The Daily Dispatch, April 18, 1861. –A reign of terror has been inaugurated in Philadelphia. The papers of that city give detailed accounts of the lawless proceedings of the mob on Monday. We extract the following:
The crowd proceeded as an organized body to the custom-house and mint, and ordered the national colors to be raised upon their flag-staffs, which was done.
At one o’clock the Argus office was surrounded by an infuriated mass of human beings, who would have torn it out had not the proprietor promised to fling out the National colors as soon as he could obtain one. These lawless proceedings caused much alarm to the order-loving citizens, reviving the memories of the riots of 1844. The mob was mostly composed of fiery youths from the outer districts.
After visiting the newspaper offices and Government property, they marched in a body up Market street, bearing a flag. At all points on the route well-known Union men were obliged to make all haste to borrow, beg, or steal something red, white and blue to protect their property with. Searches were made for the publication rooms of the Southern Monitor, but as that paper has suspended, the mob were unable to carry out their intention of destroying the forms. They satisfied themselves with breaking the signs to pieces. The ringleaders were furnished with ropes with which to hang the editor, if caught.
Between eight and nine o’clock on Monday evening, several thousand persons assembled around Major General Patterson’s house, at Thirteenth and Locust streets, who amused themselves by shouting and groaning. Soon after this, a number of stones were thrown and several windows broken in his dwelling and green-house. The General appeared and scattered the assailants by a short speech.–He said: ‘You have come here to fight, it appears; now, if you will enlist yourselves, I will lead you wherever you wish to go.’ The police having arrived in large numbers, the crowd slowly separated. The house of the General was visited at an earlier hour by a mob much smaller in number, many of whom were boys, and who gave great annoyance to the neighbors by their rude conduct. They demanded that the General should exhibit an American flag, which he willingly did, stating that he wondered that any one should doubt his loyalty to the flag he had fought under and was willing to fight under again.–This appeared to ease their minds of grave doubts as to the General’s sincerity, and for a moment left them without a target.
The mob then visited Gen. Cadwallader, who made a Union speech and threw out a flag. At least 10,000 people gathered in Chestnut street all day. Happily, a heavy rain commenced to fall in the evening, and the crowds dispersed.
Several prominent Southerners, with secession proclivities, including Robt. Tyler, have received warnings from a so-called Vigilance Committee. The cause of the visit to Gen. Patterson was a report that he had resigned his commission; but this was false. General Patterson has issued a notice to his volunteers to prepare for service, obeying the call of the President.
The voluntary or compulsory exhibition of the American colors was not confined to the secular newspaper offices–the Episcopal Recorder and the Catholic Herald having also been visited.
The flag at the Continental having been taken down in consequence of the rain, a large party visited the bar-room, and demanded that it should be immediately raised. The proprietor at once acquiesced.
(Missing) o’clock, an individual with Southern (missing) expressed them rather freely at of Third and Dock streets. He was (missing) seized by the crowd and severely (missing) before he was rescued. His life would undoubtedly forfeited but for the rescue of the police.
The excitement seems to have extended into districts. At Frankford the people (missing) the works of Messrs. Perkins & Bolton, who were reported to have been making cannon primers for the Southern. To save the building from destruction, it was agreed that all the stock on hand, consisting of two furniture car loads of primers, and other munitions of war, should be placed in the station-house, which was done. They were also compelled to raise a flag on the building.
Philadelphia, April 16.–P. G. Watmough and L. P. Ashmead, formerly Lieutenants in the Navy, who resigned years ago on account of entering other avocations, though now wealthy, have tendered their services to the Secretary of the Navy, prompted by their love for the Union.
Mayor Henry has issued a proclamation declaring that treason against the Union will not be permitted, nor will violence to persons or property of inhabitants be tolerated. He requires all good citizens to make known every person aiding the enemy by enlisting men, or furnishing munitions of war or provisions. The laws of the State and of the Federal Government must be obeyed, and the peace and credit of the city shall be preserved. May God save the Union.
The State Legislature has enacted a law making any connivance with the enemies of the Government punishable by a fine of $5,000 and ten years’ imprisonment.
The following telegraphic dispatches are doubtless, in many instances, tinctured with Yankee bravado; but it is evident that the friends of the South, if there be any, are overridden by the popular tumult:
Pittsburg, Pa., April 15.–The war news has created an intense excitement here, and business has been almost entirely suspended since Saturday.
The President’s Proclamation has thoroughly aroused the military spirit. Several companies have volunteered to sustain the integrity of the Union.
To-night there is an immense gathering at the City Hall. The meeting was opened by the Mayor, who introduced the venerable William Wilkins as President of the meeting, assisted by twenty-five Vice Presidents.
Resolutions declaring undying fealty to the Union, approving of the course of the Legislative and Executive branches of the State Government in responding to the call of the President, disregarding all party feeling, and pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in defence of the Union, and appointing a Committee of Public Safety, were unanimously adopted.
Boston, April 16.–The city authorities have appropriated Faneuil Hall for the use of the troops who are responding to the call of the Government. The Stars and Stripes are now flying over the “Cradle of Liberty.”
There is an intense excitement. All the officers of the Mexican war are particularly anxious for power to raise companies, or serve in the ranks of those already ordered for service.
Troy, N. Y., April 16.–Gen. Wool made a patriotic speech here last night, pledging all his energies to the cause of the Union. He said: ‘I am prepared to devote my life to the work and lead you in the struggle. ’
The Syracuse Courier states that a large portion of the Democrats there are opposed to coercion, and consider the true policy of the Government to be to recognize the Confederate States rather than have civil war.
Landlord Voorhees (Republican) was knocked down in his own house to-day for calling a Democrat a traitor.
Providence, R. I., April 15.–The Directors of the Bank of Commerce have informed Gov. Sprague that they are ready to advance a loan of $30,000 to the State for aiding in the outfit of troops. Large offers from private citizens have also been made to Gov. Sprague for a similar purpose.
The Globe Bank tendered to the State this morning a loan of $50,000.
Lawrence, Mass., April 15.–A meeting of three thousand citizens was held here tonight. The united voice was for the Constitution and the flag of the Union. Two military companies met at the armory, and there was quite a spirited contest to fill the requisition of the Governor for troops. Premiums were offered for places in the ranks.
Manchester, N. H., April 15.–New Hampshire will respond promptly to the call for troops. It is not probable that an extra session of the Legislature will be called. The State will undoubtedly tender two regiments instead of one.
St. Johnsbury, Vt April 15.–It is understood that the Governor will convene the Legislature, to meet on Tuesday week. He will respond promptly to the call of the Secretary of War for troops.
New Haven, Conn., April 16.–The Mechanics’ Bank of this city has tendered to the Governor $25,000, to be used in aiding the support of the National Government.
1. The Daily Dispatch: April 18, 1861. Richmond Dispatch. 4 pages. by Cowardin & Hammersley. Richmond. April 18, 1861. (The Daily Dispatch, April 18, 1861, Perseus Digital Library, Tufts University.)