The Great Riots of New York, 1712 to 1873

Chapter 4

Chapter 497 wordsPublic domain

DOCTORS' RIOT, 1788.

Body-snatching.--Bodies dug up by Medical Students.--Excitement of the People.--Effect of the Discovery of a human Limb from the Hospital.--Mob ransack the Building.--Destruction of Anatomical Specimens.--Arrival of Mayor, and Imprisonment of Students.--Second Day.--Examination of Columbia College and Physicians' Houses.--Appeal of the Mayor and distinguished Citizens to the Mob.--Mob attempt to break into Jail and seize the Students.--The Fight.--The Military called out.--Beaten by the Mob.--Larger Military Force called out.--Attacked by the Mob.--Deadly Firing.--Great Excitement.--Flight of Doctors and Students.