Chapter C: E. Bartram 112 (2)

took place on the Hall Plain; the platform, in the centre of which
was reserved a place for the Mayor and the Candidates and friends,
being on the Crown and Anchor “leads.” The Blues were to the left of
the Mayor and the Reds to his right; and in front of the house there
was at the time proceedings commenced an assemblage numbering 4,000
or 5,000, including a number of females. The Liberals were the first
to arrive on the “leads,” and on Mr. Watkin showing himself to the
crowd, he was loudly cheered, a compliment which the candidate duly
acknowledged. Shortly afterwards the approach of the Conservative
party was indicated by the deep groans of the crowd, who manifested
some indications of hostility: but on its being discovered that the
Conservative cavalcade was headed by a party of very
pugilistic-looking persons, decorated with red ribbon, the
threatening attitude of the crowd was somewhat modified, and the two
Baronets, with their friends, were allowed to ascend to the “leads”
unmolested. When the two parties had taken their places on the
balcony, the Liberals proposed three cheers, which were given by the
great majority, accompanied by the groans of the minority. A number
of “beery” individuals struggled to the front, and were a source of
annoyance to the speakers throughout. A few minutes before three
o’clock the Mayor arrived in state, preceded by his
sergeants-at-mace, and accompanied in his carriage by Mr. C. J.
Palmer, who acted as his solicitor for the occasion. When his
Worship appeared in the balcony the Blues, for some reason, commenced
hissing him, much to the disgust of several of the leading gentlemen
of the Liberal party, who protested against such unseemly
proceedings. We may state, before attempting to report the numerous
speeches that were delivered, that during the whole of the
proceedings—more especially when it was the turn of the Conservatives
to speak—the crowd was exceedingly disorderly, and by their loud
shouting and groaning rendered most of the speakers inaudable to
persons a few yards distant from them. The Mayor was grossly
insulted at the commencement, and as the proceedings progressed
several fights were got up, and the interference of the police was
frequently required. Anything more unreasonable and unreasoning than
the majority of the crowd it would be impossible to conceive, and
when the nomination closed there did not seem to be any person in the
balcony opposed to the opinion of the Mayor—that the “whole thing was
a farce.” One side of the question was not heard at all, and the
majority shouted without knowing what about. This was singularly
illustrated during the speech of Mr. Watkin, when that gentleman took
upon himself the functions of the returning-officer, by calling upon
the crowd for a show of hands, which, singularly enough, was against
him. Mr. Watkin said, “All those that don’t want me to go to the
poll, hold up their hands.” A forest of hands was exhibited to the
great amusement of the Conservatives, who cheered the result. Mr.
Watkin then told his friends that they were mistaken, and having
explained the mistake to them, assuring them that they were too
intelligent to vote him down, he took another show of hands, which
was in his favour. We shall be excused for commenting upon the
proceedings here; but the disorder and noise was so great that, as
most of the speakers could not be heard, we are necessitated to do
it, in order to make our report intelligible. From the beginning to
the end “noise” had it in numbers; but in fighting the honour seemed
to be with the Reds, who exhibited considerable proficiency in the
pugilistic art. The crowd, which was very closely packed, was
divided into two sections, the Blue and the Red, the former having
about ten to one of the latter. At times both sections were very
ill-behaved, but their misconduct was kindly overlooked by the whole
of the speakers except Mr. Watkin, who took the liberty of
designating the minority of the “people” as “scoundrels” and
“ruffians.” These polite designations appeared likely to stir up the
ill-blood of the people, inasmuch as four or five fights immediately
commenced, in one of which an unfortunate fellow sustained a severe
fracture of the proboscis, and it was not until the Mayor had, to use
a significant local word, “checked” Mr. Watkin, and warned him
against the violent nature of his harangue, that comparative order
was restored. The fights in question are deserving of notice. One
began between a female, whose bonnet was trimmed with yellow ribbon,
and a stout man in a blue guernsey. Gallant Reds and Blues rushed
into the affray, doubtless with the object of protecting the woman,
and there was every probability of a general set-to. The Mayor,
however, directed the police to interfere, and the contest was
suppressed, with apparently no worse results than the infliction of a
few disagreeable blows on the frontispieces of the combatants. The
other fights were of less importance; but altogether this display of
pugnacity had the effect of causing the outside portion of the crowd
to run away from what they considered to be danger. Other fights, as
will be seen from the report, also occurred. One feature in the
general noise was much remarked by the gentlemen on the balcony, and
as it was amusing we notice it. A half drunken beachman or
fisherman, just so far gone as to be witty, but who was unmistakeably
a Blue, planted himself in front of the balcony, and by his
extraordinary shouting succeeded in making himself heard above the
surrounding tumult. There was some natural humour about this fellow,
and the way in which he shouted excited the laughter of the Mayor and
both parties on the balcony. The man shouted until the veins grew
large in his forehead; he jumped and screamed—he laughed and waved
his hat, and others laughed with him—indeed, for a time all laughed
with him; he was in a state of ecstacy or violent enthusiasm. It was
difficult for a time to make out what the man meant, but at length he
was understood, and his fun was appreciated. Sir E. Lacon wears a
full moustache, and so does Sir H. Stracey, and those hirsute
ornaments were the objects of this excited individual’s enthusiasm.
He laughed and shouted—his voice being heard above the murmur of the
crowd,—for fully an hour,—“The beard! the beard! will nobody shave
him? A shave! a shave! Fetch a barber! fetch a barber!—(Loud
laughter.)—A clean shave! A shilling for a razor! a razor! a razor!
O Lord, a clean shave,” &c. Ultimately the man climbed to the top of
a post, and threw his hat into the face of a railway porter; the
porter ran to him and struck him in the mouth two or three times,
with a force that evidently astonished him, and as his scream then
became somewhat distressing, he was ignominiously removed to the
outside of the crowd. Many other noticeable incidents occurred,
which will be found mentioned in our report. But there is one
circumstance which did not altogether develop itself at the meeting,
that we feel compelled to notice. Society, from experience, knows
that the prude is the loudest and severest advocate of virtue; but,
as Josephus has remarked, “Every man will think of this as it seemeth
good unto him.” We have noticed the Gorleston voters, we have
recorded the boastings and professions on both sides, and we have
ventilated rumours which have been so far well founded. The incident
we are about to mention we can vouch for; it is possible, should
circumstances necessitate it, of being proved. On the Wednesday
evening, mob law, intimidation, corruption, “the screw,” and all the
worst elements of electioneering were resorted to; and we regret to
say that the parties who most publicly exhibited themselves as
disorderlies were persons whom we won’t classify, but who cried out,
“Down with Lacon and Stracey” and “Three cheers for Watkin.”

