No sooner was the
decision, and the action of the Executive consequent upon it,
promulgated, than a wild storm of passionate excitement broke forth,
which threatened for several days the very existence of the
organization. But the Delegates met their respective Companies;
explained the action of the two Boards; gave the reasons for it in full;
answered all questions; urged every consideration likely to remove
suspicion, allay passion, and inspire confidence; and finally, with
infinite difficulty, the perilous crisis was passed, and acquiescence,
if not entire satisfaction was secured.
A week afterwards, on the 18th of August a public Parade and Review of
the entire force of the Vigilance Committee took place. The several
Companies assembled at their Armories and marched from thence to the
Head Quarters of their Regiments, and thence to Third Street, where the
whole force of Cavalry, Artillery, Riflemen and Infantry, consisting of
at least four thousand men, in black frock coats and pants and caps and
white gloves, were formed in line in double rank, extending a full mile
from Market Street some distance beyond South Park.
Pages:
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75