The $200,000 Ransom Of Frederick Maryland

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/26/2023

Broadside, titled "To The Electors of Frederick, Maryland", 7-1/2" x 12", vg. Five candidates for Alderman published this campaign broadside to replace the current board. In small part, "The avowed hostility of the late nominees for the Board, to the plan of settlement effected by the present City authorities with Banks, ... on account of the $200,000 advanced by said banks to save our town from being sacked during the late rebel invasion ..." The campaign piece continues with a detail plan of repayment.Frederick was the third local town to be offered a ransom by the Rebel army, after Hagerstown and Middletown. On July 9, 1864, Early instructed one of his officers, Maj. Wells J. Hawks, to write a letter to Cole with the $200,000 ransom. Cole, after receiving the letter, immediately called a meeting with the Board of Aldermen and other officials. The mayor initially tried to negotiate with Rebel Army officers, as he and others believed local banks didn't have the ability to raise the ransom. But the Rebel Army doubled down, and Cole and others eventually collected the $200,000 from five local banks. It was delivered in wicker baskets to Early's staff, and the town was saved.

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