No More Learning

This fellow, in conjunction with John Berry, James Egan, and James Salmon, followed the profession of swearing away the lives of innocent unsuspecting persons, for the sake of the reward given by government, for the conviction of capital offenders : —the young, friendless, and destitute, were sure to become their prey ; and father and motherless lads, of from sixteen to eighteen years of age, were their most favourite game. This profitable merchandise was carried on for a series of years, undiscovered and indeed unsuspected. Macdaniel had kept a public- house, (the sign of the Angel) in Scroop's-court, facing St. Andrew's Church, Holborn, frequented mostly by thieves, thief-takers, women of abandoned character, and pick-pockets. It was during his re sidence in this house that he became acquainted with the thief-taker Berry, and shortly after adopted the
Ki
george ii. ] I
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 79
same profession ; and, when thieves sufficient could not he found to answer the purpose of these in dustrious gentlemen, rather than be idle, they fur nished a few thieves of their own manufacturing.
Two lads, named Ellis and Kelly, were unfortunate
to be seduced, and drawn into the toils of the thief-takers, by a kind of underling, or scout, they employed, called Thomas Blee. This Blee pre vailed on the two boys to accompany him on a scheme he pretended of stealing linen ; but this was merely a device to lead the lads to an adventure,
enough
to entrap them, and ensure the re ward. James Salmon, a breeches-maker, one of the confederates, was the person fixed upon to be robbed ;
and the place appointed was between
turnpike and Deptford, to entitle them to an addi tional reward offered by that parish. Every thing succeeded agreeable to the plan proposed ; Salmon was met on the road by Blee, Ellis, and Kelly, and robbed of a bundle containing a pair of leather-bree ches, and from his waistcoat-pocket a clasp-knife, a tobacco-box, two shillings and sixpence, and a pocket-piece. Blee now takes the lads with him into the Borough, and safely lodges them in Kent- street; and the following morning leads them to the
m2
already planned
New-cross
80 MEMOIRS OF
[GeoRGE
Spread-eagle public-house, where had agreed with Macdaniel, Berry, Salmon, and Fgan, meet and
take them: first, however, taking care secure his
Cox, chief-constable of the lower half-hundred Black
own retreat. happened that Mr. Joseph
heath, received information that breeches-maker
had been robbed the parish Deptford, by three
footpads,
Macdaniel and others, and sent Maidstone-gaol;
and that two them were taken
and that the third person concerned this robbery was Tom Blee, who had frequently been seen company with Macdaniel.
Mr. Cox, with laudable anxiety for Blee's apprehen sion, resolved proceed search him himself,
and, after two three days looking about, very fortunately, with the help constable, took him into custody, very early the morning the 9th
August, 1754, Newgate-street. He conveyed him directly the water-side, order carry him
Greenwich when, soon had got him into the boat, he said he would discover all he knew
concerning the robbery the breeches-maker. Mr.
divulge any thing presence the waterman, but reserve what had say until went before magistrate;
Cox and the constable advised him not
he
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to
; to
or to
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 81
when, being taken to Justice Bell, at Greenwich, he made a full and clear confession of the whole nefa rious transaction, from the beginning to the end.
As soon as the confession of Blee was taken and sworn to, Mr. Cox was advised to attend the trial of Ellis and Kelly, and not to discover he had Blee in custody till after the trial. Mr. Cox accordingly went to Maidstone, taking Blee with him still in custody, and arriving there in the night, stopt short of the town, leaving him in safe keeping, while he attended the trial the following day ; but nobody knew that Blee was in custody, or so near the town.
oeorge ii. ]
Serjeant, a constable of Deptford parish,
Henry
was employed to conduct Ellis and Kelly to Maid- stone-gaol, and, while on the road, they told him Tom Blee was concerned with them in the robbery, where he lived, and what sort of clothes he wore; this he took down in writing, and shewed it to Justice Bell on his return from Maidstone, who de
sired him to go and take him. Serjeant replied, he would give directions to a thief-catcher, and applied to one Ralph Mitchell ; but he refusing to act in Mr. Cox was informed of the circumstance, and lost no time in accomplishing Blee's apprehension.
On the trial of the two lads, Ellis and Kelly, Macdaniel,
it,
«S2 . MEMOIRS OF
[george ii.
Salmon, and . Egan, severally gave evidence, but Berry did not appear in Court. The circumstance of the robbery being clearly proved, and the prisoners not being able to deny the leading facts, were found
guilty. But immediately after the trial, the whole
gang of blood-money gentry was taken into custody, by virtue of a warrant sent purposely down to Maid stone, by the magistrate of Greenwich, Colonel Bell, who had kept the confession of Blee, and his deten tion in custody, a secret.
At the following Old Bailey sessions, Macdaniel, Berry, Egan, and Salmon, were indicted as acces saries, before the felony was committed, in feloni ously and maliciously abetting, assisting, counselling,
and commanding Peter Kelly and John Ellis to commit a robbery on the highway. • There was a second count in the indictment, as an offence at common law.
Joseph Cox produced a copy of the record of the conviction of Peter Kelly and John Ellis, and swore he had it of Mr. Knapp's clerk, with whom he ex amined it with the record, the purport of which is, " That Peter Kelly and John Ellis were tried the
13th of August, 17-54, at Maidstone assizes, before Sir Dudley Rider, Knt. and Sir Michael Foster, Knt.
hireing,
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 83
for the said robbery on the defendant Salmon, and found guilty. "
Thomas Blee being sworn, developed the whole of the abominable transaction, and being corrobo rated by several other witnesses, in respect of the close connection and subsequent conduct of the defendants, the jury found the whole four guilty of all the facts charged in the indictment; but, whether the facts charged were within the 4th and 5th statutes of Philip and Mary they knew not, and therefore prayed the assistance of the Court, so it was made special.
This special verdict was afterwards argued by counsel before the twelve judges, at Serjeants'-inn- hall, in Chancery-lane. Their lordships being of opinion, that the facts charged were not within the statutes of the 4th and 5th of Philip and Mary, and the 3d and 4th of William and Mary ; an order
was given that they should be indicted for a conspi
in which the facts with which the prisoners were charged might be more clearly explained ; and they to receive such punishment as might be inflicted on them by law.
