Kentucky Gazette And General Advertiser

RIOT NEAR THE LONDON DOCKS.

On Sunday afternoon, a desperate affray took place between a number of Irish laborers and some American seamen (belonging to the ships in the London Docks) in the Broadway adjoining the Docks.

The quarrel originated between an American and an Irishman, respecting a woman of the town. A battle ensued, and the Irishman having got the worst of it, went away, and returned in the course of an hour (about 5 o'clock,) with a strong reinforcement of his countrymen, armed with broom-sticks, bludgeons, pokers, and various other sort of weapons, which they brandished in the air, and, with violent imprecations, dared the Yankees, as they termed them, to the fight. The Americans who were numerous, assembled in a body for their own protection, but did not attempt to commit or provoke any breach of the peace. Their forbearance however, only tended to render the Irishmen more furious, and they shewed every disposition to commence an immediate attack. Some of the Americans induced by the threatening aspect of affairs, procured from on board a few weapons, but not sufficient to arm the whole. This was taken by the sons of St. Patrick for a challenge to a trial of skill with the shillelagh, and they instantly made a furious attack on the Americans, who defended themselves stoutly, but were defeated in the end, with broken heads, legs, &c. after a most severe and bloody contest. Upwards of 20 Americans were wounded more or less; 6 of them so dangerously, that they were obliged to be carried off the ground. A young man had his skull fractured, and lies without hopes of recovery at the White Heart, Neptune street; one had both his legs broken, and was taken in a hopeless state to the London Hospital: another unfortunate man had one leg broken, and is by no means free from danger. An American captain is, we understand, among those most hurt in the affray. The success of the Irish made them quite outrageous after the result of the battle was known reinforcements were constantly arriving, who enlisted under the banners of Murtoch Sullivan, the reputed leader. They hoisted their hats on their weapons, and vociferated loudly, "Liberty and Vinegar Hill for ever!"

This serious commotion excited a general alarm in the neighbourhood, and notice of the proceedings was transmitted to the Police Officers in that district. when Sir R. Williams, Mr. Davies, of Lambert street Office, and other Magistrates, assembled, together with a large posse of constables, headboroughs, and police officers, and repaired to the spot, where the rioters were still parading in great numbers. About 40 of the most active were apprehended, and lodged in the several watch houses in the vicinity of Tower-hill. Guards from the volunteer corps in the district were placed over them all night.

Yesterday morning the rioters were escorted to Lambert street Office, Goodman's fields, where they underwent an examination, About fifteen of the wounded Americans (all who were able) attended to give evidence against the Irishmen. They exhibited a deplorable sight. On investigation, it appeared that the Irishmen were the aggressors ; 23, out of 40 brought up for examination, were clearly identified to have taken an active part in the affray; 15 of these were fully committed for trial, and eight, who had been less violent than the rest, were sent on board the tender' A woman who was identified among the crowd on the outside of the office, as the person who gave to an Irishman, at the time of the conflict, a clasp knife for a weapon, was taken into custody, examined and fully committed.

Before the American seamen were suffered to depart the Court, one of the Magistrates called their attention to a few words he had to say. He reminded them of a riot which took place some time ago, in the neighbourhood of Wapping, in which some American seamen were the principal actors. On that occasion the Americans were found culpable, and punished accordingly. He did not mean to say, that any of those present were concerned, but he wished to impress upon their minds that the laws of this country were equally administered to persons of all nations. The Americans were in this instance the injured parties, and justice should be done them. He was happy to say that from all that appeared, the Americans had conducted themselves in this unpleasant affair with prudence and discretion; and any violence that had been manifested by them was only in their own defence. He concluded by exhorting them on all future occasions to act with prudence and due forbearance, and they would be sure to meet with the same respect and protection from the laws as British subjects.