1 
 
 .,,»' .0" 
 
 
 A 
 
 
 .^'% 
 
 ' -0^ 
 
 ^^,'^' 
 
 

 ..^' 
 
 ' .^'- 
 
A FULL 
 
 AND 
 
 COMPLETE ACGOLFNT 
 
 OF THE LATE " 
 
 AWrUL lU T s 
 
 IN PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 IvMBELLISHED WITH TEN ENGRAVINGS. 
 
 PfTIT.AnKLPFTIA: 
 JOIJ.V B. PERRY, No. lllS MARKET STREET. 
 HENRY JUFIDAN, Third and Dock Street, .., 
 NEW YORK: — NAFIS & CORNISH. 
 
The above is a faithful port.r.sit of one of the steainer Prince- 
 ton's roujrh and ready for hattle j ick-t-a-s, arnifdand equipped a# 
 a " Boarder," who, among some two Imndred others similarly 
 firrayed for active service, promptly obeyed the orders of tlieir 
 commander, Capt. R. F. Stockton, to render efueicnt aid, in quell- 
 ing the lat.e riots. 
 
FULL AND COMPLETE ACCOUNT 
 
 OF THE LATE 
 
 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 The unprecendented success of the newly organised 
 party in the city of New York, who recently elected 
 their candidate (Mr. Harper,) for Mayor, gave an im- 
 petus to the party in Philadelphia, who, some weeks 
 since started a daily journal under the name of "The 
 Native American,", and have since been industriously 
 placing before the public the political sentiments they 
 advocate ; and on the afternoon of Friday last (May 
 3d, 1844,) they called a meeting at the junction of Se- 
 cond and Master streets, Kensington. The meeting 
 had organised, and one of the speakers was addressing 
 the crowd, when, all at once, a rush from a concourse 
 of Irish people, residing in that immediate vicinity, and 
 who had surrounded the meeting, took place. The 
 native Americans, so fiercely were they assailed by an 
 overpowering force, were driven from the staging they 
 had erected, and fled in all directions, pursued by the 
 missiles and shouts of the Irish. This, of course, in- 
 censed men who had assembled peaceably to express 
 their sentiments, as by the Constitution of the United 
 States all citizens have an undeniable right. 
 
 Another meeting was called by the Native Ameri- 
 cans, to be held at the same place on the afternoon of 
 Monday, May 7th, and at an early hour a large num- 
 ber of persons were on the ground, from all parts of 
 the city and county. " No one will hesitate to say," 
 
 (3) 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 are the remarks of the Public Ledger, *' that the Native 
 American party having called a public meeting, had a 
 peVfect rjoht to carry on their proceedings in peace, un- 
 disturbed by any persons, and that the disturbance they 
 met with from persons opposed to the objects of the 
 meeting, was as gross an outrage as was ever perpe- 
 trated upon the rights of any body of free citizens. 
 The citizens who composed the meeting were assembled 
 in the exercise of a right which is guarantied to them 
 by the Constitution, and it has. come to a pretty pass, 
 if, availing themselves of their constitutional rights, 
 they are to be assailed by others, and their lives sacri- 
 ficed in the streets. 
 
 " They were assembled by public call, their object 
 being a perfectly Jegal one, and the presumption is that 
 those who were opposed to the meeting were attracted 
 there from some mischievous motive. They were not 
 embraced in the call ; they could have had no proper 
 object in being present at, or in the neighborhood of the 
 meeting, and the consequences which resulted, indicate; 
 very plainly the folly, if not to say the wickedness of-, 
 their designs, in going in numbers to the place. • Theu^ 
 presumption that mischief was intended is confirmed by 
 the conduct of a reckless set of ruffians, who, a few 
 evenings before, broke up a meeting assembled for a 
 similar purpose. Such conduct as this is not to be tol- 
 erated with impunity in any country, much less in ours, 
 where the hand of fellowship and good feeling has al- 
 wnys been extended to the emigrant from other shores, 
 and political equality so liberally offered them. It is but 
 a poor return for these favors, if they are to turn round 
 and strike at the liberty and rights of those who have so 
 generously given them the power to do so." 
 
 After the staging had been erected against the fence 
 of the Public School House, on the open lot, and the 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 5 
 
 flag raised over it, three hearty cheers were given, and 
 the meeting organised by the Secretary reading the pro- 
 ceedings of the former meeting. 
 
 Mr. Kramer was then called, and took his stand, 
 when he proceeded to conclude the speech which he had 
 commenced at the meeting on Friday afternoon. Gen- 
 eral Smith was then called, who, at some length, ad- 
 dressed the meeting, during which the greatest order and 
 enthusiasm prevailed. IJpon a call made, Mr. Levin 
 took the stand,' but had not proceeded far before a 
 storm of wind and rain came on. 
 
 Many persons ran from the meeting, to seek shelter 
 elsewhere, but the majority adjourned over to the mar- 
 ket, on Washington street, above Master. During the 
 time they were running in this direction, to avoid the 
 rain, a great deal of hallooing and shouting was kept 
 up, and every one in the street seemed to be excited, but 
 apparently with no angry feelings. 
 
 A few minutes after the meeting was re-organised un- 
 der the market house, a commotion occurred from some 
 cause or other, and some twelve or fifteen persons ran 
 out of the market, on the west side, pursued by about 
 an equal number. A scuffle ensued; two desperate fel- 
 lows clinched each other, one armed with a brick, and 
 the other with a club, and exchanged a dozen blows, any 
 one of which seemed severe enough to kill an ordinary 
 man. Some stones and bricks were now thrown on 
 both sides, and several pistol shots were fired by persons 
 ot» both sides. At the report of the fire-arms, the ma- 
 jority of the meeting dispersed precipitately, while a 
 number took position at the south end of the market, 
 where they displayed the American flag. 
 
 Several stones were thrown against the Hibernia 
 Hose House, situate in Cadwala.der street, west of the 
 market, and some persons were pursued up Mastei 
 1* 
 
6 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 Street. A frame house in the latter street, betweVn Cad- 
 walader street and the Germantown Road, was stormed, 
 and the windows and doors demolished^ Tv^o other 
 frames in Cadwalader street, below Master, shared the 
 same fate. Two or three muskets were dischiwged at 
 this time by the retreating party, and a rally attempted. 
 The persons who had been in the meeting still kept their 
 ground, and volleys of bricks and stones were continu- 
 ally kept up by both sides. A number of persons, evi- 
 dently Irishmen, then rallied at Germantown Road and 
 Master street, and came down at a brisk pace upon the 
 others with stones and two or three guns. The Native 
 Americans retreated, but maintained a fire with stones, 
 and one or two pistols. Several persons were severely 
 wounded at this point of time, and the rioters became 
 furious. The Native Americans again rallied, and re- 
 covered a temporary advantage, but finally retreated, 
 under a sharp fire of every kind of missiles, and two 
 or three discharges of a musket carried by a gray- headed 
 Irishman who wore a seal-skin cap. 
 
 During the firing a young man, named George 
 Shifler, between eighteen and nineteen years of age, 
 living in St. John Street, near Beaver, was shot under 
 the right arm while on the Germantown Road, below 
 Master street. The charge of the piece fired entered 
 his chest. He was carried off the ground to the drug 
 store of Mr. Bowers, at the junction of Germantown 
 Road and St. John street, where he lingered for a few 
 moments and died. Dr. McAvoy, dressed the wound. 
 Another young man named Henry Temper, in the em- 
 ploy of Mr. Lee, barber, on the Frankford road, while 
 engaged on the side of the Native Americans, received 
 a shot in his side, which glanced off the hip bone and 
 only produced a flesh wound. He received several 
 small shots in the legs. He 'was attended by Dr. 
 

 ■^l!. 
 ^\'^<^i 
 
 ' ;,;^'*;Xi^fliL 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 7 
 
 Pethel, who considers his case no way dangerous. 
 Thomas Ford was struck in the forehead with a spent 
 ball, which did hinn but slight injury. Another, named 
 Lawrence Cox, had his hip seriously injured, in what 
 way we did not learn. 
 
 Patriclv Fisher, IjHe constable of the ward, was shot 
 in the face, but not dangerously wounded. It is said 
 that he was the first one who received injury from fire 
 arms, and that it occulted on the western side of the 
 market house, soon after the fighting commenced. 
 
 While the contest raged with its greatest fury, the 
 main body of the belligerent parties were posted east 
 and west of the market house, in Master street, each 
 rallying and retreating in turns, while others were en- 
 gaged in skirmishes in every direction, for some distance 
 round. Houses were attacked, and the inmates driven 
 out with the utmost consternation and alarm. While a 
 party of the Irish were being pursued down Cadwallader 
 street, below Master, a man fell into the doorway of the 
 residence of Edward Develin, and in consequence of the 
 first floor being below the pavement he rolled into the 
 house. Mr. Develin was sittmg at the door, and in an 
 instant retreated inside, when between the two the front 
 door was shut. The house was then assailed by the 
 pursuing party with brickbats and stones, sorYie of the 
 latter weighing seven or eight pounds, the windows and 
 window frames broken out, and the place otherwise 
 spoiled. Mr. D. was struck with the gutter pipe, which 
 was wrenched off by a man, and his wife with two or 
 three children narrowly escaped injury. 
 
 The house of John Lafferty, on the Germantown 
 Road, above Master street, was battered with missiles 
 and the interior injured. The adjoining house, occu- 
 pied by a widow lady, named Brady, who was in at the 
 time, with two or three females, was most shamefully 
 
8 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 mutilated. The panels of the front doors were knocked 
 out, the windows broken, large stones thrown into the 
 parlor, which destroyed the looking-glasses, tables, and 
 other pieces of furniture. Some of the articles of fur- 
 niture were taken by piecenaeal from the room and 
 broken. The cause of attack here was on account of 
 a man, who was pursued, running into the alley way. 
 The house of Michael Quin, in Master Street, above 
 Cadwallader, was attacked and battered and some of his 
 furniture demolished. 
 
 When this attack was made, his wife was sitting in 
 the room, with a child upon her lap ; they escaped 
 injury. The adjoining dwelling of John Lavary was 
 battered both in front and on the rear,, facing the east, 
 the doors and windows being completely demolished. 
 
 Other houses in the neighbourhood were more or less 
 injured. At the commencement of the melee, when 
 fire arms were discharged from both parties between 
 the market house and Cadwallader street, a ball was 
 ftred into the door of the dwelling of John Brown, 
 carter, just at the moment he had gone into the house 
 and closed the door.. The ball was subsequently found 
 in the front room. In this street a large number 
 of stones were thrown at and into the Hibernia Hose 
 company's house. 
 
 The Irish population were in a dreadful state of 
 excitement, and even women and boys joined in the 
 affray, some of the women actually throwing missiles. 
 I\Iany of them when they temporarily retreated, returned 
 armed with fire arms, which they discharged sometimes 
 with particular aim at individuals engaged on the other 
 side, and at other times firing indiscriminately in the 
 several groups, on the larger body of the belligerents. 
 
 Many of the women who were not erigaged with 
 weapons, incited the men to vigorous action, })ointing 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 9 
 
 out where they could operate with more effect, and 
 cheering them on and rallying them to a renewal of the 
 conflict whenever their spirits fell or they were com- 
 pelled to retreat. 
 
 As in most other riots which we have noticed in our 
 city and county, small and half grown boys formed no 
 inconsiderable portion of the combatants on both sides, 
 and contended with the most sanguinary spirit. 
 
 From what we could see and gather from persons on 
 the spot, we believe the following is the origin of the 
 affray. 
 
 After the re-organisation of the meetinor in the market 
 house, and Mr. Levin had taken his position with the 
 view of resuming his speech, some difficulty occured on 
 the Western side of the market house, just inside, 
 between two persons, named Fields and JNi'Laughlin, 
 which originated in some discussion, and led to an 
 interference on the part of two or three others, one of 
 whom, a young fellow, drew a pair of pistols, threaten- 
 ing to shoot the first man who should dare molest him. 
 At this instant, a man who had taken some part in the 
 affair stepped off towards the Hibernia Hose house, and 
 defied him to fire. A shot then took place, which was 
 followed by 'repeated discharges from both sides, from 
 one of which Patrick Fisher received his wounds. 
 
 The contest continued for more than an hour. At ■ 
 dark, large bodies of men and boys were congregated 
 at various points, and every thing indicated a resump- 
 tion of the outrages. The Sheriff was on the ground 
 after the severest part of the conflict, and was effecting 
 arrangements to secure future peace and quietness. 
 Those that were injured were engaged in the fight. 
 
 Twelve o^clock. — We have just returned from the 
 scene of the riot. About ten o'clock in the evening, a 
 mob collected in the vicinity of Franklin and Second 
 
10 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 streets, and commenced breaking into the houses on both 
 sides of the street, destroying the furniture, demolishing 
 the windows, and rendering the houses completely un- 
 inhabitable. The inmates of all the dwellings in the 
 neighborhood fled with precipitation, abandoning their 
 homes to the ruthlessness of the mob. 
 
 This continued for some time, without any resistance 
 being offered. At length an attack was made upon a 
 Seminary at the corner of Second and Phoenix streets, 
 formerly occupied by the Sisters of Charity, and a num- 
 ber of persons were about tearing down and setting fire 
 to the fence, when some persons advanced from above, 
 and fired a volley of ball and buckshot among the crowd. 
 
 This was followed by two or three succeeding volleys, 
 when the crowd dispersed. Several persons fell, 
 severely wounded. A young man, named Nathan Ram- 
 sey, blind maker, in Third street, above Brown, received 
 a shot through the breast bone, perforating his lungs, 
 and he was carried from the ground to an apothecary 
 store in Second street, above the junction of German- 
 town Road. Here he was visited by his wife and mo- 
 ther, who appeared almost distracted. The young man 
 was mortally wounded. 
 
 Another young man, named John VV. VYright, son of 
 Archibald Wright, salt merchant, residing in Fourth 
 street, near Tammany, was shot through the head and 
 killed instantly. He was not participating in the riot, 
 but was in conversation with a friend, about sixty yards 
 below the Seminary, when he fell. He was carried to 
 the same place where Mr. Ramsey lay, and his father 
 had his remains removed when our reporter left. 
 
 it is supposed that a number of others have fallen at 
 the back part of the Seminary, but have been left lying 
 there in consequence of the danger of returning to 
 carry them away. We saw numbers who were more 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 11 
 
 or less injured in the fight, some with bullet holes in 
 their clothes, and there must be a great number of per- 
 sons wounded by the frequent discharge of fire-arms. 
 Bonfires had been lighted in various sections, and were 
 burning all the evening, but by whom they were lighted 
 we are not informed. 
 
 Several individuals who had left their homes during 
 the day were afraid to return, some of them having left 
 wives with small children unprotected. It having bef n 
 rumored that an attempt would be made to fire the 
 Catholic Church on Second street, many of the residents 
 retired from their houses to it, with arms, determined to 
 protect it at the hazard of their lives. Up to twelve 
 o'clock, no attempt upon the church had been made. At 
 that hour, individuals were seen leaving the neighbor- 
 hood. The greatest consternation prevailed ; no man 
 knowing at what moment he would be shot down, nor 
 by whom. Squads of men on all sides were armed, 
 and the passer-by or looker-on was at no place safe 
 from harm. Fire-arms were discharged from houses, 
 and behind fences, and from alley ways. 
 
 About this time there was an alarm of fire, which 
 was caused by the burnino- of a barn on Turner's Lane, 
 below the Ridge Road. Many of the fire companies 
 proceeded to the scene of the riot, under the impression 
 that the cause of the alarm proceeded from a fire in that 
 quarter. 
 
 Half-past One o'clock. — Mr. Ramsey has just been 
 taken from the drug store, still alive, with some hopes 
 of his recovery, the ball having taken a different dirt'c- 
 tion from what was at first supposed. It has been as- 
 certained that ten or twelve persons were wounded, some 
 severely, during the last aflTray, five of whom were; taken 
 to one house in the vicinity. The scene of the riot is 
 now quiet, and no further outrages anticipated. 
 
12 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 Great excitement prevailed tliroughout the city, in 
 consequence of the riot and bloodshed, on the following 
 day, Tuesday 7th. An immense meeting of the Na- 
 tive American party was held in the State House Yard. 
 The meeting was called at half past three, P. M. The 
 meeting was organised by the appointment of the fol- 
 lowing ofBcers. 
 
 President — Thomas R. Newbold. 
 
 Vice Presidents — A. De Kalb Tarr, Rev. John Gi- 
 hon, of the Universalist church, Thomas D. Grover, J. 
 C. Green, and J. D. Fox. 
 
 Secretaries — James L. Gihon, A. R. Peale, and 
 Lewis C. Levin. 
 
 The President opened the meeting with a few appro- 
 priate remarks, in which he deprecated all violence, and 
 exhorted the meeting to maintain a strict decorum on 
 the occasion, and in their deportment as native Ameri- 
 cans. He was followed by W. HolHngshead, Esq., 
 who spoke in an easy and quiet manner, exhorting the 
 meeting to adhere firmly to the principles of the Na- 
 tive American doctrines, and urging forbearance to- 
 wards opponents as the best mode of securing the suc- 
 cess of those doctrines. He was enthusiastically ap- 
 plauded. 
 
 Mr. Levin was loudly called for, but did not appear. 
 Col. C. J. Jack, then came forward, and made a speech, 
 in which he said, that he had been a long time opposed 
 to the influence of foreigners in elections, and had, at 
 least two years ago, urged upon the citizens the neces- 
 sity of organising a regiment of Native American vo- 
 lunteers, to sustain the native citizens and the laws 
 against the aggressions of foreigners. He had been, 
 he said, in some degree, a marked man in consequence 
 of the expression of such principles ; but he did not 
 shrink from personal consequences, and hoped yet to 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 13 
 
 witness the eradication of every party principle or in- 
 stitution in the land which was not purely American. 
 Col. Jack was much applauded. The Rev. John Perry, 
 next came forward, and submitted a series of resolu- 
 tions, referring to the late tumult in Kensington, urging 
 the adoption of peaceable measures to secure the ob- 
 jects of the party ; proposing that a collection be taken 
 up among Native Americans for the beneHt of the fami- 
 lies of those who were killed or wounded during the 
 riot of Monday night; approving of the resolutions 
 passed at the meeting held on Monday evening, at the 
 Assembly Building, and proposing that this meeting 
 should adj(Hirn until Thursday next. 
 
 The resolutions, excepting the last, were adopted 
 by acclamation. When the vote was about to he tak^n 
 on the adjournment, a great number of voices cried out, 
 "adjourn to Second and Master streets now'" — "• let us 
 go up into Kensington," and a hearty shout was given 
 to the proposition. Few persons voted for the adjourn- 
 ment to Thursday next, while the " noes " were given 
 in a voice of thunder and wjth great applause. A 
 motion was then made to adjourn to Second and Master 
 streets forthwith. The President asked leave to make 
 a few remarks upon this motion, but the meeting 
 became impatient. He, however, obtained an opportu- 
 nity to exhort them' again to a peaceable deportment, 
 and expressed a hope that if they did go up into Ken- 
 sington they would remain perfectly quiet and comport 
 themselves as good and orderly citizens. The motion 
 to adjourn to the scene of the riot in Kensington was 
 then carried by acclamation, and in a few minutes the 
 thousands who composed the meeting were on their 
 way in high spirits for the place designated. 
 
