From <​the​> news papers <​that [are?]​> around us and the current reports as brought in from the surro[u]nding country I have good reason to fear that a mob is organizing to come upon this and plunder and destroy <​said ​> as well as murder the citizens, and by virtue of the authority vested in [me?] as mayor, and to preser[v]e the and lives of the citizens, I do hereby declare the said within the limits of its incorporation, under martial law: The officers therefore of the , the police, as well as all others will strictly see that no persons or property pass in or out of the without due orders