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Military Operations at Relay House, MD, 1861-1865

Timeline of Occupation at Relay House

Images of Relay House

Breed Letters

4/25/1861 - “…Thursday morning…we took up our line of march for Washington Junction…We arrived at the Junction early on Friday morning…Squads of fifteen men each were then placed between the Junction and Washington city, to protect the track…Early on Saturday the train picked us up and took us to Washington.” - Mancellar F. Roll, 71st New York State Militia, New York Daily Herald, 5/3/1861

5/5/1861 - “…thirty car loads of troops from Washington, (said to be Eighth New York and Sixth Massachusetts regiments,)…reached the Relay House…The troops numbering 1800 men…They took possession of Mr. Luckett's and Talbot's farms…” - Cecil Whig, 5/11/1861

5/5/1861 - “General Butler accompanied the troops, and established a camp on the hills, a quarter of a mile from the Relay House, near the residences of P. O'Hern and J. H. Luckett…The writer visited this interesting spot late in 1864…On the heights back of the Relay House, near which General Butler encamped, was a regular earthwork, called Fort Dix, and a substantial block-house built of timber, which is seen in our little picture.” - Pictorial history of the civil war in the United … v.1. Lossing, Benson John, 1813-1891.

5/6/1861 - “…yesterday morning the sixth Massachusetts regiment...moved up from the Annapolis to the Washington Junction or Relay House, and encamped at the south end of the railroad bridge, on the country seat of Geo. W. Dobbin, Esq. They number between 800 and 1,000 strong, and have taken possession of the property above the Relay House.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/6/1861

5/6/1861 - “…to the Relay House or Washington Junction…where we established a permanent camp - on a high hill on the south bank of the Patapsco River…This hill…commanded a clear view of the R. R. track for a distance of several miles, and we had at once redoubts thrown up and cannon placed in them…Col. Jones and the members of his staff occupied quarters in a handsome house - on a little eminence west of the encampment. The drill and parade grounds were in a large meadow in a valley at the east foot of the hill, and but a few hundred yards from…“Elkridge Landing.” The march made up and down the hill under arms was something of a feat…The regiment in going and coming usually used the road which round about the base and came out on the railroad track in front of the artillery redoubt.” - “Military Waif: A Sidelight on the Baltimore Riot of 19 April 1861”. Maryland Historical Magazine, 1994.

5/7/1861 - “I visited the camp at the Relay House this afternoon. The troops are the Eighth of New-YorkSixth of Massachusetts…one company of the First of Massachusetts, CAPT. SAMSON, and the Boston Flying Artillery…The camps are located south of the Patapsco, on different heights…” - New York Times, May 7, 1861

5/7/1861 - “the troops number 2,200, and are in two camps - one of them tents on the lawn of the farm belonging to the late William A. Talbot, Esq., and the other of mud huts. Artillery has been placed on the heights on Mr. Woodside's farm, to command the Relay and the Washington road bridges, and four brass pieces have been placed on the intersection of the Washington and Ohio roads…The dwelling on the Talbott farm has been taken possession of and is entirely occupied. None of the private residences of the other neighbors has been interfered with.” - Daily Exchange, 5/7/1861. See Martenet's Map.

5/7/1861 - “THE CAMP AT THE RELAY HOUSE…The hotel is occupied by the invalid soldiers, and the officers, sheddings and outbuildings about the place are used for various purposes by the troops, who also have the range of the beautiful picnic grounds above the hotel…The camp proper of the troops is on the south side of the Patapsco, but General Butler has quarters for himself and staff at the Relay House Hotel.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/7/1861

5/8/1861 - “The Massachusetts Regiment is encamped without its regular camp equipage, and is still occupying the mud huts and seeking shelter under some of the larger trees in the vicinity. The encampment of the New Yorkers begins to look quite orderly…The men generally are quite actively employed in erecting stables for their horses, and what appear to be places for cooking…”- Daily Exchange, 5/8/1861.

5/8/1861 - “Two batteries have been erected of two guns each, built of sand and cross-ties. The first is erected upon the hill on the west side of the viaduct, and under the charge of the Boston Light Artillery…The second battery is mounted on the hill west of Thomas' monument, and will command about one-quarter of a mile of the main stem of the road…”- Daily Exchange, 5/8/1861.