Accordingly, February 28, 1755, they were again arraigned at the sessions at the Old Bailey, in the
georoe ii. ]
racy,
84 MEMOIRS OF [oborge n.
mayoralty of Slingsby Bethel, Esq. , upon an indict ment for combining and conspiring together, that one
Thomas Blee should procure two persons,
Peter Kelly, and John Ellis, to go to Deptford in Kent, and to take divers goods and money from the person of James Salmon, on the king's highway,
who should be waiting there for that purpose ; with intent that they should cause the said two persons to be apprehended, and convicted for robbing the said Salmon on the king's highway, and so unjustly and
namely,
to themselves the rewards men tioned in the act of parliament, proclamation, and
other parochial rewards, for the apprehending of high waymen, July 24, 1754.
Tom Blee was the chief witness against the pri soners in this, as he was upon the former trial ; and the evidence he gave upon both was to the same purport, with this addition, that Berry told him, that when he, Kelly, and Ellis, robbed Salmon on the Deptford-road, he, Berry, lay behind the four mile
stone, and saw the robbery committed.
The prisoners having nothing material to say in their
defence, the jury found them guilty. The sentence pronounced against them by the Court was, to be imprisoned in Newgate for the term of seven years ;
wickedly procure
George II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 85
and, in that time, to be each of them set in the pillory twice, in manner following; Macdaniel and
Berry in Holborn, near Hatton-garden; Egan, or
and Salmon in the middle of Smithfield. Afterwards, Macdaniel and Berry at the end of King street, Cheapside; and Gahagan and Salmon again in Fleet-street, near Fetter-lane; and, at the end of
that time, to find sureties for their good behaviour for three years, and to pay a fine of one mark each.
Pursuant to their sentence, Macdaniel and Berry,
on the 5th of March, stood in the pillory in Holborn, near Hatton-garden, and were so severely handled by
the populace, that it was with the utmost difficulty
that one of the sheriffs and the keeper of Newgate, who stood in a balcony just by, prevented their being utterly destroyed; and so great was the mob, that the peace-officers found it impossible to protect the prisoners from fury.
March Sth. —Egan, Gahagan, and Salmon stood the pillory the middle Smithfield rounds;
they were instantly assaulted with showers oyster shells, stones, &c. and had not stood above half-an
hour before Gahagan was struck dead, (supposed
Gahagan,
marble,
tered
L. V.
stone shot from cross-bow, which en
forehead. ) and Salmon N
dangerously
W. O.
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86 MEMOIRS OF [geobge ii.
wounded in the head, that it was thought impossible he could recover. Thus, though the law could not find a punishment adequate to the horrid nature of their crimes, yet they met with their deserts from the rage of the people.
Four gentlemen of the same profession were, a short time since, capitally convicted for similar of fences, viz. Vaughan, Ben Johnson, Brock, and Pelham ; and, notwithstanding the public indignation against these miscreants was raised to the highest pitch, they found means to escape the hands of jus tice, without undergoing the slightest punishment. This appeared more extraordinary, when compared
with the fate of the unfortunate Eliza Fenning.
*, -- -- - * - * ****
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To H--*
. . . . . . . to
JAMEs mv. jlean esQ« I The f. nrties Hero. )
oeorge p. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 87
James Macleans was a native of Monahan, in the north of Ireland, where his father, who was de scended from a very honorable family in the High lands of Scotland, had settled. Being a younger son, he was bred up a divine of the church of Scot land ; and, going over to Ireland, became preacher to a dissenting congregation at Monahan, where he was universally esteemed as a gentleman of probity, piety, and humanity. He married into a reputable family in those parts, and left only two sons, the eldest of which was brought up to the church ; and who, at the time of his brother's misfor tune, was pastor of a Protestant congregation at the Hague, and living in the highest esteem and respect.
The second son, the subject of this article, had received a very decent education, being designed for some mercantile employment so soon as he should
be of age proper to place him in a counting-house ; but, unfortunately, his father dying before he was quite eighteen, and what little patrimony he was n2
88 MEMOIRS OF [georgb u.
entitled to coming under his own management, was soon squandered, without a reflection on his future settlement in life.
Mr. Macleane's property being entirely exhausted, his mother's friends, who were the only relations he had in Ireland, quarrelled with him for his extrava
and refused him either advice, shelter, or sub sistence. He then applied to them for the means of fitting him out for sea, which being refused, he was under the necessity of hiring himself as servant to a Mr. Howard, then on his way to England. With this gentleman he continued some time; but keeping company with the lowest of his countrymen, he con tracted habits which displeased his master. They consequently separated ; and he returned to Ireland, once more to solicit his friends to do something for him suitable to his birth and expectations ; but. either his manners or their circumstances not agreeing, they refused to see him, or to afford him any countenance or support. On this disappointment he applied to
his brother at the Hague, from whom he frequently received remittances, and advice that might have been of great service to him. But the money soon being dissipated, he was once more under the necessity of seeking employment in a gentleman's service; and
gance;
george ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS.
89
was fortunately received into that of a Colonel F n, who had some knowledge of his father's family. With this gentleman he lived a few years as butler; but, at last, was detected in some pilfering embezzle ments in his trust, and was dismissed without a cha racter. He remained some time out of place, and had thoughts of going over to serve in the Irish brigade in the French service ; but understanding, that unless he conformed to the Popish religion his
would be trifling, he conscientiously relinquished the project.
encouragement
about this time, that his late master, Colonel F' n, intended shortly to visit England, and presuming on that gentleman's known humanity,
he addressed him in as pathetic terms as he could devise, on the necessity of his circumstances, which so wrought on his feelings, that he was once more taken into his service, and entrusted with the care of his baggage to London, with an allowance of one shilling a day for subsistence; though he had only presumed to request his passage to England. Soon after his arrival in town, he had the audacity to
Learning,
the loan of a sum of money from his master, to purchase a pair of colours, desirous of equipping himself on the expedition of a fortune-
request
90 MEMOIRS OF
[GeoRGE
hunter, being prepossessed with the perfections his
person, which had the vanity quired dress engage some lady
his present obscurity. the colonel for money,
Albemarle’s troop
think only re
raise him from this application
Foiled
enlisted himself Lord
horse-guards, but again
was loss for money, and ten guineas was required, his liberal master generously supplied
-
lodge the money the hands officer belong ing the troop, with which Macleane seemed satis fied: but, after his pass and other credentials for joining the troop, then Flanders, were made out,
his inclination for military life vanished; and enlisted himself into the service the fair sex, with many whom, this time, became acquainted. - Through the liberality the ladies, procured contribution fifty pounds, under pretence ship ping himself for the West-Indies; but, being once pos
sessed the cash, and his mind changing travel
ing, laid out fine clothes, and made suit daughter Mr. Macglegno, dealer horses, with
him.
