Buckshot War

After the Pennsylvania state election of 1838, both the Whig and the Democratic parties claim control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Two speakers are elected.

A mob, largely from Philadelphia, assembles in Harrisburg and threatens violence.

Thaddeus Stevens, Charles B. Penrose and Thomas H. Burrowes are forced to escape from the Senate chamber through a window.

When President Martin Van Buren refuses Governor Joseph Ritner's request for United States troops, Ritner calls out the Philadelphia militia.

Among the equipment requisitioned are thirteen rounds of buckshot cartridges, giving the incident the name the Buckshot War.

Order is restored when three Whigs vote with the Democrats, enabling them to organize the House.

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