5/8/1861 - “The New York regiment occupy the grounds of the late Wm. A. Talbott, while the family mansion (now vacated) is occupied by the officers of the regiment. The Massachusetts regiment is encamped on the high grounds on the estate of Dr. Hall, a valley separating the two camps. Gen. Butler has his headquarters in the residence of Mr. Donaldson. Tents are pitched in various directions, and good shelter from storm and sun is provided by felling the numerous pine trees and erecting them into camp quarters. The hill, or rather precipice, to the right of the Washington railroad, is being excavated into steps or landings for the planting of cannon…” - Baltimore Sun, 5/8/1861

5/9/1861 - “The Massachusetts Sixth have fortified Latrobe Hill, overlooking the viaduct at the Relay House; also the neighboring hill, commanding the main track looking towards Harper's Ferry.” - New York Times, 5/9/1861

5/10/1861 - “Last night the Eighth Regiment of New York…arrived here [Relay House] about noon…Immediately on arrival we moved to the grounds of DR. HALL, who is now absent in Europe, thence removed to the estate of JOHN LATROBE, Esq…At 5 o'clock, the Sixth Regiment of Massachusetts…encamped on the grounds of DR. HALL.” - New York Times, 5/10/1861

5/11/1861 - “GEN. BUTLER'S CAMP, CLERMONT HILL, Opposite Relay House, Md., Tuesday, May 7, 1861…The men…are encamped on one of the most beautiful spots the eyes could rest upon. The Relay House is situated in a deep valley, through which the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad runs, and from which the hills on either side slope gradually to a height commanding a full view of the surrounding country…The Eighth New-York occupy one of these magnificent hills, and the Sixth [Massachusetts] the other, the valley, which is lined with troops-detachments from the regiments-separating them…Numerous tasteful little barracks, made of limbs and boughs of trees, beautifully thatched and decorated with foliage, and well line with straw within, are dotted all over the hill…The Boston Flying Artillery that accompanied the troops here, have planted two fine batteries, commanding both points of the road…One commands the Bridge of the Washington Turnpike across the Patapsco, and the other could rake…the magnificent stone railroad bridge…You have only to descend to the valley on the West side of Clermont hill, to find yourself out of sight of the troops, who are within a minute's walk on the hill.” - New York Times, May 11, 1861

5/11/1861 - “I passed through the two camps yesterday…The New-York Eighth…field and staff officers were quartered in the residence of the late W. A. TALBOT…The tents were pitched within a few rods of the officer's quarters on a gentle slope…I next proceeded to the camp of the Massachusetts Sixth…which was situated on a neighboring hill, east, and adjoining the Annapolis road…A few rods to the east of the Massachusetts Sixth were the quarters of the Boston Flying Artillery…The three Companies of Massachusetts at the junction, however, were better situated. They were under shelter…a portion at the station-house and a portion at the hotel…” - New York Times, May 11, 1861

5/13/1861 - “The New York Regiment are encamped in 80 tents on the heights in the rear of the Relay. The Massachusetts Regiment occupy 108 tents on the high bluff west of the Relay House and near the Relay. The Boston Light Artillery have here six pieces of cannon, seventy-five horses, and one hundred and five men. The pieces are planted in various directions.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/13/1861

5/13/1861 - “Among the latest arrival of troops here is the 5th New York Regiment. Four companies of the 8th Massachusetts repaired to the Relay House last night.” - Daily Exchange, 5/13/1861

5/13/1861 - “Nearing the Relay House the white tents (116 in number) of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment encampment stick out quite prominently against the sky, perched as they are upon the apex of the commanding bluff at this (western) end of the viaduct. From the eastern face of this bluff two brass barkers (6-pounders) show their teeth from the opening of an earthwork, and are placed so as to rake the bridge and railroad beyond, in the direction of Baltimore, for perhaps a mile….Upon the summit of the hill are two 6-pounders…” - Evening Star, 5/13/1861

5/14/1861 - “RELAY HOUSE, May 11, 6 P. M. The 8th regiment of New York Militia, 1,000 men…are encamped in 80 tents on the heights in the rear of the Relay House. The 6th regiment, Massachusetts, are encamped in 108 tents, on a high bluff, half a mile west of the Relay House, and near the railway. The Boston Light Artillery are doing service here. They have six pieces, 75 horses, and number 105 men. The first section commands the bridge from a prominence; the second is stationed near the railroad, and within a few rods of the Relay House, and commands the railroad and river. The third has not yet been assigned a position.” - Richmond Enquirer, 5/14/1861

5/14/1861 - “WASHINGTON…I hear that one of the flying batteries left by rail this morning, its destination being, it is supposed, the Relay House.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/14/1861

5/14/1861 - “Last evening the United States troops encamped at the Relay House…were embarked on a train of cars and quietly arrive at the Camden Station about 7 o'clock….The place of the above army of occupation at the Relay House is supplied by four companies of the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment, who reached the Relay on Sunday night.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/14/1861

5/14/1861 - “They were relieved at the Relay House by four companies of the Massachusetts Eighth Regiment. They brought with them a battery of six guns…” - Daily Exchange, 5/14/1861

5/15/1861 - “The Relay House military post was held on Monday by about 1,000 of New York Infantry, under the command of Col. Lyons. This force has since been reinforced by troops from Washington, including the Eight Massachusetts Regiment, making 2,000 or 3,000 in all there.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/15/1861

