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oped that a number of these gallant old soldiers were finding refuge in the alms-
houses of the State, and not a few instances came to light of the burial of dead in
the unhallowed graves of potters' fields. After careful consideration, and appro-
priate methods for engaging public attention, it was suggested to make an attempt
to raise an amount of money sufficient to build a cottage at the Richmond (Vir-
ginia) Home to which these destitute veterans could be sent, and to appeal to the
General Assembly for proper financial or other aid. This proposition was earnestly
canvassed, but after mature deliberation, it was determined to make an effort to
establish a soldiers' home in Maryland, and to ask that the property known as the
Pikesville Arsenal be devoted to that purpose. To this memorial the General
Assembly gave ready ear and took prompt affirmative action, and in February,
1888, the above mentioned property was given by the State to the Association of
the Maryland Line, for the purpose indicated, and an appropriation of $5,000 per
annum was at the same time voted for the repair of the property and maintenance
of the home. This property was singularly adapted to the purpose, by reason of
the character of the buildings and convenience of location. The ravages of time
and abandonment had, however, sadly marred its fair proportions, and large
expenditures were necessary for its rehabiliment. In this connection, it may be
interesting to give the history of the establishment of this post, outlining the
purposes sought to be accomplished by its location, etc. The following report by
Lieutenant Baden, dated United States Arsenal, May 23, 1823, is in the possession
of the Home, having been furnished by the War Department in connection with a
plat of the property, shortly after the transfer of the same by the State of Maryland
to the Association of the Maryland Line :

I will here endeavor to develop in as clear and concise a manner as possible, what I
conceive to have been the object of the Government in the erection of this establishment,
and its capacity to fulfill the purposes for which it was constructed :

First. It was clearly perceived at the commencement of the late war with Great Britain
that our great commercial cities on this seaboard would be proper objects of attack by the
enemy, and in many instances would be greatly exposed. Baltimore appears to have been
particularly chosen as an object of attack, and from the great extent of the waters of the
Chesapeake and the rich and fertile country adjoining, afforded great facility and additional
inducement for the enemy to push their operations in that quarter, and the events of that
crisis show, from the great deficiency in our military establishment, especially in the
Department of Military Supplies, that it was for a length of time before the progress of
the enemy could be checked or arrested; and independent of the causes which have
existed, it is believed that in a similar encounter the enemy would renew his design, and
as military positions are chosen for general and particular purposes in relation to definite
objects, it was found that Baltimore became the natural point for the concentration of the