1764, Feb.] EXCITEMENT IN THE CITY. 145 



of bells, and the no less vehement clamor of 

 tongues. A great multitude gathered before the 

 barracks, where it was supposed the attack would 

 be made ; and among them was seen many a Quak- 

 er, with musket in hand. Some of the more con- 

 sistent of the sect, unwilling to take arms with 

 their less scrupulous brethren, went into the bar- 

 racks to console and reassure the Indians ; who, 

 however, showed much more composure than their 

 comforters, and sat waiting the result with invin- 

 cible calmness. Several hours of suspense and 

 excitement passed, when it was recollected, that, 

 though the other ferries of the Schuylkill had been 

 secured, a crossing place, known as the Swedes' 

 Ford, had been left open ; and a party at once set 

 out to correct this unlucky oversight.^ Scarcely 

 were they gone, when a cry rose among the crowd 

 before the barracks, and a general exclamation was 

 heard that the Paxton Boys were coming. In fact, 

 a band of horsemen was seen advancing up Second 

 Street. The people crowded to get out of the way ; 

 the troops fell into such order as they could ; a 

 cannon was pointed full at the horsemen, and the 

 gunner was about to apply the match, when a man 

 ran out from the crowd, and covered the touchhole 

 with his hat. The cry of a false alarm was heard, 

 and it was soon apparent to all that the supposed 

 Paxton Boys were a troop of German butchers and 

 carters, who had come to aid in defence of the city, 

 and had nearly paid dear for their patriotic zeal.^ 



1 Histcrrical Account of the Late Disturbances^ 4. 



2 Haz. Pa. Reg. XII. 11. Memoirs of a Life passed chiefly in Pennsyl- 



VOL. II. 10 