5/15/1861 - 6th Massachusetts. “…our tents…had come up..those for our company were pitched on the extreme south end of the ridge we occupy.” - Massachusetts Spy, 5/15/1861

5/15/1861 - “…on Wednesday evening…the Massachusetts and New York troops, who have been encamped on Federal Hill…to convey them to the Relay House. The entire body embraced about 450 of the New York Eighth Regiment and 500 of the Massachusetts Sixth and Eighth Regiments…” - Daily Exchange, 5/17/1861

5/15/1861 - “This morning, the remaining part of the 8th Massachusetts Regiment, Lieut. Col. Hinks, and the Boston Rifle Company, Capt. Dodd, proceeded to the Relay House, in place of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment…” - Daily Exchange, 5/15/1861

5/19/1861 - “On Saturday morning…the eighth regiment of New York evacuated their encampment near the Relay House, and were transferred back to Washington…The regiment numbered 850 men, and carried away with them their tents and other camp equipments. A part of the seventy-first New York regiment relieved the eighth at the Relay camp, with the sixth Massachusetts…and the Boston Light Artillery.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/20/1861

5/19/1861 - 6th Massachusetts, Salem Zouaves. - “We…walk a quarter of a mile for the privilege of a wash…One night (our first here)…we had no tents, but were forced to turn in 'under the canopy.'…when bang! went a musket…and we fell in, and started for the Relay House…about a mile distant.” - The Harvard magazine. v.7 (1861).

5/20/1861 - [Four companies of the 1st Maryland Infantry arrived at Camp Cooper, in the vicinity of Relay House, on May 20, 1861.]

5/21/1861 - “Another squad of United States recruits, numbering eighty…left the Camden station for the Relay House. They composed the eighth company of the Baltimore regiment, which is now being drilled in the camp at the Relay House.” - Daily Exchange, 5/22/1861

5/21/1861 - “THE MARYLAND BATTALION. A brigade of recruits for the regular army, however, 650 men, has been formed in this city…They have been formed into seven companies and yesterday evening were taken to the Relay House. They are now encamped upon the heights recently occupied by the Eighth New York Regiment.” - Philadelphia Enquirer, 5/22/1861

5/21/1861 - “…at the Relay House…the recruits, enlisted in this city and vicinity…will be drilled…and mustered into the First Maryland Regiment.” - Baltimore Sun, 5/21/1861

5/24/1861 - “A train will be dispatched…for the Relay…with about 60 more recruits from Baltimore…” - Balitmore Sun, 5/24/1861

ca. 5/25/1861 - “At this post are stationed the Massachusetts Sixth and Eighth Regiments, excepting Captain Devereux's Company, the Salem Light Infantry, (Zouaves of the 8th) who are at Fort McHenry near Baltimore. The location at the Relay House is very healthy, and the scenery all about it picturesque and beautiful…This point is about eight miles from Baltimore, at the junction of the Washington, Baltimore and Ohio Railroads…The troops are encamped in a chestnut grove, on a hill commanding a view of the Patapsco River.” - Boston Post, 5/29/1861

6/3/1861 - “There are now four camps at the Relay House on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Two (camps Washington and Scott) on the south side of the Patapsco are occupied by the Sixth and Eighth Massachusetts regiments, under Col. Jones. On the north side of the Patapsco, on the hill towards the east, are located the new Camps Cooper and McConnell, named after an in honor of ex-Senator Cooper, commander of the First Regiment Maryland Volunteers, and Capt. J. C. McConnell, of the United States recruiting service in this city. Here are quartered the Baltimore recruits, 1,100 in all.” - Baltimore Sun, 6/3/1861

6/3/1861 - “…field drill of the two Massachusetts regiments and the battery of flying artillery. The drill came off in a large grass field on the high ground on the north side of the Patapsco river.” - Baltimore Sun, 6/3/1861

6/6/1861 - [The 1st Maryland Infantry was ordered to proceed to Mount Clare, June 6, 1861.]

6/8/1861 - “The consolidated morning report of the Sixth Regiment to-day (June 8th) shows our force to be as follows: Commissioned officers, 39; field and staff, 9; total privates, 609; sick, 28…” - Boston Post, 6/12/1861

6/10/1861 - “The camps of the two regiments are nicely located in a woods on the south side of the Patapsco river.” - Baltimore Sun, 6/10/1861

6/14/1861 - “The sixth regiment of Massachusetts volunteers struck the tents of their encampment at the Relay House yesterday morning, and at 11:30 A. M. were brought into Camp Carroll…” - Baltimore Sun, 6/14/1861

