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The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In Goshen, about 70-80 miles from New York, hunters firing at partridges caused gunshots mistaken for an Indian attack, sparking panic among nearly 500 families in the Wall-Kill area. Residents fled hastily, some crossing the river with families on their backs or heading to New England, spreading the false alarm.
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August 2. Last Week the following Accident happen'd in this Place. Several men having been out upon the Hills, hunting for Deer, in their Return met with a flock of Partridges, at which four Guns were discharged, three of them pretty quick after each other; this being an uncommon Accident in the Place, was mistaken by some of the Inhabitants of the Wall-Kill, for firing of Indians---Immediately alarms were fired, and spread over the whole Place, which produced an amazing Panick and Confusion among the People, near 500 Families; they for Haste cut the Harness of their Horses from their Ploughs and Carts, and rode off with what they were most concern'd to preserve. Some who had no Vessel to cross the River, plunged thro', carrying their Wives and Children on their Backs, some, we have already heard, proceeded as far as New-England, spreading the Alarm as they went, and how far they may go is uncertain.
The Men who were the innocent Cause of the Alarm, inform'd as many as they could meet with of the Truth of the Case: but they were far from being able to quiet the Disturbance they had raised.--Hence it is hoped People will be warn'd, not to be frighten'd before they are certain of Danger.
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Goshen
Event Date
Last Week (Reported August 2)
Outcome
no casualties reported; widespread panic led to hasty flight by nearly 500 families, some crossing the river on foot and others traveling as far as new-england, spreading the false alarm.
Event Details
Several men hunting deer near Goshen fired four guns at partridges, mistaken by Wall-Kill inhabitants for Indian gunfire. Alarms spread, causing confusion and panic; people cut horse harnesses from plows and carts to flee with valuables. Some waded across the river carrying wives and children; the innocent hunters tried to dispel the rumor but could not stop the disturbance.