To Otho Scott, Robert M. McLane, and William J. Ross1Jump to section
Wm. J. Ross. Commissioners of the Legislature May 6, 1861.
of the State of Maryland.
Gentlemen On presenting me the resolution of the Legislature of your State, and addressing me verbally, two days ago, you had the kindness to say you did not expect an immediate answer. Appreciating what you said orally, I, however, attempt no answer except to what is written in the resolution.
The resolution is as follows (Here insert it)2Jump to section
To the question ``in regard to the present and any proposed prospective Military use or occupation of the soil and property of the State, by the General Government &c'' the answer must necessarily be contingent.
Annotation
[1] ADf, DLC-RTL. The letter was apparently never completed. See the report of Lincoln's oral reply, May 4, supra.
[2] The resolution in the Lincoln Papers reads in part as follows: `` . . . to communicate immediately, in person, with the President of the United States in regard to the present and any proposed prospective Military use or occupation of the soil and property of the State by the General Government; and they are directed to ascertain and report to the General assembly . . . whether any becoming arrangements with the General Government are practicable in that connexion, for the maintenance of the peace and honor of the State, and the security of its inhabitants.''