The
instant they were withdrawn, down came the mob in fresh force, so
desperate that all the defences were torn down, and they swarmed in
so that there was nothing for it but to escape over the roofs.
Griffith was sent to rouse the inhabitants of College Green and St.
Augustine's Back to come in the King's name to assist the
Magistrates, and he had many good stories of the various responses
he met with. But the rioters, inflamed by the wine they had found
in sacking the Mansion-House, and encouraged by the passiveness of
the troops, had become entirely masters of the situation. And
Colonel Brereton seems to have imagined that the presence of the
soldiers acted as an irritation; for in this crisis he actually sent
them out of the city to Keynsham, then came and informed the mob,
who cheered him, as well they might.
In the night the Recorder had left the city, and notices were posted
to that effect; also that the Riot Act had been read, and any
further disturbance would be capital felony. This escape of their
victim only had the effect of directing the rage of the populace
against Bishop Grey, who had likewise opposed the Reform Bill.
Messages had been sent to advise the Bishop, who was to preach that
day at the Cathedral, to stay away and sanction the omission of the
service; but his answer to one of his clergy was--'These are times
in which it is necessary not to shrink from danger! Our duty is to
be at our post.
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