[Sidenote: The duty and the conduct of Lord Hussey of Sleford.] The duty of repressing riots and disturbances in England lay with the nobility in their several districts. In default of organized military or police, the nobility _ex officio_ were the responsible guardians of the peace. They held their estates subject to these obligations, and neglect, unless it could be shown to be involuntary, was treason. The nobleman who had to answer for the peace of Lincolnshire was Lord Hussey of Sleford. Lord Hussey had spoken, as I have stated, in unambiguous language, of the probability and desirableness of a struggle. When the moment came, it seems as if he had desired the fruits of a Catholic victory without the danger of fighting for it, or else had been frightened and doubtful how to act. When the first news of the commotion reached him, he wrote to the mayor of Lincoln, commanding him, in the king's name, to take good care of the city; to buy up or secure the arms; to levy men; and, if he found himself unable to hold his ground, to let him know without delay.[106] His letter fell into the hands of the insurgents; but Lord Hussey, though he must have known the fate of it, or, at least, could not have been ignorant of the state of the country, sate still at Sleford, waiting to see how events would turn. Yeomen and gentlemen who had not joined in the rising hurried to him for directions, promising to act in whatever way he would command; but he would give no orders--he would remain passive--he would not be false to his prince--he would not be against the defenders of the faith. The volunteers who had offered their services for the crown he called "busy knaves"--"he bade them go their own way as they would;" and still uncertain, he sent messengers to the rebels to inquire their intentions. But he would not join them; he would not resist them; at length, when they threatened to end the difficulty by bringing him forcibly into their camp, he escaped secretly out of the country; while Lady Hussey, "who was supposed to know her husband's mind," sent provisions to a detachment of the Lincoln army.[107] For such conduct the commander of a division would be tried by a court-martial, with no uncertain sentence; but the extent of Hussey's offence is best seen in contrast with the behaviour of Lord Shrewsbury, whose courage and fidelity on this occasion perhaps saved Henry's crown. [Sidenote: Wednesday, Oct. 4. Lord Shrewsbury raises a force,] [Sidenote: Friday, October 6. And entreats Lord Hussey to join him.] [Sidenote: But without effect.] [Sidenote: He takes a position at Nottingham.]