor of the State, Thomas Hicks meekly walks towards the podium and says, "we must have peace."
In his next breath however, Hicks boldly says, "I call on all brave Maryland men to rush to their militia posts, in order to maintain calm and tranquility for the Old Line state!
[[You then run directly to the mustering place of your militia unit named the Baltimore Guards. |Militia]]Over the next few weeks, the Baltimore Guards patrol Cockeysville. You arrest anyone who does not agree with the Southern cause.
On May 15, 1861 you receive startling news. Just two days ago on May 13, 1861, Federal troops occupied Baltimore.
[[Your unit decides they must head home and protect their families. |Head home]]
You reach your home very late the following day. As you enter Mount Vernon, you notice Federal troops are patrolling up and down the same streets you played on as a child.
Later that night you wearily head to bed for a much deserved rest.
At about 3 o'clock in the morning, your slumber is interrupted by loud knocks on the door.
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
As you walk down the stairs and open the door, you see a squad of Union soldiers outside your home. They ask for your name and you give it to them.
The leader of the cohort states, "sir, one of your neighbors have accused you of treason and swore under oath that you have committed disloyal acts."
[[With this statement, you are grabbed and dragged to Fort McHenry in Baltimore.|To the Fort]]
As you are escorted to Fort McHenry, you look up and gaze at the vast structure.
High walls and many batteries guard the center of Federal power in the city.
Once inside, a clerk takes your name and are told that you have committed treason and will shortly be brought to trial.
They then take you to your damp, overcrowded jail cell.
[[You hope you are released soon.|Lawyer]]You are transported from Fort McHenry to a more permanent prison at Fort Lafayette in New York Harbor.
Your stay in Fort Lafayette is by no means pleasant. You are kept in near darkness and are given only one blanket with which to combat the cold.
Your stay in Fort Lafayette is long and brutal.
Two years later, in December of 1863, President Lincoln issues a general amnesty for those prisoners willing to take a loyalty oath.
The years at Fort Lafayette have broken your resolve and you take a loyalty oath to the Union.
[[You are finally going home. |Release]]After your release you discover that much has changed in Maryland during your incarceration and as time passes, much more will change.
Many Marylanders, of your Southern inclination traveled South and joined the Confederate Army. Of those who stayed, numerous were arrested including members of the Maryland General Assembly. Scores were never charged with anything.
Maryland has also fallen into Unionist hands and has become a supporter of the Lincoln administration. You feel that the President played a role in this. Union soldiers kept Marylanders who were thought to be disloyal away from the polls. This tactic led to the Unionist victory of Governor Augustus Bradford in 1861. His victory, you come to believe in the coming years, was also a victory for President Lincoln and the Union. Never again would Maryland come so close to secession as it did in early April, 1861.
Also, as expected, Lincoln interfered with the institution of slavery in Maryland. He did not do it overtly. Lincoln had for years promised to not touch the institution in the state. However, after the Washington D.C. Emancipation Bill, slaves from Maryland ran towards the nation's capital and gained their freedom. Lincoln's troops also stole slaves from their rightful masters and formed them into Union colored regiments. These former slaves now terrorize their former owners. Even the faithful slave Jeremiah abandoned you and became a soldier for Lincoln. He was mislead by Yankee lies.
[[Now, there is talk that Maryland will end slavery. |Emancipation]]
As you are escorted to Fort McHenry, you look up and gaze at the vast structure. High walls and many batteries guard the center of Federal power in the city.
Once inside, a clerk takes your name and you are told that you have committed treason and will shortly be brought to trial.
They then take you to your damp, overcrowded cell.
[[You hope you are released soon.|Arrest]]Later that night, you wearily head to bed for a much deserved rest.
About 3 o'clock in the morning, your slumber is interrupted by loud knocks on the door.
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
As you walk down the stairs and open the door, you see a squad of Union soldiers outside your home. They ask for your name and you give it.
The leader of the troops states, "sir, one of your neighbors have accused you of treason and swore under oath that you have committed disloyal acts."
[[With this statement, you are grabbed and dragged to Fort McHenry in Baltimore.|To the Fort 2]]Te officer then places in front of you the loyalty oath.
You say the following words, " I solemnly give my parole of honor that I will not openly or covertly commit an act of hostility against the Government of the United States pending existing troubles or hostilities between the said Government and the Southern seceded States or any one of them."
