The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-04-30

AeSlnent OF FO!uhteeFS on the 18TH INST, VIII De
found interesting. The Regiment was on its way
to Washington in answer to Lincoln's call:
| have conversed with several who were eye
witnesses TO the ghtful scenes Of Friday They
inform me, that there could not have been less
than 10000 people engaged, and their passions
had been so terribly aroused, that they rushed to
the charge with an impetuoslty amounting to al
most frenzy. Resistance to men determined
and engaged in such course, worse than folly.
AS well might human power attempt to stay the
mountain torrent and control the whirlwind, or
bid the tempestuous ocean be still.
On Friday morning the eXcltment had attained
an almost understandable pitch, and several Of the
participants noi med eye witness that so heavily
did the all-absorbng idea Of not allowing these
troops to pass through Baltimore prey upon their
minds, that they passed seepless night, and glad
ly hailed the first grey streak of dawn to betake
themselves to the streets, their neighbors and
friends, and appeal to their patriotism and selt-re
spect to aid III repelling the passage of the mfa-
nous wretchcs who were coming on mission so
execrable.
At about 1885 a. m the Massachusetts, and
other volunteers, some from Philadelp phia, but
none from New York, reached the President
street depot. Here an immense crowd had col
lected and it Was palp;b.y manifest that it was
very far from their object to tender the troops an
ovation. The arrangements Of the railroad oth-
cials to pass thirty-one cars occupied by vol
unteers, from the point above mentioned to the
Camden station Of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail
road, over the track laid down between the two
depots on Pratt street.
In accordance with these arrangements, the
cars were despatched one after another, drawn by
horses, and upon the arrival of tie first the
intersection of Gay and Pratt streets, an enormous
crowd having collected there, unnlistakable de-
mOnstratlons made that effort would be
put forth to stop the cars at that point. Here too
repairs OF the road were progressing, and goodly
number of paving stones lying about in piles were
taken possession Of by the excited crowd, and sub
sequently used for purposes Of assault.
Six Of the c:rs had succeeded in passing on
their way before the crowd able to accom-
plish their purpose of baricading the track, which
they now began to effect by placing heavy anchors
lying in the vicinity directly across the rails.
Some seven or eight borne 10y the crowd
and laid on the track, and thus the passage OF the
cars was effectually Interrupted
The object Of barricadng the track was accom-
plished, the crowd commenced cheering Justify for
the Confederate States, President Jefferson Davis,
South Carolina and Secession, occasionally inter
mingling groans for sundry obnoxious individuals.
In the meanwhile the Yankee Eireings thus de-
layed at the depot remained quietly in the cars un-
til tired Of their inac;or, and apprehending a
more formidable demonstration, they Game to the
conclusion to brave the storm and march through
the city.
They accordir ely evacuated the cars and rapid
" gathering the street north Of the depot form
ed in line and prepared to make the attempt.
The word was given to 'march' and the head Of the
line had advanced some fifteen paces when it Was
driven back upon the main body by the immense
crowd still further increased by body of men
who marched down to the depot bearing at their
head Confederate fag.
Eight of the cars started from tie President
street depot, and six passed safely to the Camden
station. The other two soon returned, the track
in the meantime having been Cbstructed at the
corner of Pratt and Gay streets by anchors, pay
ing stones sand, &c being put on it by the crowd
Attempts had previously been made to tear up
the track but the police by strenuous efforts pre-,
vented \ cart load of sand which was being
driven along was seized and thrown upon the track
The bridge across Jones Falls on Pratt street.
was also soon after barrcadel with boards, &c,
which were being used previously by workmcn in
repairing it.
After considerable delay it was determined to
make the attempt to march the remaining trool S
through the city, only about sixty Of whom was
supplied with arms. The remainder were recruits
and occupied sccondclass and baggage cars
At the head of this column, foot, Mayor
Brown placed himself and walked in front, exert
ing all his influence to preserve peace.
Just before the movement was made from the
cars large crowd Of persons went down Presi- |
dent street with Southern flag and met the
troops as they emerged from the cars. The South
ern flag WAS then carried in front Of the column,
and hootiug and yelling began and as soon as the
troops turned out of Canton avenue, they were
greeted with voey OF stones.
At the corner Of EaWn street two Of the soldiers
were struck with stones and knocked down. one |
Of them was taken by the police to the drug store
Of I. j. Pitt, at the corner of Pratt and High !
streets and the other to the police station
The Yelling continued aud the stones few thick /
and tast Ut Pratt street brid dge gun was fired, .
said to have been fired from the ranks Of the |
soldiers
Then the crowd pressed stronger, until The boGy |
reached the of Gay street, where the troops
presented arms and fired. Several persons fell |
on the first round, and the crowd became furious
\ number Of revolvers were used, and their shots .
took effect in the ranks.
People then ran in every direction in search of .
arms. but the armories of the military companies I
Of the city were closely guarded, and none could |
be obtained. The firing continued from Frederick
street to South strees in quick succession but how
many fell cannot now be ascertained.
At the central police station two soldiers were
taken in dead, as also two citizens Three soldiers
and one citizen were taken to the same place .
wounded. The crowd passed on up to Pratt street. .
and near Light street :hcre was another volIey .
fred.
\ freuzicd crowd returned the fire from re-