Matters became now critical here in the highest degree. The rebel army amounted to near 30,000. All their cannon and military stores were drawn liither, and they boasted that the place was impregnable. The mortifications and aterms which the clergy met with were innumerable. I have frequently heard " myself called a Tory, and traitor to my country, as I passed the streets, and epithets joined to each, which decency forbids me to set down. Violent tlireats were tlirown out against us, in case tlie king were any longer prayed for. One Sunday, when I was officiating, and proceeded some lengtli in the service, a company of about one hundred armed rebels marched into the cliurch, with drums beating and fifes playing, their guns loaded and bayonets fixed, as if going to battle. The congregation was thrown into the utmost terror, and several women fainted, expecting a massacre was intended. I took no notice of them, and went on with tlie service, only exerted ray voice, which was in some measure drowned by the noise and tumult. The rebels stood thus in the aisle for near fifteen minutes, till, being asked into pews by tlie sexton, they complied. Still, however, the people expected that, when the collects for the king and royal family were read, I should be fired at, as menaces to that purpose had been frequently flung out. Tlie matter, however passed over without any accident. Nothing of this kind happened

Vol. m. 67

1058 STATE OF THE