The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1849-05-22
PREPARATIONS.


ing perfected by the civil authorities to prevent any
riotous conduct. A proclamation was issued early
by Mayor Woodruff. This was well-tmed, and so
decisive that those who had calculated on aiding in
agrand riot, began to understand that it would be
no chd's play.
Gen. Sahdford had been charged with the mill
tary arrangements, and large body of troops had
been called upon. The following is nearly COM
pleie list of the corps:
Four troops of Horse Artillery, being part of
the First Brigade N. Y S. Artillery, under COM
mand of Col. Ryer.
Postley; being part of the First Brigade.
The Fifth Regiment of the Second Brigade of
Infantry, Col. Warner in command.
The Fourth Brigade of Infantry, Brig. Gen.
Even, consisting of the Tenth Regiment, Col. Hal
ssy, the Eleventh Regiment, Col. Morris, the
Twelfth Regiment, Col Stebbins, and small de-
nchment of the Veteran Artillery, with "a pound
howitzer.
In addition to these, detachment of U. S. Regu-
lar Infantry had been placed in readiness at Co
vsrnor's Island, and so disposed that they might
appear at a few moments notice.
The Chief of Police and his aids were also
prompt to second the efforts of the Mayor and be-
fore sunset one thousand special Constables had
been in, and everything arranged for prompt
and efficient action.
THE NIGHT SCENES.
In accordance with Gen. Ewen's order, the troops
began to assemble about five O'Clock, in Washing
ton square. Companies and groups of infantry
were scattered here and there, forming and going
through drill. Some were receiving their rounds
Of ball cartridges, and others answering roll.call
but about haEpast six they all formed in marching
order, and defiling into Eighth ST., passed down
to Broadway, where they divided, one-half taking
the way of Astor Place. There was a dense crowd
in all these streets, and the troops were received
with yells and hootings, as they steadily forced
w he OIIUhf far hpv rms
in the Square beyond, and obliged the mob to re-
treat to the Bowery. The City Guards, which
were among the advanced companies took up their
station in front of Astor Place, in the Bowery,
where they remained during The night.
In fifteen or twenty minutes from the time the
first troops arrived, all the streets surrounding the
block on which the Opera House is built, were
cleared, and the soldiery were drawn up at inter-
walls in battle array. Through the Kindness of
some Of the commanding officers, we obtained adj
mission within the ranks and were enabled to in
spect the preparations When the ground was
completely cleared, the disposition fthe troops, as
near as we could ascertain, was as follows:
Six heavy pieces of artillery, including one lS-lb
hOwitzer, were SO placed as to enfilade Broadway
up and down, Eighth street west and east, Lafay-
cite Place downward, and AstOr Place and the
open ground between Bowery and Third Avenue,
easterly
Broadway was barricaded at the corner of
Eighth street and below Astor Place by the Mon
roe Blues, Capt. Prudhomme, the Benson Guards,
Capt. McCrea, the Garde Lafayette, Capt. Lonetti,
the Light Guard, Capt. Vincent, the Jefferson
Guards, Capt. Oberander, and the Jefferson Gren.
adiers, Capt. Kluppenbauer.
Eighth street, west of Broadway, was guarded
by companies A. and D. of Presidents Guards, un.
der Capt. Clark.
Lafayette Place was in possession of the National
Grays, Capt. Raynor; the Lafayette Fusileers
Capt. French, and company c. (name not known,
under Capt. Siefert.
Astor Place and Eighth street, eastward, were
held by the Eleventh Regiment of Infantry, under
COL Morris, and in advance of these was large
troop of the Lafayette Horse Guards. There were
several other companies of horsemen on the ground
The Opera House was in possession of the po
lice, who were most thoroughly and efficiently or
gained. All the entrances but one were closed
the vaults were arranged for the reception of pris
oners, the dressing rooms fitted up surgical hos
ptals, and the boxes, parquette and stage thrown
open as general camping ground for the relieved
companies. Every thing valuable had been pre-
vlously removed, and just before sunset large pa
cards were put upon the doors, stating that the
house was closed by order of the lessee. DIR
Sayre, Regimental Surgeon, was present by re-
guest of Gen. Sanford, with DIR. Fisher, DIR. A. X
Gardiner, Dr. Makay, DIR. Chas Smith and Mr.
W. Waring, student.
The mob was at first most violent in Broadway
but gradually changed their position to the Bowery
while, things were a troubled and threatening
aspect. About half past s the police made charge
on the crowd where it appeared most turbulent
andsucceeded in arresting two or three of the ring
Leaders. The troops in the square, especially Capt
McArdle's company of City Guards, were exposed
toa shower of stones, thrown by a body who hao
aken possession of the marble yard on the opposite
corner. A private, named Stevens, was knocked
senseless by a heavy stone which struck him on the
head. One Of the Montgomery Guard, named
O'Halloran, was struck in the left eye by a stone
and severely hurt. A man by the name of Coyle
In the Montgomery Troop, LIST Company, was pros
trated from his horse by a blow in the abdomen
from paving stone. Soon afterward two mort
soldiers and a policeman were brought into tn,
opera House, badly injured. They were all wei
cared for by the surgeons in attendance.
\, About O'Clock barricade was made acros
NINTH street, near the Bowery, with a wagon AM
some boxes, in order to prevent the horsemen from
passing through. One of the latter coming sud
denly upon it, was thrown from his horse and in
lured. After the barricade was taken, the polic'
siormed the marbe-yard and dislodged the rioters
who then retreated down the Bowery. just previ
Gus 10 this, however, the assault upon the Cit!
9uard had become SO violent that they were or
oered to load. Warning was given to the mob