Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-05-17
ST. Lotus. Nav 10

| ~. =. Of. LOUIS. May IL.
The city was the scene of another Ierrll,l,
tragedy last night. About six clock a larg.
oody OF the Home Guard entered the ct,
through 9th street from the Arsenal wher,
they haI been enlisted during the day AM
PROVIDED with arms. cn reaching Walnut
street the troops turned westward, a large
crowu inning the pavements to witness theil
progress; AT the corner of 5th, partie.
among the spectators began hooting and his.
sung ana otherwise abusing the companies
as they passed, and hoy ii years old dis
charged pistol into the ranks.
fart oil the rear company Immediately
turned and Erred upon the crowd, and the
"no,e column was instantly in confusion.
breaking their ranks, and discharginr mus
keIs down their own lines, and among the
people on the sidewalks.
Inc shower of balls for few minutes wa
terrlble-the bullets flying in every diren-
tioh' entering the doors and win
lows oil private residences breaking
shutters, tearing ratings, even SMASHING
bricks IN the third story The utmost con2
fusion and CONSERVATION prevailed. tho
Spectators fleeing in all directions. and but
ior the random firing of the trooTs scores Of
people must have been killed.
As most OF the firing was directed down
theIr own ranks the troops suffered most so-
verely, tour of their number being Instantly
killed, and several wounded.
Jerry Swltzer, river engineer Hahn
"arvln and VIM. Cody, were all the citizens
Killed. Chas. Ii. Woodward was wounded
In the shoulder, and will lose his arm.
d; Godfrey received three mimic balls in
hls body. Michael Davis had his ankle
shattered Jas. F. WEIGH badly shot in the
loot. Several others were less sariousIv
wounded.
The house Of Mr.. Mathews received three
ballf, One OF his daughters was struck with
a spent nall Only one of the soldiers, John
Dick, German, has been recognized.
Immense crowds of people filled the strees-
after the occurrence aad most intense indig-
nation was expressed against the Germans.
Mayor Taylor addressed the crowd, ard IL
duced them to dlsperse under promise that
no further violence should be done.
The city was comparatively quiet durirg
the evening and night. \ heavy rain pre-
venting the assembling of large crowds.
The State troops were released from the
Arsenal last evening, and came to the CITY
on a steamer, Gearing to trust themselves
evening, under escort.
All complain bitterly of bad treatment
during their confinement at the arsenal.
Gen. Frost and his officers gave their parole
under protest and his men were allowed TO
avail themselves of the same when taking |
oath not TO bear arms against the United |
States.
A heavy rain has fallen nearly all day,
Il. / I
cited people, large portion of whom loudly |
censure those in authority for putting loaded |
arms in the hands OF inexperienced voun- |
teers to shoot down inofien5Iye citizens tor |
insufficient cause.
All good citizens deprecatc the action of |
lawless parties and justly blame the troops
Tor lndiscriminate firing into crowds of in
nocent people without orders, and cry out |
against the unnecessary marching Of soldiers
through the city.
In order to allay the excitement and re-
store confidence in the apprehensiye minds
Of the people, Gen. Harvey issued procla-
nation to the people of St. Louis and the
State, which has been posted throug hout the
city, expressing deep regret at the state
IF things existing here, pledging himself
to do all in his power to preserve peace, call
ing on the people and public authorities to
aid him in the discharge of his duties that
the military force uudcr his command will
only be used at the last extremity, and hopes
be will not be compelled to resort to MARTA
law, but simply states that the public peace
must be preserved and the lives Of the people
lie says he has no authority to change the
location of the Home Guard located in that
atty but to avoid all cause of extension of
the excitement, if called upon to aid the
legal authorities, he will use the regular
army.
In accordance with this proclamation,
OF regulars has been sent to the
;ity and placed under the direction OF the
Police Commissioners to act as d military
police corps.