Dedication
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
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.