Part 4 (1/2)

Too much praise cannot be given to Capt. Garson and Mr. Gamble for the judgment shown by them in marshalling the procession. Nor ought we to omit mentioning, in terms of high commendation, the excellent conduct of the Union on the occasion-conduct which was noticed in the evening at the King's Head, by the Chairman (Mr. T. Hammond) making a very handsome acknowledgment of their services, and giving as a toast (which was drank with three times three and very general applause) 'The Council of the Political Union.' Surely, if it had been before possible for the Conservatives (as they improperly styled themselves) to have mistaken the feeling of the town, the proceedings of Tuesday last must have entirely undeceived them, and enabled them to see the utter hopelessness of a contest with our late excellent representatives. Monday next is the day of election, when we shall see whether these hardy and obstinate men are still determined to pull down certain ruin on their party.

On Thursday night Messrs. Anson and Rumbold, addressing their numerous friends from the balcony of the Crown and Anchor, were insulted by water thrown upon, and it is reported tiles at them, from a small _red_ inn adjoining. This roused the indignation of the mult.i.tude, and the destruction of the windows was the consequence. A spirited youth resented still further indignity offered to his friends by springing from the balcony and seizing upon and destroying the enemy's blood-red standard.

Dec. 15th.-The nomination took place at the ”Tol-hall,” and after the Mayor had opened the proceedings, Col. Anson was nominated by William Barth, Esq., seconded by Mr. Thomas Clowes, Mr. Rumbold by John Sh.e.l.ly and John Brightwen, Esqs., and A. Colville, Esq., by John Lacon, Esq., and Mr. B. Gooch. The show of hands was in favour of Messrs. Anson and Rumbold. The poll for the first day was-

Rumbold 715 Anson 699 Colville 631

And at the close on the second day-

Rumbold 838 Anson 829 Colville 751

Dec. 20th.-A dinner had been held to celebrate the return of these gentlemen, ”when William Barth, Esq., presided, C. Sayers, Esq., was his vice, and N. Palmer and John Sh.e.l.ly, Esqs., headed the tables to the right and left of him.”

1833.

Jan. 3rd.-The prisoners in the Gaol and Bridewell returned thanks to the Mayor (J. Baker, Esq.) for the plentiful dinner of roast beef, plum pudding, and a quart of ale each, which he gave them on Christmas Day.

Jan. 10th.-A large alligator had been taken by a Dutch fis.h.i.+ng boat off Orford Ness.

Jan. 14th.-H.M. frigates Castor (Capt. Lord J. Hay) and Conway (Capt.

Eden), together with the French frigate Arcade, came into the Roads to victual and get a supply of water.

Jan. 17th.-A number of ladies and gentlemen visited the men-of-war; and on the following Tuesday the vessels proceeded ”out of the c.o.c.kle,”

accompanied by the Royal Charlotte cutter (Lieut. Harmer), she ”keeping to windward until lost to view.”

Jan. 31st.-A suggestion had been made at the Corporation a.s.sembly as to reform of that body, but was not supported.

Feb. 7th.-A fine vessel of 216 tons had been launched from Mr. Preston's yard, and it was stated that ”It is now allowed by merchants from all parts of the world that the finest and handsomest vessels are now built in this port.”

Feb. 21st.-The Flora, a French frigate, had arrived in the Roads.

Feb. 28th.-The pet.i.tion against the return of Messrs. Windham and Keppel (M.P.'s for East Norfolk) had ”excited much surprise and indignation amongst the numerous friends of these gentlemen in the town.”

March 7th.-It was proposed to start a steam packet for the conveying of goods and pa.s.sengers to Hull.

A warrant from the Speaker of the House of Commons had been received, requesting the attendance of the Mayor and Town Clerk before a Committee of the House ”to give an account of all matters relating to the town and Corporation; consequently J. Baker, Esq., and S. Tolver, Esq., had left Yarmouth on Monday.”

A public meeting on the question of Corporation Reform had been held, Mr.

C. Sayers in the chair. Messrs. J. Sh.e.l.ly and S. Cobb spoke, and a pet.i.tion was adopted, which received 1,958 signatures.

A pet.i.tion had also been adopted by the members of the ”Yarmouth Union of the Working Cla.s.ses” against ”The Irish Coercion Bill.”

March 14th.-The Inquiry as to the administration of Corporate affairs was proceeding in London, when the following gentlemen were there upon that business on behalf of the Corporation:-The Mayor, the Town Clerk, and the Water Bailiff, while Messrs. Wors.h.i.+p, Barth, Sh.e.l.ly, and Barrett represented the Town Committee.

March 21st.-The works at St. Peter's Church were ”at a stand” for the want of funds, 600 being required.

April 4th.-The Haven Commission were indebted 25,000.

The Sessions were held with the ”light calendar of 15 prisoners.”

April 18th.-Lord Orford had accepted the office of Lord High Steward of the Borough, rendered vacant through the death of Lord Exmouth.