The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-02-10
A Communications from Thos. VI. Walker
who wasnear losing his life from
the brutality of the mob.

ERIE, Jan. 49, 1854.
Mr.. Johnson:-I notice that in telegraphic
dispatches giving an account of tho mob at
this place on the 18th instant, it is stated
that John ii. Walker, one of the dtectors of
the Erie. and North Mast road, was taking
the names of the leading rioters, and was bea-
ten and driven off. There Is some error in
this. | am the person who was mobbed on
that day. I am not one of the directors, but
but son OF director. was not taking
down names, did not 60 there for that purpose,
and could not have done so, if had, for
knew none Of the actors in that days business.
Some Of them were disguised ty black false
faces, and blackening their hands. some of
the working hands] were men in women's
clothing. About one hundred of them were
women, and from one to two hundred ofthem,
men and boys. The work of destroying the
bridges was mostly done by women, and by
men in wOmen's clothing. came here
few weeks since from Princeton, to spend va
cation, aud was mot fully informed where
Erie law would permit me ito 60, and where
not.
On the day OF the riot heard on the street
that the women were tearng down the rail-
road bridges, and out Of curiosity went up to
see. lookedon few minutes, went away
and then came back into the west end of the
State street bridge. stood there saving
nothing and doing nothing, when was sci !
zed by some one coming up behind me. I |
turned round and found that a crowd of fifty
men, women and boys had come up from be. |
low, and were surrounding ne, They caught
ms by the hair, kicked me, struck me with |
their fists, and cried out, hang him,""a spy,"
"kill him." "string him up" &c, &c, and
cursed and swore in general terms. pushed |
them of fora little while as wellas could, |
striking no one, and not choking or attemp-
ting to choke any person, as has been falsely
asserted. The crowd about me increased to
one hundred and fifty to two hundred. They
dragged me down by the hair, and when rot
up and took stepor two, they pulled me
down again. They dragged me by the hair,
arms and clothes out To the street, kicking
and striking me all the time. At one time i
Received more than thirty blows in less than
minute. On being brought to the stree,
some person who attempted to rescue me, pu,
me into wagon TO be taken Off The crowd
headed the horses and dragged me from the
wagon, head first, my shoulder striking on the
ground. The crowd gathered around me
again. Some persons said ! had enough,
but more said "give him hell," and they
kicked and struck me, The crowd began 10
disPerse somewhat, and started to 90 away,
but ring formed about and stopped me again,
and pelted me with rotten eggs. | then
walked towards home, some Atty or sixty of
the rioters, mostly men and boys, following
along, and two gentlemen going with me 10
aid me In getting away. The latter succee.
ded In keeping the crowd from attacking me
again, got ne into carriage, aud took me
home. They Informed me that they were
threatenedby men who carried axes, because
they assisted me.--My coat was torn to rags.
received serious bruises, but am alive and
doing welt Ihope to live to see a rerorma.
tion worked in the towards who melted the
crowd 10 attack ms.
10 the gentleman who assisted me, or
tried to assist lne, Z owe many thanks. To
the policemen and officers who refused to
make any attempt 10 aid citizens to rescue