A serious riot took place on Sunday evening, in First street between North Eighth and Tenth streets. It originated in an old feud between two parties known as the "Cashes" and "Gillans," between the leaders of which a difficulty rose in the early part of the evening. They came together, backed by their friends, to the number of a hundred, armed with clubs, stones, and other weapons; and a desperate fight ensued, in which several persons were injured, some it is feared fatally. One or more females were struck with missles, while endeavoring to get their friends away.
James Cash, one of the ringleaders, had his skull broken open with an axe. Not expected to recover. Patrick Cash was stabbed in the stomach and received a cut in the breast. Little hopes of his recovery.
Patrick Murray and James Slavin were beaten severely, and lie in a dangerous condition. Yesterday seventeen warrants were issued and the police succeeded in arresting the following persons: Michael Cash, Patrick Smith, Patrick Murray, James and Patrick Clark, Patrick Slavin, Cristopher and Benjamin Gillen, James Roach, Michael Fagen and Cristopher Fox. Their examination is set down for the 29th inst.
Brooklyn (New York) Daily Eagle, December 27, 1853.
Copyright © 2004 Larry Slavens. All rights reserved.