The colonel, his importunity, was prevailed upon
whom was lucky received about 500l.
the
succeed, and with her marriage-portion.
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 91
With this sum he set up a grocer and chandler's shop, in Wellbeck-street, near Cavendish-square ; and while his wife lived he kept even with the world, and maintained his family in decency, though with much difficulty ; for he was more the man of pleasure than of business. Those who knew him at that time, generally spoke of him as a harmless inoffensive man; but were often surprised at his way of life, and apt to suggest strange things of him ; though nothing wicked or notorious was laid to his charge while he lived in that neighbourhood.
His wife died about three years after their marriage, leaving him two daughters, of which her mother took the charge, as she afterwards did of the one that sur vived him. Deprived of his wife, who had managed all the affairs of the shop and business, he was too much addicted to idleness and pleasure to confine himself to the occupation of a grocer ; so sold off all his goods, and with the remains of his effects, which he had not augmented by trade, he once more com menced gentleman fortune-hunter.
He was scarce six months embarked in this project, before he had, by folly and extravagance, exhausted all that remained of his late wife's fortune ; and was at a loss how to raise any more to supply present neces
george ii. ]
«>2 MEMOIRS OF [george 11.
sities, much less to support the figure he made. It was grievous to him to descend again from the fine gentleman to the menial servant, and he soon grew melancholy on the dreadful prospect of being obliged to dispose of his clothes and equipage for mere bread. He was in this gloomy disposition, when he received
a visit from a countryman of his, Plunket, an apo thecary, who, in a familiar way, asked the cause of his melancholy ; on which the other stated his real circumstances, yet he was by no means quite a stranger to them before. To which Plunket replied, " I thought Macleane had spirit and resolution ; with some knowledge of the world, a brave man cannot want ; he has a right to live, and need not want the conveniences of life; while the dull, plodding, busy knaves carry cash in their pockets we must draw upon them to supply our wants ; there need only impu dence, and getting the better of a few idle scruples ; courage is scarcely necessary, all we have to deal with are such mere poltroons. " This discourse was soon understood by Macleane, who, though at first shocked at the bare mention of yet the necessity his pride and indolence suggested so strongly, that he yielded to the temptation; and from that time, which might be about eight months after his wife's death,
it,
geobge n. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 93
entered into a particular intimacy with Plunket, agreed to run all risks together, and, present or ab sent at any enterprise, to share all profits ; of which, until the fatal discovery, they kept a fair and regular account.
Though Macleane believed himself possessed of as much courage as any man, yet, on his first attempt (nor could even long practice obdurate,) he felt every symptom of fear and cowardice, aggravated by the
stings of conscience, which vice could not harden. However, the success of the first enterprise (on a grazier coming from Smithfield-market, from whom, on Hounslow Heath, they took above 60/. ) encou raged him to stifle the checks of conscience, and to persevere in a way which, though it appeared to him wicked, yet was found so lucrative. In this transac
tion he was no more than passive, stood by without speaking a word, or so much as drawing his pistols,
but inwardly in greater agony than the man that was robbed ; so that if any resistance had been made, he would certainly have taken the first hint of trusting to his heels.
The next robbery they committed was on a coach in the road from St. Albans. By agreement, Macleane was to stop the coachman, and present his pistol on
94 MEMOIRS OF
[GeoRGE
one side, while Plunket did the same on the other.
But though rode frequently up with intention give the word, yet his heart failed him; and Plunket,
lest they should miss the booty, did himself; and
was with some faultering Macleane demanded their
money after the coach was stopt, and danger seemed near. However, grew more resolute, and,
redeem his credit with Plunket, who began rally
him his pusillanimity, once himself robbed gentleman Hyde-park, on horseback, of his
watch and money; and was the acting man the robbery Horatio Walpole, which indeed owned,
and declared the firing the pistol was accidental. He reigned long and successfully, and was never
but once afraid discovery; avoid which, went over Holland, till the storm was blown over; pre tending friendly visit his brother, whom
gave feigned account the manner his living;
many very genteel assemblies, and where, was said, some purses and
gold watches were lost; which, since Macleane's con finement, suspicion has fixed the theft on him,
though the time such thing was thought of.
By such means, however, supplied the extra vagance his disposition; yet never once thought
and was him introduced
of at
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 95
of his daughter, and seldom visited his mother-in-law,,
fearing she might make inquiries respecting his way of living, and residence, which he ever carefully concealed from her knowledge; indeed, he was con tinually shifting his lodgings, to avoid impertinent questions from other persons.
Justice at length overtook him, for having robbed the Salisbury coach, and Lord Eglington in his car riage, on the same morning, June 26, 1750, when
taking from the former a cloak-bag, containing wearing-apparel, &c. the property of a passenger, named Higden, he had the imprudence to strip the lace from off the clothes, and to sell them to a sales man, to whom he had given directions where he might call on him to view them, although at the very
time they were particularly advertised. This circum stance led to his apprehension ; and, upon his first examination, he confessed to have committed the robbery in company with William Plunket, who had absconded ; though upon his trial he retracted his con fession, but was found guilty on the clearest evidence.
James Macleane, aged 26, was in his person of a middle size, well limbed, of a sandy complexion, broad open countenance, and pitted with the small pox ; but, though he had been called the gentleman
o2
george ii. ]
96 MEMOIRS OF [georoe ii.
highwayman, and in his dress and equipage affected the fine gentleman, yet to a man acquainted with good-breeding, and can distinguish it from impudence and affectation, there was very little in his address or behaviour that could entitle him to that character.
He was so much in favor with the fair sex, that many presented him with money while confined in the Gate-house ; and the notice taken of him by some persons of distinction, gave him hopes of life after conviction, which he cherished until the warrant arrived for his execution. He was hung at Tyburn,
1750.
