Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

first report of what was doing, Gėneral Daliel galloped in with his dragoons thro' the Netherbow port, and was followed by the infantry under the Earl of Marr. Lord Linlithgow was the first that came up; and he, according to some accounts, was able at once to disperse the cavalcade, while others assert, that in making a pass at an unarmed culprit, he fell off his

and the Chancellor. Both were vio. having previously lodged a train withlently enraged, and the latter threatened in him. We read of no opposition to bring troops into the town. Mean-made by the city militia; but on the time the Principal had assembled the students, and given them, to subscribe, an oath, binding themselves "neither then, nor in future, to burn the Pope." A tew-Bearnes of the lowest classes signed this oath, but the rest indignantly rejected it. This intelligence being carried to the palace, it was determined, since persuasion had failed, to employ force. Several English students, who were suspected as ring-horse prostrate before the image; the leaders, were seized in their beds, and carried to the Canongate tolbooth. A proclamation was issued, directing all masters to keep their servants and apprentices at home on the forenoon of Christmas. At the same time, all the forces at Leith and in the neighbourhood were brought into the Canongate, and most of the general of ficers remained all night under arms. Early in the morning, the Provost, contrary, it is alleged, to the privileges of the city, allowed troops to be introduced, and to take possession of the most advantageous posts. The Grass-market, being the ordinary place of execution, was made head-quarters, from whence reconnoitering parties were sent up to the Castle hill. The city militia were drawn up along the High Street to provide for its defence. Alguard was also placed at the college, where the first assemblage was expect ed. The ordinary guards at Holytoodhouse were doubled, for the security of the Duke's person. Undismayed, however, by this mighty preparation, the boys repaired to the High School Yard, where, according to appointment, they found the Holy Father in his pontifical robes. They proceeded, without opposition, to conduct him down the High School Wynd, and up Blackfriars, to the High Street. Here, finding there was no time to lose, they immediately read a short accusation, and then, amid a general ry of Parcat Papa, set him on fire, Jan. 1809.

mob calling out to him that he was mistaken, for that it had no toes. On the coming up of the dragoons, however, the offenders dispersed, and the soldiers were ordered to extinguish the flames. This, however, understanding the combustible state of its interior, they were in no haste to do. Keeping at a cautious distance, they merely belaboured his Holiness with the butt end of their musquets, which the students alledge was a mode of treatment not much more respectful than their own. In the course of this operation, the head fell off; which a number of little fellows, "such as from their magnitude you could scarce suspect were yet so well lettered as to spell Po-pe-ry," seized and carried it in triumph up the Castle Hill. The King's forces" missing so principal a part, like men of courage who scorn to be easily baffled, troop about, and put on brave resolutions, rather to die like men upon the place, than not recover what they had lost." The combat, it is alledged, was obstinate; the little myrmidons, being inferior to their adversaries only in discipline, carried off half the prize; the other fell into the hands of a trumpeter.

Next day the students who had been apprehended on Friday night were examined before the Council by the King's Advocate, Sir Geo. Mackenzie. They were first asked, whether they had not been instigated by letter from the Lord Grey. Upon

their

their obstinately denying, they were threatened with the Boot; an engine, says the English student, which I, who have been born in a freer air, may have leave, without reflexion, to call slavishly barbarous. Nothing of this kind being extracted from them, they were next asked, Whether they designed an affront upon any of the nobility? (the Duke of York,) to which they replied, that in the paper of agreement which they had drawn up, they had declared the contrary.Lastly, they were examined, Whether there had been any of the Whig ministers or citizens at any of their consultations? An equally positive denial being given, they were discharged upon bond for further appearance.

its utmost height by an extraordinary incident. The Provost's house at Priestfield, near Edinburgh, was set on fire one night by fire balls. The activity of this personage in thwarting the proceedings of the students, and the enmity with which they were well known to regard him, made all eyes be turned upon them as the authors of this outrage. No positive proof however appears to have been found of their guilt. The student admits that some of them may have said that he deserved to have his house burnt, in the same manner as we say of any one that he deserves to be hanged, without any intention of inflicting that punishment. Many circumstances, he alledges, lead to the suspicion that it was done by their enemies, for the purpose of throwing the blame upon them. In particular, he states that a gunpowder barrel, with the castle mark upon it was found next day in that part of the park which is nearest Priestfield. It appears, however, that immediately upon this event, and without any trial or examination, government came to the resolution, of shutting up the college, and banishing all the students from Edinburgh. A

About this time, several scuffles took place between the students and soldiers; the former alledging, that the soldiers were uniformly the aggressors. The principal and professors having gone to the palace in order to make an apology to his Royal Highness, were at first denied access, but on a second visit, were admitted. The students were then apprehensive that they had, in their names, made a submission, and asked pardon for burning the Pope. Fired by this suspi-proclamation was issued, "That cion, they immediately got blue ribbons in their hats, with the motto, No Pope, They then went in a body to the Provost's house, and as soon as they were got into the High Street, set up a general exclamation of No Pope, No Pope. The student does not pretend to justify the whole of this proceeding, but insists that "lads are lads,” and that he does not know who had reason to be offended with their conduct. However, the printer, who had put the obnoxious words on the ribbons abovementioned, being apprehended, they all laid them aside, though it is admitted that one or two imprudent students afterwards resumed them.

