Of course some minor riots--a collection of mobs that were easily dispersed by the police, and were characterized by no prolonged struggle or striking incidents--are not mentioned. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Character of a City illustrated by Riots.--New Material for History of Draft Riots.--History of the Rebellion incomplete without History of them.--The Fate of the Nation resting on the Issues of the Struggle in New York City.--The best Plan to adopt for Protection against Mobs. CHAPTER II. THE NEGRO RIOTS OF 1712-1741. Almost impossible for the present Generation to comprehend its true Character and Effect on the People.--Description of New York at that Time.--The Negro Slaves.--The Negro Riot of 1712.--Description of it.--The Winter of 1741.--Governor's House burned down.--Other Fires.--Suspicion of the People.--Arrest and Imprisonment of the Blacks.--Reward offered for the supposed Conspirators.--Alarm and Flight of the Inhabitants.--Examination and Confession of Mary Burton.--Peggy, the Newfoundland Beauty, and the Hughson Family.--The Conspiracy.--Executions.--Fast.--Hughson's Hearing.--Hung in Chains.--The Body, and that of a Negro, left to swing and rot in the Air.--Strange Change in the Appearances of the Bodies.--The People throng to look at them.--Negroes burned at the Stake.--Terrific Spectacle.--Bloody Summer.--Execution of a Catholic Priest.--Strange Scenes.--Upper Classes accused.--Executions stopped.--Reason of the Panic. CHAPTER III. THE STAMP-ACT RIOT OF 1765. Thorough Understanding of the Principles of Liberty by the People.--The Stamp Act.--How viewed by the Colonists.--Colden strengthens Fort George in Alarm.--Arrival of the Stamps.--How the News was received by the Sons of Liberty.--A Bold Placard.--Stamp Distributor frightened.--Patriotic Action of the Merchants.--Public Demonstration against the Stamp Act.--Colden takes Refuge in the Fort.--Dare not fire on the People.--The People at the Gate demand the Stamps.--Colden and Lord Bute hung in Effigy.--Colden's Coach-house broken open.--The Images placed in the Coach, and dragged with Shouts through the Streets.--Hung again in Sight of the Fort.--A Bonfire made of the Fence around Bowling Green, and the Governor's Carriages, while the Garrison look silently on.--Prejudice against Coaches.--Major James' House sacked.--Great Joy and Demonstration at the Repeal of the Stamp Act.--Celebration of the King's Birthday.--Loyalty of the People.--Mutiny Act.--A Riot becomes a Great Rebellion. CHAPTER IV. DOCTORS' RIOT, 1788.