would through some of the influential of their numbers, state their complaints or grievances, they would meet with ready and best attention - but whilst they continued in their present attitude, and that the Markets and Shops continued shut, I could not listen further. I frequently exhorted them to go to their homes that quiet might be restored; this intimation was given to them both before and after the arrival of the Troops, but with little or no effect, the insulting language and cries of "Ta Ta strike" being continued for some time.
I am of opinion however that the appearance of the troops awed the multitude, - and after remaining with them for about an hour and a half, I left for Government House and the Government offices, informing the mob that I was going there, where I should be glad to learn from some of the better people of the City what was the nature of their grievances, but I could not do anything until the Shops were opened and the mob had retired from the Streets. A Detachment of the 59th Regiment was retained for a couple of hours near the Central Bank, – and the mob had partially dispersed as