*As the old story of Religion has [raised] most _formidable_ tumults
in this town,[455] and as they will of course seem much more
formidable at the distance of an hundred [miles], you may not be
sorry to hear that I am perfectly safe and well: my known attachment
to the Protestant Religion has most probably saved me. Measures, and
effectual measures, are taken to suppress these disorders, and every
street is filled with horse and foot. Mrs. and Mrs. Sarah H. went out
of town yesterday morning. The Colonel shews his usual spirit.*
I am sincerely Yours,
E. GIBBON.
[455] On June 2, 1780, Lord George Gordon presented the petition
of the Protestant Association against the relaxation of the Penal
Laws against the Roman Catholics. The "No Popery" riots took
place on the 6th and 7th, when London was for some hours in the
hands of the mob.
[Sidenote: THE GORDON RIOTS.]
393.
_To his Stepmother._
London, June 8th, 1780.