6/14/1861 - 8th New York “…at noon we fetched up at the Relay House, nine miles from Baltimore. We were the first troops there. Church was just letting out as we drew up in line, and the officers were dealing out ammunition to the men. It created great excitement in the place. Families packed up and moved out of town immediately. Gen. Butler took lead and marched us up the hill to a splendid mansion, the residence of a leading secessionist, and took possession; and we put up our tents on the lawn. The folks vacated the premises. The next day not a secessionist could be found in the place. We had been there a few hours when the 6th Regiment of Massachusetts arrived from Washington and took possession of another mansion on the hill opposite.” - Geneva Daily Gazette, 6/14/1861

6/15/1861 - “The Massachusetts Sixth and New York Thirteenth Regiments, which were brought to this city on Thursday (election day)…were yesterday sent back to their old quarters. The Massachusetts men were from the Relay House, and the New York Regiment from Annapolis Junction.” - Daily Exchange, 6/15/1861

6/17/1861 - “The Boston Light Artillery, with a full battery, in the afternoon came into this city from the Relay House.” - Daily Exchange, 6/17/1861

6/22/1861 - “…the Sixth and Eighth regiments from Massachusetts…are posted on the hills just beyond the viaduct…The Sixth have their tents pitched upon a hill, the sides of which are shaded by a thick wood…Just beyond the Sixth on another open hillside and almost upon the lawn of a handsome country seat lies the Eighth. - Cape Ann Light and Gloucester Telegraph, 6/22/1861

6/30/1861 - “The Massachusetts Sixth and the right wing of the Eighth…left the Relay House on Wednesday afternoon last, and encamped at this Park [Plug Ugly's Park]…The Boston Light Artillery are quartered close by…The Sixth will return to Massachusetts about the 22nd of July…” - Boston Post, 7/2/1861

7/3/1861 - “THE SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT. Order were yesterday afternoon received…to proceed to the Relay House…” - Daily Exchange, 7/3/1861

7/9/1861 - “The Boston Light Artillery, which has been stationed for several days past in Monument square…was withdrawn yesterday, and it was stated sent to the Relay House.” - Baltimore Sun, 7/9/1861

7/10/1861 - “FROM THE SIXTH [MASSACHUSETTS]] REGIMENT…On Tuesday last, the 6th Regiment returned from duty in Baltimore…After reaching this place on Tuesday, three companies, K, L, and B, were detailed to guard and protect the railroad between this place and Annapolis Junction…Yesterday…Our regimental line was formed, and very soon the Infantry marched up the hill escorting some three hundred citizens of Baltimore…marched to the grove in front of the residence of Dr. Hall, where the American flag was presented…” - Worcester Spy, 7/10/1861

7/22/1861 - “The Massachusetts regiment stationed at the Relay House…are packing up in order to quit their camp. They…will leave…on to-morrow for the North.” - Baltimore Sun, 7/22/1861

7/24/1861 - “The Mass. 6th, at the Relay House, have reenlisted.” - Boston Post, 7/24/1861

7/24/1861 - 4th Wisconsin. “I made the following disposition of the regiment…four companies between Baltimore and Annapolis junction and between the Relay House and Ellicott's Mills…Regimental headquarters were established at the Relay House.” - A Wisconsin Yankee in Confederate Bayou Country, Halbert E. Paine.

7/24/1861-11/4/1861 - 4th Wisconsin. “Our first and second encampments were on high ground south of the railway station. Our third was on ground reputed to have been occupied by Gen. Braddock…Whether this was or was not Braddock's camping ground, it certainly had been somebody's camping ground, for in 1861 the evidence of the former use of the ground for that purpose had not disappeared.” - Halbert E. Paine Papers, 4th Wisconsin, Louisiana State University.

7/26/1861 - “CAMP OF THE SIXTH MASS. REG'T, RELAY HOUSE, July 21, 1861…On Friday I visited the camp hospital…and went through the several apartments. The building is an elegant private residence, located in the centre of a beautiful grove, and belonged to a Mr. Talbot, but had not been occupied for a number of hears, and was entirely destitute of furniture…On the departure of the regiment from Washington for this post, the hospital was located in an old negro shanty, without even beds or straw for the sick to lay upon…the shanty was used for five or six weeks, when the residence of Mr. Talbot was secured…” - Lowell Daily Citizen and News, 7/26/1861

7/30/1861 - “This morning the 6th Massachusetts regiment…so long stationed at the Relay House, Washington Junction, will be brought into the city from the Relay, preparatory to their departure for home, their term of service having more than expired. The battery of Boston Light Artillery, Captain Cooke, formerly stationed at the Relay House, but latterly in this city and Camp Carroll, will be conveyed…en route for Boston.” - Baltimore Sun, 7/30/1861

7/31/1861 - “As announced yesterday, the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, and Cook's battery of Boston artillery, passed through the city yesterday morning, en route for home. On Monday afternoon [7/29], one-half of the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment…was conveyed from Camp Carroll to the Relay House, Washington Junction, to take the place of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment.” - Baltimore Sun, 7/31/1861

