This Day in History: October 4

The riot, which began on October 4, 1779, after the British Army had abandoned the City of Philadelphia. Lawyer and Congressman James Wilson (1742-1798) had successfully defended at trial 23 people from property seizure and exile by the radical government of Pennsylvania. On October fourth, "A mob whipped up by liquor and the writings and speeches of Joseph Reed, President of Pennsylvania's Supreme Executive Council, marched on Congressman Wilson's home at Third and Walnut Streets. Wilson and 35 of his colleagues barricaded themselves in his home, later nicknamed Fort Wilson. In the fighting that ensued, six died, and 17 to 19 were wounded. [More]