“THE TIN CANISTER.”

A report had been “current that a mysterious old gentleman had arrived from somewhere with a tin canister full of sovereigns, and from the way in which he was dressed it was generally supposed that he was either a Russian or a Shrewsbury man come for the purpose of bribery. “Said person,” as the Yankees say, was seen in the rear of the balcony at the Crown and Anchor, defying anybody to penetrate the secret of his identity, but occasionally winking and ejaculating, with an occasionally eructory sound, the words, “All right—in for Watkin.” This strange gentleman departed in the evening, minus, it is said, the canister. We will now pass over the irregularities of the story, and give you the words of our informant, whose high standing and character place him beyond suspicion:—“I had attended the Yarmouth nomination, and took my railway seat, at 8.40 p.m. for Norwich. There were two or three gentlemen in the first-class compartment in which I had placed myself; and one gentleman was a peculiar sort of mysterious individual. After eyeing the party well, the gentleman gravely said, “Both sides are buying, I’m afraid, at Yarmouth.” One of the party doubted the assertion, but the ancient traveller smiled and said, “No, no.” Further explanations took place, until at length our interesting fellow-traveller volunteered this remark, after a feeler from one of the party, “You know I came down from Manchester yesterday, to see my particular friend W—. Deuced clever fellow—one of the best railway men in the country. He did wonders for the Manchester and Lincolnshire line, and if we get him in we shall expect him to be one of the best railway men we have.” One of the party asked, “Are you a Yarmouth voter, sir?” Old Traveller: “No, but I wished to see my friend W— on very particular business, and so I just came down to Yarmouth to see how his election was getting on _as well_, and to add my mite of influence.” This, perhaps, will account for the story of the tin canister. The rest we shall leave to the report.”

