NEW YORK, Nov. 7.
A correspondent of the Times, writing from Beaver Meadow, Pa., the regions of the coal riots, says that a most horrible state of affairs prevails there, brought about mainly by political demagogues, inciting the ignorant Irish miners to resist the draft.
The latter have organized and completely tyrannize over all the inhabitants, and have recently killed and cut to pieces in the streets two or three persons opposed to them. The rioters call themselves the “Buckshots” and “Molly McGuires.” One of the latter on Sunday amused himself by firing a musket at a party of children, without, however, injuring any. Capt. Yates has taken possession of Jonesville. He entered the place on Friday, which he found perfectly quiet, but in the course of half an hour the streets began to fill, and the mob to cluster and growl along the sidewalks.
The commanding officer, determining to nip this embryo riot in the bud, ordered the streets to be cleared. This was done in about five minutes, but in the operation one “Buckshot” was badly sabred. The houses were then searched, and a wagon load of arms and ammunition found, among them some United States muskets, and taken away.
So great is the dread of these ruffians that the good people of Jonesville implored the military not to leave the place.
Reinforcements are about to be sent to Capt. Yates to clear out the district. To this end Capt. Yates has offered his services to drill and discipline all citizen organizations that apply to him.
The Portland Daily Press, Portland, ME, November 9, 1863
