A General Riot

This article from the July 21, 1877 issue of the Baltimore American describes the scene of the riot near the Sixth Maryland Regiment armory.

A GENERAL RIOT.

Their appearance on the street was the signal for a [(unclear)] and other metal flew in all directions, and looking at the scene from the window of the Armory, it appeared as if every man and boy in the crowd had a missile in his hand which he intended throwing at the members of the regiment. The latter wavered and withdrew into the building. This action demoralized the members who were on the stairs, and a general retreat was the result. Colonel Peters addressed a few words of encouragement to Company I, and they ventured out again. This was followed by another shower of stones, but the military were determined to march, and shots were fired into the crowd. The orders were to fire above the heads of the congregate mob, so as to do as (sic) littled [sic] injury as possible. The crowd was informed by the ringleaders that the military fired blank cartridges, and, as a result the rioters continued their jeers and attacks on the militia.

When the next Company F appeared on the street the mob pursued the same line of attack. This company, like the one which preceded, it became discouraged, and there was a general scamper upstairs. Their second effort was more successful, and upon being assaulted the company returned a vigorous fire, which unfortunately resulted in the death of a bystander and the serious wounding of a boy about fifteen years old. Company B met with the same reception from the crowd and responded in like manner. This company proceeded to Camden Station by way of Front and Gay streets, the captain commanding deeming it too dangerous to proceed by way of Baltimore street.