THE ILLUMINATIONS.
The town now presented a most extraordinary appearance, and looked as
if occupied by a hostile army--the streets being filled with Highland
soldiers, who were wandering about, staring at the houses and shops,
and besieging the taverns.
The townspeople seemed on very good terms with their visitors, and the
occupants of the houses at which the soldiers were billeted received
them as well as could be expected.
By this time all the principal personages connected with the Highland
army had taken possession of the quarters assigned them, and sentries
were placed at the doorways or at the gates.
Large bonfires were lighted in various parts of the town--in the
market-place, in Spring Fields, on Shude Hill, on Hunt's Bank, and at
the foot of the bridge, and preparations were made for a general
illumination at night.
Nothing was neglected by the magistrates. In obedience to the
injunctions they had received from Mr. Murray, they attended at the
Town Cross to assist at the proclamation of his Majesty King James the
Third. A large concourse assembled to witness the ceremony, and
shouted lustily at its conclusion.
As yet, no disturbance whatever had occurred--for the Whigs and
Presbyterians consulted their own safety by remaining quiet, well
knowing if they made a demonstration they would be quickly
overpowered. Consequently, the town continued tranquil.
As soon as it became dusk, the illuminations commenced. They were
general, for no one dared to disobey the order, and the obnoxious
Whigs and Presbyterians burnt more candles than their Jacobite
neighbours. But the display did not save their windows. A large mob
armed with bludgeons went about the town shouting, "Long live King
James the Third, and Charles, Prince Regent!" and when they came to a
house the owner of which was offensive to them, a great smashing of
glass took place.
No efforts were made to check these lawless proceedings. Every license
was allowed the mob, so long as they confined their playful attentions
to the opposite party. For the sufferers there was no redress, since
the streets swarmed with Highland soldiers who enjoyed the sport.
Additional excitement was given by the pipers, who marched about
playing loudly upon their shrill instruments. What with the bonfires,
the illuminations, the uproarious crowd, the Highlanders, and the
pipers, the ordinary aspect of the town seemed entirely changed.
The spectacle was so novel and curious, that many of the gentler sex
came forth to witness it, and it must be said, to the credit of the
crowd, that the ladies experienced no sort of annoyance.
Luckily the night was fine, though sufficiently dark to give full
effect to the illuminations.
Beppy and her father, accompanied by Atherton, walked about for nearly
two hours, and Miss Byrom declared it was the prettiest sight she ever
beheld. She had seen an illumination before, but never on so grand a
scale, while the strange accompaniments greatly amused her.
Oddly enough, the illuminations in the old parts of the town were more
effective than in the modern streets. With their lattice windows
lighted up, the ancient habitations looked exceedingly picturesque.
But by far the most striking object in the town was the collegiate
church. Partly buried in gloom--partly revealed by the bonfires
kindled in its vicinity, the flames of which were reflected upon its
massive tower, battlements, and buttresses--the venerable pile was
seen to the greatest advantage. Very few, however, except the persons
we have mentioned, cared to gaze at it. Those who crossed the
churchyard made the best of their way to the streets, to see the
illuminations and mingle with the crowd.
After bidding good-night to his friends, Atherton repaired to the only
house in Manchester which was not illuminated.
But though the prince's residence was not lighted up, abundant
evidence was furnished that a grand entertainment was about to take
place inside it. The Highland guard was drawn up in two lines,
extending from the gate to the doorway, and through this avenue all
the nobles, chiefs of clans, and officers who were invited to sup with
the prince, made their way into the house.
Some of them arrived in sedan-chairs, but the majority came on foot,
since no coaches could be procured. But however they came, their
appearance was greeted with cheers by the concourse collected in front
of the mansion, and many an eye followed them as the door was flung
open to give them admittance.
Naturally, Atherton felt elated on finding himself among so important
an assemblage; but a great distinction was reserved for him.
It chanced that the prince was in the hall as he entered, and on
seeing him, his royal highness addressed him with the most gracious
familiarity, and taking him apart, said:
"Captain Legh, I am going round the town after supper, and I mean to
take you with me."
Atherton bowed.
"I am told the illuminations are very good, and I want to see them.
But I do not desire to be recognised, and I shall therefore take no
other attendant except yourself."
Again Atherton bowed deeply--his looks expressing his gratification.
"Do not mention my purpose," continued the prince, "as I would not
have it known. Some of my immediate attendants would insist on
accompanying me, and I would rather be without them. In a word, I wish
to be incognito, like the Caliph Haroun Al Raschid."
"Your royal highness may rely on my discretion," said Atherton.
"After supper," pursued the prince, "when the company has begun to
disperse, come to this hall, and wait till I appear."
Atherton bowed profoundly, and the prince passed on.