“The discipline of the stick, next ensued”

On 11 Sept 1769, the Boston Post-Boy published a response to what the writer called “a very gross misrepresentation of the quarrel which happened at the British coffee-house between Mr. Robinson and Mr. Otis” in earlier newspapers.

In particular, this writer complained that in that account “the characters of the spectators is impeached greatly to their dishonour.” The article evidently came from one of those spectators, signing himself “A Bye-Stander.” (He promised to divulge his name as soon as the writer of the previous account revealed his.)

According to this purported witness, the fight took place this way:

Mr. Robinson having received a public affront from Mr. Otis, proceeded to take public satisfaction of him in the open coffee-house, for which I don’t find him condemned by any man acquainted with the custom of the world in such cases; but instead of attacking Mr. Otis abruptly, they had a short conversation together, both standing, and after Mr. Otis had come round the table, Mr. Robinson attempted to take him by the nose, which is a kind of indignity generally used on such occasions.-------

The discipline of the stick, next ensued, during which, Mr. Otis received many heavy blows on his head, and one particularly on his forehead, that instantly produced a copious discharge of blood. Several persons then interfered in behalf of Mr. Otis, one of whom laid hold of Mr. Robinson, tore his coat, and wrested his stick from him, but through the interposition of the company fair play was soon restored, and a ring formed, when a brisk manual exercise followed, which ended greatly to the disadvantage of Mr. Otis, who was carried off by his friends, and Mr. Robinson went out at the street door.

Not a single jota is here advanced that can not be well attested, and there are about 20 Gentlemen, many of whom are inhabitants of this town, and others, strangers, that can prove, that neither sword, cutlas, or other edged weapon whatever was seen drawn, nor the least foul play offered Mr. Otis, nor were the words Kill him! once heard during the whole engagement.---

Several Gentlemen can also testify that they saw Mr. Robinson give Mr. Otis the blow before mentioned, on his fore-head, which has been reported to be the cut of an edged weapon. If Mr. Otis could recollect himself, he must allow the justice of this representation: Mr. Robinson did not stand in need of any assistance, his superiority over his antagonist was such, that he did not receive one blow from him.

This writer deployed arch language—“public satisfaction,” “The discipline of the stick,” “brisk manual exercise”—to emphasize that this was a private affair between gentlemen, even if it had played out in public.

As for any suggestion of murderous intent or deadly weapons, that was completely false, the “Bye-Stander” declared. This article even claimed that “several persons” entered the fray on Otis’s side, not just John Gridley, and “the company” intervened only to ensure “fair play.”

In sum, this account said, Robinson had beaten up Otis fair and square. Of course, that claim was hampered by the writer’s anonymity. In contrast, witnesses for Otis were going on the record.

TOMORROW: Two more witness statements.