The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Dublin, Feb. 27.

"Yesterday our Parliament met, when the forces on both sides were mustered; there were more members in the House than were ever known on any other occasion. The question on the proposed address was carried by a majority of 25, in favour of government, to the surprise of every body, who have so long seen the great parties of this country govern this kingdom as they pleased. At this time the great Chiefs were all united against it, and even pressed some servants of the Crown to oppose it at the hazard of their offices.

"This day, however, has offered an unexpected, though no new scene, in this country; for when the House should have proceeded on the usual business of the day, a desperate mob, armed with clubs and cutlasses, surrounded the Parliament House, and attempted to wear several of the members, who very spiritedly refused the proposed oath. Upon which they insulted some and beat others, selecting with great care and nicety the supporters of government from the members in opposition. The Bishops of Ferns and Cork were both beat, and otherwise much abused. Lord Chief Justice Annaly, and Lord Tyrone, were also very roughly treated. Lord Loftus was particularly searched for; he is marked by the mob for joining government, and deserting from the patriots.

"Whilst free access to Parliament was thus interrupted, the Lord Chancellor sent an account of these proceedings to the Lord Lieutenant. Soon after a detachment of the military was requested by the Mayor and Sheriffs, who had repaired to the castle. The Lord Lieutenant first asked them, whether they could quell the riot by the aid of the civil power alone; on their answering in the negative, the troops were sent; on their appearance the mob dispersed, and peace was soon restored.

"Two of the ringleaders, armed with cutlasses, who attempted to wear the Bishops with a manual or Popish prayer-book, were taken and lodged in Newgate, by order of the House of Lords."