From a correspondence of the Baltimore Exchange, dated
Towsontown, June 2, 1861, we find the following:
‘
The first day of June, 1861, will be a day ever memorable in the military annals of this nation.
On yesterday the strongly fortified and almost impregnable city of
Towsontown, containing at least one hundred citizens and a countless multitude of the canine species, was captured by the invincible heroes of
Abraham Lincoln, led on by that able, experienced, and gallant officer,
Major Straw.
Let
Major General Picayune Butler hide his diminished head.
With three hundred valiant soldiers, the indomitable
Picayune captured a pump; but the distinguished Straw, with only two hundred and fifty men, has taken a whole city and nearly frightened two old women out of their wits.
At half-past 12 the enemy made their appearance; one column advancing from towards the
Relay House, about one hundred strong, and another from the direction of
Cockeysville, numbering about one hundred and fifty.
They advanced boldly towards the public square, having first taken the precaution to surround the city with a chain of outposts.
Pickets were stationed along all the avenues leading to the
Court-House, and his Honor,
Judge Price, having adjourned the
Court, was stopped by a sentinel as he attempted to make his way from the sanctuary of Justice.
Some conversation ensued, and the gallant soldier finally permitted his Honor to pass; otherwise the
Judge would have lost his dinner.
One of the clerks, however, was not so fortunate, for as he approached his house a sentinel opposed his entrance, and forced him to fast till supper time.
A member of the bar attempted to deposit a letter in the post-office, but was driven back by a bayonet at his breast.
A long-legged ‘"Union"’ boy, of Plug Ugly proclivities, supposed that he could go where he wished, but was soon convinced of his error.
Attempting to pass a sentinel, he was charged upon and pursued through a narrow alley with the cold steel in an unpleasant proximity to the caudal appendage to his coat.
His long legs saved his invaluable carcase.
Thus was our city captured, and the gallant Straw, having immortalized himself, sheathed his sword and went into the
Townson Hotel to take a drink.
The most remarkable feature of the whole affair was the nonchalance of the ‘"secessionists,"’ who sat on the porches smoking their cigars and puffing the vapor in the enemies' eyes.
They made but few remarks, but one of them observed, ‘"let them go on, if they think there is no hereafter," ’ which led me to infer that he believed in a future state of rewards and punishments.
The immortal Straw and his gallant band of officers having taken their drinks, proceeded to business.
They seized on all the arms in and about Ady's hotel, which were put in possession of a squad of heroes.
Having robbed the people of their property, they proceeded to evacuate the city; which they did in two columns, one moving towards
Cockeysville, and the other towards the
Relay House.
We understand that the indomitable
Major Straw will soon march upon our city again.
He has been authentically informed by the faithful Union men of this vicinity that there are quite a number of ugly weapons in the hovels of certain old women of this place, who have organized a broom- stick brigade, and may make an attack on his camp.
In consequence of this information, it is the intention of the valiant
Major to disarm the old ladies if he can. Should the latter rout his forces, I will inform you of the fact.
’
