Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1844-05-11

of excitement, and even women and boys Joined
in the ARRAY some ofthe women actually throw
ing missiles. Many of them when they tempo
rarily retreated, returned armed with fire arms
which they discharged sometimes with particu
lar aim at individuals engaged on the other side
and at other times firing unfortunately in the
several groups, on the larger body Of the be Iii
gerents.
From what we conld see and gather from per-
sons on the spot, we believe the following is the
origin ofthe affray
After the reorganization of the meeting some
difficulty occurred on the Western side Of the
market house. just inside, between two persons,
named Fields and Mclaughlin, which originated
in some discussion, and led to an interference on
the part ftwo or three others, one of whom,
young fellow, drew pair of pistols, threatening
to shoot the first man who should molest him.
At this instant, man who had taken some part
in the affair stepped off towards the Ilibernia
Hose house, and defcd him to fire. A shot then
took place, which was followed by repeated dis.
charges from both sides, from one of which Pat.
rick Fisher received his wounds
L. u CIoCh-N Z nave lhSl returned ITO1
the scene ofthe riot About 10 O'Clock in the
evening, mob collected in the vicinity of Frank
lin and Second streets, and commenced break
ing into the houses on both sides of the street,
destroying the furniture, demolishing the win
dows, and rendering the houses completely un-
inhabitable. The inmates OF all the dwellings
in the neighborhood fed with precipitation, a.
bandonng their homes 10 the ruthlessness OF
the mob.
This continued for some time without any
resistance being offered. At lcngth an attack
was made upon Seminary at the corner of Sc
cond and Phenix streets, formerly occupied by
the Sisters of Charity, and a number of persons
were about tearing down ard setting fire to the
fence when some persons advanced from above
and fred a volley of bali and buckshot among
the crowd.
This was followed by two or three succeed
ing volleys when the crowd dispersed. Seve.
Tal persons fell severely wcundeG. younc
man, named Nathan Ramsey, blind maker, in
Thxd street, above Bnrwn, received shot
through the breast bone, pcrforatins his lungs,
and he was carried from the ground to an apo
thecary store in Second street, above the junc-
ton Of ofGermantowH road. Here he was visited
by his wife and mother, who appeared almost
distracted The young man is mor,ally woun-
ded.
Another young man, named John w. Wright,
con of Archibald Wright, salt merchant, resi-.
ding IN Fourth street, near 1u,nany was shot
through The hcnd and killed instantly He was
not participating in the riot, but was in conver.
satIon with friend, about sixty yards below the
seminary, where he fell. He was carried to
the same place where Mr.. Ramsey lay, and his
father had his Remains removed when our re-
porter left.
1t is supposed that number Of others have
fallen at the back part ofthe Seminary, but have
been left lying there in consequence OF the dan
ger of returning 60 carry them away. We saw
numbers who were more or less injured in the
fight, some with bullet holes in their clothes,
and there must be great number of persons
wounded by the frequent discharge of fire arms
having been rumored that an attempt would
be made to fire the Catholic church on Second
street, many Of the residents retired from their |
houses to ii, with arms. determined to protect
1t at the hazard Of their lives. Up to IL o'clock
no attempt upon the church had been made