bled within the walls of the
Theatre Royal than on that occasion.

At this time there was considerable ferment in the public mind, relative
to, and consequent upon, the escape of Lord Cochrane from the King's
Bench prison, and when the gallant and noble lord was re-captured and
re-committed with a fine of 100 pounds inflicted upon him, the men of
Liverpool were early astir in the noble sailor's behalf--a subscription
box was opened instantly the matter became known in Liverpool, and it was
resolved that not more than a "penny" should be given by each person
towards the fine, and each subscriber should, on payment of his money,
sign his name and address. A shop at the corner of John-street and
Dale-street, was one place appointed for the reception of pence and
names, while another was in Mersey-street opposite the end of
Liver-street. Crowds of persons were assembled round these places who
loudly and admiringly canvassed the noble lord's conduct. He was quite
the hero of his day, and in no place had his lordship more enthusiastic
admirers than in Liverpool amongst the liberal party. By the people
generally, he was quite idolized. In a very short time 2500 pence and
names were obtained, and had 25,000 been wanted, I am sure they would
have been as readily subscribed. As it may be interesting to some of my
readers to know how the 100 pounds fine was paid, I can give them some
particulars thereupon, 85 pounds was paid in bank notes, 5 pounds in
silver, and 10 pounds in copper. It was said in a joke, that if the
whole amount had been tendered in brass it would have been readily
accepted, so glad were authorities to get rid of so troublesome a
customer.

CHAPTER XIV.

On Sunday morning, February 11, 1810, I was standing in St. Nicholas
churchyard, in company with two old friends. We were waiting the arrival
of the congregation, and the commencement of the morning service. The
second bells were chiming. We had been looking on the river with that
interest which is always felt in gazing upon such a scene. Our
conversation had turned upon the benefits which a good sound Christian
education must confer upon the lower classes of society. Education at
the period to which I refer was then beginning to take hold of the public
mind, as an essential to the well-doing of the people. This subject in
later years, as is known, has become an absorbing question. Our remarks
had been evoked by the neat appearance of th