But that feat was not so
easily, nor so readily accomplished as they divined. The
unnumbered alleys on each side of the street had swallowed up
the multitude in a few seconds; but from these they were busy
reconnoitring; and perceiving the deficiency in the number of
their assailants, the rush from both sides of the street was as
rapid, and as wonderful, as the disappearance of the crowd had
been a few minutes before. Each close vomited out its levies, and
these better armed with missiles than when they sought it for a
temporary retreat. Woe then to our two columns of victorious
Whigs! The mob actually closed around them as they would have
swallowed them up; and, in the meanwhile, shower after shower
of the most abominable weapons of offence were rained in upon
them. If the gentlemen were irritated before, this inflamed them
still further; but their danger was now so apparent they could not
shut their eyes on it; therefore, both parties, as if actuated by the
same spirit, made a desperate effort to join, and the greater part
effected it; but some were knocked down, and others were
separated from their friends, and blithe to become silent members
of the mob.
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