The storm, the fury of which had been daily augmenting, was raised to

whereas the Lords of Council were informed that several disloyal and malicious persons, frequenting Edenborough, had instigated the students of the college to enter into bonds and combinations, and to convocate in tumults, there was order taken for the securing of our peace; and it being made appear, that the students did enter into bonds and combinations, in which they did oblige themselves, among other things, contrary to the laws of this kingdom, to adhere to one another, if they were called in question for it; and in consequence of that seditious combination, did, on the 25th of December last, in a tumultuary way, assault and affront several persons, and did associate themselves with apprentices, and put up blue

ribbons

ribbons as signs and cognizances to differ themselves from others, and for convocating themselves; for which being justly reproved, they did some days after run up and down the streets in tumults, disquieting the nobility and gentry of both sexes, and threatning the Provost as above, &c. Whereupon the Lords of the Council, by an act, ordered the gates of the schools of that college to be shut up, until they should be fully informed of the root and progress of these disorders, and satisfied by the punishment and submission of the offenders. Therefore to prevent any further seditious tumults, and disorders from these students, they are all commanded to retire 15 miles at least from this city, within twenty-four hours after publication of this proclamation, and not to come within our limits without leave of the Privy Council, under the pain of being punished as seditious persons, and contemners of the King's authority; and their paren 3, tutors, and all others, are forbid to resset or entertain them, without giving caution to the Clerks of the Council for their good behaviour."

which he served successively under the captains Cockburn, Webber, and Digby. The latter being appointed to the Biddeford frigate, took with him Mr Pasley, for whom he had conceived a strong attachment, and promoted him to the rank of acting lieutenant. The frigate was soon ordered to England, having on board 300,000%. in bullion. As soon as the vessel arrived at Portsmouth, Mr Pasley, with a proper escort, was dispatched to London with the treasure. Having lodged his valuable charge in the bank, he returned to Portsmouth without de lay, and embarked on board the Dunkirk, to which Captain Digby had been appointed during his absence.This ship was one of those which proceeded, in 1757, on the unsuccessful expedition to the coast of France, and, though its issue was so ill calcu lated to procure either honour or promotion for those who were engaged in it, yet the merit of Mr Pasley had so powerfully attracted the notice of his commanding officer, that, on his return to Portsmouth, he found a commission as an established Lieutenant lying there for him, by which he was appointed to serve on board of the Roman Emperor fire-ship. He was very soon afterwards transferred from

Biographical Sketch of Admiral SIR this vessel, at his own special request,

THOMAS PASLEY.

SIR THOMAS PASLEY, Bart. Admiral of the White, was the fifth son of James Pasley, Esq. of Craig, in the county of Dumfries, North Britain, by Magdalen, daughter of Robert Eliot, Esq. of Middleholm Mill, in the county of Roxburgh. He was born at Craig, on the 2d of March, 1734, and having, from his early youth, entertained a strong predilection for the naval service, he entered in 1752, as a midshipman on board the Garland frigate. Very soon afterwards, he removed into the Weasel sloop of war, at that time under orders for the Jamaica station, and in

into the Hussar frigate, commanded by the celebrated Captain Elliot, with whom he removed to the Æolus of 36 guns. In this ship, he assisted in the capture of the Mignonne, a French vessel of 20 guns, which, with her consort, the Blonde, of 36, the Æoluş fell in with off the coast of France; but, as the enemy immediately crowded all the sail they could set, the lat ter was fortunate enough to escape.In the year 1760, the olus was employed on the Irish station, and Capt. Elliot, as senior officer, commanded the little British squadron, which proceeded from the harbour of Kinsale in quest of the French, under Thurot, who had effected a landing in the

north

north of Ireland. The event of the engagement which took place is too well known to render a repetition necessary; but a circumstance which occurred during the encounter, reflects too much honour on the judgement of Mr Pasley to be omitted. The Æolus had fallen on board the French commodore's ship, the Bellisle of 44 guns, the bowsprit hanging over that ship's quarter deck, and was consequently not only left exposed to the whole weight of the enemy's fire, without being able to bring a single gun to bear on her antagonist, but also compelled to engage the Blonde, of 36, at the same time with her aftermost guns, that frigate having fallen on board the Æolus. In this perilous situation Mr Pasley called the men from the foremost guns, which he at that time commanded; and having boarded the enemy at their head from the bowsprit, made himself master of the deck, and obtained entire possession of the ship. As soon as this conquest was atchieved, he sent on board the olus for an English jack, which he immediately hoisted on board the prize, as her signal of surrender.Captain Elliot, soon after his arrival at Portsmouth with his prizes, was removed into another ship, but Mr Pasley retained his station under captain, now Lord Hotham, who was appointed to succeed him, and with whom he continued till the year 1762. In the Eolus, Mr Pasley returned to his former occupation of cruizing, but was not concerned in any advantage more material than the capture of five or six privateers of insignificant force, and of a valuable French ship outward bound, from Bourdeaux to St Domingo, called the Formidable. On the return of the olus to England, Mr Pasley had the satisfaction to find that he had been promoted, during his absence, to the rank of commander, and was appointed to the Albany sloop of war, a vessel employed in convoying

ips to and from the port of Milford.

