This was October 30, 1854. It was believed that he
was in search of information about some fugitive negroes who
were supposed to be in Worcester, and I suppose that to be
the fact, although it was claimed that his errand was to summon
witnesses against persons concerned in the riot which took
place when Burns was captured. The fact of his presence became
known in the course of the day on Sunday, and a pretty angry
crowd began to gather in the streets in the neighborhood of
the American House. Butman learned his danger, and took refuge
in the City Marshal's office in the City Hall, where the police
force of the city were gathered for his protection. No attack
was made during the night, but it was not deemed prudent to
have Butman leave his shelter. I had been to Concord to spend
Sunday with my kindred there. I got to Worcester at nine
o'clock Monday morning, and was told at the station of the
condition of things. I went immediately to the City Hall,
made my way through the crowd to the building, and was admitted
to the police office by the City Marshal, who was my client,
and apt to depend on me for legal advice.
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