Even at the Dutch Embassy, where assuredly there was no leaning towards Jacobitism, there was a strong impression that it would be unwise to bring the prisoners to trial.

In Lancashire and Cheshire the prevailing sentiments were pity for the accused and hatred of the prosecutors.

The government however persevered.

In October four Judges went down to Manchester.

At present the population of that town is made up of persons born in every part of the British Isles, and consequently has no especial sympathy with the landowners, the farmers and the agricultural labourers of the neighbouring districts.