 Continuation of the Riots — More Bloodshed. — The 
 scene of the riots of Mondav afternoon, in Kensington, 
 "2 
 
14 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 was quiet during yesterday morning, and many families 
 were removing from their dwellings. In the early part 
 of the afternoon large numbers of people were gathered 
 in various quarters, but were peaceable and orderly. 
 Between four and five o'clock the crowds of individuals 
 became great, until they numbered in the aggregate at 
 different points two or three thousand. The greater 
 part of them, were however, considerably below the 
 scene of the riot. After the adjournment of the Native 
 American meeting, which was held in the State House 
 Yard, a large body went into Kensington in procession, 
 with a banner and flag. They in)mediately repaired to 
 the market house, when great excitement ensued, and 
 the rioting was renewed. Shots were fired from several 
 of the houses opposite, and one young man killed, and 
 several wounded. The houses from which the shots 
 were discharged were assailed. 
 
 The house of the Hibernia Hose Company was 
 attacked, and a borrowed carriage taken out, but not 
 injured. The firing during this, was continued from 
 the houses, and a number were wounded while standing 
 near and in the market house. Down to six o clock 
 the following were the killed and wounded as far as 
 could be ascertained. 
 
 J. Wesley Rhinedollar, who was standing near the 
 mnrknt, was shot dead. 
 
 George Young, a resident of Southwark, received a 
 ball in his breast, which passed out of his back near 
 the shoulder blade. He was carried to Dr. Griffith's, 
 on Second street, from whence he was afterwards re- 
 moved, with but slight hopes of his recovery. Since 
 dead. 
 
 Augustus Peale, a resident of the city, received a ball 
 in his left arm, which was shattered severely. His 
 arm has been amputated. 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 15 
 
 Matthew Hamit, shipwright, a resident of Kensington, 
 was shot dead. 
 
 Lewis Greible, a resident of Southwark, was shot 
 through the head, and died instantly, 
 
 Peter Albright was wounded in the hand by a ball or 
 slug. 
 
 Wright Ardis was shot in the hip, said to be a 
 dano;erous wound. 
 
 William E. Hill man, a resident of Kensington, re- 
 ceived a shot in his right shoulder, thought to be serious. 
 Since dead. 
 
 James VVhitaker was- shot in the right thigh, and 
 bone splintered. 
 
 Charles Orte, a resident of the Northern Liberties, 
 was wounded. 
 
 Henry Hesselpoth, residing at the corner of Poplar 
 lane and Third street, received a shot in the fleshy part 
 of- the hand. 
 
 Willis H. Blaney received a shot in the leg. 
 
 John Lusher, a resident of Kensington, shot in the 
 breast, taken home and not expected to survive. Since 
 dead. 
 
 Many others received shots in various parts of the 
 body, who'se names and residences in the excitement 
 and consternation of the scene we were unable to as- 
 certain. A Mr. Lawrence, while standing on Second 
 street, received a shot which fortunately struck against 
 a penny in his vest pocket, and did him no further in- 
 jury than that which the shock caused. Other equally 
 as narrow escapes were made all around. One small 
 boy, while standing near the market house, was struck 
 with a ball on the lower part of the abdomen, which, 
 luckily, just grazed the skin. During the latter part of 
 the afternoon, the houses on Cadwalader street, north 
 of Master, were fired, and continued burning for 
 
16 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 several hours. No fire apparatus was put in requisition. 
 It IS said tliat several companies made attempts to reach 
 the spot, but were prevented. The extent of damages 
 by the fire, up to this time, cannot be ascertained. 
 
 From appearances, we judge that some tenor twelve 
 buildings were consumed. 
 
 The excitement in the vicinity of the infected districts 
 was tremendous. Throughout Kensington and the Nor- 
 thern Liberties, the side-walks, and almost every corner 
 of the street, were crowded with persons going to, and 
 returning from the scene of the riot, or standing in 
 groups discussing the progress of events, or listening to 
 the relations of those who had witnessed any part of 
 these lamentable occurrences. Rumors of the number 
 of killed and wounded were flying about in every direc- 
 tion, with such exaggerations and coloring as the imag- 
 inations of the relators prompted. It was stated, that 
 at the tiring on the commencement of the affray, some 
 eight or ten persons fell — some killed, and others 
 wounded. 
 
 A man named Flunneker was said to have been killed, 
 and his body lay in the market for a long time without 
 his friends being able to recover it. Whenever a party 
 approached for the purpose of carrying off the slain, or 
 rendering succor to the wounded, they were fired upon 
 from the houses, and compelled to desist. We give 
 these only as rumors, of course, as we were not dis- 
 posed to approach near enough to ascertain the fact, and 
 run the risk of receiving a bullet, while the fight lasted. 
 In addition to the persons named who were hurt, we 
 have been informed that a young man, named Miut- 
 land, residing somewhere in South street, was shot 
 through the head and killed. 
 
 Another man, whose name we could not ascertain, 
 had his ancle shattered by a musket ball. A person 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 17 
 
 named Parry, said to reside in Locust Ward, was 
 ■wounded, but to what extent we could not ascertain. 
 
 The Irish were covered by the houses in which they 
 were entrenched, and of course the fire of their assaTU 
 ants could not produce much effect. After the buildings 
 had been fired, however, they were compelled to show 
 themselves, and we hear that a number of them were 
 seen to fall. The extent of their loss could not be as- 
 certained, as it was impossible to approach them with- 
 out being in danger of being fired upon. 
 
 At about one o'clock yesterday, General Cadwalader\ 
 issued orders for the assembling of the whole military* 
 force of the first brigade, for the suppression of any 
 riotous attempts that should be made durinaj the evening. 
 He had been waited on by the Sheriff, on Monday night, 
 but declined issuing orders at that time. He, however, 
 afterwards satisfied himself that the emergency had 
 arisen when a resort to military force became neces- 
 sary, and he convened the officers of his brigade yes- 
 terday morning, at the Military Hall, Library street, 
 where, after a long discussion, a resolution was unani- 
 mously adopted, expressing the readiness of the officers 
 to obey the call of General Cadvvalader, upon the re- 
 quisition of the Sheriff, whenever the former should be 
 satisfied the emergency had arisen which demanded 
 their aid in preserving the public peace. General Cad- 
 walader repeated, that by an actual observation of the 
 scene of riot on the previous night, that military force 
 alone could prevent or suppress further riots, and issued 
 his orders at once. The meeting was numerously at- 
 tended, and although a difference of opinion prevailed 
 upon some delicate points of propriety, all agreed to 
 give a cheerful and effective response to the orders of the 
 General, whenever he found it necessary to issue them. 
 Mr. McMichael, the Sheriff, was present, and stated that 
 2* 
 
13 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 it would be futile to invoke the civil posse, as the rioters 
 Were well armed and desperate, and could only be over- 
 awed by an imposing and active military force. 
 
 About dark, General Cadwalader, with his brigade, 
 proceeded to the spot, and took a position near the scene 
 of the conflagration. The appearance of the military 
 had the effect to produce quiet, and from the time they 
 arrived the firing almost entirely ceased. 
 
 Half -past Twelve o'clock. — The fire was raging 
 when the military came upon the ground, having envel- 
 oped some twenty or thirty buildings, aUd the Washing- 
 ton Market house in flames. The firemen refijsed to 
 approach the scene of conflagration, for fear of being 
 fired upon, until military escorts guarded three or four 
 hose carriages and two engines to the ground. Some 
 water was thrown upon the smoking ruins, which pre- 
 vented the fire from extending beyond the row of frames 
 to the west and north of the market house, but they, to- 
 gether with the market, were reduced to a heap of ashes. 
 
 At one o'clock all was quiet. General Cadwalader 
 leaped the fence of the Catholic Chapel in the neighbor- 
 hood, which it was reported was filled with armed peo- 
 ple, found that the report was incorrect, and took pos- 
 session of the building. He stationed guards in different 
 positions, so as to form a cordon around the district in 
 which the riot has been raging ; both the belligerent 
 parties have dispersed, and if the military remain upon 
 he ground, all the disturbance will be at an end. 
 
 Nathan Ramsey, who was shot through the breast at 
 he Sisters of Charity Seminary, on Monday evening, 
 still lies very low at his residence. He has been visited 
 by a number of physicians, and it is their opinion that 
 his chances of recovery are but slight. 
 
 George YoiiHg, who received a wound yesterday 
 through the breast, lies in a sinking condition, in a 
 
'i 
 
 
 ite 
 
 "''"•Tl 
 
 m 
 
 mi. 
 
 
 ^n 
 
 ^3^ 
 
 ^fl 
 
 
 ^^^ta 
 
 ^S 
 
 
 Mp^W^lii^ 
 
 
 IBE:lf5 
 
 "^^ 
 
 I^^SS&£^==l«aR^=^illiliiilllliiliiiiUliliUlli.n'. i J^S^ 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 19 
 
 house adjoining the Commissioners' Hall, Northern 
 Liberties. The number of wounded must be very 
 great, but there is no way by which they can be 
 estimated. 
 
 Willis H. Blaney, mentioned above, was shot through 
 the heel, the ball passing in at one side and out at the 
 other. At first it was not painful, but it subsequently 
 caused him considerable uneasiness. He was exhort- 
 ing those engaged in the fight to leave the ground, at 
 the time he received the wound. 
 
 It is now to be hoped that the citizens will not ap- 
 proach the ground to-day ; that the idle and mischiev- 
 ous rumors of arms in the Catholic church and school 
 'house, will be discontinued, since General Cadwalader 
 has taken possession of the same ; and that the military 
 may remain in the vicinity for the purpose of acting 
 promptly in suppressing another outbreak, should any 
 disorderly symptoms appear. 
 
 Correction. — William Wright, was the name of the 
 young man killed on Monday night, in Kensington, the 
 son of Archibald Wright, senior partner of A. Wright 
 & Nephew, salt merchants, on Vine street wharf. 
 
 Arrests. — Yesterday morning, two men, named John 
 O'Connor, and Owen Daley, were arrested, and taken 
 before Alderman Boileau. They were taken from a 
 house in Second street, near Master, where the frag, 
 ments of a fowling piece, alleged to have burst on Mon- 
 day night, and tore off the hand of the man who fired 
 it, were found, and some bed linen, marked with blood; 
 A gun, loaded with about an ounce and a half of slugs, 
 was also found in the same building. The testimony 
 given did not charge them with any direct ofTence, and 
 they were held to bail for a further hearing, in their own 
 recognizances. 
 
 John Taggert, charged with the shooting of Rhine- 
 
20 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 dollar, was arrested yesterday afternoon, and taken be- 
 fore Alderman Boileau. He was committed, and put 
 into the custody of an officer, to be taken to prison. 
 The crowd that followed to the office, upon his being 
 taken out, resisted the efforts of the officer to execute 
 the commitment. On the way down Second street, he 
 was beset by the mob, who were excited to the highest 
 pitch, and beaten and battered in the most awful man- 
 ner. Propositions were made to hang him, and a rope 
 was put around his neck, with which he was dragged 
 some distance, until he was' completely exhausted, and 
 supposed to be dead. After this he was taken to the 
 Northern Liberty watch house, where, it appears, he 
 revived, and was still living at the last accounts. It' 
 was alleged that he was seen to discharge a heavy 
 musket twice, and when arrested he had it in his pos- 
 session, charged with a ten-finger load. 
 
 What a deplorable fact have we here! A mob in 
 virtual possession of the city and county of Philadelphia ! 
 The law defied with impunity ! Lives and property sac- 
 rificed in a desperate and terrible conflict, and anarchy 
 and riots, amounting almost to civil war, without a 
 parallel in the history of our State. 
 
 Well may it be asked, with regret and apprehension, 
 what will be the ultimate results of such a fearful state 
 of things? Are our liberties to be surrendered to the 
 rash and headlong domination of mobs, or are we to fly 
 from this great evil to the lesser one of a consolidated 
 military police? To one or other of these extremities 
 we seem to be rapidly approaching, and, unless the 
 moral atmosphere of our city be thoroughly purged, we 
 must be content to suffer all the horrors of sanguinary 
 tumults, reckless invasions of right and liberty, and a 
 blind and indiscriminate destruction of property, or sub- 
 mit to be dragooned into an obedience to the law. An 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 21 
 
 awful responsibility rests with those who have caused 
 and promoted these calamities, and are yet stimulating 
 to their continuance, and their reward must and will be 
 the abhorrence of all good men and the anathemas of 
 every patriot. 
 
 Scene of the Riots — Eight o^clock Wednesday 
 Morning — The Monroe Guards, under the command of 
 Captain Small, have just arrived on the ground, agree- 
 ably to the order of General Cadwalader, issued last 
 night. The Jackson Artillerists, Captain Hubbell, and 
 the National Guard, Captain Tustin, who have been 
 upon duty all night, are about moving off, being now 
 relieved by the Philadelphia Cadets, Captain White, and 
 the Monroe Guards. A large number of persons have 
 already assembled to view the scene of last night's de- 
 vastation, but all seemed peaceable and orderly. Guards 
 are stationed at various points for the protection of pro- 
 perty, and the indications are that no further violence 
 will be resorted to, although several exciting rumors are 
 afloat. 
 
 The neighborhood of the late riots is crowded by 
 hundreds of persons. Some as spectators, others en- 
 gaged in searching the premises of the remaining Irish 
 inhabitants for fire arms. In several houses, which 
 were partially deserted, fire arms were found, and also 
 in out- houses and cellars. A large pig-sty, on the lot 
 immediately in the rear of the scene of conflagration, 
 was demolished by some of the mob and a gun found 
 under the floor. A detachment of the military are 
 posted there, a portion of them on guard around the 
 ruins of the fire, with the view of keeping away the 
 crowd so as to enable workmen in one or two cellars to 
 recover the remains of a quantity of money said to be 
 lost. One of the tenants of a house destroyed, it is 
 said, had seven hundred dollars in her house, which is 
 B 
 
22 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 at present the object of search. The Irish population 
 are removing from every quarter in the vicinity unmo- 
 lested. An Irishman was taken from a house where it 
 was suspected there were fire arms. At first he denied 
 there being any there, but upon examination two or 
 three pieces were found heavily loaded. He was ar 
 rested and taken to the lock-up house in the Northern 
 Liberties. On the way down he was beset and almost 
 killed by the mob, which was highly incensed at him. 
 In St. John street, near Poplar, a number of voices cried 
 out, "hang him, hang him," but this was not done and 
 he was with the greatest difficulty put into the lock-up. 
 A portion of the military are posted around the dead 
 bodv of an Irishman, named Joseph Rice, who was 
 killed the ni^ht before while looking over a fence, from 
 behind which, it is alleged, he had fired at the crowd. 
 It is reported by a man who resided in the centre of the 
 scene of riot, that seven or eight of the tenants of one 
 of the houses destroyed by fire perished in the flames. 
 We have no doubt of the truth of the report, and be- 
 lieve that many others perished of whom we have no 
 account, and perhaps never will know anything definitely. 
 Mr. Peale, who was wounded yesterday, has had his 
 arm amputated. We have heard of several persons 
 who were wounded and two or three reports of others 
 actually killed; but not knowing the facts, we refrain 
 from making any statements in regard thereto until we 
 shall have obtained satisfactory information or know- 
 ledge about them. It is but justice to state that a num- 
 ber of persons wounded, some mortally, were taken to 
 the drug store of A. R. Hortter, at the corner of Edward 
 street and Germantown Road, where their wounds 
 were dressed and every attention paid that humanity 
 could suggest or medical science apply. Several were 
 also taken to the drug store of Mr. Bower, at the junc- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 23 
 
 tion of Germantown Road and Third street. Others 
 were taken on Tuesday to the residence of Dr. A. E. 
 Griffiths, on Second street, below Phoenix, where they 
 were attended to by Drs. Bethel, Duffield and Griffiths. 
 
 Ashton S. Hutchinson, while endeavouring to save 
 some of his goods from destruction in his factory, at the 
 fire on Tuesday night, was severely shot in the face. 
 
 Eleven o'clock, A. M. — Groups of boys, who have 
 been actively engaged in pulling down the tottering 
 walls and chimneys of the houses destroyed by fire, are 
 beginning to manifest symtoms of uneasiness and are 
 attracting the attention of persons of more mature years 
 to houses from which it is said shots were fired yester- 
 day upon the Native Americans. The back buildings 
 of one of the row of houses, fronting on Washington 
 Street Market, which were destroyed last night, are just 
 discovered to be on fire. The kitchen of a house on 
 Cadwalader street, from which the tenants are moving 
 in great haste, has taken fire from the above premises, 
 and an Engine and Hose Company have arrived 
 in consequence of the alarm. Some fears being appre- 
 hended for their security, Capt. Small has thrown 
 a guard around them and they are in a fair way of 
 suppressing the flames. 
 
 As soon as the fire above referred to was suppressed, 
 another was discovered in a court, running from Cad- 
 walader street, above Jefferson. Two Engines and 
 several hose companies are in service, under the pro- 
 tection of the Monroe Guards. A large number 
 of persons entered a house opposite this court, belonging 
 to the Messrs Whitecar, of Spring Garden, for the pur- 
 pose of searching for arms, but were induced to leave 
 the premises upon the remonstrance of a military offi- 
 cer. They had not left more than twenty minutes 
 before smoke was seen issuing from the trap door, and 
 
24 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 it was discovered that the loft of the building was on 
 fire. The timely efforts of the firemen saved this 
 building, but the court referred to, consisting of four or 
 six frame houses, was entirely destroyed. 
 
 Twelve o'clock^ Noon. — The excitement is increasing 
 with the crowds of persons gathering in the district. 
 Families are removing from their dwellings in every 
 quarter for squares around. Some of the military are 
 still upon the ground, to protect those removing, and to 
 allay the excitement. A row of frame dweUings, from 
 which the tenants have removed, were fired, and soon 
 after another row, likewise untenanted, just in the rear 
 of Cadwalader street, in the immediate vicinity of the 
 late fire, were fired and destroyed. A short time after- 
 wards, two three-story buildings, at the corner of 
 Jefferson and Washington streets, likewise untenanted, 
 were set on fire and shared the same fate. 
 
 Half past Two o^clock. — The Catholic Church, 
 called St. Michael's, on Second street, above Master, 
 has just been fired, which, with the dwelling of 
 the Priest, on the north, and small frame dwellings on 
 the south, are destroyed. The Priest, under the pro- 
 tection of a body of the military, quit his residence, 
 and was carried away in a cab. It was with extreme 
 difficulty that he secured a safe retreat. Several lire 
 companies exerted themselves to the utmost to save the 
 adjoining property, some of which they fortunately 
 rescued from the flames. During this time, the two 
 brick buildings on the corner of Jefferson and Wash- 
 ington streets, are burning without an effort to extinquish 
 them. The residents in a row of small brick houses 
 have displayed from their windows small American 
 flags, m one of which General Hubbell has his head- 
 quarters. 
 
 Four o^olocky P. M. — The Female Seminary, at the 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 25 
 
 corner of Second and Phosnix streets, has been fired, 
 and remains a heap of ruins. The excitement in- 
 creases and great consternation prevails, and faniilies 
 at more distant points are quitting their houses. Various 
 rumors are afloat as to armed bodies of Irishmen 
 coming from Richmond and Manayunk and other 
 points, which produce still more feeling. By many the 
 reports were not credited. The fact that the Irish had 
 driven Abraham P. Ayre, and the men in his employ, 
 engaged in building a wharf at Richmond, from that 
 place during the morning was no doubt the foundation 
 of a portion of the rumor ; at this hour, however, we 
 do not know but the rumors may have some basis so 
 far as regards those employed at Richmond. 
 
