Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1878-01-05
Riot mt Harpcr's Ferry.
A LIVELY TINE ON CHRISTMAS DAY-oNE
MAN FATALLY woUNpED.

HARrER's FERRY, December 26.-On
Christmas morning this town was the
scene of an exciting disturbance be-
tween a number of drunken boatnen
and the citizens, which, but for the time
ly interference of the police and a re-
enforcement of citizens, would doubt
less have grown to formidable proper
tions. 1t appears that during the morn
ing the boattnen came into the town
from various sections of the canal and
commenced dispute with some color
ed persons, which soon led to a person.
al conflict, ending in the boatmen beat
ing a retreat across the Potomac to the
Maryland shore Later in the day, in.
creased in numbers, the latter recrossed
the river and were met by posse of po-
lice There commenced regular riot,
at the moment when the ringleaders
were about being arrested. Knives and
pistols were drawn and brought into
earnest requisition. At this juncture of
events the citizens went to the assist
ance of the police. A fierce fight fol
lowed, the boatmsu being repulsed, and
two of the leaders placed under arrest
Of their number Thomas Tammon re
ceived a shot in the shoulder, and such
injuries as will probably prove fatal.
Tammon is said to be q roagh from
Cumberland.
The following statement OF the affair
was furnished your correspondent late
to night: Taylor Reed, Wilson Allison
and Handsome Harry" all canalboat
men and ringleaders of gang OF
roughs who frequently visit this place
from the Maryland side of the Potomac,
became engaged in quarrel with col
ored man at the Shenandoah-hote sa-
loon at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
They struck the negro, who escaped.
On going outside they met colored
man, Gum Thornton, and Knocked him
down, jumping on him and beating him
severely. The gang then assaulted ev-
cry colored man they met, and when
the place began to get aroused they re-
treated to the Maryland side, and OBJ
tanned reenforcements and started back
over the bridge, Reed Tammon and
Harry in the lead. Officer Roderick
attempted to stop them, when Tammon
attempted to draw revolver, and the
officer shot him through the shoulder.
Upon further resistance, colored man,
John Nudlesoup, struck Tammon Oh
the head and seriously injured him. A
number of the citizens Of the Ferry
came to the assistance of the officer aud
attempted to arrest the roughs, but they
mostly escaped, after brief interchange
of shots, to the Maryland side. Tam.
mon, who was supposed to be dead, was
sent across the Potomac Reed and
Handsome Harry were put in the lock-
up, but made their exit through sec,
ond story window. Harry swan both
the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers
and reached the Maryland side in safety
Reed ran down the street and was met
by special officer Macarthur, who at
tempted to intercept him. Reed cut al
Macarthur with knife, but fortunately
did not touch him. There was grea,
excitement all day and night, severa
hundred people having gathered in the
town. The roughs were expected back
last night, but fortunately for themselves
did not come, as they would have me,
warm reception. Tammon is an ex
saloon-keeper. Of Cumberland. He is
under indictment and ran away from
that city. Handsome Harry was noto
rious in the recent canal troubles at the
time of the strike.