Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-02-06
WILLIAMsPoRr, Jan. IS, 1884.
U1R ON THE CANAL

The great excitement has prevailed among
portions of the laborers the Canal, in this
neighborhood, during the past week. If we learn
Alright, there are two national parties among
them, composed respectively Of those from the
North and those from the South of Ireland The
former are designated the Fdrdo,tns aud Long
fords; the latter CorkonidnS. Their antipatbes
are, we understand, of ancient origin, probably
growing out of the measure Of the union with the
British Crown. BE this as il may, these parties
have assumed hostile attitude on the Canal.
The first demonstration by numbers and arms
was made early on Monday morning last, about
five or six miles below this place. in which the
Fdrdouns if we have been correctly informed
were the attacking party. The forces consisted,
| as accounts yariOusly state, from one hundred TO
two hundred men, some OF whom were armed
with fire arms. The onset was fierce, and the
first accounts received, much exaggerated of
course, excited great alarm among the friends
OF the work and the citizens generally. The
party attacked were engaged on the work at the
time the assault was made, having had no warn
ing OF the approach of the enemy till the latter
was upon them They were routed and dispers-
ed, four or five were badly bruised and wounded
one man escaped by swimming the river. though
unusually high and rapid, to the opposite shore.
The victorious party was left in possession Of the
field. company OF mounted citizens, in aid Of
the civil authority, repaired TO the scene OF &C
ton, and apprehended about fifty persons suppos-
ed TO be engaged in The affray. They were
brought to this place, examined sy C. Heisetine,
Esq. and thirty five OF them regularly commit
ted. These were conducted TO prison, in Ha-
gers-town, on the following day, under guard OF
the two Hagers- town volunteer companies, Cap
tains Arts and Robertson, upon whom requi-
sition had been made early on Monday, and who
instantly and calamity obeyed the call and march
ed TO this place TO render such service as should
be required.
The cause of the above battle was, beating
received by one man, Fdrdoun, on the Thurs
day previous, from some Of the opposing party,
on the section attacked This indIy idual, named
John Irons, has since died Of the wounds receiy-
ed, aud inquest been held over the body-the
verdict, che came 10 his death from blows re-
ceivcd on several parts of his body and head
from persons unknown"
No injury done 10 the work, with the ex
cepuon of the partial destruction of or two
Shantees Nor there any other cause, than
the one here given, of the disturbance.
Since the foregoing event, great cotamotion has
existed among the hands. Very little work has
been done, and a state of alarm and warlike pre-
paration has taken its place. On Thursday last,
we are informed, party of COrkOnidns commit
ted excuses along the line above this place.
Yesterday morning small party were seen ap-
preaching this place from above, and were met
on the Aqueduct and driven back by an opposing
party OF their countrymcn in the town. In this
atfray one man very seriously beaten and
wounded. The citizens OF the town, with com
mendable alacrity, soon put themselves in mill
tary order. under arms for the protection of the
peace OF the place, and remansd under arms for
the balance OF the day, and the greater part OF
the night.
This scene was soon followed by another which
resulted in disastrous battle and several deaths
party Of FudOatns or Longfords consisting
epf about three hundred men, he AIDED by intrepid
leaders, were announced as approaching from
below. Their design they stated TO be, TO pass
up the line of the Canal 10 the upper dam, for
the purpose Of exhibiting heir strength, and not
TO commit breach Of the peace unless attacked.
They were armed in part with guns, but princi
paily with helves, clubs, &c. They passed up
quietly over the Aqueduct, and on their way, as
we learn, three or four hundred more of the same
party fell into their ranks At the upper dam,
IN held the other side of ddekaulfs, they
met the enemy in battle array, drawn up on the
top OF hull, about three hundred in number, and
armed, in part, with military weapons. The in
formation we have IS, that the attack at least
challenge TO the combat, was made by the lat
ter party. Nolleys of shot were exchanged; some
men were seen to fall, and the party above
began TO fall back and disperse before the supe-
rIor forces oil their enemy. pursuit ensued
through the woods, where frequent firing was
heard, and no doubt many lives were taken
Persons who traversed the field after the battle
was over observed five men in the agonies of
death, who had been shot through the head, sew
eral dead bodies were seen IN the woods, and
number wounded in every directon.-Those who
observed the battle describe il as one of great
rage and most deadly violencc.-All the deaths
and wounded are reported TO have been Of the
CorkOnians.
About 10 o'clock last night, the victorious par
ty returned, and passed quietly through this
place, after hating few moments in one of the
pubic streets, to their respective sections and
shantees below the town-Quiet was restored
for the balance OF the night.
we have thus attempted merely sketch of
ihe horrld barbarities committed in this neigh
Oorhood through the past week. The public
peace has been outraged, and the civil AUTHORITY
eontemned. IL remains for the officers of Justice
TO take the necessary steps 10 repair these gross
violations Of the law }