 We learn that previous to the firing of the church, 
 Mr. Donahue, the priest, gave up the keys to Captain 
 Jonas P. Fairlamb, of the VVayne Artillery Corps, who 
 examined the premises, but found no arms, except in 
 the dwelling, where there was an old rusty musket. 
 This was about ten o'clock. The Captain then locked up 
 the church, and after patroling the district with his com- 
 mand, the attention of the military was directed to an 
 attempt to fire a house, corner of Washington and Jef- 
 ferson streets, and during their absence from the church 
 it was fired. 
 
 The military then returned to the premises, but too 
 late to prevent the building from being destroyed. While 
 it was burning the lots back were crowded with unfor- 
 tunate people, who were driven from the adjoining frame 
 houses by the flames. We saw a number of females 
 standing by the remnants of their furniture which they 
 had saved from the rage of the devouring elements, and 
 weeping bitterly at the misfortune which had overtaken 
 them. Some had lost all they possessed in the world, 
 3 
 
26 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 and were driven from their homes and deprived of all 
 shelter. 
 
 The number of children thus turned out of doors was 
 great ; they appeared to be exceedingly frightened, but 
 they had recovered somewhat, though they looked de- 
 jected. One of the most affecting exhibitions was the 
 burial of an infant in the church yard, while the church 
 and adjoining buildings were in a blaze. The only 
 funeral service which was performed over the grave, 
 consisted of the brief and bitter ejaculations of the 
 parents, accompanied by the crackling of the burning 
 timbers of the church. 
 
 The frame buildings destroyed are, we are informed, 
 the property of a Mr. M'Creedy, who keeps a tavern 
 some where in the vicinity of Pine and Penn streets. 
 The walls of the Rev. Mr. Donahue's dwelling, at the 
 corner of Jefferson and Second streets, are cracked and 
 lean out in such a manner as to render it extremely 
 dangerous to the passers by. During the burning of 
 the church, the mob continued to shout, and when the 
 cross at the peak of the roof fell, they gave three cheers, 
 and a drum and fite played the Boyne water. Nothing 
 now remains of the beautiful gothic structure but its 
 blackened walls. 
 
 General Hubbell's command, and the Monroe Guards, 
 have been relieved by the City Guards, under the com- 
 mand of Captain Hill. 
 
 Five o'clock. — The Seminary has been completely 
 destroyed. The Temperance Grocery Store of Mr. 
 Joseph Corr, at the north-east corner of Phcenix and 
 Second streets, opposite the Seminary, and from v.hich 
 it was said the volley was fired on Monday evening 
 which killed Mr. Wright, was completely riddled, and 
 every thing in the house destroyed. 
 
 The First Brigade, under the immediate command of 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 27 
 
 General Cadwalader, who was under the command of 
 Major General Patterson, has arrived upon the ground, 
 accompanied by Sheriff McMichael ; the Sheriff and 
 the Major General riding side by side. Colonel Lee is 
 acting as Aid to General Cadwalader. 
 
 The troops approached from Fourth street, and at 
 Fourth and Franklin they separated into two divisions — 
 one under the General, composed of the Philadelphia 
 Grays, with two pieces of artillery, the Junior Artiller- 
 ists, and one or two other companies, with the First City 
 Troop in front, proceeded down Franklin to Second, 
 while the other division, under Colonel Page, proceeded 
 up to Jefferson street, and down that to Second, where 
 a junction was formed. Previous to the junction, how- 
 ever, the mob made a rush upon the bayonets of Page's 
 troops, and defied them with loud threats. The moment 
 was critical, when the Colonel appealed to them as 
 American citizens, upon which they gave him three 
 cheers and retired. 
 
 Six o'clock. — The rioters have proceeded to the 
 house of Alderman Hugh Clark, at the corner of Fourth 
 and Master streets, and have entirely gutted it out. The 
 windows have been demolished, the furniture thrown out 
 of the windows, the beds cut open and the feathers 
 scattered about in the wind. All the papers of the Al- 
 derman have been destroyed or lost. 
 
 The corner house was occupied by his brother, Pat- 
 rick Clark, as a tavern and dwelling, and his furniture 
 has been also destroyed. When we left the spot, some 
 boys were amusing themselves by defacing the walls of 
 the buildings, accompanying themselves by playing a 
 tattoo upon the sheet-iron top of the dismounted coal 
 stove. The coats of all the spectators were filled with 
 feathers from the beds. In all this neighborhood, and 
 indeed, throughout the whole district, people who desire 
 
28 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 to escape molestation have American flags, and strips of 
 red, white and blue, hung from the windows of their 
 dwellings. 
 
 The military arrived on the ground after all the mis- 
 chief was done, and were there when we left. We 
 then proceeded to the southeast corner of Germantown 
 Road and Jefferson street, where the mob broke into a 
 large three story brick house, occupied by Patrick Mur- 
 ray, as a grocery, demolished the windows, broke the 
 furniture, throwing looking-glasses and handsome bu- 
 reaus into the street, and they were engaged in this 
 work when the division of military which had been at 
 Mr. Clark's premises, arrived; and after considerable 
 remonstrance on the part of General Cadwalader and 
 Colonel Lee, the work of destruction was arrested, the 
 house cleared, and a guard placed around it. Most of 
 its contents had been destroyed or carried away by 
 plimderers. Mr. Clark's house being left now unpro- 
 tected, the boys resumed the amusements described 
 above. 
 
 Seven o'clock, — By this time the district was com- 
 paratively quiet, the mob having apparently expended 
 all their wrath, and the military was posted in various 
 sections. 
 
 Half past eight o'clock. — Another outbreak has oc- 
 curred. The house of Matthew Quin, in Master street, 
 below Germantown Road, has been battered with stones. 
 It was untenanted. The mob forbore to set fire to the 
 building, because it would endanger a large number of 
 Americans and Protestants in the destruction. 
 
 Between ' eight and nine o'clock, Harmony Court, 
 consisting of six or eight houses, situated near Cad- 
 walader street, west of the Market House, was destroyed 
 by fire ; also, a frame house on Master street, below 
 Germantown Road, which had been occupied by Mat- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 29 
 
 thew Quin, turner; and two three story brick houses at 
 the southeast corner of Second and Master streets, one 
 occupied as a grocery store, and the other, which had 
 been occupied by a ruan named McAleer, who, it is 
 alleged, fired upon the crowd during Tuesday night. 
 
 About hair past six o'clock information was receive 
 by Mayor Scott, that an attack was contemplated on 
 St. Augustine's church, in Fourth street, below Vine, 
 and that a large crowd had already gathered in its 
 vicinity. He immediately repaired, upon horseback, to 
 the spot, with a body of the city police, and addressed 
 the crowd. The police were posted around the chapel. 
 The crowd still increased. The First City Troop were 
 immediately ordered out, and were upon the ground in 
 a short time. 
 
 In consequence of this state of things, th^ Mayor 
 issued the following proclamation : 
 
 There is reason to believe that the spirit of disorder 
 raging in the county, is about to extend itself into the 
 city, and to seek vent in the destruction of property and 
 attack upon life. All good citizens, desirous to preserve 
 the public peace, are, therefore, required to prepare 
 themselves to patrol the streets, to resist all invasions of 
 property, and to preserve the public peace, by resist- 
 ance to every attempt to disturb it. 
 
 Each ward is requested to meet immediately at the 
 place of their usual ward election. 
 
 JOHN M. SCOTT, Mayor, 
 
 Subsequent to the issuing of which, the citizens of 
 Walnut Ward held a meeting, and appointed four per. 
 sons from each block to patrol the ward. 
 
 The crowd still continued to increase at the church 
 
 above referred to, and at about ten minutes before ten 
 
 o'clock, fire was communicated to the vestibule of the; 
 
 church, it it said, by a boy about fourteen years old. It' 
 3» 
 
30 ' PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 increased with rapidity after once under way, and dense 
 nnasses of smoke curled out from every window. 
 
 In a few minutes, the flames reached the belfry, and 
 burst out from the upper windows in broad sheets. The 
 whole steeple was soon wrapt in the devouring elements, 
 and presented a terrific aspect. The Chapel clock 
 struck ten while the fire was raging in its greatest fury. 
 At twenty minutes past ten o'clock, the cross which sur- 
 mounted the steeple, and which remained unhurt, fell 
 with a loud crash, amid the plaudits of a large portion 
 of the spectators. 
 
 In ten minutes afterwards, the steeple, which had 
 stood until burnt to a mere skeleton, fell, throwing up a 
 mass of cinders which fell like a shower of gold upon 
 the buildings and streets north-east of the church. The 
 heat, dming the height of the fire, was so intense, that 
 persons could hardly look at the flames at the distance 
 of a square, and the light was so brilliant as to dim even 
 the gas lamps. 
 
 The houses on the corners of New street, op})osite 
 to St. Augustine Church, were in imminent danger 
 during the fire, and that on the north-east corner ignited 
 upon the roof from the extreme heat. The firemen, 
 however, maintained their ground manfully, and threw 
 copious streams of water upon all the surrounding pro- 
 perty. Through their efforts, an immense amount of 
 private property was saved. The building on the south 
 side of the church, which stood within a few inches of 
 its wall, was greatly heated throughout, and was once 
 or twice on fire. We should suppose it received con- 
 siderable damage. A house on the north-east corner 
 of Third and Vine streets, took fire from the sparks 
 carried by the wind from the church, as were several 
 others m a north-easterly direction from the fire, but the 
 

PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 31 
 
 flames were suppressed before much damage was done, 
 through the vigilance and activity of the firemen. 
 
 Half-past Eleven o'clock. — The City Councils are 
 now in session, to take measures to subdue the rioters. 
 
 A boy, fourteen or fifteen years of age, has just been 
 brought to the City Police Office, under escort, by the 
 corps of Philadelphia Grays, who was arrested in at 
 templing to set fire to a vacant building in Kensington, 
 near the market house. The fire was extinguished by 
 the military. The mob has, in a great measure, lefl 
 Kensington, and is divided in squads at various points in 
 the city, and the southern part of the county. 
 
 Fears are entertained that attempts will be made to 
 fire other Catholic Churches, and the military have been 
 strongly posted in the vicinity of them. 
 
 The conflagration at St. Augustine's has nearly sub- 
 sided ; several houses in the immediate neighborhood 
 were injured, none however, very seriously, as the fire- 
 men plyed them well with water. At this place, several 
 of the police officers were knocked down, and the Mayor 
 was struck in the breast with a stone. 
 
 'Vwdce o'clock. — All the avenues leading to St. 
 Mary's Church, in Fourth street, near Prune, and St. 
 Joseph's Church, in Willing's alley, have been guarded 
 by troops, who suffer no person to enter the space un- 
 less they live within the square. This precaution is 
 rendered necessary by the threats of destruction which 
 have been made in reference to these buildings. All is 
 quiet in Southwark and Moyamensing. 
 
 The fire now raging at St. Augustine's is occasioned 
 by the burning of the magnificent library of books at- 
 tached to the church. They are piled up in front of the 
 house, and made a bonfire of. 
 
 One o'clock, A. 31. — The alarm of fire is caused by 
 the renewal of the burning of the Parsonage House of 
 
32 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 St. Augustine's Church. It is reported that every thing 
 is quiet in the districts of Kensington, Southwark, and 
 Moyamensing. A slight demonstration was manifested 
 by a collection of persons at the corner of Market and 
 Thirteenth streets, but it was promptly met and checked 
 by the strong military force established in Thirteenth 
 street, for the protection of St. John's Church, between 
 Market and Chesnut. The City Councils are still in 
 secret session. 
 
 Two o^clock, A. 31. — Councils have just adjourned, 
 after having provided for a public meeting ef the citi- 
 zens this morning, at ten o'clock, and requested the 
 Mayor to call meetings of the citizens of each ward, to 
 report to him the force each can bring to the support of 
 the public peace. 
 
 During the whole of the day a large and torn Ame- 
 rican flag was displayed at the corner of Second and 
 Franklin streets, over which was a printed placard, an- 
 nouncing that "This is the flag which was trampled 
 upon by the Irish Papists." This created great ex- 
 citement, and what was surprising was, that the Sheriff 
 nor any of the police thought it worth while to take 
 charge of and remove the exciting placard. Through- 
 out the day, boys were firing off" pistols in every quar- 
 ter, evidently for the purpose of keeping up the excite- 
 ment. 
 
 Amount of Loss and Distress. — The St. Michael's 
 Church and the Seminary, in Kensington, cost for 
 building from thirty-five to forty thousand dollars, and 
 St. Augustine's not less than thirty thousand dollars. 
 The amount of property thus far destroyed cannot be 
 less than one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. No 
 less than two hundred families have been compelled to re- 
 move from their homes. 
 
 The sights presented during yesterday and last nigh 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 33 
 
 were truly sickening. Men with their wives, and often 
 six or seven children, trudging fearfully through the 
 streets, with small bundles, seeking a refuge they knew 
 not where. Mothers with infants in their arms, and 
 little ones following after them, carrying away from 
 their homes whatever they could pick up at the instant, 
 passing along with fearful tread, not knowing where to 
 turn. 
 
 St. Augustine's Church was a large and substantial 
 building. Some nine or ten years since, it was rebuilt, 
 and presented quite an ornamental appearance. A 
 highly finished cupola, surmounted by a gilt cross, and 
 containing a clock, was among the additions put to tbe 
 church when it was rebuilt. The Rev. Mr. Moriarty 
 (said to be at present in France) is the pastor of the 
 congregation, and it is not long since, we remember 
 him as one of the popular divines it was the fashion to 
 throng after. 
 
 The four vy alls now stand in naked majesty, and the 
 house of the priest on Crown street, presents to the eye 
 a number of floorless chambers and dismantled walls. 
 The green graves of the dead show the tramp of the 
 ruthless rioter, and gravestones, broken by fragments 
 of the tumbling building, lie scattered about. 
 
 The Lower District — State of Affairs. — From 
 twelve o'clock on Wednesday night, until daybreak yes- 
 terday morning, numbers of citizens — generally Native 
 Americans — assembled in various parts of Southwark, 
 determined to resist the premeditated attack upon St, 
 Philip's church, in Queen street. There were, how- 
 ever, no indications of a riot in that quarter. Many 
 persons fled to that, and at-ljacent lower districts, during 
 Wednesday, more for protection than any thing else; 
 and the rumor spread that they intended to make aii 
 attack. 
 
34 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 During the evening of Wednesday, while St. Augus- 
 tin's church was enveloped in conflagration, most of the 
 residents near St. Philip's church, commenced moving 
 their iroods from the threatened danger. Furniture cars, 
 men, women, and children, in the greatest confusion, 
 were passing to and fro in the streets, loaded with their 
 household goods. Such a scene has seldom, if ever 
 been witnessed within the borders of that district. In 
 the morning after daylight, Mr. Dunn, a brother of Pa- 
 trick Dunn, the priest of St. Philip's church, requested 
 Alderman Palmer to take possession of the church. 
 
 There was a gun taken from the residence of a gen- 
 tleman near the church. We forbear mentioning his 
 name at this time. It may be proper to state how he 
 came in possesion of said weapon. On Monday night 
 two men were passing down Queen street, one of them 
 having a musket on his shoulder. They were accosted 
 by the night police, and the musket was demanded. 
 The man immediately cried, "murder!" at the top of 
 his voice, and in a few moments a large number of per- 
 sons hastened to the scene. The consternation which 
 prevailed at this time was great; all parties wished to 
 explain, the two men were frightened nearly to death, 
 and in the general confusion, the musket was dropped 
 on the- pavement. It was picked up by the gmlleman 
 in question and taken into his residence. This is *u- 
 thenlic. The musket has been given into the possession 
 of Alderman Palmer. 
 
 There was a prevailing rumor that our Catholic citi- 
 zens had fire-arms secreted in their dwelling houses in the^ 
 district. This, we have good reason to believe, is one 
 of the unfounded rumors that has caused the continua- 
 tion of the riot. We know many of them, and Ameri- 
 can hearts beat within their bosoms. Several of the 
 storekeepers, being fearful of an attack, removed their 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 35 
 
 most valuable goods to places of security. During the 
 morning, a number of the Native Annerican party re- 
 solved to resist any mob, if in their power, that at- 
 tempted to invade the district of Southwark. 
 
 Written handbills were posted up on a number of 
 corners, trees, and tree-boxes, calUng on the citizens to 
 assemble at their respective ward houses in the district 
 to form a patrol to guard the place by night. 
 
 Mr, Michael McGarvey, at the corner of Queen and 
 Second streets, retired with his family, in the early part 
 of the afternoon, to a place of security, it being alleged 
 that he had spoken in such a manner as to excite the 
 rioters. The citizens of the district of Southwark, in 
 conformity to the proclamation of the Sheriff, assem- 
 bled at their ward houses ; the Native Americans, par- 
 ticularly, turned out in great numbers, and acted in per- 
 fect harmony, with the Whigs and Democrats, to adopt 
 such measures as would prevent any rioting or destruc- 
 tion of property within the boundary of their district. 
 Up to four o'clock there was not any considerable ex- 
 citement manifested, although the numbers of persons 
 assembled in various parts of the district were large. 
 St. Philip's Church, in Queen street, was placed in the 
 possession of the military, and a strong guard of troops 
 was placed at the corners of the streets, to keep the 
 crowd from getting in front of the church. 
 
 In Moyamensing, there were but few persons in the 
 neighborhood of St. Paul's Church, and there wars not 
 the least symptom of a riot up to ten o'clock last even- 
 ing. At the same hour, in the district of Southwark, 
 the streets were filled with persons, all of whom ap- 
 peared to be peaceably disposed. 
 
 Twelve o'clock^ Midnight. — The crowds which con- 
 gregated in the neighborhood of St. Philip's Church, 
 have dispersed, and the military have the control of the 
 
36 PHILADELPHIA. RIOTS. 
 
 streets. There were two unruly persons arrested dur- 
 ing the evening, and placed in the Hall of the district. 
 
 Midiiighi. — The crew of the Princeton are quartered 
 HI the Girard Banking House opposite our office, and at 
 the moment at which vve write are singing National 
 songs in full chorus. We hope they may have nothing 
 more to do during their sojourn on shore. 
 
 Upper District — Proceedings of Yesterday. — Ten 
 o'clock A. M. — Quiet is once more restored in the dis 
 trict of Kensington. Many persons are on the ground 
 as mere spectators, viewing the ruins, a large number 
 of whom are temales. Several houses were fired 
 on Wednesday night, some on Master street below 
 Second, and a row in Harmony Court, in the neigh- 
 bourhood of the Market House. The flags are still 
 flying from the windows, and carmen are actively 
 employed in removing goods from the vicinity of 
 the riots. Many of the houses have bills stuck upon 
 them, designating that they are "to be' let," but we 
 presume that no person is anxious, under existing cir- 
 cumstances, to make application for them. 
 
 Large numbers of persons also collected in the neigh- 
 bourhood of the ruins of the church of St. Augustine, 
 in Fourth street opposite New ; to witness the extent 
 of the conflagration. Nothing hut the bare walls are 
 Standing, and they appear to be in a very insecure con- 
 dition. We saw a large mass of brick fall in front, and 
 some^of the lookers on made a very narrow escape of 
 being crushed beneath them. Most of the furniture of 
 the Church was removed on the afternoon of the fire. 
 The large and valuable library was consumed, except- 
 ing some few works which were carried off' by the 
 spectators. The two houses adjoining on the south 
 side of the church, were considerably burned, and 
 much of the furniture, wearing apparel, &c., were de- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 37 
 
 stroyed. The parsonage in the rear of the church, 
 fronting on Crown street, was likewise destroyed, 
 together with the furniture it contained. 
 
