Riots over Ratification of the Constitution

The frontier in American history, in fact and in fiction, was everywhere the site of excesses, violence, and license. Cumberland County from its first settlements through the post revolutionary years was no exception. Striking examples of revolt are found in James Smith's "Black Boys" Rangers; another in the seizure of Stump and Ironcutter, known murderers of friendly Indians, from our county jail by an angry mob. These and many similar events were considered justified by the perpetrators because they believed the authorities ignored both legalities and reason. 

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