New York Herald
April 20, 1861
BALTIMORE, April 19, 1861.
A terrible scene is now going on in Pratt street. The track has been torn up. The troops attempted to march through, when they were attacked by a mob with stones and bricks, and then fired upon. The troops returned the fire. Two of the Seventh regiment of Massachusetts were killed. The fight is still going on.
There is intense excitement here. The soldiers are now forcing their way through. They fired on the mob, killing ten.
It is impossible to say what portion of the troops have been attacked. They bore a white flag as they marched up Pratt street, and were greeted with showers of paving stones. The Mayor of the city went ahead of them with the police. An immense crowd blocked up the streets. The soldiers finally turned and fired on the mob. Several of the wounded have just gone up the street in carts.
At the Washington depot an immense crowd assembled. The rioters attacked the soldiers, who fired on the mob. Several were wounded, and some fatally. It is said that four of the military and four rioters are killed. The city is in great excitement. Marital law has been proclaimed. The military are rushing to the armories.
Civil war has commenced. The railroad track is said to be torn up outside of the city.
Parties threaten to destroy the Baltimore street bridge.
As the troops passed along Pratt street a perfect shower of paving stones rained on their heads.
The cars have left for Washington, and were stoned as they left.
It was the Seventh regiment of Massachusetts which broke through the mob. Three of the mob are known to be dead, and three soldiers. Many were wounded. Stores are closing, and the military rapidly forming. The Minute Men are turning out.
BALTIMORE, April 19—2:30 P.M.
Affairs are getting serious. Before all the cars got through great crowds assembled at various points and commenced obstructing the road.
Reports are now arriving that the mob are tearing up the track.
It is understood the principal portion of the troops have got through.
BALTIMORE, April 19—4 P.M.
A town meeting has been called for four o’.
It is said there have been twelve lives lost.
Several are mortally wounded.
Parties of men, half frantic, are roaming the streets, armed with guns, pistols and muskets.
The stores are closed, and business is suspended.
A general state of dread prevails.
Parties, a short time ago, rushed into the telegraph office, armed with hatchets and cut the wires. Not much damage was done.
BALTIMORE, April 19—5 P.M.
- W. Davis, of the firm of Pegram, Paynter & Davis, was shot dead during the riot near Camden station.
Four of the Massachusetts troops were killed and several wounded, but it is impossible to learn their names.
It is reported that the Philadelphians are now at the outer depot. The President of the road has ordered the train back at the urgent request of the Mayor and Governor. They are already off.
The citizens who were mortally wounded are John McCan, P. Grifin, G. Needham.