thought at the time fatally. The Sixth Ward, "the Bloody Sixth," as it was
called, was the point of greatest danger, and thither the Mayor repaired
in person, accompanied by the sheriff and a large posse, and remained the
greater part of the day. Threats and opprobrious epithets were freely
used, and occasionally a paving-stone would be hurled from some one on the
outskirts of the crowd; but the passage to the polls was kept open, and by
one o'clock the citizens could deposit their votes without fear of
personal violence.

The evil of having the election continue three days now became more
apparent than ever. The disorderly class, "the roughs," by their
protracted drinking, became more and more maddened, and hence riper for
more desperate action. This second night was spent by them in carousing,
and the next morning they turned out to the polls, not only ready, but
eager for a fight. Early in the forenoon, the frigate "Constitution" was
again on its voyage through the streets, followed by a crowd. As it passed
Masonic Hall, the head-quarters of the Whig Committee, it was saluted with
cheers. This was followed by a rush upon it, on the part of the mob, who
attempted to destroy it. The Whigs inside of the building, seeing the
attack, poured forth with a loud cheer, and fell on the assailants with
such fury, that they turned and fled. The news of what was passing, had,
in the meantime, reached the Sixth Ward folks, and a shout was raised for
followers. Instantly a huge crowd, composed of dirty, ragged, savage-
looking men, broke away with discordant yells, and streamed up Duane
Street towards the building, picking up paving-stones and brick-bats, and
pulling down pickets as they ran. Coming in sight of the little frigate,
they raised a shout and dashed on it. The procession had now passed the
hall, but the Whigs, informed of what was going on, again sallied forth to
the help of the sailors, who were fighting manfully against overwhelming
odds. But they were soon overpowered, and again took refuge in the hall.