NY Treasury Check Covers Damages From 1863 Riots That Attacked Abolitionists For Sale

Offering a 4 x 8 check for $15,000, dated December 7, 1863, and clearly marked “Riot Damages.” From the County Treasury of New York at the Broadway Bank to cover the cost of the infamous riots incurred during which residents took out their rage against abolitionists and their organizations by destroying symbols of the Republican governance or black life. Two protestant churches and public buildings were destroyed. The Colored Orphan Asylum at 44th Street and 5th Avenue was burned to the ground. The check underscores the ironic financial culpability for the riots. MAYOR GEORGE OPDYKE, a Republican and ally of President Lincoln, was forced to write a check for the damages to JAMES WATSON, the county auditor and member of Tammany Hall. The check had to be signed by MATTHEW T. BRENNAN, New York City Comptroller, also a member of Tammany Hall.

The riots occurred from July 13 – 16, 1863, and were carried out by members of the white working class affiliated with the Democratic Party and predominately Irish over the introduction of a military draft during the Civil War. Officially 120 were killed, though some estimates put the number at 1200. The riots ended when President Abraham Lincoln diverted several regiments of militia and volunteer troops from the Battle of Gettysburg to regain control of the city.

Opdyke’s tarnished reputation prevented him from seeking re-election.

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