Mr. J. Cherry proposed, and Mr. R. Dumbleton seconded Sir E. H. K. Lacon.

Mr. R. Hammond proposed, and Mr. J. Owles seconded Mr. Watkin.

Mr. E. H. L. Preston proposed, and Mr. S. C. Marsh seconded Sir H. J. Stracey,

And Mr. J. W. Shelly proposed and Mr. P. Pullyn seconded Mr. Young.

The show of hands was in favour of Messrs. Watkin and Young, whereupon a poll was demanded for Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Sir H. J. Stracey.

May 4th.—The poll had been taken in Wards as follows:—

Lacon. Stracey. Watkin. Young. St. Nicholas’ 97 89 76 71 Market 117 113 100 99 Regent 112 108 91 88 St. George’s 102 94 89 84 Nelson 166 153 119 106 St. Andrew’s 105 102 93 88 Total 699 659 568 536

But it was stated that “there were many cases of bribery, and the defeated party threatened a petition against this ‘return.’”

May 7th.—Between £500 and £600 had been promised as subscriptions to that end.

There had been a fashionable ball at the Town Hall.

The Norfolk Artillery Militia had left for Sheerness.

Miles Swiney had been shot in the side by one of the Louth Rifles on the North Denes.

May 11th.—It had been proposed to raise a Yacht Club, Mr. H. Morgan acting as Treasurer, and £100 had been subscribed for the purpose. (N.B.—This was the starting of the Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club.)

Meetings of electors had been held to promote the petition.

May 18th.—The petition was “likely to reveal a ‘_high_ state of political morality in the Borough.’”

May 21st.—Contains the Lord Lieutenant’s proclamation as to the formation of Rifle Corps.

May 25th.—A few persons were talking of raising one of such corps at Yarmouth, but no active steps had been taken in regard thereto.

May 28th.—On the Queen’s Birthday, the Mayor had given a luncheon and ball at the Town Hall.

The testimonial “consisting of silver candelabra, &c.,” and the Corporation address had been presented to Bishop Hills at the Town Hall. Some 250 persons were present, amongst whom were—Messrs. C. J. Palmer (who presided at the luncheon), Brightwen, C. Aldred, S. Aldred, Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Reynolds, Nash, C. Cory, R. Hammond, F. Worship, W. Worship, E. Frere, F. Palmer, F. Ferrier, T. Brightwen, Captain Holmes, Dr. Smith, Rev. Nevill, Johnson, &c.

June 1st.—Contains the following report of a

“MEETING TO ESTABLISH A VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS.”

On Friday, a meeting, called by the Mayor, was held at the Town Hall,
to take into consideration certain communications which his worship
had received from General Peel, the Secretary at War, and Lord
Leicester, the Lord Lieutenant of the County. There was a very
numerous attendance. Amongst the gentlemen present were—Sir E.
Lacon, Bart., M.P., Lieutenant Colonel Beckham, Captain Naylor,
Captain Holmes, Rev. J. B. Bampton, Rev. T. Lowe, Messrs. J. H. Orde,
F. Worship, W. Worship, W. Yetts, S. C. Marsh, C. C. Aldred, C. J.
Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, J. Clowes, Foreman, &c.

