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168

HISTOSY OF ENGLAND,

1689 .Itecep-*tion ofWalkerin Eng-laud.

chap.* excused themselves, and left it to His Majesty’s wisdom toxv ' ■ select the fittest persons.*

In the midst of the angry debates on the Irish war a pleasingincident produced for a moment goodhumour and unanimity.Walker had arrived in London, and had been received therewith boundless enthusiasm. His face was in every print shop.Newsletters describing his person and his demeanour were sentto every corner of the kingdom. Broadsides of prose and versewritten in his praise were cried in every street. The Companiesof London feasted him splendidly in their halls. The commonpeople crowded to gaze on him w-herever he moved, and almoststifled him with rough caresses. Both the Universities offeredhim the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Some of his admirersadvised him to present himself at the palace in that militarygarb in which he had repeatedly headed the sallies of his fellowtowmsmen. But, with a better judgment than he sometimesshowed, he made his appearance at Hampton Court in thepeaceful robe of his profession, was most graciously received,and was presented with an order for five thousand pounds,“And do not think, Doctor,” William said, with great benignity,“that I offer you this sum as payment for your services,I assure you that I consider your claims on me as not at alldiminished.”**

It is true that amidst the general applause the voice of de-traction made itself heard. The defenders of Londonderrywere men of two nations and of two religions. During thesiege, hatred of the Irishry had held together all Saxons; andhatred of Popery had held together all Protestants. But, when

* Commons’ Journals and Grey’s Debates, November 30., December 2,1689.

** London Gazette, September 2. 3689; Observations upon Mr. Walker’sAccount of the Siege of Londonderry, licensed October 4. 1689; NarcissusLuttrell’s Diary; Mr. J. Mackenzie’s Narrative a False Libel, a Defence ofMr. G. Walker written by his Friend in his Absence, 1690.