At length public meetings began to take place, and after this petitions to be sent to parliament; and these so generally, that there was not a day for three months, Sundays excepted, in which five or six were not resolved upon in some places or other in the kingdom.
Of the enthusiasm of the nation at this time none can form an opinion but they who witnessed it.

There never was perhaps a season when so much virtuous feeling pervaded all ranks.

Great pains were taken by interested persons in many places to prevent public meetings.

But no efforts could avail.

The current ran with such strength and rapidity, that it was impossible to stem it.