With that prize they set sail, and wisely left the place, where deep passionate vengeance was sworn against them.

Not all the dread of an invasion by the French could reconcile the people of these coasts to the necessity of impressment.

Fear and confusion prevailed after this to within many miles of the sea-shore.

A Yorkshire gentleman of rank said that his labourers dispersed like a covey of birds, because a press-gang was reported to have established itself so far inland as Tadcaster; and they only returned to work on the assurance from the steward of his master's protection, but even then begged leave to sleep on straw in the stables or outhouses belonging to their landlord, not daring to sleep at their own homes.

No fish was caught, for the fishermen dared not venture out to sea; the markets were deserted, as the press-gangs might come down on any gathering of men; prices were raised, and many were impoverished; many others ruined.