nearly six weeks, and the vessels, which had been detained for two months, were laden and sent to sea.
On one occasion, when the boats of the men-of-war were endeavouring to take possession of some keels at a village a few miles above Newcastle, the keel men assembled in great numbers, using the most insulting language and gestures, accompanied by stones, and dared the boats to land. Captain Nicolas immediately requested the officer commanding the dragoons to charge round the village, pulled in shore in his gig, and without waiting for the other boats, jumped on shore, unattended even by his own boat’s crew, seized six of the ringleaders with his own hands, and sent them off in one of the boats to Newcastle. This resolute act was productive of the best effects. It convinced the rioters they would not succeed in their object by intimidation; and on the following day, when they had collected to oppose the boats as usual. Captain Nicolas again fearlessly landed among them, and having expostulated with them in a conciliatory tone on the folly and illegality of their conduct, he asked in what their grievances consisted? promising, if they were just, to represent them to the government. This conduct was attended with the happiest result. They immediately agreed to do what he might dictate, and the next day delegates were sent to wait on him at Newcastle, when he repeated his remonstrances, and they soon afterwards returned to their usual labours.
Thus, by a mixture of firmness, decision, and forbearance on the part of the king’s officers, aided by the same qualities in the mayor and civil authorities. Captain Nicolas had the satisfaction of bringing those alarming riots to a close; at the expiration of six weeks, without the loss of a single life; though such was the hostile conduct of the keelmen,, at one moment, in throwing stones and other missiles, and more than once, by even using fire arms against the boats, that at his request the mayor issued public notices, that if they persisted in those measures, the most severe means would be adopted.
Before quitting Newcastle, Captain Nicolas had the honor of receiving the following letters and addresses of thanks for his services, on this occasion:
