Weapons confiscation in Delaware.

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

Have you folks ever heard about this?

"A company of the Second Delaware Regiment arrived in Seaford in October, confiscated weapons in possession of Martin's militia company, and compelled him to swear allegiance. Then a visit was paid to Georgetown, where most of the equipment belonging to C. R. Paynter's company was seized, and the captain was forced to take an oath of allegiance. At Laurel four men who had concealed a government balloon were arrested and imprisoned for about a month. The secession hotbed of Willow Grove in Kent County was searched, equipment belonging to a pro-Southern company appropriated, and Captain Whiteley W. Meredith imprisoned in Salisbury for a few days until he promised to support the federal government. Within six days, 550 muskets, 100 rifles, 100 carbines, 70 sabres, 50 pistols, and two pieces of cannon were removed from the control of southern sympathizers. A Maryland company visited Wilmington and New Castle in November and confiscated additional weapons from three pro-Southern militia companies."

You see that list of weapons? That's quite a haul.

https://archives.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/156/2018/08/Delaware-During-the-Civil-War_-A-Political-History-Harold-Bell-Hancock.pdf

 

[1stTennKy]

what was the date of this?

 

[Lubliner]

Probably October, 1861. I remember Delaware being very pro-southern.
Lubliner.

 

[atlantis]

Probably October, 1861. I remember Delaware being very pro-southern.
Lubliner.

Man you are old.
Sorry I could not resist.

 

[Lubliner]

Man you are old.
Sorry I could not resist.

Oh heck, I saw Washington chop down the cherry tree! But I didn't start the rumor!
Lubliner.

 

[MarylandLine]

This happened on the whole peninsula. Delaware, 9 counties of Maryland (Eastern Shore) and two counties of Virginia make up the DelMarVa Peninsula. Any militia unit that was thought to southern leaning had their weapons taken away. I have a rare book that details the Union Army interfering in the Delaware elections of 1862. Provost Marshals were stationed at polling places along with soldiers and chased away possible secessionists from the polling stations.