Richmond (Staten Island) County, New York Civil War Newspapers

Staten Island Last Night and Yesterday.
The Island was much excited last night, but we are happy to say there were no serious disturbances on either the North or South shores. Around Forts Richmond and Tompkins, everything was quiet and orderly, and if the mob had appeared there they would have suffered severely. There was a detachment of troops from Fort Hamilton, and a special police sworn in, and armed, and these kept order. We doubt, however, if any attack was designed. At Stapleton and other landings, there were large crowds of people, and elements of disturbance, but in all cases, we learn it was quelled without violence. The Sheriff of the county exerted a good influence, by telling those who were collected together that nothing but plunder could be the motive for further violence, inasmuch as the draft had been suspended, and resistance was without the pretext of an excuse. The house of J. C. Thompson, Provost Marshal was threatened but in no serious danger. Some of the rioters complained that Mr. T. was the enrolling officer, but his answer to them was that somebody must perform the duties assigned by the Federal Government, and he had only discharged his.—It was then made the subject of complaint that the draft for Richmond county was to be taken on Long Island, (which is a part of the district,) but as this was no fault of the officers on Staten Island, there was a disposition to listen to reason, and the house of Mr. Thompson was untouched. This was at New Brighton, where the crowd were also disposed to listen to the appeals and reasoning of the Catholic priest, who is much praised for his energetic action.
The night passed off on the Island with more order than the afternoon. Poor negroes were driven and persecuted here as in the city. Many of them were driven hither and thither, and no respect was shown to age or sex, though we hear of no personal damage to any of the parties.
A house and store were reported burned in Rocky Hollow, occupied by one of the unfortunate colored men of the Island. Many other places were threatened, and day and night caused great anxiety.
The arms taken from the Lyceum the night previous, were carried off to the houses of the rioters who, however, did not make any further use of them. They belong to the county and are a part of the State arms. The number stolen is not as large as stated yesterday. All was quiet this morning on the Island, and there are now no threatened disturbances. We hope the danger is over there, but it becomes all good citizens to organize for the protection of property, the safety of life and the maintenance of public order.