After some continuance in that sloop, he removed into the Weasel, in which he had before served as a midshipman, and proceeded to the coast of Guinea. From the Weasel he was appointed to the Pomona, of 18 guns, and was ordered to Greenock, on the impress service, in consequence of the apprehended rupture with Spain respecting the Falkland islands. In 1771, he was promoted to the rank of PostCaptain, and being appointed to the Sea-hoise, of 20 guns, he sailed to the West Indies, where he rendered material service during the contest with the Caribs. Having returned to England the ensuing year, and the Seahorse being put out of commission, he continued unemployed till 1776. He was then appointed to the Glasgow, and sent out to the West Indies, to convoy thither a valuable fleet of merchantmen, consisting of 120 sail. This charge he executed so much to the satisfaction of all concerned, that he received the thanks of the cities of London, Bristol, and other ports, and a handsome piece of plate was presented to him, as a more substantial proof of the approbation of the mer chants. On his return to England, Captain Pasley performed a similar service; and, with the exception of the present, he had the satisfaction of receiving similar honours. Soon after his arrival in England, he was appointed to the Sybil of 28 guns, and sent with Admiral Edwards to the Newfoundland station. In 1780, he was promoted to the Jupiter of 50 guns, and at the commencement of the ensuing year, sailed with Commodore Johnstone on a secret expedition. In the attack made on the British squadron by M. de Suffrein, in Porto Praya Road, the Jupiter was particularly distinguished for the power and force of her fire; and amidst the torrent of abuse which was undeserv edly thrown on some persons concern ed in that encounter, the conduct of Captain Pasley was very justly ap plauded

plauded by all parties. The subsequent operations of the British squadron were, as it is well known, confined to the capture of a fleet of Dutch India ships, surprised in Saldanha Bay. On its return, the Jupiter was, in May 1782, ordered to proceed to the West Indies with Admiral Pigot, who was sent out to supercede Lord Rodney, in the chief command of the fleet employed in that quarter. The Jupiter, soon after her arrival, was ordered on a cruize off the Havannah, and Capt. Pasley had the good fortune to take five out of thirteen vessels which he fell in with. The crew of one of these prizes, however, having risen on the English that were put into her, succeeded in their attempt, and carried her into the Havannah, where they informed the Spanish Admiral of the situation of the Jupiter, which had strutk upon a shoal. He accordingly dispatched a ship of 84, and another of 64 guns, to take or destroy her.. Captain Pasley had, meanwhile, succeeded in getting the Jupiter afloat; but almost immediately fell in with the Tiger, the largest of the Spanish ships. The enemy immediately gave chace, and gained considerably on the Jupiter, which had sustained considerable injury. At the dawn of day, the Tiger, being within gun - shot, and Captain Pasley finding escape impossible, called together his crew, to whom he addressed a short but spirited ha rangue. He declared his intention of attacking, the enemy, which was warmly approved by three hearty cheers. The Jupiter brought to, and prepared for action. The enemy, probably intimidated by this appearance of resolution, immediately hauled their wind, and suffered the Jupiter to continue her voyage unmolested. Captain Pasley immediately sailed for Antigua, to refit; and hostilities ceasing soon after, the Jupiter proceeded to Chatham, where she was put out of commission. The five years which immediately succeeded the cessation of hos

tilities, were passed by Captain Pasley in the relaxation of domestic retirement. In 1788, he was invested with. the chief command in the Medway, and hoisted his broad pendant on board the Vengeance. From this station he removed, first into the Scipio, and then into the Bellerophon. In the latter, he was ordered to join the Channel fleet, in consequence of the apprehended ruptures with Russia and Spain. These disputes being compromised, he repaired to Chatham, where he continued during the customary period allotted to such a command.Retiring for a time from the service, he again remained unemployed till the commencement of the war with France in 1793. He was then appointed, as an established Commodore, to hoist his broad pendant on board his former ship, the Bellerophon, and ordered to join the main fleet, under the orders of Lord Howe. On the 12th of April 1794, being advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the White, he hoisted his flag on board the same ship to which he had been so long attached. In the partial affairs which preceded the glorious 1st of June, as well as in the engagement on that day, the Bellerophon took a conspicuous part; and towards the conclusion of the conflict, Admiral Pasley had the misfortune to lose his leg. He had, however, the satisfaction to receive every palliative to his wound, which the attention of his sovereign, his commander, and his country, could bestow. His Majesty conferred on him the dignity of a ba ronet, accompanied with a pension of 1000. a-year. The personal injury he had sustained necessarily deprived the nation of his farther services in an active capacity. In 1798, in consequence of the mutiny at the Nore, SirThomas was appointed for a short time commander-in-chief in the Thames and Medway; but relinquished this. station as soon as the trials of the mutineers were concluded. In 1799, he was appointed Port-Admiral at Ports

mouth,

« ZurückWeiter »