The story spread, and gained intensity with each repetition.

"The Dutch are rising; we shall all be slain in cold blood!" was the cry, echoed from house to house.

Not less than five thousand people fled from the city on that day, and as many more within the succeeding twenty-four hours.

Carriages, wagons, drays, every thing that could transport persons or valuables, commanded exorbitant prices.

Steamboats were chartered as ferries to the Illinois shore or to go to points of safety, either up or down the river.