 A company of the military from Bucks county came 
 in about midnight, and took their position in the neigh- 
 bourhood of St. Mary's Church, Two companies 
 came from Germantown, one during the night and the 
 other early this morning. At 10 o clock, the body of 
 George Shifler was conveyed to the grave, followed by 
 a large concourse of persons, friends of the deceased, 
 and others to the number of six or eight hundred. 
 
 The flag which he held when shot was wrapped round 
 the coffin. A committee of four led the procession, to 
 wit— Col. Childs, John D. Fox, William Bethel, and E. 
 D. Tarr, Esq. On the right of the coffin, the flag of 
 the pleasure yacht, Amanda Francis, was carried by one 
 of his fellojv members. The body was deposited in the 
 Cemetry at the corner of Hanover and Duke street. 
 
 A meeting of citizens was held in the Independence 
 Square, pursuant to a call signed by Mayor Scott, to 
 adopt etTectual measures to secure the peace of the city, 
 John M. Reed, Esq. presided. The meeting was ad- 
 dressed by John K. Kane, and a series of resolutions 
 adopted, recommending parents to keep their children, 
 and masters their apprentices at home, and also recom- 
 mending the citizens of the respective wards in the city 
 and county, to meet at 2 o'clock and organise to pre- 
 vent any further outbreak. 
 
 Three o'clock P. M. — Every thing in the district of 
 Kensington is still quiet and no outbreak is anticipated 
 at this moment. The citizens are assembling at the 
 various wards in accordance with the suggestion of 
 the meetmg this mornmg, to organise for the purpose of 
 preserving the public peace. Most of the mob has been 
 drawn into the city, and but few persons are on the 
 4 
 
38 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 ground of yesterday's devastation. Several companies 
 of the Second Brigade under the command of Captain 
 Goodman, have taken up their quarters at the intersec- 
 tion of Third and Germantown Road. The funeral ot 
 VVm. Wright took place from his father's residence at 
 three o'clock and was numerously attended by the 
 relatives and friends of the deceased. 
 
 About noon a number of persons assembled in the 
 neighbourhood of St. John's Church in Thirteenth 
 street below Market. A report having been circulated 
 that an attack would be made upon that building. 
 A detachment of volunteers under the command of 
 Major Dithmar, are guarding every avenue leading to 
 the church. Two pieces of artillery have been station- 
 ed at the gates. A number of the Mayor's officers are 
 on the ground, and it is thought the force is sufficient 
 to repel any attempt to injure the property.^ 
 
 A guard has also been stationed at the State Arsenal 
 in Juniper street. 
 
 The Mayor and Sheriff have issued a proclamation, 
 forbidding persons to appear in any street or place in 
 the city and county of Philadelphia, which is or may 
 be in the occupation of the civil authorities, or of the 
 militia. And authorising the officers of the militia to 
 declare what street and places are thus occupied, and 
 to employ such force of arms as may be necessary to 
 compel obedience to this order. 
 
 Fire engines and hose carriages are requested not to 
 enter such streets or places, without permission from the 
 military authorities. 
 
 Seven o'clock, P. M. — Governor Porter arrived in 
 the city this afternoon at five o'clock. The object of 
 the visit being, no doubt, to aid by his counsel in the 
 suppression of the riots. Up to this time every thing 
 is quiet. The streets are in a state of unusual com- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 39 
 
 motion, and every one is anxiously inquiring of his 
 neighbour about the state of affairs. Bodies of armed 
 citizens are patrohng the city, and the military and 
 civil force is such that it is almost impossible a riot can 
 take place this night. 
 
 Ten o'clock. — The populace are still out in great 
 numbers walking the streets, notwithstanding the re- 
 quest of the Mayor, that they would remain at home. 
 The officers and crew of the U. S, steamship Prince- 
 ton passed this office an hour ago, armed to the teeth, 
 and ready to do battle, if their services should be re- 
 quired. They took up their quarters in the Girard 
 Bank — that building being appropriated for the Military 
 Head Quarters. 
 
 Local Neivs from the Daily Papers of Friday, 
 May 10th. — Funeral. — The mortal remains of Lewis 
 Greble were followed to the tomb yesterday afternoon, 
 by a large concourse of his relatives and friends. Mr. 
 Greble was a young man, and has left a wife and two 
 children to mourn his untimely end. Pie was a member 
 of the Methodist Church — amiable in disposition, and 
 beloved by all who knew him. In token of respect, as 
 well as justice to his memory, we can safely state that 
 he was on the ground as a Native American, and as a 
 spectator ; the rumor that he was taking an active part 
 in the riot, is destitute of foundation. Peace to his 
 ashes. 
 
 The funeral of Charles Stivell, one of the unfortunate 
 victims of the Kensington riots, took place from the re- 
 sidence of his mother, in German street, near Fourth, 
 yesterday afternoon, at five o'clock. The corpse was 
 followed to the place of interment, at the Philanthropic 
 Cemetry, by the Members of the Plope Fire Company, 
 (of which he was a member), the Moyamensing Hose 
 Company, a large number of the Native Americans of 
 C 
 
40 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 the ward in which he resided, and a considerable train 
 of friends and acquaintances. 
 
 Inquests. — The Coroner held inquests on the 7th of 
 May, over the bodies of George Shiffler and William 
 Wright. On the 8th, over the bodies of Matthew Ham- 
 mitt, Joseph Rice, Charles Stillwell, Lewis Greble, and 
 Wesley J. Rhinedollar, all of whom were killed at the 
 Kensington riots. The Coroner wishes it stated, that 
 after the strictest inquiry, he has not been able to iden- 
 tify a single person that fired a gun during the riots at 
 Kensington. Likewise he has inquired into the report 
 in circulation, fhat Greble had a gun in his hands when 
 shot. Such, however, not being the fact, as he had not 
 a gun, club, or any kind of weapon whatever, but was 
 entirely unarmed. 
 
 Obstructing an Officer. — Bernard Brown was held 
 to ^200 bail, by Mayor Scott, on the charge of obstruct- 
 ing an officer while in the discharge of his official duty. 
 
 Arrival. — A Committee appointed by the New York 
 Native American Association, arrived in this city last 
 evening. 
 
 Taken to the Hospital. — Oliver Cree, the Irishman 
 who was taken to the Northern Liberty lock-up, on 
 Wednesday, after he had been nearly killed by the ex- 
 asperated Natives, was placed under heavy bonds yes- 
 terday, and taken to the Hospital. 
 
 Appropriation. — The City Councils met last evening 
 and appropriated twenty thousaiad dollars, to pay the 
 extra police force engaged in suppressing the riots. 
 
 Southward. — The Commissioners yesterday after- 
 noon appointed additional watchmen to each watch-beat 
 of the district, to proceed at once upon duty, properly 
 equipped, with badges and rattles, to continue on duty 
 during the present riots and tumults, for the safety and 
 additional security of the citizens of the district. 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 41 
 
 Pott.wille. — We have the authority of one of the 
 most extensive contractors on the Port Carbon Railroad, 
 for the assertion, that no persons have left that neigh- 
 bourhood, or the vicinity of Pottsville, for the purpose 
 of mingling in the riots in Kensington. We give the 
 information for the purpose of contradicting the rt'ports 
 that have been so industriously circulated to thnt effect. 
 
 Volunteers. — Two or three companies of volunteers 
 from Harrisburg and Lancaster, arrived in our* city last 
 night, in the western train of cars. 
 
 Inciting a Riot. — Samuel Silver was held to one 
 thousand dollars bail yesterday, by Mayor Scott, to an- 
 swer the charge of inciting a riot, by wilfully discharg- 
 ing a pistol during a great excitement. 
 
 Taken to Prison from the Hospital. — John [vrAleer, 
 the man who had his thumb blown off by the bursting 
 of a gun, in Kensington, was yesterday taken from the 
 Hospital, on a warrant, and conveyed to prison. 
 
 Misdemeanor. — Richard Musser was taken before 
 Mayor Scott, yesterday, on the charge of misdemeanor, 
 being found in possession of some books, the property 
 of St. Augustin's church. He was held to bail for an- 
 other hearing. 
 
 Fire. — A framed building situated in George street 
 below Tenth, occupied by Edward Smith, blacksmith, 
 and Moses Binns, house carpenter, was destroyed by 
 fire last evening, about eight o'clock. 
 
 The Grand Jury returned twenty-two bills, and one 
 ignored. That body also made the following Present- 
 ment : 
 
 To the Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace of the 
 City and County of Philadelphia. 
 
 The Grand Inquest respectfully present, That their 
 attention has been called by the County Commissioners 
 to the deplorable scenes of riot and mob violence, which 
 4* 
 
42 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 have occurred within the last two days in the District 
 of Kensington, involving the destruction of a vast annount 
 of property, for which large drafts may be made on 
 the County Treasury. 
 
 The Grand Jury are sensible of the loss likely to 
 accrue to the county by the destruction of property 
 referred to, and while regretting the same, cannot with- 
 hold their opinion that the open violation of law and 
 order, and contempt of the civil authorities, manifested 
 in Kensington, and subsequently in the city of Phila- 
 delphia, by the burning of St. Augustin's church, are 
 much more to be deplored than any pecuniary loss con- 
 sequent thereupon. The Grand Jury would earnestly 
 call to the attention of the court, the propriety of arous- 
 ing the citizens generally to a sense of the necessity of 
 their rallying to the support of the authorities in restor- 
 ing order and maintaining the supremacy of the law. 
 
 The Grand Jury will most cheerfully unite in any 
 effort to accomplish those most desirable ends, in which 
 every citizen desirous of restoring public order, and 
 preserving the city and county from anarchy and blood- 
 shed, should unhesitatingly lend his aid. 
 
 The Grand Jury submit to the consideration of the 
 Court, the letter of the County Commissioners, above 
 referred to, and desire that it may be considered a part 
 of the Presentment. 
 
 The Grand Jury present, that to their knowledge, 
 lives have been lost in the riots to which this Present- 
 ment refers, and while deeply sympathising with the 
 families and friends of the slain, and making all allow- 
 ances for acts committed under the phrensy of excite- 
 ment, they consider that sufficient time has elapsed for 
 the abatement of such feelings, and that they are no 
 excuses for the destruction of buildings erected for the 
 worship of God. 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 45 
 
 John M. Brown, Foreman, W. Nassau, Jr., 
 Chas. J. Ashmead, Geo. Follin, 
 
 VVm. Rovoudt, VV. H. French, 
 
 John Ptiisley, John Kingston, 
 
 Wm. Loughlin, Jos. J. Bishop, 
 
 Isaac Bedford, Jos. B. Linerd, 
 
 Jacob H. Smith, R. VV. Pomeroy, 
 
 Geo. W. Smick, Benj. Mifflin, 
 
 Alex. Austin, W. Wurts, 
 
 Joseph Moore. 
 Whereupon, the Court directed the same to be pub- 
 lished in the daily newspapers of the city. 
 
 Town Meeting. — A meeting of citizens of the city 
 and county of Philadelphia, convened in Independence 
 Square yesterday morning, on the call of the Mayor, 
 for the purpose of deliberating upon the state of the 
 public peace. 
 
 (3n motion of William M. Meredith, Esq., John M. 
 Read, Esq. was appointed Chairman, and Frederick 
 Fraley Secretary. 
 
 The object of the meeting having been stated by the 
 Chair, the Hon. Horace Binney addressed the meeting 
 in the following brief remarks : — 
 
 Fellow citizens : — In an emergency in which the 
 lives and property of you all are threatened, you are 
 convened for the purpose of adopting measures to 
 remove and suppress the evil. It is necessary that you 
 should act, and act promptly ; and it is necessary to 
 recollect that whatever has been done has been done in 
 scandalous violation of law. There can be no happi- 
 ness, no security in the community, except in the main- 
 tenance of law. Whatever is to be done here, must be 
 done to strengthen the hands of the law. Individually, 
 1 have not had twenty-five minutes to consider this 
 question. My influence has been used to keep my own 
 
44 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 house in order. — (Applause.) This has prevented me 
 from reflectuig on the subject, so as to offer remarks upon 
 the course to be pursued. Excitement is not necessary. 
 The fruits of excitement are already experienced. 
 We hava witnessed the horrible consequences of it. 
 With the aid of a few friends, during the last fifteen 
 minutes, a scheme has been agreed upon, the best that 
 could be devised at the moment, to prevent the further 
 progress of this enormous evil. — I will say that we are 
 under lawful organisation to act in whatever scenes of 
 trial our city may be exposed. We act under the 
 authorities of" the City, the County, and the State, and 
 whatever is done, must be done by them, through them, 
 and under them. But, we must not forget that in 
 scenes of violence where the authorities find it necessa- 
 ry to oppose force to force, they may err in the mode 
 ot discharoing their duty. Still we ought to strengthen 
 them by every means in our power, nor should their 
 acts be too nicely weighed by fault-finders ; during ex- 
 ip-encies when time for reflection is scarcely allowed. 
 They should receive the sympathy and support of you 
 all. This is a body to carry into effect whatever 
 is resolved upon. The citizens should give their aid in 
 whatever manner the constituted authorities may deem 
 best. Mr. B, then offered the following resolutions, 
 which, on being seconded by John K. Kane, Esq., were 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 1. Resolved, By the citizens of the City and County 
 of Philadelphia, that they will forthwith enrol and hold 
 themselves in readiness to maintain the laws and 
 protect the public peace, under the direction of the con- 
 stituted authorities of the City, County and State. 
 
 2, Resolved, That the several Aldermen and Con- 
 stables of the different wards, be requested, as soon as 
 possible, to take such measures as may be deemed ne- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 45 
 
 cessary for the enrolment and organisation of the citi- 
 zens. 
 
 3. Resolved, That the citizens be exhorted to abstain 
 from assembling at or near the places of disorder and 
 excitement, except under the direction of the proper 
 authorities. 
 
 4. Resolved, That the citizens of this city will, with 
 the whole weight of their influence, means and strength, 
 sustain the constituted authorities in the use of all law- 
 ful means for the preservation of the public peace, and 
 will regard with the utmost favor, the acts of the con- 
 stituted authorities for that purpose, in the performance 
 of their duty, under the guidance of the undoubted 
 power of the law, that whatever degree of force is ne- 
 cessary to protect the lives and property of the citizens, 
 by the constituted authorities, that force is lawful. 
 
 5. Resolved, That the citizens be requested to meet 
 in their several places of holding their ward elections, 
 This Day, at two o'clock, there to organise, under the 
 constituted authorities, in support of peace and order. 
 
 6. Resolved, That the sincere and hearty thanks of 
 this meeting be, and they are hereby tendered to the 
 several Fire Companies who, by the promptitude with 
 which they repaired to the scene of destruction, and by 
 their perseverance, saved an incalculable amount of 
 private property. 
 
 On motion of General Adam Diller, the following 
 Preamble and Resolution were adopted. 
 
 Whereasj It is believed that a great portion of these 
 rude assemblies is made up of young boys, who are 
 incompetent of foreseeing the evil consequences of such 
 illegal acts, and it is believed that parents and masters 
 could prevent these youths from attending the scene of 
 riot, therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That the civil authorities be requested to 
 
46 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 call, by proclamation, upon the heads of families and 
 masters, requesting them to keep their young men and 
 boys at home during the prevailing excitement. 
 
 And on motion of Josiah Randall, Esq., the meeting 
 hen adjourned. 
 
 ORDERS. 
 Head Quarters, 1st D. P. M., May 9, 1844. 
 
 Orders No. 3. — Brigadier General Plubbell will de- 
 ail the Lafayette Light Guards, Lieutenant Pierce, and 
 Independent Rifles, Captain Florence, for the protection 
 of St. Philip de Neri Church, in Queen street, and the 
 Wayne Artillery, Captain Fairlamb, for the protection 
 of St. Paul's Church, in Christian street. 
 
 General Hiibbell is charged with the defence of these 
 buildings, and he is authorised and required to repel 
 with force, any attempt to injure public or private pro- 
 perty, and in the event of an attack, will report imme- 
 diately at Head Quarters. General Hubbell is autho- 
 rised to organise and arm companies of citizens in un- 
 dress, and will appoint suitable persons to command the 
 new corps. By command of 
 
 Major (General PATTERSON. 
 
 Head Quarters, 1st D., P. M. Phila. 9th May 1844. 
 
 Orders No. 4. Brigadier General Cadwalader will 
 detail the Hibernian Greens, Captain Mullen, for the 
 protection of St. Mary's Church, in Fourth street, and 
 the Montgomery Hibernia Greens, Captain Colahan, for 
 the protection of Trinity Church, corner of Spruce and 
 Sixth streets, and the Orphan Asylum, corner of Seventh 
 and Spruce. Both Companies will be under the com- 
 mand of Major Mullen, who is authorized and required 
 to repel with force any attempt to assail his Coi^ps or to 
 injure public or private property. 
 
 By command of Maj. Gen. PATTERSON. 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 47 
 
 Head Quarters, 1st D., P. M. Phila. May 9th. 
 
 Orders, No. 5. Brigadier General Roumfort will 
 detail a Guard for the Protection of the Catholic Church 
 near Fairmount. Gen. Roumfort is charged With the 
 protection of property within the bounds of his Brigade, 
 and he is authorised and required to repel with force any 
 attempt to injure public or private property, and in the 
 event of an attack will report immediately at Head 
 Quarters, when he will be reinforced. 
 
 Gen. Roumfort is authorised to organise and arm 
 Companies of citizens in undress, and will appoint suit- 
 able persons to command the new corps, 
 
 By command of Maj. Gen. PATTERSON. 
 
 John Miles, Aid-de-Camp. 
 
 We received the following documents at half-past one 
 o'clock, this morning. 
 
 OPINION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. 
 Attorney GeneraVs Office, } 
 Philadelphia, May 9, 1844. \ 
 
 Gentlemen — In compliance with your request of this 
 morning, I most willingly state to you my opinion on 
 the points submitted for my consideration. 
 
 The power to preserve the public peace, and to main- 
 tain the authority and observance of the laws, is un- 
 doubtedly, in the first instance, vested in the High 
 Sheriff of the County, and Mayor of the City. All 
 magistrates, subordinate officers, and citizens, are sub- 
 ject to the order and direction of one or the other of 
 these functionaries, or both, as the emergency may 
 require. U need be, the Governor of the Common- 
 wealth may be called on to interpose, with the entire 
 force of the State. The military is also subject to the 
 requisition of these authorities, when proper cases for 
 making the requisition arise. 
 
 The question is, how much force may be employed 
 
48 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 to suppress riots, disorders, and breaches of the peace, 
 is at all times one of great delicacy and responsibility; 
 but it is one which in critical conjunctures, no doubt 
 vvhateNfer exists. 
 
 If a riotous body of men assemble with the avowed 
 or manifest design of taking life, doing great bodily 
 harm, or of firing buildings, or destroying property 
 in which danger to life or personal safety may be in- 
 volved, and they resist the legally constituted authori- 
 ties^ and persist in the prosecution of their designs, it; 
 is perfectly clear that just as great a degree of force 
 may be employed to disperse or arrest them, as is ne- 
 cessary to effect that object. If they take life, or 
 threaten to do so with the means of executing their 
 threat, their lives may unquestionably be taken, in the 
 same manner as if they were open public enemies or 
 pirates. The public streets, or even private property, 
 may be occupied by the force employed in maintaining 
 order, in the exclusion of every other object. 
 