7/31/1861 - 4th Wisconsin “Our location is a most beautiful one, in a grove, overlooking the country for miles around. We take the place of the Massachusetts 6th…Col. Paine occupies a beautiful gothic cottage, lately occupied by Lt. Murray, secessionist, as his headquarters. The hospital is also in the building.” - Sheboygan Journal, 8/14/1861

8/1/1861 - “The regiment [6th Mass] left their old quarters at the Relay House on Tuesday morning at 6 o'clock.” - Boston Post, 8/1/1861

early 8/1861 - 4th Wisconsin. “Early in August, 1861, the companies were united at the Relay House. Details were made to guard the railroad and bridges between Baltimore and Annapolis Junction and between the Relay house and Ellicott's Mills; and we remained at the Relay House, in three different camps, until November 4, 1861…Our first and second encampments were on high ground south of the railway station. Our third was on ground reputed to have been occupied by Gen. Braddock [during the French and Indian War]..Whether this was or was not Braddock's camping ground, it certainly had been somebody's camping ground; for in 1861 the evidence of the former use of the ground for that purpose had not disappeared…While we were encamped at the Relay House, details from the regiment…constructed Fort Dix…[Later on] we realized the emotions of Surgeon Smith when, having been extricated from the mud and rain, behind Mr. Latrobe's hog-pen, at the Relay House…” - A Wisconsin Yankee in Confederate Bayou Country, Halbert E. Paine.

8/26/1861 - “The 4th REGIMENT…The regiment is now encamped about half a mile from the Relay House on a hill overlooking the whole country…We occupy the grounds and residence of an old, secessionist, who is now dead. The Massachusetts 6th (who were here before us,) took possession of it, and used the house, which is a very large and well constructed one, for a hospital. The house is in the midst of a splendid grove, in which our tents are pitched. We have the best of water near by…” - Calumet Republican, 8/26/1861

8/27/1861 - “A soldier named Polk, a member of the First Pennsylvania Regiment, at the Relay House, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was shot…” - Baltimore Sun, 8/27/1861

10/2/1861 - “A Fort at the Relay House. Surveys have been made and ground broken for a fortification of considerable magnitude on the south side of the Patapsco river, at the Relay House, Washington Junction, on the eminence just east of the viaduct, which commands the country and the railroad tracks of the Washington Branch, and Baltimore and Ohio railroad for some distance in either direction. It is propose to name the defense “Fort Dix.” - Baltimore Sun, 10/2/1861

10/4/1861 - “St. Denis, Relay House, Md., Oct. 4, 1861. I am here at the Relay, a dirty, miserable inn, to build a small battery here. I intended at first to have a large fort, but it was objectionable for so many reasons, that I went on to see Gen. McClellan about it, and he changed the programme for two reasons, that the enemy dare not cross the river now, so late in the season, and because Baltimore isn’t worth spending much money and labor on.

I am the assistant to Col. Brewerton, U. S. Engnrs. here, in his office, when I am in the city; but here, in this work, I am perfectly independent of everybody. When I get through here, I have got to go up to Ellicott’s Mills and build a work there.” - Paine ancestry. The family of Robert Treat Paine, signer of the Declaration of Independence, including maternal lines by Paine, Sarah Cushing

11/5/1861 - “Two companies of the Tenth Maine Regiment…were on Sunday ordered to the Relay House…yesterday the remaining eight companies proceeded to the same post. The Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, heretofore stationed along the railroad from the Relay to Annapolis Junction, have been ordered to Baltimore.” - Baltimore Sun, 11/5/1861

11/9/1861 - “NOVEMBER 9th the 60th New York came out and camped next to us during a heavy rain.” History of the First - Tenth - Twenty-ninth Maine Regiment: In Service of …By John Mead Gould

11/14/1861 - “The Fourth Wisconsin regiment…have moved from Baltimore to the eastern shore…” - Wisconsin State Journal, 11/14/1861

11/22/1861 - “From Baltimore to the Relay House, the Fifteenth New York…from the Relay House to the Junction, the Tenth Maine…” - Baltimore Sun, 11/22/1861

11/22/1861 - “Maine Tenth Regiment, Nov. 16, 1861…we removed eight miles…to the vicinity of the Relay House…Here again we had a very find place for encamping; a high piece of ground sloping gently to the south, overlooking a wide basin of well cultivated land, the summit and northern slope being covered with a fine growth of oak, walnut and cedar. Our men were delighted with this situation, but it became necessary for us to leave…We are now encamped on the right bank of the Patapsco, a mile and a half from our last encampment.” - Zion's Advocate, Portland, ME, 11/22/1861

