Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1812-08-28

removed his family from the house, but did
not relinquish it, or remove his furniture.
In this situation it remained until the 26th
of July, when the paper having been re estab-
lished in Georgetown, and the proprietors
having resolved to attempt its re establish
ment in Baltimore, one of them Mr. Hanson,
came and occupied this house, thaving first
taken lease) as place from which the dis
tribution of the paper might be made. He
was attended by the friends before mention
ed, who were to remain as his guests until
their business called them home.
They thought it probable, that an attempt
would be made to prevent the distribution of
the paper, and they might even be attacked
in the house for that purpose. But they hop
ed, by the appearance of determined resist
ance, to deter the assailants from actual vio-
lence till the civil authority should have time
to interpose and prevent mischief Should
they be disappointed in this hope, and find
themselves in danger from the unrestraned
violence of a mob, they were resolved, and
were prepared to stand on the defensive and
to repel force by force. Reliance upon the
civil authority they early perceived to be
fruitless, for on application to the Mayor by
the owner of the house, he peremptorily de
clined all interference, and left town, as it
was understood, to prevent his repose from
being disturbed.-The civil authority refusing
to interfere when applied to by Mr.. White,
the son, and Mr.. D ennis Rowland, the son-in.
law ofthe owner of the house, there was no
thing left but to resist the Mob in the house,
and while this resistance was made with. a
mildness and forbearance scarcely ever equal
led. and which excited the wonder of the
spectators, several messages were sent to
Brigadier General Stricken to disperse the
Mob and prevent the effusion of blood, which
would otherwise be unavoidable.
lift be objected, that the scheme was rash
or imprudent, all must admit it acas strictly
and clearly laUful Mr. Hanson had an I'M
doubted right to distribute the paper in Balti
more, from this or any other house in his &C.
cupation, and to defend his person and pro
perty by force, in case they were assailed BY
unlawful violence, and left unprotected by the
civil authority.
On Monday the eth of July, the dstribu-
ton OF the paper was commenced, and pro-
ceeded without moestation or tumult, till
evening. But soon after twilight mob col
lected before the house, and soon began to
act in very threatening and riotous manner
The gentlemen in the house, with great mild
ness, patience and forbearancc, repeatedly
advised and requested them to dispense, as
surfing them that the house was armed and
would be defended, and that the consequences
of attacking would be dangerous.
This, however, had no other effect than to
encrease the boldness and violence of the
Mob, as we'll as its numbers. A vigorous at
tack on the house was soon commenced
Stones were thrown in showers at the front
windows, all of which were soon broken, and
not only the glass, but the sashes and shut
tiers were demolished, and an attempt was
made to break down the street door, which
was at length actually broken and burst open.
All these acts of violence were accompanied
by loud and reiterated declarations by the
Mob of determination to force the house,
and expel or kill all those who were engag-
ed in its defence.
These scenes continued for more than two
hours, without the least interference of the
mayor, or any appearance of an intention to
interposc. Atlength, the persons thus threat
ened and assailed, finding that little hope re-
NAMED of protection from the local authori,
ties, and that forbearance, expostulation and
entreaty on their part, served only to encrease
the audacity of the Mob, resolved to try the
effect of intimidation. Orders were therefore
given to fire from the windows of the second
story over the heads of the Mob, SO as to fright
en-, without hurting them. This was DONE
The Mob was at first intimidated by this blank
fire, but soon finding that no hurt was done
by it, they returned, and recommenced the
| attack with encreased violence. The windows
having been all before broken, and the front
room on the lower floor abandoned, the Mob
prepared to terby the door and take pos
session of the house. The gentlemen from
within, therefore prepared themselves for the
worst, and resolved, that when things should
be pushed to extremities, they would make
serious fire on the assailants. Some gentle
men were stationed on the stairs in the entry,
opposite the front door, and the entry itself