 Of course, the emergency must be a clear one, and 
 the order given by the proper officer recognised by the 
 laws, or vested with the power, in order to justify this 
 terrible appeal to the last means of preserving the public 
 safety. 
 
 I knnw this power has been sometimes questioned; 
 but without its possession, our government would be a 
 mere shadow. It would profess to do what it is denied 
 the power to do ; and it would be, as it ought to be, held 
 in utter contempt for its imbecility. The great principle 
 of self-preservation lies at the foundation of our govern- 
 ment ;. and on this principle any degree of force is 
 ustifiable that is indispensably necessary. 
 
 I should, therefore, not hesitate an instant to use all 
 the force that was necessary to this end, against whom- 
 soever may be found with arms in their hands, to take 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 49 
 
 life, or with the manifest determination to burn down or 
 destroy buildings, and trample on the laws. 
 
 Yours, very respectfullv, 
 
 OVID F. JOHNSON. 
 To Morton M'Michael, Esq., High Sheriff, 
 John M. Scott, Mayor. 
 PROCLAMATION OF THE GOVERNOR. 
 
 GENERAL ORDERS. 
 
 Head Quarters, May 9, 1844. 
 David R. Porter, Governor of the Commonwealth oi 
 
 Pennsylvania, and Commander in Chief, &c. — Or-^ 
 
 ders as follows, to wit ; 
 
 Whereas, He has received information from the re- 
 gularly constituted authorities, that large bodies of 
 riotous persons have assembled in the City and County 
 of Philadelphia, within the last two days, and mani- 
 fested a disposition to persist in the same course of or- 
 ganised efforts to disturb the public peace, and to kill 
 and slay the citizens of this Commonwealth, to burn 
 and destroy\hurches, houses, and other property be- 
 longing to the citizens : and that the usual means em- 
 ployed by the Sheriff and Mayor have thus far proved 
 inadequate to check the turbulence and outrage of said 
 riotous assemblages : and, whereas, he has also been 
 informed that the lives of a number of persons have 
 been sacrificed; and that numerous houses and churches 
 have been burned and destroyed — he issues the follow- 
 ing orders : 
 
 First — It is ordered by the Commander-in-Chief that 
 the Sheriff of the City and County of Philadelphia, the 
 Mayor of the City, and all the Magistrates, Constables, 
 and Citizens, be directed and requested to co-operate for 
 the preservation of the public peace, and the dispersion 
 of the riotous assemblies above referred to. 
 
 Second — It is ordered by the Commander-in-Chief, 
 
50 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 that Major General Patterson be directed to call into 
 immediate service all the volunteer companies belonging 
 to the First Division of the Pennsylvania Militia, and 
 so to order and distribute them, as well as all other vol- 
 unteer companies ordered to report themselves to him, 
 as to suppress, in the most effectual manner, the assem- 
 blies referred to, and to disperse or procure the arrest 
 of the persons engaged in the same. 
 
 Third — It is ordered by the Commander-in-Chief, that 
 when called upon by the Sheriff of the county, or the 
 Mayor of the city. General Patterson shall adopt the 
 necessary precautionary measures to clear and occupy, 
 by an adequate portion of his force, any street, alley, or 
 private property, to protect the same from riot, distur- 
 bance, or destruction, and that he employ, in any emer- 
 gency, such a degree of force or resistance as shall be 
 necessary to maintain the public peace and safety of 
 unoffending individuals. 
 
 The Commander-in-Chief avails himself of this op- 
 portunity of expressing his entire approbation of the 
 measures adopted during this day by the Sheriff, Mayor, 
 and Major General of the First Division, for the pre- 
 servation of the public peace, and the enforcement of 
 the laws. 
 
 He also expresses his entire concurrence with the 
 Attorney General in his opinion this day expressed to 
 the Sheriff and Mayor, on all the questions therein an- 
 swered. He confidently hopes that all good citizens 
 will promptly unite in the suppression of these dis- 
 graceful tumults, and in the maintenance of order and 
 tranquillity. Heat the same time does not hesitate to 
 avow, that in his opinion the time has arrived for the 
 most vigorous and energetic measures, and dreadful as 
 may be the alternative, the last and most fatal resort to 
 means destructive even of the lives of offenders, is far 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 51 
 
 better than the continuance of such disgraceful outrages. 
 Relying upon \he patriotism of the citizen soldier, who 
 is thus called upon in the hour of peril, to protect the 
 institutions of his country from assault, the Commander- 
 in-Chief is confident that no soldier will, under any cir- 
 cumstances, fail to discharge his whole duty, and to pre- 
 serve his own and his country's honor untarnished. 
 
 By order of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 
 ADAM DILLER, Adj. Gen. P. M. 
 
 We rejoice to know that the N^itive Americans have 
 actively co-operated from the first, in the protection of 
 life and property, and that it i§ their stern determination 
 to resist any further assaults that may be made upon 
 the Catholic Churches. It is evident that we have now 
 reached the crisis, and that it is past ! Thank God 
 it is so ! 
 
 Om' City and County — (Monday^ May 13.) — The 
 excitement in the minds of the people is rapidly sub- 
 siding ; the fears of the inhabitants of the scene of the 
 late riots have passed away, and a great many families 
 are returning to their deserted dwellings. A number 
 of false and exciting rumors have been circulating 
 throughout the day, but there seems to be every indica- 
 tion of the riots being at an end. As a matter of pre- 
 caution, however, the military are still under arms, and 
 at least one company is posted at every Catholic church, 
 seminary, or asylum throughout the city and county. 
 At two o'clock in the day, two companies of military 
 from Reading, arrived, and were properly disposed of, 
 and two corps of riflemen, ordered from Little York, 
 were expected to arrive in the course of the night. At 
 three o'clock in the afternoon, the German Battalion, 
 under Major Dithmar, took a position at Germantown 
 road and Master street, and in the course of the even- 
 
62 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 ing strong guards were distributed at proper points 
 ihroughout the whole infected district. 
 
 General E^ubbeH's command has charge of St. Paul's 
 and St. Philip's churches, in Moyamensing and South- 
 wark, the same as on Thursday evening. General 
 Cadwalader has charge of the peace of the city, and 
 western district. The Head Quarters of the Major 
 General, is at the Girard Bank, where a large body of 
 troops are posted in reserve, for the purpose of acting 
 upon any point, on ten minutes' warning, should an 
 outbreak occur in any quarter. Patrols are organised, 
 many of them are banded and armed, among which 
 are a corps of thirty members of the Philadelphia Bar, 
 and the same kind of preparation for preserving the peace 
 is kept up in the outer districts. The following general 
 orders were issued about mid-day, which show that the 
 most energetic measures, even to the utmost extremity 
 that may be necessary, will be resorted to for the pur- 
 pose of curbing the spirit of disorder, which has been 
 rearing its head and defying the civil authorities for the 
 last few days. 
 
 Head Quarters, 1st D. P. M., May 10, 1844. 
 
 Order No. 7. — The Volunteers of the Division will 
 parade in brigades this afternoon at three o'clock. The 
 Brigade Majors will attend at four o'clock, at Head 
 Quarters, for orders. The Lancaster and Dauphin 
 Volunteers, under Major Hambright, and the German 
 Battalion under Major Dithmar, will be held in reserve. 
 General Cadwalader will detail the First City Troop, 
 Captain Butler, for special service, and direct the com- 
 manding officers to report at Head Quarters. The 
 Brigadier Generals, and all officers in command of 
 posts and detachments^ will use all the force at their 
 disposal to protect public and private property, to dis- 
 perse or procure the arrest of persons engaged in riot- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 53 
 
 ous assemblies, or inciting riots. They will clear and 
 occupy any street, alley, or private property, to prevent 
 riot, disturbance, or destruction. If resistance is offered, 
 the parties resisting must be warned to retire, allowing 
 a reasonable time, not exceeding five minutes, at the ex- 
 piration of which time, if the street, alley, or private 
 property is not cleared peaceably, it must be cleared 
 forcibly. Order must be restored — life and property 
 must be rendered secure. The idle, the vicious, and 
 disorderly must be curbed and taught to understand and 
 respect the supremacy of the law, and if they will not 
 take warning, on their own heads be the consequences. 
 The Major General is now invested by the Civil Autho- 
 rities, and his Excellency the Governor and Commander- 
 in-Chief, with full power, and he relies on the good 
 sense of the citizens, and fidelity of his soldiers, to 
 enable him to perform the duty assigned him. 
 
 Officers in command of armed Ward Citizens' Guards 
 are requested to report their force and location at six 
 o'clock,.?. M. 
 
 By command of Maj. Gen. PATTERSON, 
 
 JOHN MILES, A. D. C. 
 
 Order No. 8. — The Lancaster Fencibles, Captain 
 Findlay, are detailed for duty at the State Arsenal, in 
 Juniper street, near Broad. Captain Findlay will re- 
 lieve the present guard at nine o'clock, A. M. 
 
 By command of Maj. Gen. PATTERSON. 
 
 EDWARD HURST, Division Inspector. 
 
 Order No. 9. — Major Hambright will detail one com 
 pany for the protection of St. Mary's Church, in Fourth 
 street, and at St. Joseph's, in Willing's alley. The re- 
 mainder of his command will be held in reserve at Head 
 Quarters. By command of Maj. Gen. PATTERSON. 
 JOHN MILES, A. D. C. 
 5* 
 
54 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 The Riots and Some of their Consequences. — We 
 are creditably informed that a large number of the 
 Irish Cathohcs and others, who were so ruthlessly 
 thrust from their homes during the riots of Tuesday and 
 Wednesday, had encamped in Camac's Woods and 
 other places, some two or three miles north of the city. 
 Surrounded by their wives and children, it was alleged 
 they were unable to proceed, and were afraid to return 
 to the city. Our informant represented their condition 
 as destitute and pitiable in the extreme. They were 
 without food, except what chance or charity threw in 
 their way, and destitute of clothing sufficient to protect 
 them from the damp night air. While in this deplorable 
 situation, as we are informed by a worthy and benevo- 
 lent magistrate, one tvoman gave birth to a child. So 
 horrible a condition of things aroused the sympathies 
 of several of our citizens, who immediately set about 
 furnishing them with succor and relief. A reporter was 
 despatched to correctly ascertain the truth and parti 
 culars of the statement. After considerable search, a 
 small party were found near the woods above alluded to, 
 from whom, after allaying their fears that we were not 
 enemies in disguise, we learned that much of the sad 
 tale was but too true. The greater number of those 
 who there sought refuge, had, however, dispersed. Some 
 had returned to their burnt or deserted residences, while 
 many were wending their way to the surrounding vil- 
 ages — to Manayunk, Norristown, &c. 
 
 One man, we heard, had just passed the spot where 
 we met the party in question, leading by the hand a 
 child, in search of his wife, from whom he had become 
 separated on the night of the riots, and had not since 
 been able to find her. Another grief-stricken indivi- 
 dual, in the same neighborhood, was rudely taunted by 
 a party of quarriers whom he passed, and who, after 
 
i'HILADELPHIA RIOTS. 55 
 
 learning from him that he was a Catholic, assaulted 
 him with stones, by which he was so much injured that 
 he walked with difficulty. These are some of the dis 
 tressing acts that have followed this mad and unchris 
 tian like assault of persons and property. 
 
 The scene of the riots yesterday presented a specta- 
 cle of perfect desolation. Ruin lifted its wan and hag- 
 gard head through the blackened and yawning walls on 
 every side, while the emblem of mourning and death 
 hung from the muffled knocker and partly closed shut- 
 ter. It was a heart-sickening sight, the like of which 
 we hope we may never again look upon in this or any 
 other city ; and next to this, the humiliating display oi 
 the American bunting as a means of protecting the pro- 
 perty of any class or sect of the citizens from the pre- 
 judices or destructive propensities of another. Rows 
 of houses for several squares round the infected district, 
 and m fact, for some distance out in the suburbs, have 
 small tri-colored flags protruded from the windows^*— a 
 sight mortifying and humiliating to those who have been 
 taught to believe that our laws afford equal and efficient 
 protection to all. 
 
 The amount of damage done to property was esti- 
 mated by us yesterday, but we have reason to believe 
 that we have underrated it. We found it impossible to 
 arrive at a perfectly accurate computation of the loss, 
 but we give the following as based upon the best possi- 
 ble conjectures, from the confused facts we have been 
 enabled to collect. 
 
 Mrs. Brady, whose house, (a two story brick,) 
 in Germantown Road, above Master street, was attack- 
 ed and riddled, and a portion of her furniture destroyed, 
 suffered a loss of about one hundred dollars. 
 
 The brick house of John Lafferty, adjoining, was but 
 slightly injured. Mr. Lafferty was not at home at the 
 
66 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 time of the attack upon his and Mrs. Brady's premises, 
 and both were thus injured in their property, not 
 because of any faith of their own, but because some of 
 the persons pursued had fled up the alley which 
 separates the two houses, and escaped by leaping the 
 back fences. 
 
 The damage done to the property of Alderman Hugh 
 Clark, corner of Fourth and Master streets, amounts to 
 about one thousand dollars. This includes the de- 
 struction of the furniture of Patrick Clark, who oc- 
 cupied the corner house, and also his own furniture. It 
 is difficult to estimate this damage accurately, as the 
 Alderman had a valuable library, which, together with 
 papers, notes, receipts, accounts, &c., were all de- 
 stroyed or stolen. The mother and brother of Alder- 
 man Clark resided in the house with him at the time of 
 the riot, but they left before the mob attacked the pre- 
 mises. He is the police magistrate of the District 
 of Kensington. 
 
 Patrick Murray, who owned the large brick house at 
 the corner of Germantown Road and Jefferson street, 
 which was sacked by the mob on Tuesday, must have 
 lost about four thousand dollars worth of property. 
 He kept a grocery store on the premises, and had 
 an extensive and valuable stock of groceries and flour, 
 which was destroyed and scattered about the streets, or 
 carried off by plunderers. Mr. Murray, we were 
 informed yesterday, has been seriously affected in his 
 mind in consequence of his losses. 
 
 John Lavery, residing in Master street, below German- 
 town Road, had his house and furniture, all he had in 
 the world, destroyed. His loss is about two thousand 
 dollars. He was the owner of the premises, a large 
 and handsome brick house, with brick back buildings. 
 Mrs. Lafferty was bewailing the breaking of the 
 windows of the house by the rioters on Monday after- 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 57 
 
 noon, little dreaming at that time that these outrages 
 would be followed by the total destruction of the pro- 
 perty. 
 
 The two story frame adjoining, owned by James Loy 
 and occupied by Matthew Quin, was destroyed, and its 
 vahie was about one hundred and fifty dollars. 
 
 On Cadwalader street, Bernard Sherry lost one frame 
 and three brick houses, a quantity of goods, and all his 
 furniture, except a single bed. His loss is about three 
 thousand dollars. 
 
 Patrick McRee's frame house, value about four hun- 
 dred dollars, was reduced to ashes. It was tenanted by 
 Owen McCoUough, who lost in furniture, materials and 
 manufactured goods, about one thousand dollars. 
 
 One frame and two brick houses, owned by Thomas 
 Sheridan, and each occupied by tenants in his employ, 
 and having his materials in their possession, for the 
 purpose of manufacturing, were consumed with all their 
 contents. Loss about two thousand five hundred 
 dollars. 
 
 Michael Keeman, frame house and back buildings 
 burned to ashes. Loss about five hundred dollars. 
 
 On Washington street, six three-story brick buildings, 
 all tenanted, were destroyed. One was occupied by 
 James Triner, and his loss, together with the value of 
 the building, was at least one thousand five hundred 
 
 dollars. Another was owned and occupied by 
 
 Munroe, formerly a brickmaker, and his loss is suppo- 
 sed to be about two thousand five hundred dollars. 
 Wm. Steward owned and occupied another, with a back 
 ingrain carpet manufactory, which, with the looms, 
 v/ool, carpeting, &c., shared a similar fate. Loss not 
 less than four thousand dollars, and probably much 
 greater. John Mellon, in the same row, owned the 
 house and lost all his furniture. Damage about one 
 thousand five hundred dollars. 
 
58 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 Patrick Magee, who owned and occupied a large 
 brick house at the corner of Washington and Jefferson 
 streets, suffered a loss of about fifteen hundred dollars. 
 The circumstances attending the burning of this man's 
 property were truly distressing. He was sick in bed at 
 the time, and unable to move and effect his escape as 
 the flames were crackling around him. He was in im- 
 minent danger of being consumed^ when a neighbor, Mr. 
 Munroe, hearing of his situation, rushed to his relief, 
 and bore him to a place of safety. In a short time 
 afterwards, his house was a heap of smoking ruins. The 
 furniture and stock of this old man, which was destroy- 
 ed, is not estimated in the above account of damage. 
 
 Harmony Court, running west from Cadvvalader 
 street above Master; contained seven frame houses, three 
 of which belonged to Mr. Charles Elliott, dry goods 
 merchant, and four on the other side of the way, to 
 Mr. John Dougherty, a tavern keeper. They were all 
 consumed — were worth about four hundred dollars each 
 — making the loss about two thousand ei^ht hundred 
 dollars. The tenants of these houses lost all their fur- 
 niture and effects — valued at about four hundred dol- 
 lars more. 
 
 On Cadwalader street, second door from Jefferson, 
 the house occupied by Hugh Develin, was battered and 
 damaged to a slight amount, but Mr. Develin lost pro- 
 perty to the amount of about three hundred dollars. 
 The house was owned by Messrs. Whitecar, of Spring 
 Garden, one of whom was present when the attack was 
 made, and by his remanstrances induced the mob to 
 spare it. 
 
 The loss to the Hibernia Hose Company, including 
 carriage hose, and hose house, was not less than one 
 thousand dollars. The carriage was but recently built, 
 and a portion of the hose, 500 feet, was furnished by 
 the Commissioners of the district of Kensington. 
 
PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 59 
 
 The market house on Washington street, extending 
 from Master to Jefferson street, which caught from the 
 conflagration of the dwellings in Cadwalader street, was 
 originally built by a company, but was the property of 
 the district of Kensington. The whole of this was de- 
 stroyed — loss three or four thousand dollars. 
 
 The circumstance of the location of the market house 
 on that site, promoted the adjacent improvements, and 
 enhanced the value of the property in its vicinity. Its 
 destruction will, no doubt, depreciate the value of pro- 
 perty there, both improved and otherwise, which will be 
 felt for a long time to come, unless it is rebuilt. 
 
 John Heutzell's Carpenter Shop, in the rear of Cad- 
 walader street, was entirely destroyed, and his house 
 slightly injured. Loss four or five hundred dollars. 
 
 Another building on Cadwalader street, owned by 
 Mrs. Dobbins, and occupied by Ashton S. Hutchinson, 
 as an Ingrain Carpet Manufactory, with a Dye-house 
 and a quantity of material. Loss 81500. Mr. Hutch- 
 inson, in his efforts to rescue some of his property from 
 destruction, received several shots in his face and arm. 
 The wounds are not serious. 
 
 The frame house of Mr. John Brown, in Cadwalader 
 street, above the Hibernia Hose House, was destroyed. 
 Loss not ascertained. 
 
 The two frame houses, at the corner of Master and 
 Cadwalader streets, which were burned to the ground, 
 belonged to John Carroll, and also two other frames 
 adjoining. Loss sixteen hundred dollars. The tenants 
 lost all they had, say about two hundred and fifty 
 dollars. It was in one of these houses that the seven 
 hundred dollars in silver was when it burned down, and 
 but little of it having been recovered, this may be added 
 to the other loss. 
 
