The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-07-19

From the New York Times, l4th.
The initiation Of the draft on Satur-
day in the Ninth Congressional District
was characterized by 30 much order and
good feeling as TO well nigh dispel the
forebodings of tumult and violence
which many entertained ia connection
with the enforcement of the CONSUMPTION
in this city. Very few, then, were pre-
pared for The riotous demonstrations
which yesterday, from ten in the morn
ing until late at night, prevailed almost
unchecked in our streets.
The authorities had counted upon
more or less resistance TO this measure
of the Government after the draft was
completed, and the conscripts were re-
quired TO take their place in the ranks,
and at that time they would have been
fully prepared TO meet il; but no one
anticipated resistance at so early stage
in the execution Of the law, and ccnse-
quently, both the city and national au-
thorities were totally unprepared to
meet it. The abettors Of the riot knew
this, and in il they saw their opportuni-
". We say abettors of the riot, for il
is abundantly manifest that the whole
affair was concocted on Sunday last by
a few wire -pullers, who, after they saw
the ball fairly in motion yesterday
morning prudently kept in the back
ground. Proof of this is found iii the
| fact that as early as 8 o'clock, some labor
ers employed by two or three railroad
companies, and in iron foundries on the
eastern side Of the city formed in pro-
cession in the Twenty second Ward, and
visited the different workshops in the
upper wards, where large numbers were
employed, and compelled them, by threats
in some instances, % cease their work.
AS the crowd augmented, their shouts
and disorderiy demonstrations became
more formidable. The number of men
who thus started out in their career of
violence and blood, did not probably at
first exceed three-score. Scarcely had
two dozen names been called, when a
crowd, numbering perhaps 500, suddenly
made an irruption in front OF the build
inc, (corner Of Third avenue and Forty
sixth street) attacking IL with clubs,
stones, brickbats and other missiles.
The upper part Of the bui'ipg was oc-
cupied by families, who were terrified
beyond measure at the smashing of the
windows, doors and furniture. Follow
ing these missiles, the mob rushed furi-
ously into the Office on the first floor,
where the draft was going on, seizing
the books, papers, records, lists, &c, all
Of which they destroyed, except those
contained in q large iron safe. The
drafting officers were set upon with
stones and clubs, and, with the reporters
for the press and others, had TO make a
hasty exit through the rear. They did
not escape scatheless, however, as one oi
the enrolling officers was struck a savage
blow with a stone, which will probably
result fatally, and several others were
injured.
From the above il will be seen that The
drawing by Provost Marshal jenkins did
not commence punctually at o'clock, az
was intended. Intimations had been re.
ceived that riot was probable, and Act
ing Assistant Provost Marshal Genera
Nugent was applied TO for force which
would be sufficient TO preserve the peace
At 10 O'clock, however no other RESPONSE
had been made 20 this application thar
the arrival of a dozen policemen, anC
Provost Marshal Jenkins decided to re
sumo the drawing. The wheel was PLACED
prominently upon the table--the blind
folded man stood beside 1.-THE maj
whose duty il was 10 turn the wheel wa
ready, aud Mr.. Jenkins announced tina
the draft, which was begun on Saturday