The Directors had instant recourse to their old and tried expedient in cases of the like nature, namely, a sudden reduction of discounts. But the alarm continued to increase; the run went on; the stock of specie began to diminish with great rapidity; and the Directors sent word to the minister, that there was great reason to apprehend they would be driven to an actual stoppage of specie payments. A consultation, was held; and as the fruit of this consultation, an order of council was issued, enjoin- ing the Bank to discontinue the payment of their notes till the meeting of Parliament. That is, to avoid becoming bankrupt,.
