Cleveland (OH) Herald, “Attack on the Wide Awakes of Wheeling, Va.,” October 17, 1860

ATTACK ON THE WIDE AWAKES OF WHEELING, VA.

The Wide Awakes of Wheeling, Va., turned out on the night of the 11th, in procession. A crowd of ruffians attacked them with stones and other missiles, but not succeeding in breaking up the procession, the streets were blockaded with drays and other obstructions. The Wide Awakes removed these obstacles, when the ruffians rushed on them. A fight ensued, and shots were fired, the Wide Awakes laying about them with their torches. The Intelligencer says:

If these ruffians suppose that they can prevent the Wide Awakes from turning out, when and where they please, they are mistaken. If the city is under the control of a lawless set of ignorant, intolerant rascals, who thus endanger the peace and property of the city and the lives of its men, women and children, the Wide Awakes are not responsible.