PUBLIC LliiHARY
A9T0tl, LENOX AND UL
SAMUKL JMIMRSON.
GEORGE ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 97
Samuel M'Pmerson was a man. possessing, in the highest degree, prejudices in favor of his national character, custom, and manners; which impelled him, in Company with many of his fellow-soldiers and
to the desperate attempt of reaching their native Highlands from the vicinity of London,
through a country at that period strongly armed, and prejudiced against the meditated plans of invasion from a Popish Pretender.
In the reign of King George the First, the rebellion revived the fame of the Highlanders; and it is well recorded how deeply they were engaged on both sides ; but on the one part, many were found of the Scots'
nation to join the standard of rebellion; an equal por tion of the same country were found, at least, to assemble round that of the royal cause. When these disturbances subsided, and the whole country was in
state of uninterrupted peace, sudden resolution was taken to put an end to the celebrity and power of
countrymen,
a
a
if,
98 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
the Highland clans, by disarming them absolutely ; and it was at first proposed to strip them of their clothing, and prevent them going in their ordinary dress. This was in the year 1725, and the motion for bringing this bill into parliament, which was entitled, " For more effectually disarming the High landers in that part of Great Britain called Scotland ; and for the better securing the peace and quiet of that
part of the kingdom," was made by a general-officer, and seconded by Mr. Duncan Forbes. By this law, power was given to the lord-lieutenants, directing the clans to deliver up all their arms and warlike weapons for the use of his majesty ; and to be disposed of in such manner as commissioners appointed should think fit.
In case any of the clans thus summoned should fail to comply with this requisition, and after be found bearing arms of any kind, it made them liable to serve as soldiers in any of his majesty's dominions beyond the seas ; and the officer who receives such persons, shall then cause the articles of war against mutiny and desertion to be read to them ; which done, should be deemed enlisted soldiers, and be subject to the discipline of war; and, in case of desertion, shall
be punished as deserters. There were other severe
they
george ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 99
penalties : as, for example, if the possessor of any dwelling-house, barn, or out-house, was declared to be the owner of any arms concealed therein, and if convicted, was to suffer as before; and if a woman, to be imprisoned two years, or pay any fine that should be set under an hundred pounds
sterling. This bill, after a warm struggle, was passed, and
carried into a law.
Soon after the passing of this act, lieutenants were
for the different counties; and that every
appointed
thing might be done that was necessary to bring the Highlands into a perfect state of subjection, these Highland forces were raised at that time, in the shape of independent companies, each consisting of about 300 men ; and these put under the command of such noblemen and gentlemen as had signalized their zeal for the royal family and the present establishment. As they were principally intended to put a final period to the insurrections of the clans, and to secure their country from any attempts that might be made by the Highlanders in the Jacobite interest, it was thought requisite to preserve their ancient habit, that they might be the more able to pursue any of these offenders into their fastnesses ; which was a scheme
100 MEMOIRS OF [George
well contrived, since, hitherto, the Highlanders, when ever they were arms, their agility and perfect
knowledge the country, had been always too many for the regular troops; the exploits the famous Robert Mac Gregor, alias Campbell, commonly
called Rob Roy, Red Robin, from the colour
his hair, which are very well known, had rendered manifest; especially since, after series treasons and robberies, had been found expedient grant him pardon, purely but prevent his doing further mischief.
When the war broke out (1742) was thought proper put the Highlanders (who were now well disciplined any troops the service,) into pos
ture fitting for action, case their service should
become necessary; and they were accordingly regi
mented, and the Earl Crawford and Lyndsey, the
and upon occasions shewed themselves tractable and obedient orders men could be.
most certain, they always looked upon them selves, from the time they were first raised, corps
Scotland, appointed their colonel. This
first earl
regulation was far from displeasing the men;
the contrary, they expressed very great satisfaction,
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REMARKABLE PERSONS. 101
destined to serve in Scotland, or rather in the High lands, and no where else. The manner of raising them, in the first place, seemed to countenance this ; the jacobite clans were disarmed, to preserve the quiet
of the nation, and because the government could never be entirely safe whilst they had arms in their hands. But to strengthen the security, and to put the peace of the Highlands past hazard, the arms taken from those Highlanders were given to these, whence they inferred that they were to be the guards of the Highlands. In the next place, they laid great stress upon their habit, — "To what purpose," said they,
"are we clothed like Highlanders, if we are not con.
stantly to be employed in the Highlands; here, indeed, the dress is equally fit and commodious ; it has a mar tial air, and it enables us to do our duty better; but all these reasons will cease elsewhere, and instead of
looking like soldiers, we should, in another country, be gaped at as savages. " Lastly, their having certain particularities to their country, such as being the
tenants of those who first raised them, speaking little or no English, having houses and families in the
george ii. ]
all which were good securities for their fidelity in those parts, which they improved into an argument that it was impossible they should be em-
Highlands,
VOI. . TV.
p
102 MEMOIRS OF [geoiioe n.
ployed in any other. The first discovery that was made of the mischief attending this notion, was when the officers had an intimation of the design of march ing them into England ; for then the men were not at all shy in declaring, that this was a thing they never expected, and with which they should very unwil lingly comply. Upon this, good words were given them, and they were prevailed on to begin and con tinue their march, though not without visible reluc tance, which was the reason that it was published in some foreign gazettes, that they had mutinied on the borders, killed many of their officers, carried off their colours, and returned into their own country. In
their march through the north part of England, Cumberland, Durham, and Yorkshire, they were so hospitably treated, that they continued in perfect good-humour, and it was believed that their love of country was a little worn off". But when they drew nearer town, the scoffs and jeers of the English pea santry made them more gloomy than ever. But what wrought on the Highlanders most, was a story they had picked up, that they were to be sent to the West-Indies, so opposite in climate to their native plains.
