Existing comment:
Local businessman Thomas McGowan recruited for Patapsco Guards in September 1861 and served as its captain. The unit assumed provost marshal duties in Ellicott's Mills until May 1862, and then were assigned to the 3rd Maryland Infantry and marched to Harpers Ferry, where they skirmished with Confederate forces. On June 3, the Guard refused to cross into Virginia on the ground that the unit was a home guard raised to defend Maryland, not to invade the South. Several members were dishonorably discharged as deserters. In 1863, the Guard fought in a small action at Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, and then reported to Gettysburg after the battle to assist in guarding hospitals there. In August 1865, the Guard was mustered out of service. |