 The loss in the burning of the Catholic Church of 
 St. Michael, the parsonage house and furniture and or- 
 
60 PHILADELPHIA RIOTS. 
 
 naments, and the Sisters of Charity's Seminary, is es- 
 timated at not less than seventy-five thousand dollars. 
 
 Of the five frame buildings on the right of the Church, 
 which were consumed, a three and two two-story frames 
 belonged to Benjamin Hutchinson, Esq., who estimates 
 his loss at two thousand five hundred dollars, and the 
 other two belonged to Mr. Francis McCreedy and were 
 valued at one thousand eight hundred dollars. 
 
 The loss to Mr. Joseph Corr, whose house at the 
 corner of Phoenix and Second streets, opposite the 
 Seminary, was sacked, is about one thousand five hun- 
 dred dollars. 
 
 The loss to Mr. McAleer, whose two large bricks at 
 the corner of Second and Master . streets were burned, 
 is about three thousand dollars. The tenant of one of 
 them, named Rice, lost about six hundred dollars. A 
 frame" house back of this, owned by John Daley, which 
 was burned, was valued at about four hundred dollars. 
 
 In estimating this destruction of property, we have 
 not taken into account a vast amount of material in the 
 houses occupied by workmen, nor of houses, the very 
 sites of which have been obliterated, and we feel war- 
 ranted in believing that the destruction of property 
 amounts to much over what we have estimated. 
 
 In addition to this we have to add the loss at St. Au- 
 gustine's, and we will find that damage has been done 
 to the county of Philadelphia, in a sum rising a quarter 
 of a million of dollars ; and this, beside the loss of life, 
 and the deep moral stain which has been inflicted on the 
 community. It appears that though this was a riot 
 against the Catholics, yet the loss has also fallen heavily 
 upon Protestant owners and tenants of property. 
 
 On the whole, quiet now appears to be restored — we 
 hope it may indeed he so; and that our city will never 
 again be disgraced by similar scenes of outrage and 
 disorder. 
 

 
 rt>'c-rt S 
 
s 
 I- 
 
 VJCvJ 
 
/ 
 
 TREMENDOUS ElOTS 
 
 IN SOUTH¥ARK. 
 
 Five Thousand Military Under Arms. Four- 
 teen Killed and Fifty Wounded. The U. 
 States Government applied to for Aid. 
 The Governor and Commander-in-Chief at 
 the Head of the Volunteer Forces. 
 
 THE BJBGIMIVIMO. 
 
 On the morning of the 5th of July an attack was 
 made upon a party who were encamped at Fisher's 
 woods, by a band of ruffians. We mention the cir- 
 cumstance as a part of the history of the times, and 
 as among the abetting causes of the recent riots. The 
 encamped would seem to have been the commissariat 
 department of the procession of the day previous, and 
 had, for convenience, remained iipon the ground where 
 the pic-nic dinner was held, with their dishes, &;c., &c. 
 While they were quietly sleeping, they were suddenly 
 attacked by a band of ruffians, about thirty in nunajber, 
 D 
 
2 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 armed with bludgeons, &;c., &c. Several of the en- 
 camped party M'ere most inhumanly beaten — stagings 
 were pulled down, crockery destroyed, and four Amer- 
 ican flags were torn up, burned, or carried away. The 
 ruffians who made the attack, decamped as suddenly as 
 they came, and without being recognised. On Mon- 
 day, a committee of the persons attacked, published a 
 card, detailing the circumstances, and offering a reward 
 of one hundred dollars for the detection of the ring- 
 leaders. 
 
 In this card, no charge was made against any seci 
 or party, religious or political, as having made or abet- 
 ted the attack — and we find that the best informed 
 among the Native Party, do not charge it upon the 
 Irishmen. It probably grew out of some difficulty 
 which has not been made public. Nor, so far as we 
 know, did any Philadelphia paper, of Saturday, (on 
 Friday there were none published,) charge the attack 
 upon foreigners. But rumor, with her thousand tongues, 
 exaggerated and circulated the story all on Friday and 
 Saturday, making a comparatively small, though out- 
 rageous attack, a murderous matter, and distinctly 
 charging it upon the Irishmen. The four torn flags, 
 in connexion with the torn flag of Kensington me- 
 mory, (which was borne in the, procession of the 4th,) 
 added fuel to the flame which was smouldering among 
 the more excitable portion of the population, and want- 
 ed only an immediate aggravation to break out. We 
 know that the charge against the Irishmen as the au- 
 thors of the attack was made, because it found its way 
 into some distant newspapers, through correspondents. 
 Whoever were the party who began this attack, they 
 began the riots. 
 
 The next incident — the proximate cause of the dis- 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 3 
 
 turbance, was the discovery, that, on Friday, muskets 
 were taken into the church of St. Philip de Neri, in 
 Southwark. There are various statements relative to 
 this matter, as to how the guns came there, nor have 
 we yet seen an entirely reliable and official account. 
 One statement is, that a company of volunteers had 
 been organized and detailed, for the defence of the 
 church, under command of Wm. H. Dunn, a brother 
 of the officiating Priest of St. Philip ; and that twenty- 
 five muskets were furnished from the State Arsenal. 
 
 A gathering of thousands of people immediately took 
 place, and the district watch and magistrates exerted 
 themselves successfully, to prevent any violence until 
 the arrival of the Sheriff, who had been sent for, and 
 who promptly came to the church, having on the way 
 down called on General Patterson with a request for 
 aid. On the appearance of the Sheriff an examination 
 was called for. After a search of about half an hour, 
 the Sheriff and Aldermen came out with about twelve 
 muskets, with bayonets, which they had found in the 
 interior. These were given to the volunteer posse, 
 who stationed themselves in front of the Church, and 
 tried the guns with the ramrods, and proved to the 
 crowd that they were not loaded. They then marched 
 off to the Commissioners' Hall, where they deposited 
 them. The Sheriff then addressed the crowd to the 
 following effect : — 
 
 " I have, in company with Aldermen Hortz and 
 Palmer, been into the Church, and have taken posses- 
 sion of all the arms we were able to find. A number 
 of your own citizens, selected by your own Aldermen, 
 are here to prevent any more arms from being taken 
 in, as well as to protect the Church from injury. I 
 
4 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 therefore beg of you all, as good citizens, to disperse, 
 and retire to your homes. Further measures will be 
 taken to-morrow to allay the excitement and to pre- 
 serve the peace." 
 
 A. portion of the assemblage here cheered the Sher- 
 ff, and a few of those around retired, but the great 
 body remained upon the ground as late as 1 1 o'clock. 
 As matters still looked ominous, Mr. Wright Ardis, 
 (one of the wounded in Kensington,) addressed the 
 crowd, and selecting a posse of twenty men, entered 
 he church with the Sheriff, and perhaps one or two 
 of the Aldermen of the District. A shower springing 
 up, the crowd in a great measure dispersed. 
 
 At about 12 o'clock the City Guards, Captain Hill, 
 came upon the ground. Meantime Mr. Ardis, with 
 his posse, and Alderman McKinley, had found in the 
 church, in addition to the 12 muskets taken out before 
 — 53 muskets and fowling pieces, 10 pistols of differ- 
 ent kinds, a keg of powder, and a box of cartridges. 
 Of the guns found, 23 were loaded, some so heavily 
 that they could not have been fired without bursting 
 the pieces. The greater part of the gims were " can- 
 celled" or condemned United States arms. There 
 were also found slugs, and bayonets fastened to poles, 
 to use as pikes. In the church were found a number 
 of the congregation, the Rev. Mr. Dunn, and others, 
 who were prepared to defend the building in case of an 
 attack. 
 
 The military then took possession of the building. 
 The arms were taken out, and carried to the Commis- 
 sioners' Hall. The crowd outside were addressed in 
 a brief speech by the officer in command, and given 
 five minutes to disperse in. The men found in the 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 5 
 
 Church were taken before Alderman McKinley, and 
 put under bonds to keep the peace, and on Saturday 
 morning all was apparently quiet. 
 
 It may be well to state here that these guns were 
 put in the Church previously to the 4th of July, and 
 that the Church on that night was garrisoned by 150 
 men, in anticipation of an attack. It is stated on what 
 appears to be competent authority, that a portion of 
 the " cancelled" arms, seeming untrustworthy, were 
 sent to a gunsmith (previous to the 4th) to be put in 
 order. It was his returning them to the Church on 
 Friday, which made the fact public that arms were 
 there ; and of course it was to be expected, that the 
 guard of the night previoug would rally when the 
 building was menaced. 
 
 SATURDAY. 
 
 The City Guard held possession of the Church on 
 Saturday morning ; and during the day, though large 
 crowds gathered, no violence was attempted. But the 
 story of the seventy or eighty stand of arm found in 
 the Church was doing its work among the multitude, 
 and was beginning to be retailed from mouth to moutlj, 
 creating immense excitement. Alderman Saunders, in 
 a speech, besought the throng to retire, and in doing so, 
 he assured them that every weapon and all ammunition 
 had been removed from the Church, and'that there was 
 no cause for further excitement. He begged all to use 
 their exertions to allay the present ill feeling. 
 
 About half past two o'clock in the afternoon Gen. 
 Cadwalader rode into the street on horseback, and, in 
 a short address to those gathered about, endeavored to 
 pursuade them to retire to their homes, but without 
 
6 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 having any effect. In reply to questions put to him 
 as to the authority by which arms were taken into the 
 Church, he stated that an order for twenty muskets had 
 been issued under the authority of the Governor, and 
 they had been delivered before he knew any thing of 
 the order. He then repeated his endeavors to per- 
 suade them to disperse, but he had to retire without 
 beintr able to accomplish any thing-. 
 
 During- the afternoon on Saturday, Gen. Hubbell, 
 having learned that Wm. H. Dunn, who had been 
 elected as captain of a new company was an unnatural- 
 ized citizen, proceeded to his house, in company with 
 Dr. Stafford, and demanded his commission papers — 
 these were given up, aijd of course the company was 
 disbanded. 
 
 The excitement was increasing every hour. Wo- 
 men seemed more earnest than men, in their conversa- 
 tion upon these most exciting topics, and some of them 
 used language most bitter and inflammatory. As night 
 approached, the crowd swelled, till at last the place 
 before the Church, and up and down ^he street in each 
 of the four directions, became a dense mass of human 
 beings. Extra constables were sworn in, and large 
 bodies of peace police organised — but every incident, 
 as is usual, only swelled the excitement. If a man 
 tripped or stumbled, it caused a rush — the mass, of 
 course, eagerly claiming to know the meaning of every 
 motion into which they were compelled — each ignorant 
 as the other. 
 
 St. Philip's Church is situated in Queen street, be- 
 tween Second and Third streets; and it maybe as well to 
 remind our distant readers that the streets here cross 
 each other, with few exceptions, at right angles, and 
 (the larger streets) at regular intervals. The first street 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 7 
 
 to the North, or " above" Queen, is Catharine, and the 
 next German. On the South, or below, the next street 
 to Queen is Christian. There are in the neighborhood 
 a vast number of narrow alleys, which placed the sol- 
 diery under great and fatal disadvantages during subse- 
 quent stages of the proceedings. 
 
 At 7 o'clock, the Sheriff arrived from the city with 
 a posse of about one hundred and fifty strong. With 
 this force he succeeded in driving the throng that was 
 congregated there towards the east end of the street. 
 When all was clear from Second to Third street, lines 
 of men were stationed, who prevented all ingress, ex- 
 cept to those living within the square. 
 
 During the evening the military force was increased 
 by the presence of the Mechanic Rifle, Washington 
 Blues, Cadwalader Grays, Markle Rifle, and City 
 Guards. The crowd gradually increased in number 
 and turbulence. About 1 1 o'clock the Junior Artiller- 
 ists arrived with three field pieces ; these were sta- 
 tioned at Second, Third, and Queen streets, command- 
 ing every avenue to the Church. Gen. Cadwalader 
 then, with a platoon of men, charged upon the throng 
 in Second street below Queen street, driving them 
 down to Christian street. The same measures were 
 adopted up Second and in Queen street, above Third 
 and below Second, and a good many arrests were made 
 by the military and police. In Third street, matters 
 appeared to have a serious aspect. Stones having been 
 thrown, and the oflicers in command struck by them, 
 preparations were made to discharge the field piece 
 stationed there. The address of Gen. Cadwalader, 
 begging the mob to disperse, was received with groans 
 and hisses, and he was bantered and dared to fire ! 
 
 As this was a crisis, Gen. C. slowly and distinctly 
 
8 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 gave the command to take aim ! The crowd quailed 
 and were disposed to waver, when Hon. Charles Nay- 
 lor, late a member of Congress, stepped before the gun, 
 and told the general, as in one account it is stated, that 
 he "had no rigkt to fire '/' Other accounts say that 
 he countermanded the order, or called upon Gen. C. to 
 do so ; and said if any one was killed he would be the 
 first. He was immediately arrested, by order of the 
 general, and put under guard, in the basement of the 
 churcli. The rnob cried out for his release, but the 
 steady front preserved by the military awed them, and 
 the mob gradually dispersed. Wherever any sign of 
 disturbance was shown, immediate arrests were made 
 under the direction of the military. Their moderation, 
 firmness and decision had preserved peace, only to be 
 broken on the next day, with most fearful consequen- 
 ces. 
 
 In the morning, the district seemed almost entirely 
 deserted, and the military were drawn off, with the 
 exception of the Markle Rides, the Mechanic Rifles, 
 and the Hibernia Greens, who. took charge of the 
 church and relieved the City Guards. About 1 1 o'clock, 
 the crowd which had collected, began to threaten that 
 if Mr. Naylor was not released, the church should be 
 attacked. Up to this time, no guns had been dis- 
 charged on either side. Nor do we believe any person 
 supposed, except a band of desperadoes, that the Sab- 
 bath was to furnish this first instance in which the 
 civil authorities of the country, supported by the 
 citizen soldiery, who had endured taints, blows, hisses, 
 and insults, without retaliation, were to be attacked by 
 an armed mob. 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 9 
 
 A four pounder, loaded to the muzzle, was dragged 
 to the front of the church, by some villains, and a de- 
 mand was then made for the release of Mr. Naylor. 
 One of the Aldermen of the district, Mr. Hortz, defeat- 
 ed their villainous and murderous purpose, by pouring 
 water into the priming ; and thus foiled or diverted, 
 pieces of scantling were brought, the door was broken 
 in, and just at this moment Mr. Naylor, having been 
 conditionally liberated, made his appearance, was loud- 
 ly cheered, and led off an immense concourse as he 
 went from the church to his residence. Meanwhile, a 
 portion of the desperadoes were in Christian street, 
 with an eighteen pound cannon, which they fired at the 
 circular windows in the rear of the church, near the 
 top. 
 
 The gun was taken down to the wharf for the purpose 
 of reloading, and about 1 o'clock it was brought back 
 again, and with it another piece, regularly mounted on 
 wheels, was posted in rear of the church. One of 
 them, loaded with large pieces of iron, was discharged, 
 but with little effect on the wall, the missiles with 
 which it was charged rebounding to a distance of a 
 hundred yards, to the greatest fright of the neighbors. 
 
 At this time, Thomas W. Grover and Lewis C. Le- 
 vin arrived, and the latter, mounting one of the pieces, 
 made an address to the crowd. That portion of a 
 crowd which generally gather in case of riots to look 
 on, assembled around him, and listened to his speech, 
 during which he was repeatedly cheered. But at the 
 same time stones were flying against the walls and the 
 window on the left side of the altar. 
 
 Mr. Levin was followed by Mr. Grover and others, 
 who succeeded in pacifying the crowd so far that they 
 promised to spare the church if the Hibernia Greens 
 
10 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 were taken out of the building. This was at last done, 
 and the Markle Rifles and Mechanic Rifles came- out, 
 guarding the Hibernia Greens. They proceeded to- 
 gether up Second street as far as German, a croM^d 
 following and cheering the rifle company, but pelting 
 the Greens as often as they could get a chance. At 
 German street, the Greens rapidly retreated, some of 
 them flring their muskets as they fled. No other in- 
 jury was done than the wounding of one or two of the 
 crowd, and in the terrible beating which several of the 
 Hibernian Greens received from the mob. Meantime 
 the cannon had been taken away from the rear of the 
 church, through the efforts of the more orderly citizens. 
 
 The Hibernia Greens were hunted several squares 
 by tlie mob, and one of them in particular was so badly 
 handled that his situation continues precarious. The 
 treatment they received showed how futile is any 
 oodv's promise made in behalf of a mob. 
 
 Mr. Levin, Mr. G rover and others who had pledged 
 themselves that the church should be saved, had hard 
 work to keep the mob out. While they were address- 
 ing those who would listen, others w^ere breaking the 
 church windows ; and although the main door was 
 manfully defended -by those who had pledged them- 
 selves to do so, the mob broke down the yard wall, 
 and, entering at a side door, dispersed over the building. 
 The defenders of the church now gave up the front 
 door as hopeless, and the building was filled with peo- 
 ple. 
 
 The protectors of the church still united their en- 
 deavors to persuade the people from any violence. In 
 this tbey were aided by a great m.any persons who 
 flocked in for no other purpose. 
 
 After they had possession for about an hour, a smoke 
 
t TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 11 
 
 was seen issuing from the cellar. A few persons went 
 down and extinguished it in a short time. The throng 
 then gradually left the building, and at last it was taken 
 possession of by a committee of twenty, who guarded 
 the doors and allowed no one to enter, but all to go out 
 that desired to go. 
 
 THE NIGHT. 
 
 So ended the Sabbath. All seemed becoming quiet 
 in Southwark, the mob having risen in arms, and gained 
 a victory over the small body of soldiers which had 
 been left in charge. The m(ib had compelled the re- 
 lease of Mr. Nayl-or, who, it is said, pledged himself 
 to exert his best endeavors to pacify them. They had 
 demanded the dismission of the Greens, and acknow- 
 ledged the concession to their wishes by pelting the 
 company with stones and brickbats. They had prom- 
 ised the safety of the church, and despite the persua- 
 sions and heroic labors of many of the good citizens 
 of Southwark, they had broken into the building, and 
 fired it. It is due to Messrs. Levin, Grover, McElroy, 
 Col. Jack and the others, and to the magistrates and 
 many of the influential men of the district, to say that 
 they labored with a zeal and efficiency which do them 
 great credit. During the whole day, the respectable 
 men in the District were laboring with all their might 
 to avert the danger, and to divert and pacify the infu- 
 riated ruffians who, forming a comparatively small por- 
 tion of every collection of people, outrage every law, 
 under shelter of those who intend to be mere specta- 
 tors, but are in effect shields for the rioters. It is in 
 mercy to these unintentional abettors of the tumult 
 that rigorous measures are withheld — but a crisis will 
 
12 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. t 
 
 arrive in which it is the painful duty of the authorities to 
 preserve the peace and vindicate the majesty of the 
 laws at all hazards. 
 
 Such a crisis had arrived. With their experience of 
 the two days previous, to say nothing of the Kensing- 
 ton riots, it was manifest that it would not answer to 
 leave the District to the tender mercies of the despera- 
 does, though nobody doubted either the will or the 
 zeal of the good citizens of Southwark. But the civil 
 authorities had been set at naught, and the small mili- 
 tary force, in a certain sense, conquered. To leave 
 the matter here, would have been, in the opinion of 
 the authorities, not only •dangerous to the immediate 
 safety of the District, but a more pernicious precedent 
 for the future. 
 
