LETTERS OF JOHN WIMM'WS. 2 L
passed me, when they insulted two men by running their fists in their laces and damning them (which men were in y'.' principal affray afterwards and took away a sword and shoulder knot from one of 'em) : a few steps further, another came running, as the only expedi- ent to avoid making Virginia fences, when became full against me, made a handsome apology, begged my pardon, and went on. About five minutes from this (when I had pass'd) the remainder, being live in number, sallied out with their cutlasses drawn, and met Abra Hunt, wine cooper (a well built, nervous fellow) with his wife, the latter of whom they began to abuse: at which the husband (b< provided with a hickory walking stick) aim'd a blow at y". officer's head, and laid it open ; and had he not been prevented by y. inhabi- tants from repeating his stroke, he must have demolish'd him: upon which they all laid about with their weapons and cleared the street of all the inhabitants, save Samuel dan is. Samuel Pitts, one Fullerton, a chairmaker, y" man mentioned above, and a aegro fellow, each of whom disarmed one without hurting 'em, save the negro, who knock'd bis down with a billet of wood that he took from a pile that lay in the street. Samuel Pitts only of the inhabitants got wounded in the affray, having parried oil" several of their blows with his cane. One stroke in particular aim'd at him must inevitably have lay'd his scull open, which he had not opportunity to guard against, having two upon him at once; hut. fortunately for him, he was standing against a fence and y'. cutlass struck against it, just above bis head. and retarded the stroke, which was immediately repeated across his belly, when he received it upon his left hand, whereby his knuckles are split open aud he is likely to lose y. c use of two or three fingers. lie receiv'd the swords from those who had taken 'em and return'd with the officers to y? bouse they came from, where they sent for y'.' surgeon of y'. regiment and dress'd his wounds as well as the others, and upon their professing a sorrow for what they had done. and begging his pardon, he redeliver'd their swords (for which he is much blam'd) and the next morning acknowledg'd himself fully sat- isfied, by their concessions, for the injury he had receiv'd, at which his father was much vex'd, and threatned absolutely to disinherit him, if he did not prosecute the matter. Upon the whole, the Select- men took cognizance of the affair, and chose a committee of four from their number to wait upon Karl Piercy (who commands in y. Governor's absence) and acquaint him with it. who treated them vei-y politely (and made many apologies that his marque would not
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