The Dawn of the XIXth Century in England: A social sketch of the timesAshton, John
History
The Dawn of the XIXth Century in England: A social sketch of the times
Ashton, John
England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century
To this very courteous and considerate letter, Sir Francis replied
that he should be happy to receive him at noon next day. However,
before this letter could reach the Serjeant-at-Arms, he called on Sir
Francis, and verbally informed him that he had a warrant against him.
Sir Francis told him he should be ready for him at twelve next day, and
Mr. Colman bowed, and retired. Indeed it was so evidently the intention
of the baronet to go to his place of durance quietly, that, in the
evening, he sent a friend to the Tower to see if preparations had been
made to receive him, and it was found that every consideration for his
comfort had been taken.
But the urbane Serjeant-at-Arms, when he made his report to the
Speaker, was mightily scolded by him for not executing his warrant,
and at 8 p.m. he called, with a messenger, on Sir Francis, and told
him that he had received a severe reprimand from the Speaker for not
executing his warrant in the morning, and remaining with his prisoner.
Sir Francis replied that he should not have allowed him to have
remained, and that he would not yield a voluntary assent to the
warrant, but would only give in, in presence of an overwhelming force.
The Serjeant-at-Arms then withdrew, having refused to be the bearer
of a letter to the Speaker, which was afterwards conveyed to that
dignitary by private hands. In this letter he asserted he would only
submit to superior force, and insultingly said, “Your warrant, sir, I
believe you know to be illegal. I know it to be so.”
On the morning of the 7th of April another attempt was made by a
messenger of the House to serve him with the warrant and arrest him;
but, although Sir Francis read it and put it in his pocket, he told the
messenger that he might return and inform the Speaker that he would not
obey it. The poor man said his orders were to remain there; but he was
commanded to retire, and had to go.
Later in the day, between twelve and one, came a troop of Life Guards,
who pranced up and down the road and pavement and dispersed the people,
who heartily hissed them. A magistrate read the Riot Act; the troops
cleared the road, and formed two lines across Piccadilly, where Sir
Francis lived; and so strictly was this cordon kept, that they refused
to allow his brother to pass to his dinner, until he was accompanied by
a constable. Sir Francis wrote to the Sheriffs complaining of his house
being beset by a military force.
No further attempt to execute the warrant was made that day, nor on the
following day, which was Sunday.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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