When was it published?

January 12, 1813 in Kentucky Gazette

Story January 12, 1813

Kentucky Gazette

Q: What keywords are associated?

Governor Wright, John Potter, Baltimore Incident, Congress Bonds, Englishman Threat, Political Confrontation

Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky

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What is this article about?

In Baltimore, Governor Wright confronted young Englishman John Potter at Barney's tavern after Potter threatened to shoot any congress member voting against discharging bonds on merchandise. Wright, a congress member, responded heatedly, citing his shooting experience, and later regretted not punishing Potter for his nationality.

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OCR Quality

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Full Text

Yesterday as governor Wright was returning to his family, through Baltimore, a young Englishman, by the name of John Potter, at the table with the governor at Barney's, speaking of the bonds on merchandise, &c. before congress said, if any member of congress voted against their discharge, he ought to be shot. Mr. Wright immediately replied, with warmth, that he was a member of congress, and should vote against them; and that he had shot, and could shoot again: on which Potter hauled in his horns.

It was fortunate for him that the governor did not then know that he was an Englishman, as I heard him afterwards swear, that if he had, he would have cut off the rascal's ears.

Query. Ought not the president to send this Englishman to Great Britain.

Balt. Whig.

What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event

What themes does it cover?

Bravery Heroism Justice

What keywords are associated?

Governor Wright John Potter Baltimore Incident Congress Bonds Englishman Threat Political Confrontation

What entities or persons were involved?

Governor Wright John Potter

Where did it happen?

Baltimore, At Barney's

Story Details

Key Persons

Governor Wright John Potter

Location

Baltimore, At Barney's

Event Date

Yesterday

Story Details

During dinner in Baltimore, John Potter threatened violence against congress members opposing bond discharge; Governor Wright, a member, retorted with his congressional stance and shooting prowess, intimidating Potter, and later expressed intent to punish him upon learning his English nationality.