The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1827-09-05
From the Lsrington) Kentucky Gazette.
A KENTUCKY ELECTION.

the friends of Gen. Jackson. A singular
circumstance occurred in the morning, by
which persons at distance may Judge of
the temper that prevailed. About eleven
o'clock, party from the country, bearing
a hemp stalk, surmounted by white flag,
and having on it motto, we believe in
these words" Henry Clay and the .4neri-
cay, System-l0e aoiH support them that sup
port u.s." paraded up Main-street to Postle-
thwait's tavern, then round the Court
House, and finally into the yard. Upon
reaching the door of the Court House, the
standard and flag were hoisted up to one
of the windows, out of which it was dis
played. A Jackson man, considering it in
tended as an insult to the cause he espous
ed, seized it, like Old Hickory would have
seized Hartford Conventionist during the
war, {! y and dashed it down among the
crowd, where it was trampled under foot,
and totally disappeared. Another attempt,
we understand, was made on Tuesday to
parade again with hemp stalk, but it was
again seized and destroyed in the scuffie.
A sudden shower of rain, however, very
happily dispersed the combatants, and
cooled their temper.
On Wednesday, the parties renewed the
struggle with great animation. After the
election had continued about two hours,
the excitement became unusually great.
The intense interest felt by all, had so pre-
pared the minds of the people crowded
around the Court House, that it evidently
required but a small matter of irritation to
produce a CONFUSION. This unhappily was
furnished by the imprudent display of a
flag, with similar motto, triumphantly
rr;od ar0und tho Count HouSo Uar,I Inv
the United States mail coach, and the eX-
hibition of another hemp stalk, raised at
the Court House door by some warm parti
san, possessed of more courage than pru-
dence. 1t caught, like spark applied to
magazine of gunpowder. The offensive
insignia was again pulled down, and riot
with sticks, stones and brickbats immedi-
ately took place, which was alarming and
distressing to every friend to the peace
and good order of the town. The affray
continued for considerable time, the prin-
ciple combatants taking different sides of
the court yard, and carrying on the en-
gagement with stones and brickbats, fur
nished by some who were aiding in the un-
pleasant scene. 1t is supposed that there
were not less than six or seven hundred
men engaged in the afray at one time.
Although several persons have received
severe bruises, we have not yet learnt that
any have been dangerously wounded.
1t is impossible to say what unhappy
consequences might have resulted from this
riot, had it not been arrested by the
prompt, energetic and manly conduct of
Major Barry, aided by the Rev. Mr.. Hall,
and Messrs. Breckenridge and McCala.-
Mr.. Barry, springing upon horse, rushed
into the midst of the combatants, at the
imminent danger of his life, exposed to
showers Of stones which were hurled from
each side, calling out-Peacet FeeGe !!
The sound of his well known voice, and
his friendly remonstrances, Gained the tu-
mutt, in which he was aided by the Rev.
Mr. Hall, who entered the yard about the
same time, at another point. Both these
gentlemen were in great danger, from the
nisapprehension of some of the rioters as
to their motives for interfering. Happily,
MIR. Hall escaped with but little injury, al
though struck in two or three places. But
the escape of Mr.. Barry, exposed do lie
+rrAs on horseback to the stones thrown
from each side, was truly astonishing. By
the exertions of these gentlemen, the tu-
multi had momentarily subsidized, when, I'M
fortunately, it was again renewed by some
persons who came from behind the Court
House, and, probably, not knowing what
had been done, threw several stones at the
jackson party, by whom the attack was i'm
mediately repealed. At this critical juno
ture, Messrs. Breckenridge and McCalla
rushed out of the Court House, each dis
playing a white handkerchief, as an insig-
MIA of peace, and as an appeal to the good
feelings of their mutual friends. 1t had
the desired effect, and an end was put to
riot, which, at one period, threatened the
most disastrous consequences.
But for their manly and prompt interior
ence, at critical moment, many unfortu-
nate women might now have had to mourn
the loss of their affectionate husbands, and
children the death of their fathers. We
speak advisedly when we say this-for we
are informed, that, about the time the tu-
multi was at its height, some imprudent
men were heard to threaten a resort to
fire arms Had one musket or rifle been
fred in such state of excitement, we will
not attempt to depict the consequences, but
leave imagination to portray them.
We learn that much excitement has also
been exhibited during the late elections at
Mount Sterling and at Cynthiana. Rumor
says, that the Court House at the latter
place has been somewhat injured, and at
the former, serious ARRAY occurred, in
which some persons were so imprudent as
TO call out party of the militia with fire
arms. The Jackson men, against whom,
it is said, they were intended to be used,
indignant at this attempt to coerce them,
commenced so violent an attack with stones,
as soon compelled the military to retire.
Capt. John Scott, of Jessamine, was Sc
verely wounded at the election in Nicho-
lasyille on Monday last, by man whose
name we do not know. It seems the fell
low had drawn large knife, and was u.s.
ing it in manner much to the annoyance
of those about him, when Capt. Scott de-
sired him to put it up, threatening to knock
him down if he did not; but, instead of
putting up the knife, he struck the Captain