As you walk through the door of your house, your parents give you a huge hug.
You see a tear in your mother's eye.
[[You feel lucky to be out of jail. You think to yourself, "can you imagine if I had not taken that oath? I may have been locked up for ages."|No Vote]]As you near the tracks you see various people running in all sorts of directions. Chaos is taking hold of your beloved city. You hear loud shouts and was that possibly gunfire?
You run quickly towards the noises.
Once you have traveled about a block, you see a large, angry crowd gathering.
You head towards the group and ask, "what is going on?"
Someone in the crowd replied, "The Yanks are coming!"
Another, holding a brick, shouted, "they are trying to take over the city! We must stop them!"
You stay with the crowd and in an instant you glimpse blue clad soldiers turning the corner.
[[You are awestruck by the sight and realize your feet won't move.|Riot 2]] As you throw the brick you watch as the projectile hits a Union soldier. Blood spurts out of the soldiers head.
However, as you continue to hurl curses and stones at the Yankee invader, you notice that the police have begun to form a protective circle around the Union troops.
[[You think to yourself, "they would never hit a lady" and you continue to follow and curse the Yankee invader.|Female Rebel Action]]
Once home you embrace your parents and head directly to bed.
Following the riots you try to help your city reclaim a sense of normalcy.
This proves difficult because many of your neighbors feel wronged by the murder of Baltimore citizens at the Pratt Street Riots. Daily they cheer for Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy.
However, everything changes for you and your city on the night of May 13, 1861. You awake early in the next morning and walk towards Federal Hill. Something catches your eye and you look briefly up and see the American stars and stripes flag boldly waving in the wind. Cannon are now pointed towards Monument Square. You are confused because you haven't seen the national colors since the Pratt Street Riots. Then it becomes clear. You see Union soldiers patrolling the streets. Baltimore has been occupied!
[[You now fear for yourself and your city.|Attack]]
You chase the soldiers until they reach Camden Station.
At which point, they run for the cover of the railroad cars. Some are still struck by the occasional brick and pistol shot.
Once inside the cars however, the soldiers return fire and strike down some of your fellow citizens. You think to yourself, " these are not men but devils."
Suddenly, you notice that you have a hole in your hoop skirt.
Realizing the danger you are in you make your Monument Square.
This the unofficial heart of the city and Monument Square is home to the majestic War of 1812 memorial.
[[No doubt, someone there will know what is going on. |No to Riot4]]
As you reach Monument Square you see the Mayor of Baltimore George Brown pleading with his citizens for peace.
His pleas are met with loud shouts and boos.
Someone from the crowd shouts, "You defend the invader? You have blood on your hands!
Next, the Governor of the State, Thomas Hicks meekly walks towards the podium and says, "we must have peace."
In his next breath however, Hicks boldly says, "I call on all brave Maryland men to rush to their militia posts, in order to maintain calm and tranquility for the Old Line state!
[[You decide to return home. You have had an eventful day.|Union Occupation2]]
As the weeks go by, more and more of your fellow citizens are arrested.
At times the undisciplined Union volunteer soldiers roam the streets and cause havoc.
Yesterday, one who had too many spirits attempted to grab your wrist. You off course smacked him and ran home.
Now you hear that General Dix, the current Military commander of Baltimore, has banned all secessionist or rebel apparel.
In one of your favorite shops you discover some beautiful red and white fabric. These are the Maryland secessionist colors. You think, " I could make such a lovely apron."
[[Do you buy the fabric and go home to make yourself a rebel apron?|Home]]
[[Or instead, you decide not to buy the fabric and head home?|Taney]]
That night you go home and sew a new apron with the fabric you bought today. You look it over and are proud of your work.
The next morning you wear the dress in front of passing Union soldiers.
Some give you angry stares but most laugh at you. One even whistled!
When you get home your mother scolds you.
"Don't you know that is a foolish thing to do?"
You respond ," why mother, I only did so to show those Yankees what for."
<img src="http://www.mdhs.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/digitalimage/74688_female_rebel_baltimore_harpers_med_prints.jpg" alt="A Female Rebel in Baltimore, An Everyday Scene. Cover of Harper's Weekly, Volume V, Number 245. " title="" width="472" height="692">
[["How foolish, they are arresting those who wear such things. Even if you are a girl, you don't know what those barbarians will do!|Taney]]The following day, as you head down for breakfast, you overhear your father loudly complaining.
