“Nothing doubting that your curiosity will be upon the
tenters to hear the wonderful events of the long-expected 4th of June, I take
the pen to inform you that not one worth mentioning has taken place. Were I
inclined to prolixity, I might, indeed, narrate at length how near a thousand
gentlemen (myself among the number) offered their services to the magistrates
to act as constables for the preservation of the
peace—how their services were accepted—what fine
speeches were made upon the occasion—how they were
furnished with pretty painted brown batons—how they were
assembled in the aisle of the New Church, and treated with claret and
sweetmeats—how Sir
John Whiteford was chased by the mob, and how
Tom, Sandy Wood,
and I rescued him, and dispersed his tormentors à beaux coups de batons—how
the Justice-Clerk’s windows were broke by a few boys, and how a large
body of constables and a press-gang of near two hundred men arrived, and were
much disappointed at finding the coast entirely clear; with many other matters
of equal importance, but of which you must be contented to remain in ignorance
till you return to your castle. Seriously, every thing, with the exception of
the very trifling circumstances above mentioned, was perfectly quiet—much more
so than during any King’s birth-day I can recollect. That very stillness,
however, shows that something is brewing among our friends the Democrats, which
they will take their own time of bringing forward. By the wise precautions of
the magistrates, or rather of the provost, and the spirited conduct of the
gentlemen, I hope their designs will be frustrated. Our association meets
to-night, when we are to be divided into districts according to the place of
our abode, places of rendezvous and captains named; so that, upon the
| LOVE AFFAIR. | 239 |
