took in a great measure of the
mob-feeling. They failed to throw the shield of protection around those
who were persecuted; and although they finally allayed the popular
commotion, by telling the people that the bill for repealing the penal
statutes against Papists in Scotland was thrown aside, yet the spirit of
persecution was so rampant among them, that the objects of their hatred
were obliged to conceal themselves from their view. A similar spirit
was displayed at Glasgow, where the mob destroyed the property of a Mr.
Bagnal, who was suspected of Popery, and drove him and his family from
their houses. The popular violence in all parts of Scotland, indeed,
was of such a nature as to compel ministers to forego their intention
of bringing forth a bill for the relief of the Roman Catholics of that
country, until at least it should have somewhat subsided. But this
success of the Scotch associations and mobs, unfortunately led to a
similar display of the spirit of persecution in England.

It was thought by some who were adverse to the measure passed in 1778,
that by efforts equally vigorous on this side of the Tweed as on the
other, its total repeal might be procured. Accordingly, a Protestant
Association was formed, which, like the associations for economical
reforms, had its ramifications, its committees, and its correspondents
in all parts of England. The president of this association was Lord
George Gordon, brother of the Duke of Gordon, who had effectually aided
and abetted the riots in Scotland. Of all men in the world Lord George
Gordon was the most unfit to preside over a Protestant Association. He
was a member of parliament it is true, but he was chiefly remarkable
there for his eccentric habits, slovenly dress, and by a progressive
insanity, which on some occasions partook of the nature of oratorical
inspiration. He was, however, known to be firm in his hatred towards the
Papists, and adverse to any relief being afforded to them. Thus, in
May, 1779, when Burke presented his petition in favour of toleration,
he moved that it should be thrown over the table! At the same time, he
declared, that every man in Scotland, except a few Papists, was ripe for
insurrection, and would die rather than submit. After he was made head
of the Protestant Association his violence seems to have increased.
Thus, in the beginning of the present session, he declared that the
king was a Papist; and on one occasion he said that he would pr