The following article is transcribed from Harper's Weekly Journal of Civilization, dated July 25, 1863:

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Riots in New York

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          A fearful riot commenced in this city on the morning on Monday, July 13. At first it was merely a demonstration against the draft, which had been commenced on Saturday in the Ninth District. The drawing of names was here resumed on Monday morning. A crowd, gradually increasing, gathered around the office, but the drawing went on until about 60 additional names had been drawn, when a sudden attack was made by the mob. The wheel was destroyed, the papers scattered, and the building set on fire. The excitement spread through the city; crowds assembled every where, at first with no apparent common object. But in a short time the aim of the leaders in the riot movement appeared to be an indiscriminate attack upon the colored people, and upon those who were supposed to be in any way connected with the draft or with the Republican party. Several buildings were sacked and burned. The Tribune office was attacked, and only saved by the vigorous efforts of the police; negroes were hunted down, several were murdered under the most revolting circumstances. The house of the Mayor was sacked, that of the Postmaster burned to the ground; railroad tracks were torn up, and for a while it seemed that the city was under control of the mob. Their most dastardly performance was destruction of the Colored Orphan Asylum, in which some hundreds of children were provided for. This was sacked, and finally burnt to the ground. The riot raged throughout the whole of Monday and Tuesday. The movement, which was at first one in opposition to the draft, has developed into a scheme of plunder and robbery. As we write on Wednesday noon it appears that the riot is quelled. It is too early to attempt to give the results, or to speak of the conduct of the public authorities. We can only say now that the conduct of the police force appears to have been throughout excellent.

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