The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45Ainsworth, William Harrison
History
The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45
Ainsworth, William Harrison
Great Britain -- History -- George II, 1727-1760 -- Fiction; Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-1746 -- Fiction
'Twas a sad blow both to Monica and her unfortunate lover. So much
kindness and consideration had been shown to Jemmy during his long
confinement in Newgate by all the officials, that he was quite grieved
to leave the prison.
Familiar with every little object in his cell, he was unwilling to
exchange it for another prison-chamber. In this narrow room he and
Monica had passed several hours of each day. Their converse had been
chiefly of another world, for Jemmy had given up all hopes of a
pardon, or an exchange, and they had prayed fervently together, or
with the ordinary. Monica, as we know, was a Papist, but Jemmy still
adhered to the Protestant faith. Before her departure from London,
Constance had taken leave of him; but Sir Conway could not
consistently visit the prison after the pardon he had received from
the Duke of Cumberland. Dr. Byrom and his daughter had likewise
visited him before they left town.
About a week after Constance's return to Rawcliffe Hall, Mrs. Butler
died, and the sad tidings were communicated with as much care as
possible to Monica. Prepared for the event, the poor girl bore it with
pious resignation.
"My mother was right," she said. "She foresaw that we should never
meet again."
At length the hour for departure came, and Jemmy was forced to quit
his cell. As he stepped forth, his heart died within him.
In the lodge he took leave of the gaoler who had attended him, and of
the other officials, and they all expressed an earnest hope that he
might be exchanged. All had been interested in the tender attachment
between him and Monica, which had formed a little romance in the
prison.
The removal took place at night. Jemmy was permitted to take a
hackney-coach, and, as a special favour, Monica was allowed to
accompany him--a guard being placed on the box.
To prevent any attempt at escape he was fettered, and this grieved him
sorely, for he had not been placed in irons during his confinement in
Newgate.
On London Bridge, a stoppage occurred, during which the coaches were
examined.
On their arrival at the prison at Southwark, the lovers were
separated. Immured in a fresh cell, Jemmy felt completely wretched,
and Monica, more dead than alive, was driven back to Jermyn-street.
Next day, however, she was allowed to see her lover, but only for a
few minutes, and under greater restrictions than had been enforced in
Newgate. Jemmy, however, had in some degree recovered his spirits, and
strove to reassure her.
Three days afterwards the trials commenced. They took place, as
appointed, at the Court House, in St. Margaret's Hill.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account