THE BTOTS IN 17^0 34^7 



for a dense crowd extended far beyond the Mansion House in one 

 direction, and Broad-street in the other,, the advanced corps could 

 not recede, but being pressed forwards by the crowd behind were 

 received with a volley of musketry from regulars who had been clan- 

 destinely admitted by the back ways. The assailants could not 

 immediately turn about and run for it at once, being prevented by 

 those who, ignorant of the danger, kept pressing forwards. At last 

 they did face about, and fled with all possible speed towards the top 

 of Cheapside, being pursued by a hot fire from their pursuers, who 

 followed them closely, firing low and frequently ; for the shops being 

 still shut, I saw very numerous bullet-holes in the shutters the whole 

 length of Cheapside : they were fired with good intent, for the holes 

 made in the shutters were so low, that if the body of a man had been 

 placed before them, that man must have been destroyed ; and from 

 these circumstances that the destruction of human life, in this rencontre, 

 must have been very great. 



All was now quiet, but the real commanders of the insurrection, 

 whoever they might be, though disappointed by the check they had 

 so unexpectedly received, now determined to make a more serious 

 attack on the following evening, and preparations were made to re- 

 ceive them with equal energy. A large body of troops were 

 admitted by the back ways, and stationed within the Bank, Strong 

 patroles paraded the outside, to prevent people from assembling in 

 the streets outside, and indeed to prevent people from collecting in 

 groups in any direction. The different corps of the City Association 

 assembled at their different stations, to prepare for the conflict which, 

 it was believed universally, would take place on the following night. 

 All who were disposed to be in safety retired to their homes, and 

 left the streets free for the combatants. As all who were present 

 during the conflict, I who was not can only say, that upon that night 

 a more violent attack was made on the Bank than that of the pre- 

 ceding night, and the defeat was more complete. The severest con- 

 test is said to have been between the Bank and New Broad-street, 

 where the greater part of the City Association was stationed. Tlieir 

 -services on this occasion were very great, and their victory complete. 

 The insurgents did not make head after that night. When order 

 was restored, Wheatley, an eminent artist of that time, was employ- 

 ed by authority to paint a large picture representing the most re- 

 markable scene, as it took place in Broad-street. This was engraved 

 by Heath, and sold very extensively; and wherever it is still to be 

 seen, it may justly be taken as a correct representation of the fact. 



Mischief had now done its worst ; and retribution, in its turn, now 

 began to work. Lord George Gordon was arrested for high treason, 

 nd committed to the Tower. The police was set to work to seek 

 for the working rioters, who were found without difficulty. A spe- 

 cial commission was issued to try them as soon as possible ; of this, 

 Lord Loughborough was placed at the head. On this occasion he 

 obtained much praise, from one party for the energy he displayed in 

 conducting these trials, while by those who were favourable to the 

 insurgents or their cause, unceremoniously compared him, though 



