ns "my pew" was referred to. Being out one
night rather late, with some "jolly companions," he and they found, on
comparing timepieces, that if they were not quick in getting home
unpleasant consequences would ensue amongst their domestic relations.
Said one, "I must be off." Said another, "If I don't make haste shall be
locked out." "My boy," said S---, "never mind being locked out, I'll go
and get the key of St. A---'s church, and you shall _sleep in my pew_!"

CHAPTER XIII.

On turning over my "Recollections" of our theatre, there was one
circumstance connected with the drama in Liverpool that I shall not
forget. It made a great impression on my mind, as it did no doubt upon
all those who, at the time, interested themselves in the success of the
movement. I allude to the brilliant demonstration that took place in
December, 1816, when an amateur performance was got up in aid of the
distress experienced in Liverpool, a distress felt in common with the
whole nation. All the leading theatrical and musical amateurs in the
town took part in that performance. I dare say that, at this distance of
time even, it is well remembered by those who assisted at it, if there be
any of them still amongst as. I am quite certain that the patriotic
feelings which urged them to unite and give their valuable services at so
trying a time must still and ever be a source of gratification to them of
the highest order.

At the date I refer to, great commercial distress prevailed. Amongst the
working and lower classes the most frightful indigence and destitution
were experienced.

After the battle of Waterloo all sorts of property depreciated in value.
Everything previously was at a "war price." The amount of taxation which
the country had to endure may be judged when I state that for a house
rented at forty pounds per annum the following were the taxes levied upon
its occupier:--Window tax, 11 pounds 4s. 6d.; inhabited house duty, 2
pounds 18s. 6.; land tax, 1 pounds 16s.; highway and church rates, 2
pounds 13s. 9d.; poor rates, 18 pounds; making a total to be paid of 36
pounds 12s. 9d.! The failure of the harvest that year added also to the
general distress so that the nation might have been said to have been on
the very eve of bankruptcy. So bad was the flour in 1816, and so scanty
the supply, that everybody seemed occupied in hunting up and inventing
new modes of preparing it for consumption, as well as appropriating