eremony of consecrating a new church. Several
other obnoxious prelates were burned in effigy. But these were trifles
compared with the devastation committed at Bristol, when its recorder.
Sir Charles Wetherell, arrived there late in October, on his official
duties. He had no sooner opened his commission than he was attacked with
such violence by the mob, that he was compelled to seek for safety by
flight and disguise. Even his departure did not stop the mad fury of the
populace. The episcopal palace, the mansion-house, the excise-office,
with great part of Queen's Square, fell a sacrifice to the flames. A
large number of warehouses, also, many of which were filled with wine
and spirits, shared in the conflagration. The soldiers had been sent out
of the city, but they were compelled to be recalled; and as parties of
them arrived, tranquillity was restored. The total number of killed and
wounded amounted nearly to one hundred; and about two hundred were taken
prisoners during the outrages, while others were captured afterwards
with plundered property in their possessions. About the same time
partial disturbances broke out at Bath, Coventry, and Worcester; but
these being vigorously opposed by the municipal and military powers,
were speedily checked. A proclamation was finally issued by his majesty
in council on the 2nd of November, exhorting all classes of his subjects
to unite in suppressing tumults. As winter advanced, however, the alarm
of the executive government increased, and serious apprehensions were
entertained lest the peace of the country should be endangered by the
formidable associations which everywhere existed, and especially by
those in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. These associations began
even to appoint councils and officers, and to assume a regular plan of
organization. The rapid increase of unions at length made it necessary
that some steps should be taken to lay them under restraint; and the
Gazette of the 22nd of November contained a proclamation, declaring
their illegality, and warning all subjects of the realm against entering
into such combinations. About the same time a special commission
was appointed to try the Bristol rioters, and the result was that
eighty-five were convicted: five were left for execution, but four only
suffered the extremity of the law. A military court of inquiry was also
instituted on the conduct of the officers commanding at Bristol, and a
court-martial was appointed