The jealousies and disquiet of the
Highlanders
oborge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 103
remained, in a great measure, concealed until the review. On this they had fixed great hopes, and built mighty expectations on their being seen and considered by the king, or some of the royal family, on the 14th of May, 1743. They were accordingly reviewed by General Wade, and numerous persons of distinction, who were extremely delighted with the readiness and cheerfulness they expressed in the performances of their military exercises. How ever, they from that moment meditated the design of retiring back to their own country. Assembling in the night, between the Tuesday and Wednesday fol lowing the review on a common near Highgate, they began their march northward, keeping as near as they could between the great roads, and passing from wood to wood in such a manner, that it was not well known which way they moved. The lords-justices issued their order to the commanding-officers of the forces quartered in the countries between them and Scotland ; and the secretary-at-war, by direction from their excellencies, published an advertisement for
encouraging civil officers to do their duty, in making a vigilant inquiry after them. All this, however, proved to no purpose, for longer time than could well have been expected, since it was live o'clock in the
p2
104 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
evening, on Thursday the 19th of May, before any certain account was obtained of them ; and then
they had got as far as Northampton, and were con ceived to be shaping their course for Nottingham shire. General Blakeney, who commanded at North
Ball, of General Wade's regiment of horse, a man extremely
ampton, immediately dispatched Captain
well acquainted with that part of the country, to
make every inquiry and find them out. This the
captain took great pains to do, and, with a squad ron of horse, pushed as far as Stilton, and so got beyond them ; but he scarce reached that place, before he received an express from the general, with advice, that at three o'clock in the afternoon the
Highlanders had passed the river Nyne, not far from
Captain Ball, upon this, rightly
Wellingborough.
conjectured that they were marching towards Rut landshire, and therefore continued his route towards
in that county, from whence he dis
Uppingham,
patched a keeper of the Earl of Gainsborough's, to discover how far they had advanced, as being sensi ble that he must now be very near them.
The Highlanders had by this time got into Lady- wood, which is between Brigstock and Deanthorpe,
george ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS.
105
about four miles from Oundle, where they were dis covered by Major Creed, one of his majesty's justices of the peace for the county, who immediately sent a dispatch to Captain Ball, and the next morning, being Whitsunday, he went early in the morning to Lady-wood, and had a conference with the
High landers, whom he persuaded to lay down their arms,
and promised to intercede for a pardon.
They received him with great submission, only they insisted, that as their lives were at stake, they might be secure of a
pardon before they parted with their arms;
upon that they were to die, was better and more honorable for them to fall in the field, than by the stroke of justice. The major promised to write
to the Duke of Montagu, master-general of the ord nance, on the subject, and addressed him accordingly. Soon after, Captain Ball arrived, and delivered to the Highlanders the general's conditions of their sur render: viz, "That they would peaceably lay down their arms, and submit themselves prisoners, the most favourable report should be made of them lords-justices. " But they protested that they would rather be cut to pieces, than capitulate on other con ditions than what they had demanded namely, their
insisting
to the
;
it
if
it, if
106 MEMOIRS OF
[George
arms and free-pardon for all. Captain Ball told them was yet their friend, and would his power
serve them; but they continued obstinate hour longer, (as they were entirely surrounded by the
king's forces,) every man should cut pieces; and assured them, that, for his part, would
the captain finding the discourse had with
these conductors that they (being brothers) were in clinable surrender, absolutely promised them
free-pardon, and taking one them with him, dis
missed the other back with his arms, desiring him try whether fair words would prevail with the rest. He
soon after returned with thirteen more. The captain, marching these little way from the wood, dis patched one the main body, inform them how many their fellows had submitted; and, about
half-an-hour seventeen more came and surrendered; which were immediately marched with their
arms (the powder being blown out each man's pan,) Captain Ball the general, when they surrendered them. On returning again the wood, the whole
body (ninety-eight number, the rest being scat
positively grant quarter
none. He then demanded that two their company might ordered con duct him out the wood; which being granted, and
to in
by of
if to
by all
on
tohe
to
of
to
of
of
he
to of a
in
to
an
to
a
of
to a
11.
he
be be do all
he
he to
in
GEOftGE ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 107
tered about the country,) submitted to the general's conditions.
During Captain Ball's first interview with the High landers, he found some of them disposed to surren der; and, to encourage them, would have talked with them separately, but four, in a most resolute manner, presented their firelocks at him, and swore, that if he offered to talk or treat with any more of their com
pany separately, they would shoot him instantly. The march of the Highlanders from Highgate to
Oundle has been compared by some of their coun trymen to the retreat of the 10,000 Greeks through Persia; by which, for the honor of the ancient kingdom of Scotland, Corporal M'Pherson (who certainly was the most active in the expedition,) was considered a second Xenophon.
The Scotch prisoners, on the road, and even after they entered London, kept up their spirits, and marched very cheerfully, nor did they shew any
marks of terror when they were brought into the
Tower: but when four, conjectured to be principals,
(and who afterwards suffered) were separately put into
close custody, their countenances fell, and
they M'Pherson (for he was one that had been so
became visibly dismayed.
108 MEMOIRS OF [george 11.
and his three companions were speedily brought to trial before a court-martial, com* posed of the officers of the guards, General Folliot
as president, and doomed to be shot ; which sentence was fulfilled in the Tower, July ISth, 1743.
strictly confined)
Tio Now ofK PUBLIC Lilo ARY
Aoi air,
T. L. --> is .
Loxfox and
1 .
is
". . . . . . L.
MILLER, ( T"h. e German Giant . )
M. CHRISTOPHER
GEoaoB n. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 109 ,
Maximilian Christopher Miller was born at Leipsic, in Saxony, in the year 1674; and, from his infancy, being remarked for amazing size and strength, preferred, when at maturity of growth, to exhibit himself as a show, to learning any trade or calling whereby to support himself. He was publicly shewn at the place of his nativity, and tra velled in several countries for the like purpose; and, among others, visited England.
He attracted considerable notice in London, where Boistard drew his portrait from the life, in April, 1733. At this time Miller was fifty-nine years of age, and measured nearly eight feet in height ; his
hand measured a foot, and his finger was nine inches
long.
