Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-10-22
THE LATE UNLAWFUL OCCURRENCES IN
pOYLsToN AND SHREWSBURY.

IRE LATE u LIN W 3 IL WV ~
BOYLST0N AND SHREWSBURY.
During the past three weeks there has been
considerable excitement in two OF the towns
bordering upon this city, Boylston and shrews-
bury--growing out Of some irregular proceed
ings of which only a few partially correct
incidents have been published. The circnm-
stances altogether form an interesting chapter
of local history of which we have taken pains
10 ascertain the truth
1t appears that on the night OF the National
Fast, an cid farmer, living in this city near The
Shrewsbury line, whose loyalty had been for
some time suspected, was lawlessly visited by
8 party of young men from this city, who
compelled him to nail flag to his house,
made heavy demands upon his hospitality,
and upon some Indifferent provccation attempt
ed, we believe unsuccesstully, 10 ride him
upon rail- Mr.. Curtis, the person of whom
we speak, reluctantly acquiesced in the rough
usage with which he was assaied, and pru-
denty suffered the outrage to pass without
public complaint
On tie night following, the same or nearly
the same party visited the residence of Thos.
Bond, in Boy lston, also farmer in affluent
circumstances, who had made himself exceed
ingly offensive to his Union loving neighbors
by alleged declarations of sympathy with the
rebellion, and OF hatred to the government
which was trying to put it down. He was
compelled after some parIeying, to hang out
the stars and stripes, though he soon after
ward removed them, and took measures OF
selfdetense in case of a similar visitation.
Having received warnings that his unweicome
guests would return one week IRON that night,
to finish their work, he planted a cannon near
his house, gathered together a number o.
friends of sympathies kindred 10 his own, had
them armed with guns and revolvers, and pre-
pared for the expected visitation. 1t did not
however, take place, either because the young
men had repented of their ill judged and mis-
chieyous enterprise, or because they feared
the serious results which would certainly have
ensned
This meeting of alleged secessionists at the
house Of Thomas Bond has been magnitied
intu grea; importance by The people of the two
towns we have mentioned, both ON account Of
the number OF persons who were present and
the sedtious sentiments which are reported
and believed to have been uttered without
shame and without restraint There were
something less than thirty persons present,
including, besides those from Boylston, Two or
three from Worcester, and a much larger
number from that part of Shrewsbury called
"Buugtown." With possibly single excep-
ton. they were men who, during the summer,
had been charged with Iraitorous procliviiies,
and who in lew instances, of which there is
abundant evidence, had made offensive parade
of their disloyalty One OF them, with names,
dates, and witnesses given, was charged with
having said, some time ago, that III he had
been IN Jackson's place he would have shot
Ellsworth" One other was accused and be-
lieyed to have said Of his son, who was in the
three months service with the third battalion,
that "if he returned alive he would shoot
him." Still another was charged with firing
a salute after the defeat at Bull Run and sew
eral others with meeting in "Bungtown' for
rejoicing and carousal ON the night following
the dark and sad day On which the news was
received.
These and many other things which have
been frequently brought to our attention, but
10 which we now for the first time allude, have
incensed the public mind in those localities
with lively Indignation One of the most re.
spectacle citizens of Shrewsbury writes to us,
in view of the recent occurrences THE
loyal people Of Shrewsbury are determined
that, while over forty of her sons have enlisted
TO 6ght their countrys battles, traitors shall not
disgrace the name OF their town" 1t is just
and righteous indignation. 1t is part OF that
pure patriotism which feels a disloyal word as
keeny as blow. The community which can
remain patient while any considerable number
of lis members are watching opportunities to
exult in tie misfortunes OF their country
might as well be given up as lost.
But there is a right way to proceed against
those vi no abuse the privileges OF civil socie
IS. 1t is not by printing anonymous lampoons
upon the character of those who are obnoX
ious the most vicious of men may resort TO
the same expedient 10 crafty their revenge
against the pure and good. 1t is not through
parties Of night marauders going about unlaw.
fully 10 invade the houses OF citizens who are
entitled to the laws protection. We trust that
in the above sketch tits made sufficiently clear
that we see nothing to approve, but every
thing to condemn, in the raids of irresponsible
persons upon the home of any man that lives,
while there is a law in the land and civil
power strong enough to make it effective tor
the public safety. But while denouncing
MODS ~ not only uschievous but criminal in
community like ours, we would invoke the
utmost rigor of public opinion and the laws
against treason in whatever disguise it may ap-
pear Massachusetts has too great hazard
of fortune and life in this momentous struggle
10 be patient while single one Of her sons in.
suits her, or rejoices when she is brought to
humiliation
The SEAsoN.-The present autumn will
long be remembered for It's serenity and free
dom from frosts. Yesterday morning. the Dist
of October, gave us The first frost OF the au
tumn, except in low situations, yet it was so
light as not to injure vegetation, and the ten
derest of herbage, the dahlias, nasturtiums.
squash vines, tomatoes, &C., remained as
resi- and green as in midsummer. Fruit