Including a Full and Complete Account of the Four Days' Draft Riot of 1863
The history of the riots that have taken place in a great city from its foundation, is a curious and unique one, and illustrates the peculiar changes in tone and temper that have come over it in the course of its development and growth. They exhibit also one phase of its moral character, furnish a sort of moral history of that vast, ignorant, turbulent class which is one of the distinguishing features of a great city, and at the same time the chief cause of its solicitude and anxiety, and often of dread. Read More...
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.
This site includes some historical materials that may imply negative stereotypes reflecting the culture or language of a particular period or place. These items are presented as part of the historical record and should not be interpreted to mean that the WebMasters in any way endorse the stereotypes implied .
Great Riots of New York 1712 to 1873, Including a Full and Complete Account of the Four Days' Draft Riot of 1863