The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-08-06
Correspondence cfthe Daily E1chdngel
Another Search for Arms-For.ed Signature


DEER CREEK, Hartford county, Nd, Aug s.
Messrs. Editors "A real bona tide "war item" is
such godsend to quiet and hitherto secluded
valley, that must hasten to impart the event for
the benefit OF your numerous readers.
For week or two past, rumors have bsen cur
rent indicating the stern determination of the
powers that be, to explore our neglected country
for the vast deposits of contraband arms which it
is we'll known fill all the barnS-chcken and
smoke-houses of the whole region. In particular
1t was asserted that, as a commencement in this
good and profitable work, the said powers, holder
than even Christopher Columbus, had resolved On
the discovery of a small lot of four hundred stand
brought from Baltimore in some ones carriapp
and concealed just four miles from Churchville
Sure enough the first point of the circle desert
bed by this magic radius was struck Friday last
On that morning while still in the early dawn Tho
Federal troops quietly surrounded the DWELLING of
Mr.. Nelson, near Priesthood bridge, and SUMMON
ing the inmates to surrender, demanded the first
installment of the four hundred, viz: five guns.
The owner replied that he had just so many, but
requested to see the warrant on which thew were
demanded. The commander of the army" one1
W atson-declared his authority to enanate from
his own officers and Governor Hicks
owner, being good citizen and DESTROYS of sus-
tanning the constitution, as 'cas demurred to this
violation OF the laws, refused to surrender his
arms except on compulson, and closed the door of
the dwelling. He was violently relieved from his
post and the conquering army entered in force
Owner declared his intention of placing his five
guns in the passage of his house to be taken at the
peril of whoever assumed the responsibility of the
act, and would sign paper to that effect at the
same time warning all hands of his intention to fol.
low them up with such penalties as in future the
laws may allow him to infict. To this the captaip
agreed, and took one doube-barrelled gun and four
rifles belonging to Mr. Nelson and his sons, signing
an acknowledgment of having forcibly entered the
house and assuming all responsibility of the act: his
orderly-sergeant did likewise.
Now it must be understood that all these parties
were strangers to the invaded family who believed
from the signatures, that their property was can
tured by Capt. John S. Lee and Sergeant Hennes
sey, OF company A, LIST Delaware volunteers.
Nor was 1t until next morning, when the part Of
the arms which had reached Havre de Grace were
returned to Mrs. Nelson by the Colonel that il
became apparent that skifu forgery would be 3
useful Accomplishment to officers engaged in this
sort of service. 1t must be said here that the
rlor ohcers OF the regiment are reported to have
| dlscalmed the action of the marauding party and
TO have deeply regretted the trick attempted to be-
played in signing the acknowledgment
Inc balance of the arms, and cloth coat which
was picked up on the porch and carried off in mis
tdhe by the party, were recovered at a house where
IL IS SAID they were entertained on their way back
10 HaVre-de-Grace. Thus ended the first cbapte,
OF the war on Deer Greek. Euphaticslly. nobodv
hurt. Guns very slightly rusted, coat supposed
sound-dltto the glory of Captain Watsou and the
'front.' porch, which occupied as an advanced
work by the fOrorn hope of the invaders received
tremendous securing, administered by especial
order OF the lady of the house, who declared for a
long time, that she could, tcih her eyes shut per
celve strong traces of the enemy. Yours, c.