Report of the Committee Appointed to Investigate the Railroad Riots in July, 1877 / Read in the Senate and House of Representatives May 23, 1878

by 1877 Pennsylvania. General Assembly. Committee Appointed to Investigate the Railroad Riots in July

A. That is the only one.

Q. Contained on page No. 1 of your report?

The dispatch referred to, is as follows:

Pittsburgh, July 20, 1877—1.49, A.M.

General James W. Latta:

I have addressed to Governor Hartranft the following message, and learning that he is absent, I forward it to you for your information.

R. H. Fife,
Sheriff of Allegheny county.

Pittsburgh, July 20, 1877—1.14, A.M.

Honorable John F. Hartranft:

A tumultuous mob exists on the Pennsylvania railroad, at East Liberty, in the Twelfth ward of Pittsburgh. Large assemblages of people are upon the railroad, and the movement of freight trains, either east or west, is prevented by intimidation and violence, molesting, obstructing the engineers and other employés of the railroad company in the discharge of their duties. As the sheriff of the county, I have endeavored to suppress the riot, and have not adequate means at my command to do so. I therefore request you to interfere your authority in calling out the military to suppress the same.