Mobs were hired by both factions; and the whole city was filled with riot and uproar.

A ridiculous scheme was contrived to frighten the lord-treasurer with some squibs in a band-box, which the ministers magnified into a conspiracy.

The duke of Hamilton having been appointed ambassador-extraordinary to the court of France, the whigs were alarmed on the supposition that this nobleman favoured the pretender.

Some dispute arising between the duke and lord Mohun, on the subject of a lawsuit, furnished a pretence for a quarrel.

Mohun, who had been twice tried for murder, and was counted a mean tool, as well as the hector of the whig party, sent a message by general Macartney to the duke, challenging him to single combat.