A
messenger came in haste to the Convention with the news that Dundee was
at the gates with an army, and that the Duke of Gordon was preparing to
fire on the town.
Hamilton, who, while affairs were still in the balance, had behaved with
unexpected moderation, now gave loose to his temper. The time had come,
he said, for all good friends of order to see to their safety when
enemies to their liberties and religion were taking arms. There was
danger within as well as without. The traitors must be kept close; but
true men had nothing to fear, for thousands were ready to start up in
their defence at the stamp of his foot. He then ordered the room to be
locked, and the keys to be laid on the table. The drums beat to arms:
the town-guard, and such force of militia as was still in the city, fell
in; while from garrets and cellars the Westland men came thronging into
the streets, with weapons in their hands, and in their faces fury and
fear of their terrible enemy. After a time, as the news came that Dundee
had ridden off northward and that all seemed quiet in the castle, the
tumult subsided. The doors of the Parliament House were opened, and the
members came out. Hamilton and his party were greeted with loud cheers:
threats and execrations no less loud assailed the few and downcast
Jacobites.
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