After his great exploit at the bridge, and his subsequent deliverance by the mob, several Jacobites came in the evening--when his shop was closed--to offer him their congratulations, and were introduced--as they arrived singly, or two or three at a time--to the back room, of which we have just made mention. By-and-by a tolerably large party assembled, all of whom being very decided Jacobites, a good deal of treason was naturally talked. As there were not chairs for all, several of the company sat where they could, and a droll effect was produced in consequence of their being mixed up with the wig-blocks, one of which, from its elevated position, seemed to preside over the assemblage, and caused much laughter. Among the persons present were Dr. Byrom and Dr. Deacon, the latter of them having with him his three sons, all of whom were fine-looking young men. Besides these there was the Rev. Thomas Coppock, who, it may be remembered, had been promised the appointment of chaplain to the Manchester Regiment by Colonel Townley. Though the young Jacobite divine wore his cassock and bands, he looked as if martial accoutrements would have suited him better. His big looks and blustering manner did not harmonise with his clerical habit. Vain and ambitious, Parson Coppock fully believed--if the expedition proved successful--he should be created Bishop of Chester, or, at least, be made warden of the collegiate church. With those we have particularised were four other young men who had been promised commissions--Thomas Chadwick, John Berwick, George Fletcher, and Samuel Maddocks. When we have added the names of Jemmy Dawson and Atherton Legh, the list of the party will be complete. An important communication had been made to the meeting by Dr. Deacon, who had just received an express informing him that the prince had arrived at Preston with the first division of his army, so that Lord Pitsligo's regiment of horse might be expected to reach Manchester on the morrow. "Of this information, gentlemen," pursued Dr. Deacon, "you alone are in possession, for precautions have been taken to prevent any other express from being sent from Preston to the authorities of Manchester. The magistrates, therefore, will be in complete ignorance of the prince's approach till he is close at hand. It will now be apparent to you how great has been the service rendered by Mr. Atherton Legh and our brave Tom Syddall. Had Salford Bridge been destroyed--according to the boroughreeve's plan--the prince could not have entered Manchester, without making a lengthened and troublesome détour, that might have exposed him to some unforeseen attack, whereas he will now march into the town at the head of his army without encountering any obstacle." Expressions of approval were heard on all sides, and Syddall appeared quite elated by the commendations bestowed upon him.