12/7/1861 - “I cannot but refer to my few hours' tarry at the “Relay House”, where, during the “three months,” I passed so many pleasant hours. I walked up to the ground of “Camp Essex” - it was deserted and bare…I found vestiges of the old ovens where we baked our “beans,” and the old paths were not entirely wayworn. But the place bore no resemblance to […] of the spring and summer time. The breastworks on the hill, that commanded the viaduct, and those that swept in their range the Harper's Ferry Road, were moss-grown and crumbling, and the old stables of the battery were empty and half in ruins.” - Cape Ann Light and Gloucester Telegraph, 12/7/1861

12/23/1861 - “The New York Sixtieth from the Relay to the Locust Point…” - Baltimore Sun, 12/23/1861

12/31/1861 - “The 1st District of Columbia regiment is posted between Washington and Beltsville, the 1st Michigan between Beltsville and Annapolis Junction, the 10th Maine between Annapolis Junction and the Western Junction at Relay, and the 60th New York from the Relay to the Locust Point…” - Janesville Daily Gazette, 12/31/1861

12/1861-5/1862 - “CAMP LIFE AT THE RELAY…we took the cars, were borne off, and dropped on the side of a hill about a half mile from the Relay House…Next morning the brown of the hill opposite the mansion was appropriated to our use;…“Camp Essex” rose…The view from our camp was charming. At our feet lay a narrow valley through which crept the slumberous Patapsco, covering its face with willows…Just at our feet nestled the little village of Elk Ridge Landing…[Extensive additional descriptions.] - Harper's Magazine, Volume 24

5/2/1862 - 60th New York Infantry.[“Cos. A. and G. are at Annapolis Junction, about half way between Baltimore and Washington. Co's, K, C, E and I, are at Camp Preston King near Baltimore, and the remainder of them are at Camp Miles near Relay House.”] - St. Lawrence Plaindealer, 5/2/1862

6/6/1862 - “The Relay House is one of the strategic points…A battery of two guns was placed on the road above the junction, commanding the bend in the track from the Avalon Iron Works, and two camps established on the hills, but these have been removed some time since.”- Camden Confederate, 6/6/1862

6/11/1862 - “2092 MEN WANTED. HEAD-QUARTERS, 4th & 6th Regts., MARYLAND VOLS, Baltimore, May 29th, 1862…Recruits for the two new Regiments…will at once be received and mustered into service…The extensive Barracks of the 10th Maine Regiment, stationed near the Relay House…will be taken possession of to Drill, Clothe, Subsist, and organize the two Regiments. The Camp will be known as Camp Bradford.” - [Frederick] Examiner, 6/11/1862

6/23/1862 -“The regiment did duty on the fortifications on Maryland Heights until June 23d, when the regiment started for Relay House in Maryland…to draw horses…We arrived there on the 24th…The regiment received part of their horses July 8th and the rest about the 20th…We drilled our horses every day until the 29th of August, when we were ordered to Harper's Ferry.” - Deeds of Daring: Or, History of the Eighth N. Y. Volunteer Cavalry…by Henry Norton, 1889.

ca. 8/30/1862 - 138th Pennsylvania Volunteers. “Company A was stationed at Jessop's Cut, or Hooversville, Company C at Dorsey's Switch, Company E at Hanover Switch, and Company D at Elk Ridge Landing…Company B was sent to guard Ellicott's Mills, and a detachment of Company I to Elysville…four companies remained at Relay House…” - History of the One hundred and thirty-eighth regiment, Pennsylvania … Lewis, Osceola.

9/1/1862 - “The 147th Pennsylvania has just been located in the vicinity of the Relay House, in charge of a portion of the road for some distance.” - Alexandria Gazette, 9/1/1862

ca. 9/3/1862 - “We reached our destination about sundown and camped just beyond the Viaduct, on a grassy hilltop…We named our camp “Camp Wool, near Relay House, Md.”…The next morning we commenced laying out our camp…After a few days we moved camp to the other side of the Viaduct on high ground in an apple orchard in rear of the Relay House Station.” - Three Years with the Adirondack Regiment: 118th New York Volunteers Infantry By John Lovell Cunningham

9/5/1862 - ”…our camp is about a half of a mile from washington junction we have got a very plesant place it is located in a heigh hill about thirty rods from the railroad on one side and about a half of a mile on the other we are also surrounded by four or five other ridgiments we have got our tents built we have to lay six in a tent”- 9/5/1862 letter of James Oscar Tyrel, 118th New York.

