The southern aegis. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1857-1862, 1861-07-20

a ialilng or refusing TO hand them over ne
was detained as prisoner and taken to
f, Cockeysville, from whence he proceeded to
Baltimore and returned to Bel Air on
Sunday, having been released upon his
parole.
The residences of Henry D. Farnandis,
Esq, Thomas A. Hays, Esq, and the
County Jail we're then searched for arms,
but withoutiefect The next demoustra-
ton was made upon the Town Hall, which
has been used as an armory by the militia
ry companies. After forcing the door
with an axe-in regular military style
they were again doomed to disappointment
"a half-dozen cap boxes, an unserviceable
gun belt, and bullet-mould being all the
plumber they could lay their handston,
which of Course they appropriated to7the
laudable cause of preserving the Union
They also had an order for the arrest of
It, Col. Herman Stump, Jr., commander
of the Hartford Rifemen, but he being
absent from the village, and no one who
knew being anxious to inform them of his
whereabouts, Notwithstanding the NUM-
fcent offer of ten dollars for the informa-
ton, no particular anxiety was manifested
for his arrest.
The officers commanding the forces be-
haved in very gentlemanly and becoming
manner; and we learn from those who have
seen good many of the soldiers lately mus
tered into Lincoln's service, that we were
favored with what might be termed the
elite of the army. If this be SO, God
grant that we may be spared visit from
any others.
Several little incidents occurred during
the military occupation" of the town,
which served to impress its inhabitants
with the dignity and self-importance with
which these valiant soldier boys enforced
their "military rules" A strict guard
being set upon all the roads, no one was
allowed to leave the town; and many a
disappointed wight returned with chop
fallen countenance after fruitless effort
to drive in his cows. Negroes could be
seen vending their way in every direction,
under the escort of soldiers far less respec-
table looking than themselves, who had
been allowed to proceed to their work !;
and many from the s..a7 disTF1cts fcased
they wopllda6e denied the privilege of re-
turning to the bosoms of their friends and
families until the close of the war.
Many amusing incidents occurred, too
rich for us to let pass. On approaching
one of the houses doomed to be searched,
they were met by the ladies, who inquired
by what authority they intruded themselves
into their presence. The officer informed
them that there were concealed arms in
the house which charge was denied, and
admittance refused. The captain ordered
the soldiers to be seated in the piazza while
he sued for admittance One of the ladies
informed him that there were no arms in
the house belonging to the Government,
when she was called to mind that there
was one gun, which she had forgotten -
The eyes of the soldiers sparkled with de-
light at this piece of good news. The lady
entered one of the rooms and returned
with small wooden gun, the toy ola small
boy, and begged them to accept it, if it
would be of any service in defence of the
Capital or the preservation of the Union.
The officer was greatly confused on the
presentation, and still begged to search.
One of the ladies requested him to clean
his boots, and he could come in. He walk
ed into the parlor, sank into the first seat
visible, and appeared deeply sensible Of
the improperly of his mission.
While the soldiers were seated in the
piazza Uuion man attempted to passTnro
tho house, but was repulsed with "charg-
ed bayonet." He quailed with terror. and
trembled in every limb. After a P. NJ.
examination, he was decided to be more
frightened than hurt. ~
The troops left Bel Air about 10 o'clock
amid the most deafening cheers for jeff.
Davis and groans for Lincoln and his cut
Threats, by the boys of the village, and
much to the delight of our citizens, with
the exception of two or three, who seemed
to enjoy their presence to remarkable
degree.