 Several hours notice was given to the District that 
 the military were coming. A new proof had just oc- 
 curred of the disposition of the mob. An Irishman 
 had been arrested for some misconduct by Mr. Sirine, 
 one of the police, and taken to the lock up, under the 
 Hall. While on the road, the mob made a rush and beat 
 him, and kicked Mr. Strine several times in the ribs. 
 The man was considerably beaten about the head, and 
 the blood streamed from him profusely. He was at 
 length taken into the Hall, and his wounds wera prop- 
 erly attended to. 
 
 At about 7 o'clock the military arrived on the ground 
 in great force. The crowd showed a most fatal deter- 
 mination to resist, and an attempt was made more than 
 once to dismount Gen. Cadwalader. His bridle rein 
 was seized, and without turning his head he disabled 
 the arm with his sword which had attempted to stop 
 his horse. In every place there seemed to be a reso- 
 lute determination to disregard the military. The 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. ' 13 
 
 crowd were earnestly besought to retire, but obstinately- 
 disregarded the appeals of the officers. The military 
 proceeded to take up the positions that had been as- 
 signed to them. 
 
 Cannon were placed so as to command Queen street, 
 east and west, and Second street, north and south. 
 Platoons of soldiers were stretched across the street at 
 Third and Queen, Second and Queen, and around the 
 Commissioners' Hall. 
 
 This disposition of force being made. Gen. CaJwal- 
 ader informed Mr. Grover that the military would pro- 
 tect the church, and that the citizen force might be dis- 
 charged, which was done, the men marching out two 
 and two and mingling quietly with the crowd. On 
 receiving the church from the voluntary police. Gene- 
 ral Cadwalader said to Mr. G., " Mr. Grover, you de- 
 serve the thanks of all good citizens for what you have 
 done this day;" a sentiment which is echoed by all 
 who know the circumstances. 
 
 But the affair had reached its turning point — from 
 riot to civil war. The crowd in Queen street refused 
 to give way. The soldiers were then commanded to 
 charge, but {he crowd resisted and stood before the 
 bayonets. While the committee were going out of the 
 church a collision occurred between the soldiers and 
 citizens at the corner of Second and Queen. Capt. 
 Hill of the City Guards, was disarmed and thrown 
 down. An attempt was made to stab him with his 
 own sword; — there was imminent danger that he would 
 be trampled to death — at this moment th© lieutenant of 
 the Guards gave the word — fire! 
 
 Groans and shrieks fiMed the air, and die crowd now- 
 broke in all directions. Every body was struck aghast 
 at the performance of a terrible duty, often threatened 
 2* E 
 
14 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 by proclamation, but habitually disre^rarded, and for a 
 time a terrible quiet reigned, disturbed only by the 
 groans of the wounded, and the shrieks of the women. 
 
 The number wounded in this first discharge, it is 
 impossible to know. Among the killed was Mr. Isaac 
 Freed, a resident of Spring Garden, who received a 
 shot through the chest, and survived only a very few 
 moments. He was mistaken for Mr. Jacob Korndaffer, 
 and taken to his residence in Second street, to die. 
 Mr. William Crozier, of Plumb street, was killed al- 
 most instantly — his whole face shot away. James 
 Linsenberger, a lad, apprenticed to a druggist at the 
 corner of Sixth and Parrish, was shot through the hip, 
 and is since dead. Many were wounded, and among 
 others Mrs. Lisle, wife of Capt. Lisle, m Front below 
 Queen, who was leaving a house where she had been 
 visiting, and receive a ball through her arm. Three 
 or four others were killed at the first fire, when, in- 
 deed, nearly all the execution known to have been 
 done by the military occurred. The death and wounds 
 of those who fell at this time in the evening are in a 
 certain light accidents, being the result of their fatal te- 
 merity, — in many cases mere curiosity. Two voUies 
 were fired, one up, and one down Second street. 
 
 After this there was a rush on the part of a portion 
 of the crowd for arms. Terribly exasperated, the mob 
 — that is to say the active portion, now became regular 
 assailants of the military. They broke into the Hall, 
 and took therefrom a considerable number of the mus- 
 kets, which had been brought from the Church. Threats 
 were made against a number of soldiers, who were 
 stationed in the lower part of the Hall, and finally a 
 gathering was had at -the Hay Scales, near the Whar- 
 ton Market, below the Southwark Railroad, and about 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 15" 
 
 9 o'clock, a body of men came down Federal street 
 preceded by a four pounder cannon, roiiffhly mounled, 
 and drawn with ropes. The men who followed in the 
 rear were armed with muskets in part, and with other 
 instruments of offence. They proceeded to Front 
 street, and up Front street to Queen, where they qui- 
 (Btly placed the cannon at the jniddle of the junciion of 
 the street, so as to range along Queen street towards 
 Second, at which latter street a body of military and a 
 six pounder were placed. The darkness favored their 
 operations, and they were undisturbed until they had 
 fired the piece, which was heavily loaded with frag- 
 ments of iron, that had been hastily collected. At the 
 same time the mob fired with muskets in the same di- 
 rection, from such covered positions as they could 
 find, and the fire was immediately answered by a vol- 
 ley from the military, and the discharge of the field 
 piece. The firing on both sides was then kept up at 
 intervals until about 10 o'clock, when it temporarily 
 ceased. The mob had at that hour two pieces, placed 
 60 as to range Queen street, and had also a fiPucen 
 pounder, which they could not use, because it was not 
 mounted. 
 
 At 11 o'clock, Major General Patterson detailed the 
 German battalion, with two field pieces, and the com- 
 panies of Washington Cavalry, and First County Troop, 
 under the command of General Roumfort, as a rein- 
 forcement, and the column immediately moved to the 
 scene of action. The reports of the guns shook the 
 houses in the vicinity— shattering windows and dam- 
 aging furniture. Balls passed into many of thorn, and 
 the inmates were compelled to retire precipitately by 
 the back ways — leaving all their property behind them. 
 In one instance an aged lady was obliged to be lifted 
 
16 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 over a fence, and while this was being done, a ball cut 
 off the branch of a tree near by. 
 
 During the night, the military were kept as much 
 as possible under shelter, but were exposed to contin- 
 ual discharges. Rifle balls whistled from alleys; and 
 the heavy guns of the mob were wheeled about in per- 
 fect silence, in the darkness, and the first intimation of 
 the approach of an enemy was the discharge of their 
 pieces, raking the street. They were evidently well 
 drilled and officered, and pursued their work with a 
 Satanic malignity without parallel. Wherever an ob- 
 ject was seen to move it was greeted with rifle'or mus- 
 ket balls, from the places where the assassins lay con- 
 cealed. When the door of a shop occupied as a 
 temporary hospital was opened, whoever stood or 
 walked in the range of its light, served as a mark for 
 the concealed murderers. 
 
 A man named John Cook, who is among the dead, 
 was killed at the gun which he had fired twice upon 
 the troops. At each time his fire was answered by a 
 shot from the soldiers. At the third time his gun 
 burned prime, and he was shot by the flash, as he ne- 
 glected his previous precaution of getting out of the 
 way. 
 
 The mob did not attempt to keep their places, but 
 hauled their pieces out of the way of shot to charge, 
 and came back in the darkness, with muffled Avheels, 
 to fire. Many of the mob must, however, be killed 
 and wounded, of whom we have no report. 
 
 Among the incidents of the night, a party of soldiers 
 sitting upon the steps of a house, left and crossed the 
 street, to claim a portion of some food which some 
 comrades had foraged — for food was scarce, and com- 
 fort still more so. It was done in a spirit of desperate 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 17 
 
 sport, and was loudly condemned by their officers. On 
 their return to their place, the steps were found broken 
 with a charge of iron scraps, which, fired from the gun 
 of the mob, had swept the place where they had been 
 sitting. Cole chisels, pieces of glass bottles, stones, 
 iron scraps, and all sorts of missiles, were among the 
 articles with which the guns were charged. But we 
 must close this account with a few incidents culled from 
 various papers, as they have been reported. 
 
 The mob had four pieces of cannon, which were 
 worked by sailors and watermen, Avith unexampled 
 tact and ability. Their mode of attack was, to load at 
 a distance, with pieces of iron and other metals, such 
 as nails, pieces of chains, stonecutter's chisels, knives, 
 files, spikes, broken bottles, &c. The wheels of the 
 cannon were muffled, and three of them were used 
 with great effect. One of the most fearful shots was 
 that fired from all three cannons at once, in the fol- 
 lowing manner. One was placed on Queen street 
 wharf, unknown to the military — -one in Queen street 
 between Sixth and Seventh — one in Third street, about 
 four squares south of Queen. Slow matches were ap- 
 plied ; and, as if previously understood, all three were 
 fired at once — making dreadful havoc. They were no 
 sooner fired than dragged off into hiding places, un- 
 heard and unseen. Long drag ropes had been attached 
 to them, and they were whirled off in an instant, and 
 before the military could return the fire with any 
 effect. 
 
 The greatest mischief was from the gun in Third 
 street, which raked files of military stationed across 
 that street at Queen. The State Fencibles, the Ger- 
 mantown Washington Artillery, and the Germantovvn 
 
18 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 Blues, lost several of their men by that fire. Their 
 names will be found in the list of killed and wounded. 
 
 No sooner was the tramp of cavalry horses heard, 
 than ropes were extended across streets, which tripped 
 the horses, and in most instances, threw their riders, 
 when the mob pelted them with stones and other mis- 
 siles from hiding places. Before daylight, the mili- 
 tary seized and carried off three of the pieces of can- 
 non which had been used by the mob. They observed 
 them pulling one from its secret place, and made an 
 attack — the mob fled, and the military took the can- 
 non. 
 
 All along Queen street, above and below the church 
 for some distance, presented a truly warlike appear- 
 ance. Window shutters, doors, fronts of houses, trees, 
 tree-boxes, awning posts, lamp posts, pumps, watch- 
 boxes, and signs, are all pierced with balls and shot ; 
 and the pavements, gutters, streets, steps, and door- 
 jambs stained with blood. In some places it flowed 
 down the gutters— this was mostly the blood of the 
 military, draNvn by the fire of the mob. 
 
 At one time during the night, for about two hours, 
 all communication with the Major General, by his 
 aids, was suspended. Ruffians were stationed in hid- 
 ing places, along the streets over which the aids rode, 
 and they were fired upon, intercepted, and stones, 
 brickbats, &c., hurled at them. None of them were 
 injured, however. 
 
 General Patterson sent a messenger express to 
 Washington, to the President of the United States, 
 with a request for an order for the U. States troops at 
 Carlisle, in this State; for those at Fort Mifflin, and 
 for Captain Ringgold's Flying Artillery, at Fort Mc- 
 Henry, Baltimore, to be here at the earliest moment. 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 19 
 
 He also sent, by express, a messenger to Harrisburg, 
 asking the Governor to order troops from Lancaster, 
 Harrisburg, and other places in the State, to proceed 
 to Philadelphia forthwith. 
 
 MONDAY. 
 
 All was comparatively quiet, if we except the move- 
 ments of the military at different points, the frequent 
 arrival of country troops, giving the city the aspect and 
 bustle of a garrison town, and the knots of men at 
 every corner, anxiously discussing the terrible events 
 of the day and night previous. No violence took place 
 after day-light on Monday morning, though bitter 
 threats were made, and it was said that tremendous 
 preparations were going forward by the rioters. 
 
 During the afternoon, a committee from the Com- 
 missioners of the District of Southwark, waited upon 
 Major General Patterson, and requested him lo with- 
 draw the troops at 4 o'clock, pledging themselves to. 
 preserve the peace in the District. The General re- 
 plied that if the Commissioners would satisfy him that 
 they were able, and could preserve the property und 
 peace of the District, he would issue an order for the 
 withdrawal of the troops. * 
 
 A Committee also waited on the Sheriff for the 
 same object, and, that, after a consultation with the 
 Judges of the Court of Quarter Sessions, the Sheriff 
 and Major General concluded, from the Court's re- 
 commendation, to withdraw the troops, and General 
 Patterson then issued an order to withdraw the troops. 
 The Country Board, by advice of the County Com- 
 missioners, joined in the recommendation. The fol- 
 lowing is the correspondence which took place upon 
 the subject. 
 
20 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 Southwark, July Sth, 1844. 
 Major General Robert Patterson : 
 
 SiR~From the representation of a number of citi- 
 zens of this District, we are persuaded that if the 
 military be removed from the neighborhood of St. 
 Philip's Roman Catholic Church, in Queen street, 
 order will be immediately restored, and the citizens 
 will protect the Church. We give our every exertion 
 for the furtherance of the object. We do not hesi- 
 tate to say that peace and good order will be imme- 
 diately restored. 
 
 With much respect, we are respectfully, 
 R. Palmer, "^ 
 
 Charles Hortz, L. Aldermen. 
 
 N. McKlNLEY, I 
 
 James Saunders, J 
 
 Southwark Hall, July Sfh, 1844. 
 
 Extract from the Minufps of the Commissioners of 
 Southwark 
 
 " Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Board of 
 Commissioners, that the continuing of the military 
 force, now in this District, has a tendency to keep in 
 existence, the present excitement, and that if the 
 troops, now occupying the public streets of Southwark, 
 are not withdrawn, there will be probably an addi- 
 tional shedding of blood." 
 
 " Resolved, That Messrs. Paynter, Tanner and 
 Smith, be a Committee from this Board, to call upon 
 Gen. Patterson, and advise with him, upon the expe- 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 21 
 
 diency and propriety of withdrawing the military now 
 on duty, in the District of Southwark." 
 A true copy. 
 
 Attest — John Oakford. 
 
 Head Quarters, 1*/ Div. P. M.} 
 
 " Phi/ade/phia, July 8th, 1844. 3 
 
 Messrs, Paynfer, Tanner and Smith, Committee of 
 the Commissioners of Southwark, 
 
 Gentlemen : — I have examined the extract from 
 the minutes of the Connnissioners of Southwark, which 
 you handed me this morning. 
 
 It is my desire to preserve peace, and not to retain 
 possession of any church or dwelling, if the civil 
 authorities are competent for their protection and de- 
 fence. 
 
 I will, therefore, without hesitation, place the 
 Church under the care and protection of the civil au- 
 thorities, as soon as I receive notice that they are able 
 and ready to defend it. 
 
 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
 
 Signed, R. PATTERSON. 
 
 Southwark, July 8th, 1844. 
 
 Extracts from the Minutes of the Commissioners of 
 Southwark. 
 
 Col. Paynter, from the Committee appointed to con- 
 fer with Major General Patterson, upon the expedi- 
 ency and propriety of withdrawing the military guard 
 
22 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 now on duty in the District of Southwark, reported a 
 communicalion in writing, from General Patterson, in 
 which he states that — " I will, without hesitation, 
 place the Church under the care and protection of the 
 civil authorities, as soon as I receive notice that they 
 are able and ready to defend it." 
 
 IVlncli having been read and considered, 
 It iras Ordered, That the Clerk of this Board, be 
 directed to communicate to Major General Patterson, 
 in writing, and personally, that in the opinion of this 
 Board, the civil authorities of the District are able and 
 ready to defend the Church. 
 A true extract — 
 
 Attest, John Oakford, Clerk. 
 
 Sheriff's Office, Jidy Slh, 1844. 
 Major General Patterson : 
 
 Sir — The Aldermen of the District of Southwark, 
 have given me notice that they are abundantly able to 
 protect the property and peace of the District of South- 
 wark. I learn, also, that the Commissioners of that 
 District, have officially made a similar declaration ; 
 and, in view of these facts, I would respectfully sug- 
 gest that the troops now having charge of St. Philip's 
 Church, Southwark, should be relieved. You are, 
 therefore, requested to order them to such other points 
 as you mav deem best suited to their comfort and re- 
 pose, holding them in readiness to act, when neces- 
 sary, at :?uch places as may be menaced. 
 
 llespectfully yours, ^^ 
 
 M. McMICHAEL. 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 23 
 
 The troops remained still under arms, to the num- 
 ber of between four and five thousand, having been 
 largely reinforced from the country. Governor Por- 
 ter arrived in town on Monday afternoon, and issued 
 the following General Orders : 
 
 os^SRAii ordx:r§. 
 
 DAVID R. PORTER, Governor of the Common- 
 wealth of Pennsylvania, Commander-in-Chief, &c. 
 
 ORDERS AS FOLLOWS. 
 
 The Governor and Commander-in-Chief deeply re- 
 grets that the renewal of riot, disorder and bloodshed, 
 has again compelled him to repair to the city for the 
 purpose of order. A crisis has arrived of the most ap- 
 palling character, in which every good citizen is called* 
 upon by the highest obligations of duty to stand for- 
 ward in the maintenance of the Laws. The origin of 
 the existing disturbances sinks into utter insignificance, 
 when compared with the disastrous consequences that 
 must inevitably result from their continuance. What- 
 ever opinion any citizen may have entertained at the 
 outset of these disturbances, as to the cause, no man 
 can view without the most poignant feeling, the de- 
 plorable state of things, already produced, and certain 
 to succeed, if they are not immediately arrested. The 
 question is now, shall an irresponsible mob, or the 
 regular constituted authorities be forced to yield. No 
 good citizen who understands the nature, and desires 
 to enjoy the blessings of our free institutions, will 
 hesitate an instant under which standard to rally. The 
 friends of peace, order, law and liberty, will put forth 
 
24 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 their utmost might in supporting the legal authorities 
 in the discharge of their duty. Those who are ene- 
 mies to these sacred objects will aid and countenance 
 the efforts of the insurgents. 
 
 The Commander-in-Chief feels great satisfaction in 
 announcing his entire approbation of all the measures 
 that have been adopted by Major General Patterson, 
 as well as of the High Sheriff for quelling and dispers- 
 ing the tumultuous assemblages of persons that sought 
 to intimidate and drive from the ground the military 
 force, while peacefully engaged in performing its duty. 
 The retribution has indeed been terrible, but it was 
 alike unavoidable and justifiable. If the laws cannot 
 be maintained without the use of force, then force be- 
 comes as much an act of patriotism as of duty, and 
 must be applied when the awful necessity arises. This 
 remark is made in the hope that no repetition will be 
 required of this most painful and terrific remedy. 
 
 Orders have been issued to the Majors General of 
 several of the nearest Divisions, to have all the Volun- 
 teer Companies under their command in readiness to 
 march at a moment's notice, and in pursuance of this 
 order, a large force will be mustered to repair to the 
 scene of disturbance at any hour which may be desig- 
 nated. 
 
 THE COMxMANDER-IN-CHIEF ORDERS. 
 
 1. That Major General Patterson detail as large a 
 force as may be necessary to check, and occupy, all the 
 streets, lanes, alleys, and places menaced with attack, 
 and take immediate charge of all subh places, and pro- 
 tect them from intrusion and assault. 
 
 2. That Major General Patterson to station and dis- 
 tribute his force as to command all the streets and other 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 25 
 
 assailable points, to disperse or arrest, as may be ne- 
 cessary, all those persons who may assemble in con- 
 siderable bodies for the purpose of exciting to riot, 
 tumult, and disorder. 
 
 3. That Major General Patterson adopt the most 
 prompt and efficient steps to disperse riotous assem- 
 blages as soon as they begin to form, and before they 
 have time and opportunity to mature and carry into 
 execution their mischievous intentions. 
 