Hogarth, in hisinimitable print of South wark fair, has
introduced the figure of Miller on a show-cloth, which evidently proves he was in the habit of exhibiting him self at public places, as well as receiving company in
for money. His face and head were of an VOL. IV. Q
private
110 MEMOIRS OF [GEOBtfE nv
enormous size, and must have struck his beholders with terrific surprise. He wore a sort of Hungarian Jacket, a fancy-wrought cap, with an immense plume
of feathers ; and, upon the introduction of visitors, he assumed an air of the utmost importance, with a gilt sceptre in his right-hand, and his left placed on the handle of a tijsmendous falchion, richly mounted, parading the apartment with great state and dignity. Miller died in London, in the year 1734, aged sixty
years. It may be observed, very ' few persons that exceed the ordinary dimensions of mankind, rarely survive to a great age. Bamfield, the hatter, of Shire- larte, Temple-bar, who measured seven feet four inches in height, died when but thirty-six ; and the celebrated O'Brien long before he had attained that period of his life. Dwarfs, on the contrary, have been known to live to very advanced
ages. Jeffery Hudson, the dwarf, died in his sixty-third year, in
the Gate-house, Westminster, where he was impri
soned on suspicion of being privy to the Popish plot • and Boruwlaski, the Polish dwarf, living at the present time, must have exceeded the age of seventy.
T":: ,/, W v. . t:K Pl'IlL'. C LiUiiAKY
oEORGEii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. Ill
Among the female adventurers and candidates for military or naval glory, none in their time stood more forward than Anne Mills. By what chance, or in what capacity she first commenced her career on shipboard, is not known ; but, about the year 17*0, she was serving as a common sailor on-board the Maidstone frigate ; and, in an action between that ship and a French enemy, she so greatly distinguished herself, by personal prowess, as to be particularly noticed by the whole crew. It is, by the circum stance of her portrait being taken with a French man's head in her hand, that we are naturally led to
the service she performed must have been of a most desperate nature, whether in the act of boarding, or of being boarded by the enemy ; and, probably, after the conquest cut off the head of her
opponent, as a trophy of victory.
In all likelihood, some love affair induced this
woman to assume the male character, in order to follow the fortune of a favourite lover, who had gone Q2
imagine
112 MEMOIRS OF [gf. orge u.
to sea. Mary Read and Anne Bonny, two noto rious female virago pirates ; Christian Davis, com monly called Mother Ross; with Hannah Snell, which latter two served in a military capacity, all pleaded the tender passion as an apology for assuming masculine pursuits and habits.
PC . . LIC L. EuAlif
GeoRGE II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
oùilliam
113
WILLIAM PAGE, otherwise Gage, otherwise Wil
liams, otherwise as many other names as circumstances
led him to adopt, was born at Hampton, in Middle sex, of honest and industrious parents. His father was a bargeman to a coal-merchant in that town, and was drowned during the great frost, 1740, somewhere - above Putney-bridge. After the death of his father, his mother, who was a very industrious woman, took
to distilling simple waters, in which she was greatly encouraged by the gentry and others, both in town and country; who seeing her care and diligence, and willingness to keep herself from becoming a burthen to the parish, were ready serve and assist her. William was the only child his parents, and receiv
Hamp
upon trial Mr. Woodfall, printer, who then lived Little Britain; but that business being too great confinement for his roving disposition,
|}age,
tolerable education
ton; and from thence was engaged draw beer the Bell alehouse, the same town. He next went
charity-school
a in
to
he
at
in
all at
a a
of to
to
in
ed a
114 MEMOIRS OF
[george 11.
hired himself as footboy to Mr. Dalrymple, at the Scots Holland Warehouse, in London. Neither did he continue long here, but went as footman into the service of Mr. Hodges, in Lincoln's-inn-fields, where his behaviour not being agreeable to his master, he was soon discharged.
Some time after he became footman to Mr. Macart
ney, in Argyle-buildings ; but soon disliking his place, he hired himself as a servant in livery to the Earl of Glencairn, and went with his lordship into Scotland. Neither the country nor the people proving agreeable to his disposition, he left his lord ship's service, went to Edinburgh, bought a horse, came to London, and engaged himself as valet to Captain Jasper, whom he afterwards robbed on Hounslow-heath. He lived in several other places in quality of a footman, and as he was of that proud and haughty spirit that could not patiently submit to the orders of his superiors, nor behave himself with
common decency to his equals and fellow-servants, his continuance in all of them was of short duration. Thus he constantly lost his friends and patrons as soon as he had got them, and was daily adding to the number of his enemies.
Being by such means as these extremely reduced
georoe ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 115
in his circumstances,
and without character, he could think of no better method of supplying his wants, and freeing himself from a servile dependancy, than by turning collector
on the highway. This he imagined would not only take off that badge of slavery, a livery, which he had always worn with regret, but set him on a level with gentlemen, a figure he was ever ambitious of making, ' though hitherto it had been out of his power. Thus resolved, his first care was to provide himself with a brace of pistols. It was not long before he heard of
a gentleman's servant who had a pair to dispose of. Accordingly he went to him, pretending a friend of his had desired him to look out for a set, and to purchase them if worth his money. The servant produced the pistols, and Page seemed to like them, and desired he might have them to shew the gentleman for his appro bation. Being now furnished with proper arms, he
immediately hires a horse, turns out upon the High-
gate-road, and robs the Highgate coach, taking from the passengers about 4/. He then went and paid for the pistols, and from that time commenced highwayman, and daily committed robberies —some near the metro polis, and others at a distance in the country ; the most material of which was that on his former master,
without money, without friends,
110 MEMOIRS OF [george n.
Captain Jasper, on Hounslow-heath. As the captain with a lady was passing over the Heath in a chaise, Page came up to the postillion, and bid him stop, and then ordered the captain to deliver :—the captain said, " That may be, Sir, but not yet" and pulling out a pistol, fired at him, but unfortunately wounded
the postillion very severely in the back : which Page
observing,
said, " Consider, Sir, what a rash ac
tion have been I of; you have killed this you guilty
poor fellow, which
world. And noI
deliver, so now I repeat my
will actually
w, Sir, as
I
orders, and
would not have done the for
any longer to comply,
Upon which the captain snapt his second pistol at him, but it did not gooff. Page then swore he would shoot the lady, imagining that would terrify him more than the fear of his own life. The captain, however, to screen the lady from the danger, though at the hazard of his own person, very gallantly placed him self in her lap. Then Page swore he would shoot him, if he did not instantly deliver his money, and
would be as good as his word. The captain on this leaped out of the chaise, and Page fired, but in such a manner as to miss, (for he had no design to hurt
him, unless he should be compelled to do so in his
before required you
fire
if
refuse
to
you
upon you. "
oeorge ii. ]
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 117
own defence. ) Upon which the captain snapped his pistol the second time, but without Ifire. Page then
money. Page then demanded his sword. The cap tain answereId, " You may see by my cockade lam an
said, " You must now surrender, or
will
shoot you" The captain seeing himself in his power, and without means to help himself, thought proper to give him his gold watch, and ten or eleven guineas in
officer, and
absolutely
would sooner p/art with my than with life
think the bravest my sword. " Page replied, " myself
fellow that ever crossed these plains, but thou art an obstinate fellow, and so go about your business. " — Some time after he robbed the Hon. Taylor White, the Welch judge, as he was going upon his circuit into Wales, and took from him his gold watch and some money. Many other robberies he committed about the same time, and was frequently so closely pursued, that it was with the utmost difficulty he made his escape.