The Mayor stated that he had called the meeting in consequence of
communications he had received from General Peel and the Lord
Lieutenant, and in compliance with a requisition which he had
received, and which was signed by seventy gentlemen. He read General
Peel’s letter and the requisition. He had prepared no resolution or
anything of that sort, but should leave the gentlemen assembled to
propose anything they might think proper.

Mr. W. Worship said the subject upon which they had been called
together was one upon which there could be no difference of
opinion—(hear, hear)—and in order to put the proceedings into a
practical form, he should move that a committee be appointed, which
would include Sir E. Lacon and Mr. Orde.

Mr. R. Ferrier said he had much pleasure in seconding the motion, and
he hoped it would be understood that, although they were forming a
military corps, such men as himself might be allowed to contribute to
the expenses which would be incurred in its formation. There were,
doubtless, many men in the town who could afford to pay for the
accoutrements and give up the necessary time; but there was also in
the town a fine class of men, in every way eligible, who could not
afford that. It was, therefore, in assisting the latter class that
such men as himself could be useful. (Hear, hear.) He should be
glad himself to pay the annual expenses of some man who could not
afford to do it himself; and had no objection to put his name down at
once for £10 a year. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. S. C. Marsh said he did not wish to interrupt the proceedings;
but before they formed the committee he thought they should, by some
resolution, declare it desirable to form a Rifle Corps. (Hear,
hear.) Having decided to form a corps, the next step would be to
form a committee to carry out the necessary arrangements. He was
sure Englishmen would respond to the offer that had been made them to
allow themselves to form volunteer corps for the defence of the
country. Norfolk had never been behindhand in the manifestation of
patriotic feeling, and he hoped that would not be the case on this
occasion. Yarmouth had before shown what she could do for the
Governments of England and the defence of the country, and he hoped
she was prepared to do something now. (Hear, hear.) He begged to
move “That it is expedient to establish a Volunteer Rifle Corps for
Great Yarmouth and its vicinity.”

Mr. Ferrier seconded.—Carried unanimously.

Sir E. Lacon, M.P. said he thought it highly essential that a town
like Yarmouth should take a stand and come forward at once in
obedience to the proclamation that had been issued by the Queen.
They must all put their shoulders to the wheel, and wherever they saw
a fine young fellow who was a likely man for the corps, if he did not
come forward they must ask him to do so. The duty they had to do
that day was very slight indeed, but for his own part, he would say
that he should give the movement all the encouragement that he
possibly could. (Hear, hear.) He should now move that a committee
be appointed, with power to appoint a sub-committee, and with
directions to go round the town and see what force could be got up.
(Hear, hear.) Yarmouth was a large town it was true, but there were
also districts around it out of which to draw much assistance; but he
certainly thought it would be desirable to take in the Flegg Hundreds
and the Island.

Mr. J. Clowes said there were many men in the town who, from age and
other causes, would be unable to serve in a rifle corps, but who
would be very desirous of taking part in the defence of our
shores—men who were too old to sleep all night in the marsh ditches,
or under hedges. (Laughter.) For that class of men, he thought
there should be an Artillery Corps, as many of them, though not fit
to take the field, would be ready to man a gun or work a battery.

The Mayor said it was out of the scope of the present meeting to
discuss an Artillery Corps.

Mr. Orde said Government had intended that they would sanction and
approve the formation of Artillery Corps.

Mr. Marsh’s motion was then put and carried.

Sir E. Lacon, in answer to Dr. Stephenson, said it would, no doubt,
be a desirable thing to have a mounted Rifle Corps, only they could
not get the horses, and if they could get them, many would be unable
to keep them, besides which he should object, unless he wished to see
some of them killed, to their mounting horses. (Loud laughter.) But
he might say that, at an agricultural dinner, where he was the other
day, he heard the farmers express themselves strongly in favour of a
mounted force in the Fleggs and the Island.

Mr. C. J. Palmer suggested that all who wished to support the corps,
either by serving in it or by their subscriptions, should come
forward and put down their names at once. (Hear, hear.)

