The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

On Saturday last the City was alarmed with the News of great Numbers of armed Men, from the Frontiers, being on the several Roads, and moving towards Philadelphia. As their Designs were unknown, and there were various Reports concerning them, it was thought prudent to put the City in some Posture of Defence against any Outrages that might possibly be intended. The Inhabitants being accordingly called upon by the Governor, great Numbers of them entered into an Association, and took Arms for the Support of Government, and Maintenance of good Order.

Six Companies of Foot, one of Artillery, and two Troops of Horse, were formed, and paraded; to which it is said, some Thousands who did not appear, were prepared to join themselves, in case any Attempt should be made against the Town. The Barracks also, where the Indians are lodged, under Protection of the regular Troops, were put into a good posture of Defence; Several Works being thrown up about them, and eight pieces of Cannon planted there.

The Insurgents, it seems, intended to rendezvous at Germantown; but the Precaution taken at the several Ferries over Schuylkill, impeded their Junction; and those who were assembled, being made acquainted with the Force raised to oppose them, listened to the reasonable Discourses and Advice of some prudent Persons, who voluntarily went out to meet and admonish them; and of some Gentlemen sent by the Governor, to know the Reason of their Insurrection; and promised to return Peaceably to their Habitations, leaving only two of their Number to present a Petition to the Governor and Assembly; on which the Companies raised in Town were thanked by the Governor on Tuesday Evening, and dismissed, and the City restored to its former Quiet.

But on Wednesday Morning there was a fresh Alarm, occasioned by a false Report, that four Hundred of the same People were on their March to attack the Town. Immediately, on Beat of Drum, a much greater Number of the Inhabitants, with the utmost Alacrity, put themselves under Arms; but as the Truth was soon known, they were again thanked by the Governor, and dismissed; the Country People being really dispersed and gone home according to their Promise.