| Citation |
MG-A(G.781.006
31 May 1781:21 (1794)
Extract of a letter from Bristol, Feb. 4. The spirit of
party is at present risen here to a height scarce ever known
before. Nothing but riots and tumults all the day, with
different mobs parading the streets, which, as they meet
each other, raise terrible disturbances, and encounter with
a fury much more becoming nations at open and declared war,
than contending factions at an election. In one of these
frays the White Lion Inn was nearly demolished, and much
other mischief done. Nay, to such a pitch is the party
arrived, that a friend of one of the candidates actually
proceeded to the place of poll, with drums beating and the
American colours displayed. In short we know not what end
things may come to at last. Pitched battles are fought
between the opposite clubs in which many are killed. A
gentleman, this moment assures me, that he saw six lying
dead in the street.
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