“Ould Ireland” Proclaims Hostilities at Dam 4

War! War! War!— “Ould Ireland” proclaiming Hostilities against “Amiriky” at Dam No 4— the “Hamtramck Guards” ordered to battle.

On Saturday morning last, the 9th inst., our town was thrown into considerable commotion by the summoning of the Hamtramck Guards “to arms.” Rumors of war was sent in Telegraphic haste from Dam No. 4. It seems that a portion of the “Sons of Erin,” there employed, numbering about thirty, had “struck for higher wages” and refused to do duty unless their terms were complied with. In order that they might more effectually accomplish their their aim they threatened hostilities to the well disposed and more peaceful sons of “Ould Ireland” who were willing to work, and promised to carry into execution their threats should these peaceful ones attempt to make “their bread by the sweat of their brow,” on Dam No. 4. Filled with the devil or his best emissary— whiskey, they also threatened Major ROBINSON, the Contractor, that if he did not comply with their terms that they would undo what they had done by tearing up the Dam and cutting loose the ropes which secured the Derricks. In order then that this rash threat should not be carried into execution the Major solicited the aid of the Hamtramck Guards, and as gallant soldiers at the shout of war, they were soon found assembling for the contest. In “double quick time,” well armed and equipped, with ball and grape, they marched to the sense of action, fully determined upon “bloody murder” should the degenerate sons of the “green Isle of the Ocean” resist their advance. No such part however was performed by them— they quietly surrendered. The ring-leaders were arrested and lodged in the Martinsburg jail, and about thirty notified that they must leave immediately “if not sooner.” They took advantage of the notice, and after being paid off they made “tracks” for other climes. During Saturday night the Guards were detailed out in squads for the purpose of watching over the work, but no demonstration of violence were observed.

On the following morning (Sunday) before leaving, Major ROBINSON addressed the Guards in a few pertinent and complimentary remarks, which were responded to by the Guards with great applause. Whilst the guests of the Major, he spared no pains or expense to render us as comfortable quarters as could be procured on such an occasion— the doors of his hospitality were thrown open to the enjoyment of all, for which the Guards return their sincere thanks; and we are particularly requested by several members of the Company to tender their unfeigned thanks to the “jigger boss” for his kind attention.

The Guards arrived at Shepherdstown about 11 o’clock, looking bold as Lyons, and as brave as if they had taken the whole of “ould Ireland” by storm. Being one of the “bould soger boys” “be jambers” we felt as brave as if we had taken Ireland “on our own hook.”

We understand that on Monday morning all was quiet and the work progressed as usual.

Previous to taking up the line of march for home the Guards gave three loud and hearty cheers for the cooks— Mrs. and Miss McCoy and Mrs. Priscilla Bowers, who catered so well for the “inner man” of all of the soldiers. THey did things up “brown” and no mistake, and all hands emphatically did justice to the “good things of life” there. To give our readers an idea of the manner in which they “took in” the necessary commodity, we wil just here state that a certain Lieutenant, who sit on our right, consumed at dinner, on Saturday: two loaves of bread, half-peck of sweet potatoes, two places of irish potatoes, about nine pounds of beef, two pounds of butter, one jar of apple butter, and drank nineteen cups of coffee, in almost as short a time as we could spell “Jack Robinson,” and then complaining at the table that he had been unwell all the morning and had no appetite for dinner. Wonder if Major ROBINSON didn’t think that produce had “gone down” pretty fast.

During the amusement and fun on Saturday night, the “sois” pot was accidentally thrown over, which considerably raised the chief cook who swore “be the powers that be” that we “shud’nt hav ave dhrap of brhead for our bhreakfust, jist,”. However, we soon importuned the old lady into a good humor, and the first object met our eyes upon the breakfast table was about a million of piping hot biscuits stacked up in fortification style and you may “bet your life” all hands “took ’em in.”

During the “wee sma; hours” a certain Sergeant felt somewhat disposed to take a “nap,” he accordingly repaired to a chamber which soon proved to be the female department; he threw himself across a bed and the first thing he knew he was going out the chamber “heels foremost” two athletic women pulling by his legs.

We have a good joke upon a certain Lieutenant who went up to the “Dutch House” to see the ladies, but we shall say no more about that affair.

Taking the whole trip into consideration all hands had a “jolly” time. We don’t wish the Major any more war with “Ireland” but we hope he may have occasion to invite the Guards up often.