The Mayor said he would take down the names of any gentlemen who
wished to join the corps. When they saw who were willing to join,
they might name a committee, and appoint some gentleman to act as
secretary. That being done, the future conduct of the movement would
remain with the committee.

The following gentlemen then gave in their names as members of the
corps:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P., Sir H. Stracey, M.P.,
Lieutenant-Colonel Beckham, S. C. Marsh, C. J. Palmer, B. Jay, R.
Ferrier, W. Worship, F. Palmer, F. Worship, W. J. Foreman, W. C.
Reynolds, S. Aldred, Dr. Stephenson, J. H. Orde, G. Harvey, G. Baker,
Rev. J. B. Bampton, H. Teasdel, J. W. Bunn, Captain Holmes, C. Brown,
J. Tomlinson, H. R. Harmer, G. Diver, H. H. Barber, J. Franklin, E.
Fyson, J. B. Stevens, J. Playford, G. B. Costerton, H. Teasdel, T. P.
Burroughs, Ambrose Palmer, A. W. Morant, Rev. T. Lowe, and J. Clowes.

Mr. R. Ferrier moved that the foregoing be appointed a committee to
carry out the arrangements for establishing the corps, with power to
appoint a sub-committee; and that Colonel Beckham be requested to act
as honorary secretary.

The motion was carried unanimously, and the book containing the list
of names was ordered to be left at the Police-station during the
ensuing week, to give persons desirous of joining the corps an
opportunity of entering their names.

The proceedings then concluded.

June 8th.—The Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club had held its first meeting on Breydon Water, and subsequently the members (who appeared in Club uniform) dined at the Club House (Norfolk Hotel), when the healths of Colonel Wilson, Commodore; F. Brown, Esq., Vice-Commodore; Mr. Everitt, of Cove Hall, (father of the Club); Mr. Scott, Aylsham, and others were duly honoured.

Mr. Bradnum’s shop at Gorleston had been struck by lightning.

June 11th.—Mr. Mellor, Q.C., M.P. for Nottingham, had presented the petition against the return of the M.Ps.

June 15th.—The Mayor and the Town Clerk had had a serious “difference of opinion,” and the former gentleman had declined to accept the “_amende honorable_” tendered him by the latter.

It was stated that some 60 persons were ready to join the Rifle Corps.

June 18th.—The paper had opened a branch office at No. 31, King Street, Great Yarmouth, with Mr. Clarke as correspondent.

Lord Chelmsford, before resigning the seals, had appointed Mr. Francis Worship, Mr. John Clarke, and Mr. E. P. Youell, Magistrates for the Borough.

June 22nd.—A meeting had been held at St. George’s Hall, (Mr. Harrison in the chair), for the purpose of taking steps to advertise the town.

Forty invalid soldiers had arrived at the Royal Naval Hospital.

June 29th.—There now appeared to be two petitions lodged against the return of Sir E. H. K. Lacon and Sir H. J. Stracey, one signed by Mr. John Clowes (solicitor), and the other by Mr. Bayly (surgeon) and Mr. Pilgrim (draper).

A meeting of the first Company of Volunteers had been held at Crowe’s Sale-rooms. This body now numbered 90 men, the second Company having 56 members. Mr. Dumbleton occupied the chair, and Mr. Marsh having explained the position of affairs, the following gentlemen were elected officers:—Mr. Marsh (captain), and Mr. Foreman (first), Mr. Brown (second), and Mr. Preston (third) Lieutenants.

July 2nd.—The second Company had met at the Angel. Major Nesbitt presided, and the following officers were elected:—Mr. Orde (captain), Mr. E. P. Youell (Lieutenant), and Mr. J. Tomlinson, jun., (ensign).

There were from 8,000 to 10,000 persons on the Piers, Drive, &c., on Sunday evening.

July 6th.—Mr. Mellor had given notice that he should call attention to the state of the Yarmouth Bench of Magistrates.

