The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-05-29

In the Stale Prison Of Massachuseus, in 1929. was
originally published in the New England Galaxy Of
REBELLION IN THE STATE PRISON.
A more impressive exhibition of moral courage
opposed TO the widest ferociIy under the most ap
palling circumstances, never seen, than thar
which was witnessed BY the officers of our State
Prison in the great rebellion which occurred about
five years since, lin 1921 Three convcis had been
sentenced under The rules Of the prison be whip
ped IN the yard and by effort OF Of the other
prisoners, door had been opened al midday COM
municatng with the great dining hall, and through
the wardens lodge with the street. The dining hall
was long, dark and damp from its situation near
the surface Of the ground and in this all the prisoners
assembled, with clubs and such tools as they could
seize in passing through the work shops. Knives
hammers and chisseis, with every variety of such
weapons, were in the hands Of the erocious Spirits
VINO are drawn away from their encroachments on
society, forming congregation of strength vlleness
and TALENT that can hardly be equalled on earth even
among the famed brigands of Italy. Men Of all ages
and characters, guilty of every variety of infamous
crimes, dressed in the motley and peculiar garb of
the institution and displaying the widan demoniac
appearance that always pertains to imprisoned
wreches, were gathered together for the single pur-
pose OF preventing the punishment which was to be
inflicted on the morrow, upon their comrades. The
warden, the surgeon, and some other officers of the
prison were there al the time, and alarmed at
the consequences, likely 10 ensne from the conflict
necessary TO restore order. They huddled together
and could scarcely be said consult as the sioutest
among them lost all presence Of mind IN oyerwhelm-
ing fear. The news spread rapidly through the
town, and subordinate officer OF most mild and
kind disposition hurried to the scene and came calm
and collected into the midst Of the officers. The
most equable tempered and the mildest man in the
government was In this hour Of peril the fTmest---
lie instantly despatched request to Major VAIN
right, commander OF the marines stationed at the
navy yard for assistance and declared his purpose
TO enter into the hall and try the force Of firm de-
meanor and persuasion upon the enraged multitude.
hsak ratk rrnl, - FIN
of hazard, but in vain. They offered him arms
sword and pistols but he refused them and said that
he had no fear, and In case Of danger arms would
do him no service; and alone, with only little rat
tan, which was his usual walking stick he advanced
into the hail. hold parley with the selected congre-
gated, and enraged Williams Of the whole common
wealth.
He demanded their purpose in thus coming to-
gether with arms in violation of the Prison laws
They replied that they were determined TO obtain
the remission of the punishment of their three COM
rades. He said, that il was impossible, the rules Of
the prison must be effected and they must submit
Al the hint of submission, they drew little nearer
together prepared their weapons for service and
they dimly seen in the farther end of the hail.
by those who Observed from the gratings that opened
up TO the day, more appalling sight cannot be con-
of the single man, standing within their grasp and
exposed to be torn limb from limb instantly, if a
word or look should add TO the already intense ex
element. That excitement too was of the most
precautions but was seen only in the dark looks and
strained nerves that showed deep determination.
The officer expostulaied. He reminded them Of the
hopelessness Of escape; that the town was alarmed
and that the government of the prison would submit
to nothing but unconditional surrender. He said
that all those who would go quietly away should be
forgiven for this offence but that if every prisoner
should be killed in the contest power enough would
be obtained to enforce the regulations of the prison
They replied, that they expected some would be kill
ed, that death would be better than such imprison-
ment and with that look and tone which bespeaks an
,indomitable purpose they declared, that not man
should leave the hall alive till the fogging was
mitted AT this period of the discussion their evil
passions seemed to be more infamed, and one or two
offered TO destroy the officer who still stood frmer
and with more temperate pulse, than his friends,
who from above, but could not ayeFtthe danger,
which threatened him. VA. "o.
Just at this moment and about fifteen minutes
from the commencement Of the tumu the officer
saw the feet of the marines whose presence alone he
relied for succor filing by the small upper lights.
Without any apparent anxiety he had repeatedly
turned his attention TO their approach and now he
knew that it was his only time of escape before a
conflict for life became, expected, one of the
most dark and dreadful in the world. He stepped
slowly backward still urging them to depart, before
the officers driven the last resort of fire
arms. When within three or four feet OF the door,
il was opened, and closed instantly again. as he
sprang through, and was Unexpectedly restored to
his friends.
Major Wainwright was requested to order his men
windows first with powder and then with ball, till
they were willing TO retreat; but he took wiser as
well as holder course, relying upon the effect which
firm determination would have upon men SO criti-
cay situated. He ordered the door 10 be again
opened and marched in the head OF twenty or hir
ty men, who filed through the passage and formed at
the end OF the hall opposite to the crowd Of crimi-
nails hudded together at the other end. He stated,
that he was empowered to quell the rebellion that
he wished 10 avoid shedding blood but that he should
not quit that hall alive till every convict had return
ed to his duty. They seemed balancing the strength
OF the two parties; and replied that some Of them
were ready to die, and only waited for an attack 10
see who was the most powerful, swearing that they
would fight to the last unless the fogging was re-
mitted for they would not submit TO any such pun
ishment in the prison Major wainwright ordered
his marines to load their pieces that they might
be suspected Of trifing, each man was made TO
into his gun. This only caused growl of determi-
nation, and no one blenched or seemed disposed to
shrink from the foremost exposure They knew
that their numbers would enable them TO bear down
and destroy the handful OF marines, after the first
discharge and before their pieces could be reloaded.
Again they were ordered 10 retire; but they answer
ed with more ferocy than ever. The marines
ordered to take their aim as to be sure to kill
many as possibe-their guns were presenied-but
not prisoner stirred, except TO grasp more firmly
his weapon. Still DESTROYS TO avoid such tremen-
dous slaughter as must have followed the discharge
of single gun, Major Wainwright advanced
step or two, and spoke even more firmly than before
urging them TO depart. Again. and while looking
directly in the muzZes of the guns they had seen
loaded with ball, they declared their intention 10
fight il out This intrepid then took out his watch,
and told his men TO hold their pieces aimed al the
convcts not fire till they had ORDERS then turn
ing to the prisoners he said you leave this hall
II give you three minutes 10 decide-if at the end
Of that time man remains he shall be shot dead
No situation of greater interest be conceived.
At one end of the hall fearful multitude of the most
desperate and powerful men in creation waiting for