"I agree with Taney, that darn Lincoln, he is a tyrant I tell you, a tyrant!"
Your mother nods in agreement and slightly rolls her eyes and says, "yes dear."
You come into the dining room and ask, "what is going on father?"
He looks at you and smiles and says, "Good heavens my dear, haven't you been paying attention to the news?
"Not exactly," you reply.
"Well," your father begins, "Mr. Lincoln decided to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, which is a protection against unjust arrests and incarceration. Mr. Taney, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, mind you, just yesterday on May 28, 1861 informed President that Congress had that power, not him."
You ask, "what did the President do?"
[[Your father looked at you and said, "ignored it, just ignored it."|Visit to the Fort]]
Later in the week, you are invited with three other ladies to visit Fort McHenry.
Once inside, your are offered a tour by the Union commander himself, General Dix.
"Oh the honor," you think to yourself.
As you round the ramparts you stop near a huge cannon. Suddenly, Dix stops and points toward the city.
He says, "look ladies, where do you think this cannon is pointed?"
With horror, one of the women responds, "toward my house in Monument Square!"
Dix responded with a grin, "Yes, and that is the point. If any trouble starts in Baltimore your home will be my gunner's first target.
[[You are shocked and scamper home.|Lady's Meeting]]
Later in the day, you head to the Charles Street home of Mrs. Jones, for a ladies meeting.
As you sit down in her extravagantly decorated house, Mrs. Jones and the other women discuss the occupation of Baltimore. Many are angered by the constant presence of Federal troops.
You and your fellow women determine to sew clothing and gather supplies for the loyal Maryland sons in the Confederate services.
There is only one problem with this endeavor- who will transport them South?
Mrs. Jones looks around the room and her eyes rest upon you.
She says, "someone as young and pretty as you would have no problem transporting these items and other information through the Federal lines to our brave fellows across the Potomac?"
You are taken aback, but respond,
[[I most certainly will, anything for the Southern Cause.|Agree]]
[[I wish I could, but my mother would kill me.|Union Occ. 7]]
Mrs. Jones then places in your hand a letter, with the name of the Confederate President on it, Jefferson Davis.
She says, "now, I need to you to hand this to a man named Mr. Harvey. He will meet you on the corner of Charles and Franklin streets. Do you have any questions, honey?"
You ask, "when will we meet?"
She responds, "tomorrow dear."
[[With this decided, you walk out the door.|Spy Capture]]
Once home, you decide to stay out of trouble.
As the time passes many of those of with Southern leanings travel South and join the Confederate Army. Of those who stayed, numerous are arrested, including members of the Maryland General Assembly.
Maryland has also fallen into Unionist hands and has become a supporter of the Lincoln administration.
You feel that the President played a role in this. Union soldiers kept Marylanders who were thought to be disloyal away from the polls. This tactic led to the Unionist victory of Governor Augustus Bradford in 1861. His victory, you believe in the upcoming years, was also a victory for President Lincoln and the Union.
[[Never again would Maryland come so close to secession as it did in early April, 1861|Love]]
As the war between North and South continues you become disenfranchised by the Yankee occupation.
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the Washington D.C. Emancipation Bill have caused many slaves to run away from their masters.
The President by 1864 has also allowed many of the slaves to now serve in the Federal Army.
Not so for loyal Jeremiah for whom you have a very important task to perform for you.
Last week, you came across the most dashing young Confederate officer, Maryland's own Captain Winters.
You decide to send him a token of your affection and have bought him the prettiest sword.
You think to yourself, "when he wears it in combat he will look so gallant."
You can only conceive of one problem, "how will I give him this present of mine to him?"
"No matter," you think. This is the brilliance of your plan.
You decide to have Jeremiah take the sword to Captain Winters. No one will ever suspect him.
[[You then write a love letter to Captain Winters and hand the letter and the sword with delivery instructions to Jeremiah. |Arrest 7]]
The next day you put on your most inconspicuous outfit and go out the door. You think to yourself, " I hope none of my friends see me in this horrid outfit. They would have a good laugh at me."
As you reach your destination on Franklin Street, you look around and see that the street is deserted.
Confused, you decide to leave in a few minutes if Mr. Harvey does not appear.
Then, a man in an oversized great coat comes up to you and asks, "are you looking for a Mr. Harvey?"
You respond with a defiant, "Yes, and I have been waiting far too long sir."
