in fact, the new york city draft riots ( 13–16 july 1863), the most violent insurrection in the history of the us had begun, and were eventually to evolve into an anti-black pogrom. a day later, fremantle noted that the activities of the mob were worsening, with battles between police and rioters now taking place in the streets. an english captain reported that the mob had forced their way onto his ship and beaten his black crew members, forcing a french warship to threaten violence against any attacks against foreign vessels.