 They refused and the most serious public disturbance in London since the Gordon Riots of 1780 gradually petered out.Watson was arrested on evening of 2 December, but his son and Thistlewood escaped.Young Watson fled to the United States but Thistlewood was arrested as he tried to escape on a boat at Gravesend, Hooper and John Cashman, a sailor, had been arrested during the Royal Exchange skirmish.