 4. That Major General Patterson treat all persons 
 found with arms in their hands, or in possession of 
 cannon, or aiding and abetting those who have, and 
 who have not reported themselves for service to the 
 Commander-in-Chief, as open enemies of the State, 
 seeking to destroy the property and lives of the Citi- 
 zens, and to trample on its laws. 
 
 5. The Volunteers from other Divisions, as they 
 reach this place, will report themselves to Major Gen- 
 eral Patterson, and act in obedience to his orders. 
 
 In obedience to a spirit of considerate forbearance, 
 the Military force has been withdrawn from St. Philip's 
 Church, and a relief stationed there of the civil 
 posse, at the instance, and under the direction, of the 
 Magistrates of the District. This measure, it is pre- 
 sumed, will furnish an appeal to the reason and patriot- 
 ism of the Citizens which will not be in vain ; but, 
 should it unfortunately prove to be unavailing, the 
 most decisive steps will be taken. Not only the mili- 
 tary force now here, but that ordered to be in readiness, 
 will be called to this place, and so employed, that 
 every person found with arms in their hands, or in 
 their houses, will be pursued to the utmost, and 
 brought to punishment for their temerity and crimes. 
 
 Thus far the conduct of the citizen soldiery has been 
 3* F 
 
26 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 distinj^jiished by equal bravery and forbearance, and 
 the Commander-in-Chief has no doubt, in any future 
 emergency, they will continue to be actuated by the 
 same determination to do their duty. 
 
 All well-disposed persons are cautioned to refrain 
 from joinino' or countenancing any riotous assemblages 
 in any part of the city and county of Philadelphia, 
 either as artors or spectators. Prompt and efficient 
 measures will be taken to disperse them; and it is dif- 
 ficult, in so doing, to distinguish between the guilty 
 and the innocent. 
 
 Riot and bloodshed must be terminated at once, the 
 duty of effecting this, rests with the executive ; and 
 those who act under his orders, and whatever the haz- 
 ard, this duty shall be faithfully and fearlessly per- 
 formed. By order of DAVID R. PORTER, 
 Gov. of the Com. of Penn., and Commander-in-Chief, 
 
 Adam Diller, ^^djt. Gen. P. M, 
 Head-Quarters, Phila., July 8, 1844. 
 
 The following is a list of the dead and wounded, so 
 far as we have been able to complete it. It does not 
 include all, however, for the number of wounded can- 
 not be less than fifty, and the dead must amount to 
 fourteen or more. The military have behaved with 
 wonderful courage and forbearance, and the services of 
 the country troops as well as our own cannot be too 
 highly rated. 
 
 I.IST OF THE KffLI.ED A]%D WOUl^OEO. 
 MII.1TARY. 
 
 Capt. J. R. Scott, of the Cadwalader Grays, badly 
 wounded in the side. 
 
KILLED AND WOUNDED. 27 
 
 Col. Pleasanton, badly bruised with a spent ball, 
 
 Gardner of the Washington Cavalry. 
 
 Serjeant Marston, of the First State Fencibles slight- 
 ly wounded. 
 
 James S. Crawford, of the Washington Artillery, 
 of Germantown, wounded in the left shoulder, and 
 taken to the Hospital. 
 
 First corporal, Henry G. Troutman, of the German- 
 town Blues, wounded in the groin. Since dead. 
 
 Serjeant John Guyer, of the Germantown Blues, 
 killed. 
 
 John Waterhouse, Jr., of the Germantown Blues, 
 slightly wounded in the neck. The ball passed through 
 his knapsack and grazed his neck. 
 
 Samuel Williams, of the Wayne Artillery, wounded 
 in the shoulder. 
 
 Richard Ball, of the same company, wounded in the 
 calf of the leg. 
 
 Charles Dougherty, ot the same company, wounded 
 in the cheek. 
 
 John Woolridge, of the Philadelphia Grays, slightly 
 wounded. 
 
 Private Schriner, of the same company, slightly 
 wounded. 
 
 Coulter Russell, of the City Guards, hit on the head 
 with a brick-bat. 
 
 Private Morrison,, of the same company, struck with 
 a brick-bat, and slightly wounded. 
 
 Searjant Starr, of the Cadwalader Grays, hit with a 
 brick-bat. 
 
 J. McCarren, a volunteer, wounded in the knee. 
 
 Richard Wagner, First Lieutenant of the Holmes- 
 burg Cavalry, wounded by a ball passing through his 
 hand, and two spent balls on his body. 
 
28 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 Private liinglay, of the same corps, badly bruised 
 by his horse falling over the ropes. 
 
 Private Charles Williams, wounded in the hand. 
 
 The Holmesburg Troop captured a piece of cannon 
 from the mob, and it was during the attack that the 
 above accidents occurred. 
 
 NOT MILITARY. 
 
 James Lawson, who lives in Ninth street below 
 Shippen, shot in the heel. ^ 
 
 James R. TuUy, Lombard street below Sixth, shot 
 in the arm. 
 
 Airs. Lisle, Front street, below Queen, shot in the 
 left arm. 
 
 A boy, named William Manning, while standing on 
 Queen street wharf, was daflngerously wounded. 
 
 T. Street, a brother of the Home Missionary, was 
 shot in both legs. 
 
 James Linsenberger, who lives in the drug store, 
 corner of Sixth and Parrish streets, was shot through 
 the hip — since dead 
 
 Mr. Freed, an elderly citizen, resident of Spring 
 Garden — killed. 
 
 David Kithcart, shot in the abdomen, since dead. 
 
 John Heusled, wounded in the arm and cheek. 
 
 Thomas C. Saunders, mortally wounded in the 
 breast. Since dead. " 
 
 J. W. Barr, wounded in the shoulder blade. 
 
 A lad named Falkner, one of the Committee in 
 charge of the Church, was wounded in the right arm 
 at the first fire in the evening. 
 
 Henry Slack, bricklayer, wounded, carried to his 
 home. 
 
 John Cook, an oysterman, and a member of the 
 Weccacoe Hose Company — struck by two balls at one 
 
KILLED AND WOUNDED, 29 
 
 time. One entering the groin — the other in the region 
 of the heart. Killed instantly. 
 
 Lemuel Paynter, wounded. 
 
 Dr. A ppleton, wounded in the leg and arm. 
 
 A young lady, 18 years of age, whose name we 
 could not learn, shot with a ball through the thigh. 
 
 Mr. Baggs, wounded in the leg, residing in John st. 
 above Front. 
 
 Henry Jones, wounded in the right shoulder, resid- 
 ing in Christian above Third. 
 
 T. D. Grover, received a bayonet through his coat. 
 
 Joseph Silby, Southwark, wounded in the shoulder 
 and thigh — mortally. 
 
 Mr. Gay, residing in Penn street above South, 
 wounded in both legs. 
 
 A carpenter, named William Crozier, residing in 
 Plumb street, was killed instantly. 
 
 Edward McGuire, Carpenter street near Sixth, a 
 bayonet wound in the face. 
 
 John Quin, slightly wounded. 
 
 A blacksmith, named Enos Waters, killed. 
 
 A pilot, named Spiel, is among- the killed, and a 
 man whose name is said to be Fairfield. 
 
 Joseph McDaniel, killed — a ball through the heart. 
 
 Gerhart Ellis, a German, who could not speak any 
 English, a journeyman of B. Hulseman, in Queen st. 
 below Front, was shot through the head with a mus- 
 ket ball while looking from the garret window. He 
 had undressed himself to retire to bed, but had run to 
 the window on hearing the noise which preceded the 
 first firing. 
 
 1^0UN1>E1>, AT THE HOSPITAL. 
 
 William Manning, James W. Barr, citizens. 
 
 James Crawford, a volunteer, wounded in the arra 
 — the limb since amputated. 
 
30 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 J. McCarren, a volunteer, wounded in the knee. 
 
 John Heusted, wounded in the right arm. 
 
 Elijah Jester, wounded in the throat. Since dead. 
 
 James R. Tully, wounded in the right arm. 
 
 A woman named Jane Pennel, resident in Beck's 
 alley, died from the effect of fright, occasioned by the 
 firing at the riot on Sunday evening, the 7th instant. 
 
 R E WAR D . 
 
 The Philadelphia County Commissioners, on Mon- 
 day night, acted with commendable despatch, in pas- 
 sing the following resolution : 
 
 Rffolue/I, That the County Commissioners be and 
 they are hereby authorized to offer a reward of five 
 hundred dollars, for the future apprehension of every 
 person that may be convicted of using any deadly 
 weapons, or assisting, aiding or abetting those engaged 
 in using any deadly weapon against the civil authori- 
 ties or other persons acting by their orders in the sup- 
 pression of the late riots and insurrectionary move- 
 ments in the District of SouUnvark, or elsewhere; and 
 also a rewTxrd of one hundred dollars for the apprehen- 
 sion and conviction of every person in any other man- 
 ner engaged in such riots and insurrectionary move- 
 ments in opposition of said civil authorities or other 
 persons acting by their orders — the said rewards to be 
 paid upon conviction of the persons so apprehended. 
 
 ARRESTS. 
 
 The following is a list of the principal arrests which 
 have taken place in connexion with, and in consequence 
 of the recent riots : 
 
 On Thursday. Lewis C. Levin — to answer to the 
 charge of inciting to riot and treason in the " Daily 
 Sun," of which he is editor. Held to bail in S3,000 
 to answer, and in $1,000 to keep the peace. 
 
ARRESTS. 31 
 
 John G. Watmough, charged with exciting language, 
 held in his own recognizance in $1,000 to keep the 
 peace for three months. 
 
 Samuel R. Kramer, editor of the Native American, 
 held in $500 to keep the peace. 
 
 Wm. P. Hanna, exciting language and resistance of 
 the Police, held in $1,500. 
 
 Friday. No arrests of moment. A few disorderly- 
 persons for exciting language. 
 
 Saturday. Ethan Harvvood, a young man em- 
 ployed in a china store in the city. Held in $13,000, 
 to answer the charges of riot, treason and murder. He 
 is charged with being an active rioter, and with being 
 with one of the cannon.* 
 
 Wm. H. Springer, of Southwark. Wm. H. Everly 
 testified that on Monday week. Springer, in the course 
 of a conversation, said that he was sorry that the mili- 
 tary were about to be withdrawn, for they would have 
 fired brimstone at them, by which they would all have 
 been killed. Mr. Springer was held to bail in $2,000, 
 for further hearing. 
 
 Washington Conrad, charged with having knocked 
 down Capt. Hill. Bail refused by Recorder Vaux. 
 
 Christopher Wren, charged with having gone with 
 the mob and obtained guns. Held in S2,000. All the 
 above except Mr. Springer were committed. They 
 were conveyed to Moyamensing, in charge of a troop 
 of horse. 
 
 Wm. R. Rodgers, held in $500 for insulting a sen- 
 tinel, before the Girard Bank. 
 
 James Reese, held in $500 for inflammatory lan- 
 
 * He has since turned State's Evidence, and made 
 some disclosures, in which he charges a man named 
 Stephen House with being concerned in the riots. 
 
32 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 giiage before the head quarters in Green street. Wm. 
 Smith held for the same offence. 
 
 Sunday. Wm. and David Simpson, inflammatory 
 language. Held in 82,000. 
 
 Monday. No arrests of consequence were made of 
 persons connected with recent riots, but Abraham 
 Freymire was arrested by Constable Charles Roberts, 
 on the charge of having ^et fire to the Pennsylvania 
 Hall, in 1838, and committed to answer by Alderman 
 Erety. The defendant has been absent from the city 
 nearly all the time since the destruction of that build- 
 inof. 
 
 Hugh Develin, committed, charged with rioting in 
 Kensington in May. 
 
 Tuesday. John W. Smith was arrested by Hugh 
 Cassady, the Police officer of Southwark, and carried 
 before Judge Jones, charged with participating in the 
 late riots in Southwark. Mr. Cassady identified him 
 as one of the principle men engaged in directing the 
 cannon against St. Philip's Church door, on the Sun- 
 day morning when Mr. Naylor was rescued. John 
 W. Smith is the first name attached to the " Address 
 of the Committee of Twenty," which was appointed 
 by the crowd, on Friday night, to search the church 
 for the concealed arms, and it is said that the prisoner 
 is that individual. He was loitering about the vicinity 
 of the Court House when arrested. The Police offi- 
 cer swears to him with great positiveness, and Judge 
 Jones held him to bail in $13,000, to answer the charge 
 of riot, treason, and murder. He was committed in 
 default. 
 
 George Merrick, charged with being concerned in 
 the burning of St. Augustine. Held to answer in 
 S2,000. 
 
 John Turner, charged with participation in the 
 
ARRESTS. 33 
 
 Soulhwark riot, and committed. An attempt was made 
 at Spruce street wharf to rescue him. 
 
 Wednesday. Andrew McLane surrendered him- 
 self, and after a hearing, was committed, charged as 
 accessory to the murder of the Germantown soldiers, 
 with riot, and with mis-prison of treason. Bail was 
 refused by Mayor Scott. 
 
 Joseph Black, a second-hand iron dealer, was held 
 in S5,000 charged with selling iron, &c., to the riot- 
 ers. His two sons were held in $2,000 each. 
 
 [The following extract is taken from the North 
 American, edited by Col. Chdds, in whose testimony, 
 relative to the Southwark riots, we have full confid- 
 enee.] 
 
 During the time the above occurrence (meaning the 
 evacuation of the committee of citizens headed by Mr. 
 Grover,) were taking place, which probably occupied 
 about 8 minutes, the ground had been cleared to Third 
 street, without difficulty. Toward Second street, how- 
 ever, the scene was different. Capt. Scott's company 
 were threatened, then pelted by several persons with 
 brickbats and stones, one of which struck Sergeant 
 Starr on the breast, and broke two of his ribs, and 
 caused a stream of blood to flow from his mouth. An- 
 other of the same company received a severe blow. 
 General Cadwalader gave notice that the ground must 
 be cleared, and if necessary the officers should use 
 force. The company was brought to a charge, and 
 moved forward, in double quick time. Several persons 
 in the crowd fell, but were not injured by the military, 
 who succeeded in clearing the ground to Second street. 
 There was, however, a determination evinced by a 
 number of persons to seize their arms. About this 
 
34 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 time the defenders of the church came down Queen 
 street in a body, on the south pavement, until they 
 reached Second street, where they separated. Mr. 
 Grover stepped out in front of the Cadwalader Greys, 
 to try and pacify the crowd. 
 
 At this moment, some ten or fifteen persons in 
 Queen, below Second street, advanced, and some of 
 them ordered a sentinel on post in the street to retire. 
 He coolly and repeatedly urged them to fall back, but 
 they continued to advance. Captain Scott faced his 
 company to the right, and moved them up to the house 
 on the south-west side of Queen street ; Capt. Hill at 
 the same time marched his company forward, in order 
 to form on Scott's left. He was opposed by most of 
 the crowd, when he flourished his sword and ordered 
 them to fall back. Most of those in the crowd were 
 disposed to retire peaceably, but there were others, 
 and not a few, who were bent on mischief. Believing 
 that the forbearance shown by the military for the last 
 ten years, would prevent them from firing, they seized 
 several of the bayonets of the soldiers, who were at a 
 charge, and attempted to force them out of their hands. 
 At the same time one of Captain Hill's company re- 
 ceived a severe blow, and the captain was seized, 
 thrown down, and an attempt made to wrest the sword 
 out of his hand. At this moment, when the arms of 
 the soldiers were about being wrested by force out of 
 their hands, and not before, Capt. Hill gave the word 
 to fire. There were upwards of thirty muskets dis- 
 charged, and only seven persons killed or wounded, 
 which shows conclusively that there was no disposi- 
 tion to take life, but that the troops were acting on the 
 defensive. The crowd quickly dispersed, but those 
 who had assailed the military instantly departed, pro- 
 cured arms, and returned to attack those sent to pre 
 
TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 35 
 
 serve the peace. The fearful occurrences of that night 
 are well known. 
 
 In consequence of the many conflicting statements 
 regarding the arming of the church, we give the fol- 
 lowing testimony showing that they had the highest 
 authority for what they done. 
 
 Testimony of General Mam Diller. I am the Adju- 
 tant General of the State of Pennsylvania ; there was 
 an application made to me by Wm. H. Dunn, for mus- 
 kets, soon after the Kensington riots ; the authority by 
 which he claimed them was a few lines from General 
 Patterson. I told Mr. Dunn that the law pointed out 
 clearly the authority under which arms should be 
 delivered, and that his requisition was not sufficient ; 
 that he could not and ought not to have arms for any 
 such purpose ; he went away, and in a few days re- 
 turned with a similar application ; I sent him away 
 again ; about ten days after he brought an order from 
 the Governor. The order is as follows : 
 
 Executive Chamber, June 13, 1844. 
 To Adam Diller, Adjt. Gen. P. M. 
 
 Sir — On receipt of this, yon will deliver to Wm. H. Dunn, 
 Esq. -25 stand of muskets, taking from him at the same time 
 his bond for re-deHvery of the same in good order on or be- 
 fore the 1st day of February next. I am, respectfully, 
 
 David R. Pouteb. 
 
 Upon his giving the usual bond, I gave him an or- 
 der on the keeper of the arsenal for 20 old muskets, 
 mistaking the number mentioned in the Qovernor's 
 orders, and Mr. Dunn only received these twenty ; m 
 
36 TREMENDOUS RIOTS. 
 
 a few days he sent a note, complaining of the mistake, 
 and claiming the remainder. This note is as follows : 
 
 210 South Eighth street, June 21st, 1844. 
 Gen. Adam Diller; 
 
 Sir — Of the twenty muskets received out of the Arsenal by 
 me, under your order, but four have got ramrods, and one of 
 the bayonets is imperfect. As my bond is for the re-deliv- 
 ery of what ought to be considered perfect stand of arms, I 
 will thank you to do what is right in the matter. 
 
 I will also require of you an order for the remaining five 
 stand of arms, to perfect the number directed to be given 
 me. Your ob't servant, Wm. H. Dunn. 
 
 Mr. Dunn gave a bond, with security, for the return 
 of the twenty-live musJs.ets on the 1st of February next; 
 he only received twemy, howevar; he never received any 
 other arms of any description ; when the Governor was here 
 I had a conversation with him on the subject; he said Mr. 
 Dnnn had presented such strong recommendations in favor 
 of his application, and, among others, a letter from Major 
 Generel Patterson, that he did not feel at liberty to deny 
 his request; no other arms than those mentioned have been 
 placed in that or any other church to my knowledge; dur- 
 ing the Kensington riots, after consultation with the Gov- 
 ernor, arms were delivered on the requisition of the Mayor, 
 for the purpose of arming the peace police of the various 
 wards ; these were all called in, however, before the South- 
 wark riots commenced. 
 
 There are many ways in which muskets could be pro- 
 cured ; there are sales at the United States' Arsenal, and 
 various manufacturers of muskets for the United States, who 
 Bell those condemned as unfit for the service; the muskets 
 delivered to Mr. Dnnn, were most probably among those 
 deposited at the arsenal by the military on their return from 
 Southwark: among the fifty or sixty guns so deposited, are 
 several slK)t guns. 
 
% 
 
 
 ''^. vd 
 
 
 "> 
 
 ^ 
 
 ■^^^v 
 
 . " * °* 
 
 ^' -<e 
 
 
^' ,0 
 
 
 .^-^ V 
 
 <-., 
 
 &■ 
 
 *•, 
 
 
 
 % 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 014 311 838 1