Any one would imagine a man engaged in his course of life, without home or habitation, had but little occasion for a wife ; or, that any woman of good character would unite herself with a person of at best a doubtful character. Yet he paid his addresses to a young woman of Hampton Town, of a modest and
VOL. IV. R
118
MEMOIRS OF [GeoRGE
virtuous life, and length prevailed upon her ac
cept him for husband, whom had several children, being herself honest and industrious disposition. On becoming acquainted with his way life, and the manner supported himself,
far from instigating him pursue she often warned him the danger, and begged him desist from those pernicious courses, which the end would prove his
ruin. But her prayers and entreaties were ineffec tual, and persisted the last.
Page, with companion (for menced acquaintance) being beyond Barnet, for the purpose
meet with Lord Downe,
had now com the north road,
plunder, happened post-chaise. He
went up the chaise, with the usual salute deliver. Upon which his lordship drew his pistol, and dis
charged with true aim, that he shot him the body. The ball lodged his back, and though
scarce felt first, yet the vast profusion blood that issued from the wound soon made him sensible
his danger. His companion, who had got un
ruly horse, could not immediately come his assist ance. Page, however, notwithstanding his first re
pulse, renewed his attack, and advanced second time: but perceiving his lordship had another pistol
to a
of an
of
of he
to
of
it at
in
in of a
he it,
it so
to
an
he
a all of a
an
to in
in
so
to
II.
on he
to
to
of
an by
of
he
at
REMARKABLE PERSONS. 119
levelled directly at him, thought proper to retire, and finding himself becoming weak from the excessive loss - of blood, doubled his handkerchief and applied it to the wound ; then buttoning himself up close, made the best of his way for London. On his arrival he sent for a surgeon, who, upon searching the wound, found it so dangerous that he declared he would not under take it without the assistance of another of the same profession. One was accordingly sent for, who, at first sight, knew Page perfectly well, though the other did not. He asked him how he came by the wound ? Page answered, he received it in a duel he had just
oeorge ii. ]
The surgeon replied, he would endeavour to extract the ball ; but desired never to see his face again, for he believed he had fought that duel near
Barnet.
Page was obliged, through this accident, to lie by for
some time ; and, on his recovery, was so far from being intimidated by his late narrow escape, that he seemed
to have gathered fresh spirit for new exploits. Ac cordingly he and his companion set out upon new adventures, and riding over Shooter's-hill, they met
two post-chaises ; in one of which was a supercargo belonging to the East India Company, and in the other two gentlemen, whom they disarmed, after a
rJ
fought.
120 MEMOIRS OF [oeorge n.
desperate engagement, in which pistols were dis charged by both parties, but without execution. Fastening their hands together they marched them with the postillions into a wood, and ordered them to stay there an hour on peril of their lives. Page and his companion, after robbing the chaises of two trunks, which they concealed in a wood not far dis tant, returned directly to London ; and on the next morning went down in two chaises and brought away their prize to town. On opening the trunks they found a large quantity of money, and packets of letters and papers of great consequence to the East India
Company. This robbery was immediately advertised, and a reward of forty guineas offered to any person
who would make a discovery, " and no questions asked;" (which was the manner of advertising felonies at that time ;) but, according to an act since made, such a clause in an advertisement would incur a penalty of 50/. Fearing a discovery by keeping the papers, they made them into a parcel, and sent it by a ticket-porter to the clerks in the India-house, but without demand ing the reward.
Page singly robbed a colonel of the army, near Dunstable, from whom he took four or five pounds, and a portmanteau from the back of the chaise; which
GeoRGE II. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 121
on opening he found to contain three gold watches, and nearly 100l. in money, besides rich clothes and linen. These robberies, from their notoriety, becom
ing the constant topic of conversation, Page wisely
withdrew himself to the West Indies, designing, if possible, to engage as clerk to some merchant; but,
after a stay of about seven months, at Barbadoes and Antigua, he embarked on-board the Tavistock man-of war, and returned to England. He soon took to his
old practice on the highway, and his first exploit was
robbing a Mr. Cusse, in Hertfordshire. Mr. Cusse being in a post-chaise on the road, Page came up with him, and bid him deliver; when the former, having no
means of defence, pulled out his purse, and held it up
in his hand in order to give it him; but Page's horse,
which he had just hired in Purple-lane, (for he was
not yet able to purchase one) not being used to that kind of business, startled, and could not be brought
near enough for Page to receive the purse. Upon
which he ordered the postillion to bring it to him; which was done accordingly, and he rode off. Some time after, leading his horse carelessly down Highgate
hill, he was followed by three men on horseback; who, suspecting he was the highwayman that had
robbed Mr. Cusse, consulted together how to take
122 MEMOIRS OF [george 11. him. One of them came up, and accosted him
have II
thus : " Sir,
but never down; but since you do,
and bear you company. " They had not, however,
proceeded far, when the gentleman suddenly laid hold of his arms, and pinioned them so fast behind him, that the other two came up and secured him beyond a possibility of escape. They took out of his pockets four loaded pistols, several balls, and a powder-horn,
a crape out of his hat, and a map of all the cross and bye-roads for twenty miles round London, which he had himself drawn, from his own observations, and for his own use. He was first carried before a j ustice of peace at Highgate, but for further examination brought before Henry Fielding, Esq. who committed him to Bridewell. A little before the sessions came on at the Old Bailey, he was conveyed to Newgate ; and from thence by Habeas Corpus to Hertford, where, at the ensuing assizes, he was tried for the said robbery. The postillion swore positively to him; but Page brought witnesses who swore he was at another place, ten miles off, at the same time. Upon which the jury acquitted him. Thus Page got rid of this trou blesome affair by help of some of his trusty intimates ; but was so reduced that he had not a penny in his
often
walked my horse up a hill,
will also,
gkorge ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS. 123
pocket, a shoe to his foot, and scarce any thing but rags to cover him, for above a twelvemonth after wards ; and to support himself used to frequent billiard- tables, being a dexterous player at that game, where now and then he picked up a little money, just enough to keep him alive. After he had continued in this forlorn condition for about a twelvemonth, he found another companion, one who frequented the billiard-
tables, and in equal desperate circumstances with him
self; these two, comparing notes together, came to
the resolution of making a campaign on the highway, and in company committed numerous robberies, un detected for a length of time. But Page had now ran his full career ; for, in February, 1757, he went out alone, and robbed Captain Farrington, near Blackheath, of twenty-seven guineas and a gold watch, which being a very remarkable one, he afterwards got the maker's name and number taken out, in order to
disguise it. He was instantly pursued by the cap tain's servants, and likewise by the servants of the
who followed him so close, that in all probability he would have been taken, had not one of the servants' horses broke his leg in the
eagerness of pursuit. Page perceiving his danger, made all the speed possible to Richmond Ferry,
