end of Stamford Street,
a party of the mounted police, fifteen strong, under the command of an
inspector, was stationed. In its passage along the Blackfriars Road to
the Elephant and Castle, the crowd continued to increase, and hem in
the vehicles on both sides; still, everything was peaceable and
well-conducted. At the Elephant and Castle a new mass joined in the rear
of those who, walking eight abreast, and followed the train from the
place of departure, and on reaching Newington Church the appearance of
the masses was most bewildering. Proceeding along the Kennington Road
the common was reached at half-past eleven o'clock. Here had already
assembled the Irish confederalists, and the various bodies of the
trades of London, who had intimated their intention of joining in the
demonstration. These had taken their position in numerical order on
the common, having arrived from their different rendezvous some
time previously. Each trade had its emblematic banner, and the Irish
confederalists displayed a very splendid green standard, emblazoned with
the harp of Erin, and the motto 'Erin go bragh.'"

The delegates addressed the meeting, and recommended peace, but chiefly
on the ground that they were not prepared to contend with the armed
force directed upon all the strategetic points where it might be
made available. The magistrates and some of the chiefs of police were
assembled at the Horns Tavern, Kennington, where they sent for Mr.
O'Connor, requesting an interview. The mob supposed that he was
arrested, and loud cries arose for his rescue. They were pacified,
however, by his return, accompanied by Mr. M'Grath, and he was welcomed
by the people with a tumult of cheers. He had given the magistrates
assurance that order should be preserved, and he communicated the fact
to the people, many of whom, believing that the day would issue in a
revolution, were dissatisfied. Discussions arose on Cuffey advising the
people to force Westminster Bridge, and present the petition themselves.
The more moderate of the leaders, having their recommendations well
backed by the statement that the troops were under arms and the police
provided with cutlasses and pistols, prevailed, and the mob at last
consented that the petition should be taken in a cab by Mr. O'Connor and
certain others, and be presented by the honourable member for Nottingham
that night. Upon the departure of Mr. O'Connor and the other delegates
with the petition, a Mr. Clar