The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-06-03
Arrest of Ey-GOy. Pratt.

The following is a correct statement of the facts
of the arrest Of Hon. Thomas G. Pratt in Annap-
oils:
About 10 O'Clock, Friday morning, gentleman,
stranger to Governor Pratt, entered his office
and stated that he had called to order him to be at
his quarters at noon. Governor Pratt remarked
that he had not the plsasure of knowing by whom
the order was given; to which the gentleman re-
piled that he was Col Smith, the commander of the
military station at Annapolis. Upon being asked
by what law, constitutional or other, he claimed
the authority to give the order, Col Smith replied
that it was By the authority vested in him COM
mander of the post. Governor z. then remarked
that he understood him to claim the right by rea-
of the power he possessed. Col. Smith said
that he had called himself in order to save trouble
and that if the hour named did not suit, he would
fix any other. He then asked under what
charge the arrest was to be made, but declined
giving any reply to the inquiry, other than that he
would answer 1t at his own quarters. He also de-
clined to reduce the order to writing, saying "ths
was not the military mode of doing business
Governor Pratt then remarked that he understood
COL Smith had been administering the oath to sup.
port the Constitution of the United States and of
the State of Maryland, to citizens in Annapolis
and that he had already taken that oath frequently.
Col. Smith replied that many persons who had
taken this oath formerly, low against them.
Governor Pratt asked him what he meant by being
"against them" and added, that if he meant that
that oath could cease to be binding while MARYLAND
was one of the United States, it was something be
could not comprehend. Governor Pratt then said
that if such a course to be pursued, he had
better emigrate, when Col. Smith replied that he
could not leave without his permit. Governor
Pratt said that he did not mean that he would 90
before going to Col. Smiths quarters, but that the
course pursued by the government would force the
citizens of the State to expatriate themselves.
Col Smith then left after receiving the promise of
Governor Pratt to go to his quarters Being I'M
able to attend at noon, Governor Pratt sent word
to Col. Smith that he would prefer coming at
O'Clock, to which Col. Smith replied that he would
please defer it till o'clock. At this hour, Gov
ernor Pratt, attended by Hon. j. G. Legrand
and 4. 5. Alexander, Ed, went to the head
quarters of Col. Smith, where Col. Smith and
Governor Pratt had some private conversation.
Col. Smith declined to state the nature of the
charges and said shat he not fully prepared to
investigate them, but that he would either see
Governor Pratt in person next morning by ten
O'Clock write to him, and that if Governor Pratt
did not hear from him by that time, he might con-
slider the charges dismissed. After the interview,
Governor Pratt and Judge LeGrand left. Mr..
Alexander, at the request of Col. Smith, remained
penind and had some private conversation. Mr..
Alexander then lett satisfied that the matter would
rest there, which it did. 1t is evident that there
are number OF people in Annapolis who are en-
deavoring to make themselves popular with the
commanding officer, by giving him a variety of
information, their object being to obtain fat con-
tracts in small way reward for their loyalty.