The Truth Unveiled; or, Calm and Impartial Exposition of the Origin and Immediate Cause of the Terrible Riots and Rebellion in Philadelphia, in May and July, A.D. 1844

Baltimore: Metropolitan Tract Society, 1844. Softcover. Very good. Sewn pamphlet, 7.5" x 4.5", 36 pp. Edges toned; very good. A scarce account of the nativist, anti-Catholic riots (often referred to as the "Philadelphia Prayer Riots," or the "Bible Riots") that broke out in Philadelphia in the spring of 1844, at a time when Irish Catholic immigration was increasing rapidly. Beginning as a Protestant protest of Catholic resistance to the reading of the Protestant King James Bible in public schools, unrest boiled into the streets on May 6, resulting in the destruction of two Catholic churches and several other buildings.  A second riot occurred in July, after a group of nativists learned that St. Philip Neri's Catholic Church in Southwark had armed itself for protection. "Fierce fighting broke out between the nativists and the soldiers sent to protect the church, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries....Civic leaders deplored the nativist attacks. Nationally, the riots helped fuel criticism of the nativist movement, despite denials of responsibility from nativist groups. The riots exposed deficiencies in law enforcement in Philadelphia and the surrounding districts, influencing various reforms in local police departments and the eventual consolidation of the city in 1854" (Wiki). This one of two editions of this pamphlet published in 1844. The other, published in Philadelphia by M. Fithian, is shorter and references only the May riots, so was likely published first, in May or June. Sabin (62346) lists the Philadelphia edition, but not this one.