s. And wherever the troops
appeared there was nothing like a determined resistance made by the
rabble. Thus, at Blackfriars-bridge, where the mob had set fire to the
toll-gates, they were driven away like a scared flock of sheep by
the soldiers, and some even threw themselves over the bridge into the
Thames, in order to escape from the fire of their muskets. The only
place in the morning where the mob was not dispersed was in the
neighbourhood of the Fleet-prison, which was still in flames; and when
the soldiers charged their muskets right into the crowd they fled in all
directions. In the course of Thursday various encounters took place, and
some lives were lost; but before night the rabble had melted away, and
tranquillity was restored. Men had wondered whence the rabble came, and
now they wondered whither they could be gone. The return of killed made
to Lord Amherst, commander-in-chief, amounted to two hundred and ten,
and of wounded to two hundred and forty-eight, but many had been removed
by their friends, so that the exact number could not be ascertained:
moreover, it could never be known how many perished from drinking ardent
and unrectified spirits, and in the flames, from which inebriety made
it impossible for them to escape.

MEASURES ADOPTED BY PARLIAMENT, ARISING OUT OF THE LONDON RIOTS.

The house of commons met on Friday, the 9th of June, but as Westminster
was thronged with troops, and the capital had the appearance of being
under martial-law, the members adjourned till the 19th. On that day his
majesty met both houses, and exhibited a general view of the measures
which had been employed during the suspension of regular government. In
his speech he stated that he had directed copies of the proclamations
which had been issued to be laid before parliament; and he concluded
by declaring that it was his first duty and chief glory to maintain and
preserve the established religion. The common danger seems to have had
the effect of procuring a greater unanimity in both houses than had
been exhibited for many years before. Addresses were carried without
opposition; though some members blamed ministers for negligence and
delay, and for not employing the troops sooner. A question was moved in
the lords respecting the legality of military interference; which point
was accurately examined and constitutionally settled by Lord Mansfield.
His lordship said that the late riots amounted to overt acts of
high-treaso