701. PHILADELPHIA REACTS TO THE FIRING ON FORT SUMTER A great early war-date letter, 4pp. 8vo., Philadelphia, April 15, 1861, concerning a near riot at the newspaper office of the Palmetto Flag in Philadelphia. In part: "...the news of the surrender of Fort Sumter is confirmed. The secession flag now waves over its ramparts!!! The greatest excitement exists at the office the 'Palmetto Flag' Chestnut St. from Fourth 1/2 way down to Third is one dense mass of excited determined men! The men attempted to issue their poisonous sheet this morning. A crowd soon collected & threats were made of [?] whole office out & dealing summary punishment upon the traitors! They also run up the Southern Flag! This excited the mob & soon it was drawn in! I reached Chestnut St. Just as Mayor Henry (God bless him!) appeared at the window holding in his hand the 'Stars & Stripes'. How much dearer are they now to my heart that they are threatened with disgrace & insult...the cheers...went up like the roar of cannon from the...multitude as this precious legacy so dearly won was waved from the office of this detested plague...the Mayor is now addressing the populace. I heard him say 'So long as God spares my life treason shall not lift its head amongst us.' There is but one sentiment now, party ties are lost and the people are determined to enforce the laws...written in great haste. I know your patriotic anxiety to hear the news..." Minor toning with archival repairs at fold separations, else very good. $200-300