e utterly unknown to me, I was prevailed
on to be of their party, in hopes he would afterwards accompany me to
my lodgings, according to his promise. He conducted me to his friend's
house, who kept a tavern over the way where we continued drinking punch,
until the liquor mounted up to our heads, and made us all extremely
frolicsome. I, in particular, was so much elevated, that nothing would
serve me but a wench; at which demand Jackson expressed much joy, and
assured me I should have my desire before we parted Accordingly, when
he had paid the reckoning, we sallied out, roaring and singing; and were
conducted by our leader to a place of nocturnal entertainment, where Mr.
Jackson's dress attracted the assiduities of two or three nymphs, who
loaded him with caresses, in return for the arrack punch with which he
treated them, till at length sleep began to exert his power over us
all, and our conductor called "To pay." When the bill was brought, which
amounted to twelve shillings, he put his hand in his pocket, but might
have saved himself the trouble, for his purse was gone. This accident
disconcerted him a good deal at first; but after some recollection, he
seized the two ladies who sat by him, one in each hand, and swore if
they did not immediately restore his money he would charge a constable
with them. The good lady at the bar, seeing what passed, whispered
something to the drawer, who went out; and then with great composure,
asked what was the matter? Jackson told her he was robbed, and swore if
she refused him satisfaction, he would have her and her female friends
committed to Bridewell. "Robbed!" cried she, "robbed in my house!
Gentlemen and Ladies, I take you all to witness, this person has
scandalised my reputation." At that instant, seeing the constable and
watch enter, she proceeded "What! you must not only endeavour by your
false aspersions to ruin my character, but even commit an assault upon
my family! Mr. Constable, I charge you with this uncivil person, who
has been guilty of a riot here; I shall take care and bring an action
against him for defamation."
While I was reflecting on this melancholy event, which had made me quite
sober, one of the ladies, being piqued at some repartee that passed
between us, cried, "They are all concerned!" and desired the constable
to take us all into custody; an arrest which was performed instantly, to
the utter astonishment and despair of us all, except Jackson, who having
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