neighbouring gentlemen,
124 MEMOIRS OF [george ii.
which having crossed, he reached Twickenham, and remained in safety. Some time after, he, in com pany with his companion, took the Tunbridge-road, in hopes of meeting with a booty ; they were upon the prowl several days, and at last agreed to go through the town of Seven Oaks, Page first, and his com panion after him ; lest they being seen together might raise a suspicion. His companion had past the town a little way, when he was surprised to see five men, all armed with pistols, and one with a blunderbuss, pass him full speed in pursuit of Page, who, however, escaped them through the fleetness of his horse. In their return they secured the confe derate, on suspicion of being concerned with the run away, who, being conveyed before a justice, on pro mise of becoming an evidence, gave information where Page might be met with, and discovered all the nu merous robberies in which he had been concerned as an accomplice. Page was apprehended at the Golden
Lion, Grosvenor-square-gate, where he usually put up his horse.
Page was accustomed to frequent places of public resort in town ; his hair, which was long and flowing when he went out upon an expedition, he tucked up under a wig, and could let it fall at any time
GEORGE u. 1 REMARKABLE PERSONS. 125
necessary to alter his appearance. He was tried at the Old Bailey, and at Hertford, for various offences, but for want of evidence, (excepting that of his accom plice,) was acquitted at both places ; when, being con
veyed to Rochester, he was arraigned for the robbery on Captain Farrington, (since dead,) and, on the clearest evidence, the identity of his dress, the pawn ing of the watch, and other particulars being proved,
he was found guilty, and suffered on Pennenden- heath, near Maidstone, Kent, April 6th, 1758, in his
thirty-third year.
It would form a volume to record the numerous
robberies this man committed in the space of ten years, during which time he had infested all the pub lic and private roads surrounding the metropolis.
voi. IV.
126 MEMOIRS OP [GE6RGE if.
William Parsons, the son of a respectable ba ronet, was born in London, in theyear 1717, and receiv ed the rudiments of his education at Pepper-Harrow, near Godalmin, in the county of Surry, under the care of the Reverend Mr. Gruchy, a gentleman eminent for his piety and learning, with whom he continued three or four years, and afterwards went to Eton- college to complete his exercises, and fit himself for the university. He was at Eton nine years ; but, owing to a habit of idleness, he made an indifferent proficiency in learning.
During his stay at Eton, he frequently used to be at the shop of Mr. Pote, a bookseller, where he in
itiated himself in the practice of privately stealing. Mr. Pote, having lost several volumes of Pope's Homer, and not knowing whom to fix upon, came to a resolution to watch the motions of every person that entered his shop ; and, in a short time, he had an opportunity of detecting young Parsons putting a book into his pocket. On charging him with steal-
ASTCK. IXXOT. AM)
GuoRGE ii. ] REMARKABLE PERSONS.
127
ing the others, he confessed, and was publicly dis ciplined in the school.
Soon after he came from Eton, when his father, to prevent his getting into bad company, got him appointed midshipman on-board his majesty's sloop Drake, Captain Fox, then ordered to sail from Spithead to Jamaica, and to be stationed there three years. The ship not proceeding immediately on her voyage, he obtained liberty to go ashore on a party of pleasure ; and nothing but an amour of his, coming to the ears of his uncle, would have stopt him from hastily marrying the daughter of a doctor, in hopes of gaining some little money she was possessed of. But fortunately for the intended bride, his uncle hastened to send him on-board the sloop, which set sail, and reached its destined port. He had not been long at Jamaica, before he determined to leave the Drake, and ship himself for England, to renew his former suit with the doctor's daughter, at Bishop's Waltham, in Hampshire, about ten miles from Ports mouth. To effect this scheme he got on-board his majesty's ship Sheerness, in quality of midshipman, and soon came to England. As soon as he arrived he set off for Waltham, and was renewing his court ship, when he was a second time prevented by his
s2
123 MEMOIRS OF
[GEonoE n.
uncle from succeeding in his suit, who shipped him on-board the Romney, bound to Newfoundland.
During his absence in this ship, some artful persons had incensed the Duchess of Northumberland so greatly against him, that she altered her will, which before had been quite in his favor, and bequeathed his intended legacy, which was considerable, to his sister. His friends were so much displeased with his former behaviour at Waltham, that they would not admit him into any of their houses, nor even see him, so that he was destitute of almost every neces sary of life. His father at length relenting, obtained him a situation in the service of the Royal African
Company of England, at James'-fort, on the River Gambia ; but here quarrelling with the governor, he once more returned to England, and came safe to London ; where he had not been long, before the news of his arrival reached his uncle, who sent him a. very kind invitation, which he readily accepted; and, waiting on him at his house at Epsom, was favorably received, Here he staid some time, and was treated with all the kindness and affection ima ginable ; yet he soon grew restless, and wanted to enter into all the pleasures of what he styled the polite world. During his abode with his uncle, he
George II.