THAT private misfortunes are sometimes pub lic blessings, is an axiom which does not require to be corroborated by the example of Newcastle, otherwise we might offer this town as an instance of its truth. Situated almost upon the borders of the two kingdoms, it was perpetually exposed in early times to the alarms of attack, and the violences of incursions; and more than once had felt the horrible effects of that rooted antipathy which always subsisted between the inhabitants of the northern counties of England, and the southern ones of Scotland; an antipathy which evinced itself in every opportunity that offered, of committing violation and atrocity, on the person or property of the adverse party. In one of the predatory incursions of the Scots into the town of Newcastle, then unprovided with walls to resist a foe, it happened that a rich citizen was taken out of his bed in the midst of the town by the marauding party, and carried prisoner into Scotland. Having ransomed himself for a large sum of money, and returned to his home, he determined to provide against a second surprise of the same nature, by persuading the citizens to fortify the place with walls, and a fosse; himself setting an example of public spirit by aiding the work from his own coffers. The burgesses had wisdom enough to see the utility of the plan, and seconded it with great liberality; so that about fifteen years after the commencement of the work, Newcastle was provided with as compleat fortifications as any place in the kingdom; being surrounded by a wall two miles in length, strengthened with several towers, |