The following cricket match had been played on the South Denes:—

MR. OVEREND’S SIDE. MR. WILLIS’ SIDE. Mr. Lawry 7 Mr. Ling 1 Mr. Jackson 3 Mr. Borlase 5 Mr. Fenner 1 Mr. Ellis 0 Lieutenant Townley 12 Mr. Larke 0 Mr. Ablitt 7 Mr. Clarke 2 Mr. Overend 7 Mr. Willis 1 Mr. Cocks 0 Mr. Davey 8 Mr. Edwards 0 Mr. T. B. Stevenson 17 Mr. Baker 0 Mr. Tewsley 4 Dr. Stephenson 4 Mr. Stolworthy 0 Mr. Wright 4 Mr. Green 0 Byes 2 Byes 5 Wides 2 Wides 5 Total 41 Total 48

Afterwards the players dined at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.

July 16th.—Owing to his altercation with the Town Clerk, the Mayor declined to attend the meetings of the Council.

July 20th.—One of the petitions against the M.Ps’ return had been withdrawn.

The Rifle Companies numbered over 200. Mr. Orde’s Company mustered 80 at their first drill in the Barrack Square.

There were then on the Parish Books 272 indoor and 1,247 outdoor paupers, as against 1,134 in the preceding year.

July 27th.—Lieutenant-Colonel Mason had retired from the command of the East Norfolk Militia.

The Foresters had held a “gala” at the Vauxhall Gardens.

Aug. 3rd.—A very large number of Speaker’s Warrants had been issued in connection with the Election Petition.

Aug. 13th.—Eliza, second daughter of S. C. Marsh, Esq., had been married to Captain Burke, of the Louth Rifles, at the Roman Catholic and St. Nicholas’ Churches. The bridesmaids were Miss Marsh, the Misses Victoria, Louisa and Emily Marsh and Miss Waters; the bridegroom’s men were Major Taafe and the officers of the Louth Rifles, and the carriages of Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Marsh, Mr. and Mrs. Palmer Kemp, Mr. and Mrs. W. Danby-Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. W. Walpole, Mr. and Mrs. Dashwood and others were present on the occasion.

The Donegal Regiment was to succeed the Louth Rifles at Yarmouth.

Aug. 17th.—The transport “Himalaya” had brought the former, and taken away the latter regiment; the Louth Rifles had given a ball on board that ship.

Aug. 20th.—The porch of the Parish Church was being restored.

There had been a great deal of rain, but the town was very full of visitors.

Aug. 24th.—It was reported that the shock of an earthquake had been felt at Hopton.

One hundred and fifty Horse Artillery had been encamped on the North Denes.

Mr. Marsh’s Company of Volunteers were to be equipped as Artillery.

Mr. Orde’s Company had drilled on the South Denes in public for the first time.

The expenses of the Borough Election had been returned by the auditor as follows:—Conservatives, £809 15s.; Liberals, £603 17s. 4d.

Visitors were flocking to the town, and it was supposed that the standard population had thus been doubled; beds were fetching the “highest prices.”

The “Prophet Jack” was preaching on the Beach.

Sept. 3rd.—Among the company present at the Races were Count Batthyany, Lord W. Powlett, the Hon. Harbord Harbord, Colonel Wilson, Sir E. H. K. Lacon, M.P., and Sir H. J. Stracey, M.P.

Sept. 7th.—Colonel Henderson had attended at Yarmouth to report on the proposed Artillery Corps, and had informed the Mayor and Mr. Marsh that it “would have every encouragement from the Government.”

William Ingram, a labourer, had been scalded to death in Mr. Frosdick’s Tanning Copper.

Sept. 10th.—The Magistrates had had another “warm” discussion on Licensing Day, as to the granting of new licenses.

There were 400 cases of appeal against the Poor’s Rate from the St. George’s Ward. The Overseers proposed to compound up to a rental of £6 10s. per annum.

The Rev. W. Griffiths had been “ordained” at the King Street Chapel.

