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Jensen, Merrill; Kaminski, John P.; Saladino, Gaspare J. (ed.) / Ratification of the Constitution by the states: Pennsylvania
2 (1976)
B. The Carlisle Riot and its aftermath, 26 December 1787-20 March 1788, pp. 670-708
Page 678
IV. AFTERMATH OF RATIFICATION had not invited their faithful spy, who had watched the motions of their opposers with such unwearied assiduity, that day and the pre- ceding evening. I would recommend thus much to the old gentleman (if it is not profanity to call him so) should his vanity prompt him to father another bastard of this kind, to beware of inserting such palpable falsehoods, for mankind has not as yet refined so much upon good breeding as to pass them by unnoticed, out of deference to his antiquated genius. L shall therefore dismiss his gravity, wit]hi an old proverb, "old people are twice children." (a) One of them [James Wilson] is peculiarly distinguishLed for his cowardice and timidity in the day of trial, for his opposition to the independence of America; and for invent- ing every possible scheme to destroy the liberty of her citizens. 1. "Wheelbarrow garb" was worn by prisoners released from jail to work on public improvements and who used wheelbarrows. Prisoners accused of more serious crimes wore a ball and chain in addition, and were chained to the barrows. John Montgomery to William Irvine, Carlisle, 9 January1 I hope that you had an agreeable Chrismas times 8c a happey new Year which more than your friends has injoyed in this place our myreth was interuped with tumult and wite a Statement of which youll see in the inclosed news pepars from Both Sides the one in this pepar is totley falss in many particlurs the federalist not Exspecting oposi- tion did not Come prepared nor was thire a gun or boynet in one of thire hands Rhin was not imployed he was brought up by Barker and they two were the active person in Distroying the Canon Carrage one Fraiser a Captn spiked hir the old man aluded too in the peace signed one of the people is Mr. Duncan2 the Effigie of the Chief Justics [Thomas McKean] was pretty well Dressed a good Coat but not black a pretty good hat & wig & Rufld Shirt the fellow who give the Coat will repent of his Liberality before the End of Winter as I am Certain that he will have occasion for it himself thire is no hops of accomadating this unhapy affair both parties are preparing for the Law the Deposn. taken by the federalists are sent to Philada what will be the Essue I know not but our Situation is Exsceeding-Dis- agreeable neaghbours [snubbing neighbors?] as they pass and not a word Spoken great pains are taking to inflame the mind of the Countray People and thire is now a great Majoritty in oposition to the new Constitution the pice in the 2d of this month signed by 303 678
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