Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-12-19

assumed 70 be special cons ables, many of whom,
by impru1ently brandishing their slaves, did
much to excite the feelings of the people. We
saw one man carried away from quarter where
an ARRAY had taken place, and were informed that
he had been knocked down. by blow on h,s
head, and afterwards numerically beaten. We
have since learned that his skull was fractured,
and that he is dead. fhe constables, it will ne
yer be forgotten. acted wholly without any sys-
appearance to regulate their proceedings, tn di.
rect their operations, or to demonstrate with the
popuace.
At this moment the number of persons COL
lected in the square could not have been less than
10000; and cry having been raised OF 80
the back" where piles of faggots and firewood
are usually kept, large body proceeded there,
and having armed themselves with sticks, return
ed in few minutes to the scene OF action. Ii
was then that, for the first time, we apprehended
any serious collision; but the constables. rushing
out in a body, in moment infused terror into
the people, and the sticks were soon to be seen
strewed in every direction upon the ground
These were then gathered up In bundles and car
red off. This was about half past twelve O'Clock
From that period until about four O'Clock, the
time was passed in occasional skirmishes between
tn, constables and the populace.
ABOUT IOuT CloCk, WHci tHe Sh""e' w "'P'N
were rapidly approaching, considerable portion
of the constabulary force was most unadVIsediy
permitted tn retire to their homes for the purpose
of refreshing themselves, with an understanding
that they should return to relieve the remainder
NJ six o'clock. From that moment the moo Ge-
came more daring in their attacks on the Mansion
House, until at last the Mayor came forward to
ber of them to desist and to retire praceably to
their homes. The Riot Act was then read, but
without producing the least good effect upon the
mob, who. perceiving the weakness OF the force
opposed to them, rushed upon the consta0les,
disarmed them. and beat them severely
Nothing now remaining to curb the mob, the
work of violence Immediately commenced by
general and Simultaneous attack on every part OF
the MansiOn-hOuse. 10 an instant, the windows
and sashes were smashed To ms; the shutters
were broken to pieces; the doors forced; and eve
ry article of furniture on the ground tioor broken
up. Tables, chairs, sideboards, mirrors, CHIN
ney glasses-in fact, every thing that could De
found was demolished The iron palisades, togeth-
er with curbstones in which they were set, were
thrown down as If they had been mere reeds
stuck in maG bank, aud furnished many des-
peratc william with formidable iron bar; young
trees were torn up by the roots, and converted
into weapons of destructon; walls were thrown
upper windows; and straw and cOmbustbes were
procured with which to fire the whole premises.
At this critical moment il was, as we have been
informed, that Sir Charles effected his retreat. in
disguise. through the adjoining premises; but it
was not made known until ID O'Clock on the fol-
lowing morning Sunday that he had lett the CT
ty. For the present, however, the. Mansion
house was saved from conflagraton by the arrival
Of the troops
Under the protection of the military, the con-
stables and specials again collected In consider
rable numbers, and several of the most daring of
the nab were made prisoners. S'lll 1t was found
impossible to clear the square or the streets ADA.
cent. The soldiers trotted their horses backward
and forward amidst the cheers OF the M b. but
not the slightest disposition was shown to dis
perse. The colonel OF the district, sol. brere.
ton. exerted himself in the most humane and
laudable manner. He harangueJ the multitude,
begged and entreated them to repair to their
homes, and cautioned them of the dreadful con-
SEQUENCES which their conduct otherwise would
infallibly draw upon them. He was every where
received with the greatest cordiaity, and with
loud cheers 1t il subject Of deep regret that,
at an earlier period, some such an able lndlvIdu'
al had not been found to attempt the Cancellation
of the people. We cannot but think that the
good temper, 6rmness, and presence OF mind
which he displayed, would have been fraught
with the happiest results.
In the manner already described things prooee-
ded in the square until twelve O'Clock at night
About this time party of the rioters. dsaPpoint-
ed by the restraint which the troops imposed upon
them, occeded to the COunci. house. where they
commenced operations ny smashing the windows
Meanwhile orders were gwen to the cavalry ~
make charge, and here the scene became one OF
the greatest confusion The people who ran in
all directions, we're pursued through the streets
for considerable distance BY the soldiers, and
several of them received several cuts from their
sabres.
On Sunday morning the people again began to
assemble at an early hour in Queen square, but
every thing remaining quiet, and 1t being hoped
danger had subsidized. the troops were Withdrawn
for some refreshment, having been on duty more
than twenty -fonr hours. They had scarcely dis
appeared, when the mob again commenced their
outrayes. Ascending now to the upper rooms
of the Mansion house, they proceeded TO throw
out the valuable furniture in the square. The
drawers and other repositories we're ransacked,
and wearing apparel, bed and table linen, china,