Two or three “Dutch schuyts” had visited the port.

The officers of Mr. Orde’s Company had received their commissions.

The Donegal Militia had marched out for their first drill on the Denes under the command of Major Todd.

Sept. 17th.—The 6th annual meeting of the Elocution Society had been held, Mr. W. Gill in the chair, when Mr. Lovewell Blake, the Secretary, brought up a favourable report of the proceedings of the Society.

There were a great number of Rate appeals from the North Ward.

The Mayor having determined to commit a prisoner named Angel, (in which course the other Justices did not concur) left the Bench, and had intimated by letter “That he should not sit again as a Magistrate.” Next day His Worship again informed the Bench that he had been misled by Mr. Holt, and that he should not sit.

Sept. 21st.—Three “gents” having hired a house in Brandon Terrace, had been victimising the tradesmen.

Sept. 24th.—Two of these persons, who gave the names of Thomas T. George, and William Arnall, had been before the Bench and ordered to find two sureties for the peace in £50 each, themselves being bound for £100 each; subsequently George was bailed out by his stepfather, a London gentleman, who stated that the prisoner was an articled clerk in receipt of £200 a year from his mother.

The North Sea herring voyage was “fairly alive,” as much as £30 a last having been realised for some of the fish.

Sept. 28th.—The following were the tenders for the Ballast dues:—James Pumfrey. £405; D. S. Bayfield, £375; and Jacob Preston, £600. The late lessee, Mr. J. H. Harrison, did not send in a tender.

Mr. Preston, however, subsequently threw up his tender, and the dues were offered to Mr. Smith (an ex-lessee) for £550 per annum.

There had been a “fine illustration of the Northern Lights.”

Oct. 1st.—A special meeting of the Council had been held as to the Ballast question, when Mr. C. C. Aldred stated “they had been called together through Mr. Preston’s tomfoolery.”

Captain Marsh and Lieutenant Foreman had received their commissions, and thereupon taken the oaths before the Magistrates.

Oct. 5th.—The Revision of the Voters’ Lists had been proceeded with before Mr. Couch, Mr. W. C. Reynolds representing the Tories and Mr. Costerton the Liberals. The latter claimed a gain of four votes as the result of the proceedings.

Fifty members of the 1st Norfolk Artillery Volunteers had been sworn in by B. Fenn, Esq., and were subsequently entertained by their officers at the Crown and Anchor Hotel.

A Poor’s Rate of 1s. 4d. in the £ (to raise £3,365 3s.) had been signed.

One Corporal and three Privates of the Donegal Militia had been heavily fined by the Justices for assaulting Mr. Nall (printer) and several policemen.

Oct. 22nd.—Lord Claude Hamilton and officers of the Donegal Militia had entertained the officers of the French steamer “Galilee.”

Oct. 26th.—The appointment of officers and non-commissioned officers in the Volunteer Companies had been made, as follows:—

Artillery Company: Captain: S. C. Marsh; Lieutenant: Foreman; Sergeant-Major: Franklin; Sergeants: Dumbleton, Moody, and Stolworthy; Corporals: Suffling, Clarke, and Clements; Armoury-Sergeant: Offord; Orderly Clerk: Sergeant Crowe.

Rifle Company: Captain: J. H. Orde; Lieutenant: Youell; Ensign: J. Tomlinson, junr.; Sergeants: Harmer, Bunn, Preston, and James; Corporals: Dick, Willis, Fellows, and Pearson.

Oct. 29th.—Sixty feet of the Britannia Pier had been carried away by a vessel during a gale which prevailed on the coast.

Mr. Chapman had retired from the representation of the Regent Ward.

Nov. 2nd.—The “Shipping Interest” was in a distressed state.

The Herring Fishing was going on satisfactorily, £15 per last being given for fish.

