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By J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006 | |
| | | 1. Capture of Generals Marker | | |
Inscription. A company of Confederates, young men from Cumberland, Maryland, Hampshire and Hardy Counties, West Virginia, captured several picket posts, obtained the countersign “Bulls Gap,” rode into the city, captured two commanding Union Generals, Kelly and Crook, and Adj. General Thayer Melvin, and sent them to Richmond, Virginia, as prisoners of war, without firing a shot.
General Crook was captured in this building, then known as “Revere House.” Generals Kelly and Melvin were taken from the “Barnum House,” (now Windsor Hotel).
General Lew Wallace was stationed here, in command of a large body of Indiana Zouaves; also Brig. General Hayes, later President of the United States.
This most daring episode of the Civil War created a great sensation all over the country, as at the time several thousand Union troops were stationed in Cumberland.
(The Kenneweg Building—formerly old Revere House—was located on this site. Razed in 1964.)
Marker series. This marker is included in the Believe It or Not, and the Markers with Artwork marker series.
Location. 39° 39.133′ N, 78° 45.547′ W. Marker is in Cumberland, Maryland, in Allegany County. Marker is at the intersection of Baltimore Street and Queen City Drive| | | | 
By J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006 | |
| | | 2. Brass Tablet Bas-Relief Detail | | The Generals were "mounted upon horses, the owners of which courteously gave the prisoners the saddle, and rode behind." | | |
, on the left when traveling east on Baltimore Street. Click for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cumberland MD 21502, United States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McNeill’s Raid (here, next to this marker); The First National Bank and Trust Company of Western Maryland (about 700 feet away, in a direct line); Military Hospital (approx. 0.2 miles away); On This Site Stood Metro Clothes (approx. ¼ mile away); Western Maryland Railway Station (approx. 0.3 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Cumberland.
More about this marker. This marker was originally mounted on the Kenneweg Building at this site. After the building was razed, it was staked next to the sidewalk.
Regarding Capture of Generals. The Confederates, led by Lt. Jesse McNeill, went to the two hotels where the Generals were sleeping, entered their rooms, woke them up, announced they were prisoners, and waited for them to dress. They then walked the prisoners out to the street where they were “mounted upon horses, the owners of which courteously gave the prisoners the saddle, and rode behind. In this manner they were taken out of Cumberland ...” Others sleeping in adjacent rooms were not disturbed. (Quote from the 1923 book History of Allegany County Maryland, by James W Thomas and Judge T J C Williams.)| | | | 
By J. J. Prats, August 13, 2006 | |
| | | 3. New and Old Markers, Side By Side | | The location of the old Revere House is now the parking lot of a bank, out of frame on the left. The Barnum House was on this same side of the street, one block away on the left. | | |
Also see . . .
1. Daring Invasion of McNeill's Rangers, and Capture of Generals Crook and Kelly. From the 1923 book History of Allegany County Maryland, by James W Thomas and Judge T J C Williams. (Submitted on August 18, 2006.)
2. A Century of Change - Baltimore Street Near George Street. Photos and commentary of this location, showing the buildings discussed in on this marker. (Submitted on August 18, 2006.)
Additional keywords. Lt. Jesse McNeill
Credits. This page originally submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia. This page has been viewed 8,694 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Springfield, Virginia.
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