9/17/1862 - “At the time of the battle of Antietam, the Relay House was the scene of great activity…the 118th New York Vol. Infantry, 138th Pa. Vols. and Battery B, 5th New York Light Artillery…the 138th Regiment, were soon ordered to other points for service…” - History of the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry

9/26/1862 - “Camp Relay, Md., Sept. 12, 1862…I send you the within roll of company D, 138, P. V….We are now encamped near the Relay-House, seven miles south-west of Baltimore, at the junction, where the railroad from Washington intersects the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Our camp is situated on the grounds of a rich farmer, which is beautifully decorated with ornamental and forest trees, shrubbery, &c., with an apple orchard on one side, and a peach orchard on the other. Fort Wadsworth is located between us and the railroad, with her dogs of war pointing in every direction to waylay the rebels should they attempt to disturb us….This afternoon on battery of Col. Cochran's artillery regiment came into our camp. There are several regiments of infantry encamped within gunshot, and some cavalry.” - Bedford Gazette, 9/26/1862

10/10/1862 - ”…we were sworn into the service of the U. S….We…were shipped nine miles below Baltiomre, to the Relay house. Then we were marched 1/2 mile from the station and encamped. After remaining there about one week, we were marched back near the Relay house and encamped on somewhat of a knoll near Fort Dix, where we now remain…138th Regt. P. V….” - Bedford Gazette, 10/10/1862

2/25/1863 - “Having never seen anything in your useful journal from the Seventh Maryland…I propose to give in detail…the service where seen…on the afternoon of the 12th…we arrived at the Relay House…where we remained until next morning, when we again started up the Western Maryland R. R….In the afternoon we returned to Relay…we remained in camp at Relay House five days, drilling day and night too…on the afternoon of the 19th September we were again on our way…” - [Frederick] Examiner, 2/25/1863

6/16/1863 - “…on the 16th of June, the 138th Regiment abandoned the Relay House…” - History of the One hundred and thirty-eighth regiment, Pennsylvania …Lewis, Osceola.

6/20/1863 - “PURNELL LEGION. This regiment has been ordered to the Relay House, to relieve the 138th Pennsylvania. They reached there on Monday, and will have charge of the Balt. & Ohio Railroad from Ellicotts Mills to Baltimore” - Cecil Whig, 6/20/1863

6/24/1863 - “…the Purnell Legion and the Third Delaware are at the Relay House, and guarding the railroad out to Annapolis Junction, where they connect with Heintzelman, and from the Relay House out to Elysville, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad…” - O.R.– SERIES I–VOLUME XXVII/3 [S# 45]

6/30/1863 - “The 138th Regiment, P. V., which has been lying at the Relay House and Elicot's Mills, has been moved to Maryland Heights. The Heights have since been evacuated.” - Adams (PA) Sentinel, 6/30/1863

8/1863 - OR reports a detachment of the 5th US Artillery, under Lieutenant Spooner, with 29 men, at Relay House. - 134 Series I Volume XXIX-II Serial 49

12/1863 - OR reports 1st Separate Brigade (3rd Delaware, 3rd Potomac Home Brigade, and the Purnell Legion), at Relay House. - The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official … ser.1:v.29:pt.2:Correspondence.

1/1864 - “Company F, 5th NY Heavy Artillery,…
Jan & Feb, 1864
station of company, Fort Dix, Relay House, Md.
Mar & Apr, 1864
station of company: Camp Hill, Harper's Ferry, Va
record of events: left Fort Dix Md for Harper's Ferry Va
on Apr 9 '64 and arrived there Apr 10 '64.” - “regimental history cards, on microfilm”

4/1/1864 - “…the Third Delaware is still at Relay House…” - [Georgetown, DE] Union, 4/1/1864

4/19/1864 - “Captain Townsend' Company, of the First Delaware Cavalry, took their departure, for the Relay House, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, yesterday morning. They are to guard the roads in that section.”- Delaware State journal and statesman, 4/19/1864

5/30/1864 - 144th Ohio State National Guard. “On Friday evening last, 27th inst…we marched from Relay Barracks to the Depot…We left the companies of Captain Hathaway and Captain Kitchen at Fort Dix, Relay House…” - Perrysburg (OH) Journal, 6/8/1864

6/3/1864 - 144th Ohio Infantry. ““We arrived here about one o'clock…when we took up our quarters…Relay Barracks, being only a few rods from Ft. Dix…Our camp is delightfully situated on the west side of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a few rods north of the Relay House, covering a beautiful spot of ground, gently sloping to the west ward, upon which grows large Chestnut, Oak, Cedar, Pine and other trees…” - Wyandot Pioneer, 6/3/1864

Summer, 1864 - “The claimant alleges that in the summer of 1864, the military command of Brigadier General E. B. Tyler, stationed at the Relay House, cut down and removed from his premises, in Howard County, lying adjacent, three hundred and ninety trees, valued at $4,980, used as timber for block-houses at the Relay House and at Elysville.” - index of reports of committees of the house of representatives, 1870.

7/10/1864 - “Ellicott's Mills, July 10, 1864.

Brigadier-General RICKETTS:

GENERAL: You will detach two regiments of your division temporarily to proceed by rail to the Relay House, to place that post in a defensible condition. They will find intrenching tools there…Captain Alexander's battery will be ordered to report to you…Lieutenant-Colonel Clendenin with four companies of his command will be ordered to report to you for duty.” - War of the Rebellion: Serial 108 Page 1177 Chapter LXIII. CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. - UNION.

