Good for them.
This is all good information, thanks.
It makes quite a contrast with the way secessionists in Maryland who DID act to overthrow the government, who DID cut telegraph wires, who DID burn bridges and who DID kill federal soldiers were treated. They were all released unharmed.
As I said in another post referring at least to the North Carolina soldiers hanged for treason by Pickett -- the CSA hanged more people for treason in one day than the US has in 226 years.
It's no wonder Robert E. Lee said slavery had a bad effect on both white and black, is it?
I appreciate the even nature of your posts.
Walt
There is an excellent moment-by-moment description of the confrontation between Massachusetts troops and Southern supporters in Baltimore in April 1861 at: Baltimore Confrontation. This may be what you are referring to. This was right after news of Fort Sumpter.
Things really got out of hand, sort of like Palestinians vs. Israeli troops. Twelve Baltimore citizens were killed by the troops; 4 soldiers were killed by the largely unarmed mob. How would the Feds know whom to arrest?
Feeling that an immense loss of life was possible if additional troops came into the city, the mayor and police commissioners with the governor consenting determined to block more confrontations between Northern troops and people of the city by burning the railroad bridges. The citizens had turned out en masse with arms in their hands, and there might have been a pitched battle with troops.