The Great Riots of New York, 1712 to 1873   By: Joel Tyler Headley (1813-1897)

THE

GREAT RIOTS

OF

NEW YORK

1712 to 1873

INCLUDING A FULL AND COMPLETE ACCOUNT

OF THE

FOUR DAYS' DRAFT RIOT OF 1863

By HON. J.T. HEADLEY

TO

THE METROPOLITAN POLICE,

WHOSE

UNWAVERING FIDELITY AND COURAGE IN THE PAST,

ARE A SURE GUARANTEE OF WHAT THEY WILL DO

FOR

NEW YORK CITY IN THE FUTURE,

THIS WORK

IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED

BY

THE AUTHOR.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

1. BURNING OF THE PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE

2. THE OLD NEW YORK HOSPITAL, SCENE OF THE DOCTORS' RIOT

3. COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM (ERECTED SINCE THE RIOT)

4. HEADQUARTERS METROPOLITAN POLICE

5. HEADQUARTERS METROPOLITAN FIRE DEPARTMENT

6. FORT LAFAYETTE, NEW YORK HARBOR

7. FORT HAMILTON, NEW YORK HARBOR

8. SCENE IN LEXINGTON AVENUE

9. ATTACK ON THE TRIBUNE OFFICE

10. FIGHT BETWEEN RIOTERS AND MILITIA

11. HANGING AND BURNING A NEGRO IN CLARKSON STREET

12. THE DEAD SERGEANT IN TWENTY SECOND STREET

13. DRAGGING COLONEL O'BRIEN'S BODY IN THE STREET

14. BURNING SECOND AVENUE ARMORY

15. RECEIVING DEAD BODIES AT THE MORGUE

PREFACE.

The materials for the descriptions of the Negro and Doctors' Riots were gathered from the Archives of the Historical Society; those of the immediately succeeding ones, from the press of the times.

For the scenes and incidents that occurred on the stage and behind the curtain in the Astor place Opera Riot, I am indebted to a pamphlet entitled " Behind the Scenes ."

The materials for the history of the Draft Riots were obtained in part from the Daily Press, and in part from the City and Military Authorities, especially Commissioner Acton, Seth Hawley, General Brown, and Colonel Frothingham, who succeeded in putting them down.

Mr. David Barnes, who published, some ten years ago, a pamphlet entitled "The Metropolitan Police," kindly furnished me facts relating to the Police Department of great value, and which saved me much labor and time.

Much difficulty has been encountered in gathering together, from various quarters, the facts spread over a century and a half, but it is believed that everything necessary to a complete understanding of the subjects treated of has been given, consistent with the continuity and interest of the narrative.

Of course some minor riots a collection of mobs that were easily dispersed by the police, and were characterized by no prolonged struggle or striking incidents are not mentioned.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Character of a City illustrated by Riots. New Material for History of Draft Riots. History of the Rebellion incomplete without History of them. The Fate of the Nation resting on the Issues of the Struggle in New York City. The best Plan to adopt for Protection against Mobs.

CHAPTER II.

THE NEGRO RIOTS OF 1712 1741.