7/14/1864 - 144th Ohio Infantry. “We started from the Relay House on the 14th of July…” - Wyandot Pioneer, 8/19/1864

7/22/1864 - “Company B, Seventh Regiment Delaware Volunteers, is stationed at the Relay House near Baltimore, Md.” - Delaware State journal and statesman, 7/22/1864

7/26/1864 - 93rd Regiment New York State Militia. “Louis wrote from Relay House encampment where they had arrived at 11:00 P. M. Tuesday, 26 July. “We slept in the open air that night…” - A Soldier's Letter, 1864, Philip M. Reitzel, Maryland Historical Magazine, Fall 1988.

8/10/1864 - “FORT DIX, August 6th, 1864…Co. A, 1st N. J. Militia…Fort Dix is situated near the Relay House on a high bluff at the junction of the Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road, garrisoned by a portion of Co A, and an efficient body of New York Artillery, men who did good service in the fight at Monocacy, is mounted with six James' rifled 12 pounders, and one 24 pound howitzer…The river Patapsco lies about a quarter of a mile from the fort…We are not the only troops stationed at this junction, the 93d New York, hundred days men, and twelve hundred emergency men from Delaware are encamped near us.” - West Jersey Press, 8/10/1864

8/10/1864 - ”…These troops are distributed along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as follows: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Relay House, brigade headquarters. Fort Dix, Company A, First New Jersey Militia 76. Relay House, five companies Ninety-third New York State National Guard, 193; two sections Battery H, Third Pennsylvania Artillery, 80; detachment One hundred and forty-fourth and One hundred and forty-ninth Ohio National Guard, 28. Fort Dix, detachment Eighth and Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, 29. ” - O.R.–SERIES I–VOLUME XLIII/1 [S# 90]

9/13/1864 - 10th Vermont. “I am on picket today at Mr. Donaldson's, a wealthy Union man who has a lovely home and family.”- Personal recollections and civil war diary, 1864; by Abbott, Lemuel Abijah

9/19/1864 - “Relay House: Companies B, C, D, H, and K, and headquarters Ninety-third New York State National Guard, Col. W. R. W. Chambers; two sections Battery H, Third Pennsylvania Artillery, Capt. W. D. Rank. Fort Dix: Companies O, F, I, K, and headquarters First Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteers, Maj. John R. Keene; detachment Eighth and Ninth New York Heavy Artillery, Lieut. W. H. Courtney.” - O.R.–SERIES I–VOLUME XLIII/1 [S# 91]

10/20/1864 - “On Tuesday last, a squad of soldiers attached to Brig. Gen. Tyler's command, (who has the guarding of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad from the Washington Junction to the Monocacy…)” - Baltimore Sun, 10/20/1864

10/20/1864 - “The First Eastern Shore Maryland Volunteers have four companies at Fort Dix..” - O.R.–SERIES I–VOLUME XLIII/1 [S# 91]

10/20/1864 - “The detachment of Eighth and Ninth New York Heavy Artillery are stationed at Fort Dix. They have charge of the ordnance property, magazine, &c., of the fort, and are well armed and equipped.” - O.R.–SERIES I–VOLUME XLIII/1 [S# 91]

10/28/1864 - “The Ninety-third Regiment New York State National Guard is hereby relieved from further duty in the First Separate Brigade, and will be concentrated at the Relay House preparatory to their being put en-route for the place of muster out of said regiment. ” - O.R.–SERIES I–VOLUME XLIII/1 [S# 91]

8/1/1864 - 8/16/1864 60th Maine at Relay House [?]

2/17/1865 - 11th Maryland recruiting more soldiers for service at Relay House. - The Baltimore Sun, 2/17/1865

11/24/1865 - “SALE OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY. The undersigned will sell at public auction on FRIDAY, December 1st, 1865, the BARRACKS and BUILDINGS situated near the Relay House, Md…consisting of buildings described as follows, viz:

One Barrack, 100×18 feet.
One do 40×16 feet.
One Officers' Building, 14×12 feet.
One Kitchen, 54×12 feet.
One Officers' Building, 20×60 feet.
One do do 15×60 feet.
One Commissary Building 20×50 feet.
One Stable 24×40 feet.
One do 24×80 feet.
Two Kitchens, 10×16 feet.
One Stove House, 16×50 feet.
Lumber 20,000 feet.

ENGINEER PROPERTY. Two Block Houses, 36×36 feet.
One Magazine. Timber in gun proofs.
One Bomb-proof. Rivetments and Gates.
One lot of Timber Fencing….” - Baltimore Clipper, 11/24/1865

relay_house.txt · Last modified: 2019/07/09 13:22 by admin