Southern Rights Meeting and Organization of a Troop of Horse in Howard County

[Correspondence of the Baltimore Sun.]

Ellicott's Mills, Md., Dec. 3, 1860.

Southern Rights Meeting and Organization of a Troop of Horse in Howard County.

A meeting of the "solid men" of Elkridge was held last Saturday evening, at "Woodley," one of the estates of J.T.B. Dorsey, Esq., for the purpose of organizing a troop of cavalry.  The meeting was called to order by Wm. H. G. Dorsey, Esq., who nominated Colonel Charles G. Hanson as chairman, and Henry C. Worten as secretary, who were unanimously chosen.  Great enthusiasm and entire unanimity prevailed, and a preamble sympathetic with and declaratory of a firm resolve to stand by the South, followed by a resolution setting forth our grievances, and the unjust aggressions of 

the South, was unanimously adopted.  

The following officers were then elected by acclamation: --- Captain, Wm. H.G. Dorsey; first lieutenant, Benjamin Williams; second lieutenant, C. Ridgely White; third lieutenant, James Mackubin; orderly sergeant, Samuel Brown, and ensign E.A. Talbot.  [The latter gentleman is a son of a gallant ensign in the last war.]  This embryo will form, with Capt. Gaither's troop, the first squadron of the 32d regiment, under the command of Col. Chas. Carroll.

After the nominations gallant and characteristic speeches were made by the officers elect, and cheers were given for the South.--- The "Elkridge Guards" is the name of the troop.  A committee on uniform, horse-equipments and arms was then appointed, and the meeting adjourned.              M.

(The Sun [1837-1994]; Dec 4, 1860; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Baltimore Sun pg. 4)