Page:Letter from a gentleman in Glasgow to his friend in the country.pdf/3

Rh two companys of lord Delorain's regiment of foot, commanded by captain Bushel, came to town: The magistrates ordered the guard house to be opened and fitted up for their reception; while this was a doing, the town servants were all of a sudden attacked, and driven out of the guard by a mob, who locked up the doors, and carried off the keys. The provost, who is the head magistrate of the city, getting intelligence hereof, sent his officers to break open the doors, and a little after was going in person to see it done, but in his way was met by some of the inhabitants, who told him that his officers were beaten and bruised by the mob, and driven away from the guard; that it would be dangerous for him to venture his person among them; and that the soldiers being but few, and fatigued with a long march in very bad weather, it would be more commodious for them, and would more effectually quiet the minds of the people, and secure the peace of the town, to send them into quarters for that night, and to cause the inhabitants to keep guard as usual. The provost acquainted the captain hereof, who appeared to be well satisfied with it, because his men were much fatigued, and as he said, he expected next day to be re-inforced with other two companies, and so the provost caused the ordinary guard to be warned.

This being over the provost, and Mr. Campbell of Blythswood, the only other justice of the peace then in town, the dean of guild, and other inhabitants of the place, waited in the town-house till near nine o'clock at night, and there being no appearance of any disorder, they went into a tavern, leaving orders with their officers to watch in the streets, and if any tumult appeared, to acquaint them thereof.

After 10 o'clock at night, the provost and company with him received an account, that the mob had assaulted the house of Daniel Campbell of Shawfield, member of parliament for the city, which stands in one of the extremities of the town. This account was exceedingly surprizing to the provost and all that were with him, because they had not the least knowledge or apprehension any such design: However they all immediately repaired to Mr. Campbell's house, where they found a more formi- Rh