I am gathering antebellum news accounts that show carry of firearms seems to have been common and unremarkable. Often these are incidents that end badly. "Man bites dog" news accounts.
An accidental discharge in the U.S. House of Representatives:
The gentleman from Virginia bad alluded to fact that a firearm had fallen on the floor. It was due to truth to say that, about the time he was talking somewhat excitedly in reference to the harsh and unjust remark by his colleague, a pistol in his breast-pocket accidentally fell to the floor. No man who knew him believed that he would use a pistol except in an honorable way. He regretted that this accident had occurred. He put the pistol in his pocket last night about twelve o'clock, to protect himself, if necessary, for he resided in the neighborhood of English Hill, where out rages have been committed, and wanted to feel secure in going home. Until he came to Washington, he bad never thought it necessary to be armed. He did not carry a pistol for any purpose here, but for his protection while passing through this sometimes violent city. He had seen occasions when, to protect one's self from insult, it was necessary to carry firearms.[1]
[1] An Excitement, Holmes County [Ohio] Republican, Jan. 26, 1860, 1, https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn84028820/1860-01-26/ed-1/seq-1/,last accessed December 11, 2024.
No comments:
Post a Comment