He looks at you and says, "Well Ma'am, unfortunately, you are going to have to come with me. I work for the Provost Guard of the U.S. Army and you are a spy."
You are afraid and can barely talk and mumble, " I, I'm sorry."
[[You are then taken to Fort McHenry. |To the Fort8]]
As you are escorted to Fort McHenry, you look up and gaze at the vast structure.
High walls and many batteries guard the nexus of Federal power in the city.
Once inside, a clerk takes your name and you are told that you have committed treason and will shortly be brought to trial.
They then take you to a solitary confinement cell.
[[You hope you are released soon.|Time in Fort]]
Your confinement in solitary begins to drive you mad.
Major Morris, an Union officer at Fort McHenry, placed you in your own cell to protect you from other inmates.
According to the Major, you are the only female prisoner at the Fort.
However, as the days go by, Major Morris allows you walk the ramparts with him or other Union officers.
Within a few short weeks the Major even allowed you to return home.
Apparently, he pulled some favors with the Union government and got you released. Of course, you promised to never again spy for the Confederacy.
[[You only spent two months in prison.|Union Occupation 10]]
Once home, you decide to stay out of trouble.
As the time passes many of those of with Southern leanings travel South and join the Confederate Army. Of those who stayed, numerous are arrested, including members of the Maryland General Assembly.
Maryland has also fallen into Unionist hands and has become a supporter of the Lincoln administration.
You feel that the President played a role in this. Union soldiers kept Marylanders who were thought to be disloyal away from the polls. This tactic led to the Unionist victory of Governor Augustus Bradford in 1861. His victory, you believe in the upcoming years, was also a victory for President Lincoln and the Union.
[[Never again would Maryland come so close to secession as it did in early April, 1861.|Runaway Jer..]]As the war between North and South continues you become more disenfranchised with the Yankee occupier.
As the war between North and South continues you become more disenfranchised by the Yankee occupation.
Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and the Washington D.C. Emancipation Bill have caused many slaves to run away from their masters.
The President by 1864 has also allowed many of the slaves to now serve in the Federal Army.
Luckily, Jeremiah has remained home with you and your family.
That was until one sunny morning in 1864.
While you were doing chores you hear a loud knocking on the door.
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
When you open your door you are greeted by three African American Union soldiers led by a white officer.
The officer looked at you and said, "Ma'am, we are here to ask if you have any slaves who may want to join the Union army?"
You respond, "No of course not and could you keep your soldiers away from me?"
Jeremiah, who had overheard the conversation came forward and said, " sorry Ma'am, but I am gonna go with these soldiers and fight for my freedom."
You are flabbergasted and can only wave goodbye.
[[The soldier looked at you and said, "you best get used to this, I hear that Maryland may end slavery soon or will be forced to anyway." |Emancipation]]
Later that day while you were doing chores, you hear a loud knocking on the door.
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
You open it and are greeted by Union soldiers.
[[Apparently, Jeremiah betrayed you and went right to the Union officials and told them of your romantic plot. You are now being escorted to Fort McHenry.|To the Fort 10]]
As you are escorted to Fort McHenry, you look up and gaze at the vast structure.
High walls and many batteries guard the nexus of Federal power in the city.
Once inside, a clerk takes your name and you are told that you have committed treason and will shortly be brought to trial.
They then take you to a solitary confinement cell.
[[You hope you are released soon.|Trial]]
Within a few days you are brought before a military tribunal.
Luckily, your parents have provided you with one of the best lawyers in Baltimore, Mr. Wilson. He has worked with your father at his law firm for a number of years.
You discover once in court that you have been charged with treason.
For their first witness, the prosecutors call Jeremiah to the stand.
Mr. Wilson rises and says, "If I may, Generals, in Maryland African Americans are not allowed to testify against a white person."
One of the Generals replied, "Mr. Wilson, while that may be true in Maryland, this is a Federal case and African Americans most certainly can testify, so please continue Jeremiah."
The former slave's testimony has sunk any hopes that you may have had for an acquittal.
[[You have been found guilty and are sentenced to hard labor for five years.|Release 6]]While you spend a few months in prison, the President hears from your family and friends. He relents and pardons you.
You return home and feel broken from your time in prison.
You try to help your city return to a sense of normalcy following the events over the past few years.
However, you overhear your father one day state that there will be an end to slavery.
[[ It will be a whole new world.|Emancipation]]