|Aware that the rebels were marching towards Lancaster, the Whig inhabitants of the town endeavoured to make some defensive preparations, and were materially aided in their efforts by Sir Henry Hoghton, of Hoghton Tower, member of Parliament for Preston, and Colonel of the Lancashire Militia. Having ascertained that a ship called the _Robert_, of five hundred tons burthen, belonging to Mr. Lawson, a wealthy Quaker of Lancaster, was lying at Sunderland--a small sea-port situated at the estuary of the Lune--Sir Henry went to Mr. Lawson to endeavour to negotiate with him for the use of the guns. “When I tell you, Mr Lawson,” he said, “that those Cannon of yours will enable us to keep the rebels out of the town, I am sure you will let us have them.” “Thou shalt have them on one condition, friend,” replied the Quaker. “And on one condition only.” “Name it,” cried Sir Henry eagerly. “Thou shalt give me a bond for ten thousand pounds to insure my ship, the _Robert_, against any damage she may sustain from the rebels, when they learn I have parted with the cannon to be used against them.” “Zounds! Mr. Lawson,” exclaimed Sir Henry, “excuse my swearing--but you are enough to provoke a saint--how the deuce can you expect me to agree to such absurd conditions? I refuse them. Moreover, I tell you as a magistrate, that the cargo on board the _Robert_ shall at once be seized, unless you consent to surrender the cannon. Now, Sir, what have you to say to that?” After a moment's reflection, the Quaker replied: “I have simply to say, friend, that I agree.” “I am glad to hear it,” observed Sir Henry. “You will deserve the thanks of your fellow-townsmen.” “But recollect, friend,” said the Quaker, “that the cannon will be of no use to thee, unless thou hast sufficient men to cover the town. Thou hast six hundred militiamen at Preston. Thou must bring them forthwith to Lancaster. There is also, unless I am misinformed, a regiment of dragoons at Preston, commanded by Colonel Stanhope. They would be useful here.” “Colonel Stanhope cannot move his dragoons without an order from General Wills,” said Sir Henry. “And as to the militia, I can't bring them here because I should deprive Preston of its main defence.” “That is unfortunate,” observed the Quaker. “The best fighting men in Lancaster are Jacobites, and likely to help the rebels. I would not trust them to serve the cannon.” “I begin to think you are a Jacobite yourself, Mr. Lawson,” observed Sir Henry. “Since you raise all these difficulties you must order the _Robert_ to leave Sunderland, and move to some other port.” “I can't do it, friend,” observed the Quaker. “The rebels would consider the step as an injustice to themselves, and assuredly resent it.” “This truckling to the rebels proves you to be a Jacobite,” said Sir Henry, angrily; “but I will consult my brother magistrates, Mr. Rigby and Colonel Charteris, and if they are of my opinion, we will issue a warrant and seize the arms.”