Nov. 5th.—Five wards had been contested. In the _Regent Ward_ Mr. S. B. Cory beating Mr. F. Palmer by one vote. The following were the Councillors elected:—_North_: W. N. Burroughs and H. Boulter. _Market_: C. C. Aldred and F. Worship. _Regent_: S. C. Marsh and S. B. Cory. _St. George_: J. G. Plummer and J. C. Smith. _Nelson_: G. D. Palmer and C. E. Bartram. _Gorleston_: E. H. L. Preston and H. Teasdel.

Among the company present at a Ball held at the Town Hall, were—The Mayor and Miss Steward, Lieut.-Colonel Lord Hamilton, M.P., and Lady Hamilton, the Hon. Harbord Harbord, Sir H. Stracey, Bart., M.P., and Lady Stracey, Lady Plumridge, Mr. and Mrs. I. Preston and the Misses Preston, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Palmer, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. L. Preston, Mr. and Mrs. A. Steward, and the Misses Steward, Captain and Mrs. Marsh, Captain J. H. Orde, Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds, Mr. F. Danby-Palmer, Dr. Smith, Mr. Tilson, &c.

Herring was making from £18 to £20 per last.

Bribery had been practised (it was stated) in the Regent Ward, “to a disgraceful extent.”

A drinking fountain was being erected at the north end of the Town Hall.

On Tuesday, the gale which had commenced on the previous Tuesday abated, and the weather since that day, had continued to improve.

The Regatta Committee Accounts showed a balance in hand of about £60.

Nov. 12th.—At the Council Meeting, Mr. R. Ferrier proposed, and Mr. Nightingale seconded, Mr. William Worship as Mayor, and he was unanimously elected to that office.

The retiring Aldermen were Messrs. T. Bunn, G. S. Shingles, W. C. Reynolds, J. G. Rivett, I. Shuckford, and E. P. Youell, the following Aldermen were elected:—Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., T. Bunn, G. S. Shingles, I. Shuckford, E. P. Youell, and R. Purdy.

Nov. 16th.—Owing to the damage sustained by the structure, it had been determined to shorten the Britannia Pier by about 100 feet.

“ON ALDERMANIC SIXES.”

“At Norwich, Tories loud complain,
’Cause Liberals are elected;
At Yarmouth, he’s alleged _insane_
Who growls that they’re rejected.”

Nov. 23rd.—The Municipal Elections on November 21st had been held as follows:—

_Regent Ward_. Mr. W. C. Reynolds 110 Mr. Frederick Palmer 77 _St. Andrew’s Ward_. Mr. Richmond elected without opposition.

Nov. 26th.—A dinner had been held at the Town Hall in honour of R. Steward, Esq., the ex-Mayor. Sir E. H. K. Lacon presided, and C. J. Palmer and J. B. Hylton occupied the vice-chairs.

It was proposed to raise, by shares, £8,000 for the purpose of building Assembly-rooms on the Marine Drive.

Nov. 30th.—The Rifle Company had met “in full dress at the Victoria-gardens,” mustering between 80 and 90 strong on this occasion.

Dec. 3rd.—The foundation-stone of the “Wherryman’s Church” had been laid by W. Worship, Esq., the Mayor.

The Mayor had presented rich window hangings and carpets to the Town Hall.

Dec. 7th.—It was proposed to form a second Company of Artillery Volunteers.

The Rifle Corps had dined at the Corn Hall, when Captain Orde presided, and the Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Captain Marsh, Lieutenant Foreman, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), had been present.

Dec. 17th.—At the Mayor’s Inaugural Dinner, 150 gentlemen had attended, the Volunteer Officers appearing in full uniform. The following took part in the after-dinner proceedings:—The Mayor, Lord C. Hamilton, Rev. H. Nevill, Lord Sondes, Mr. E. Howes, M.P., Sir E. H. K. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Recorder, (Mr. N. Palmer), Captain Orde, Captain Marsh, Mr. F. Worship, the Town Clerk, Mr. R. Ferrier, and Captain Donelly.

Mr. E. R. Palmer had offered a prize of £3 3s., to be shot for by the 1st N.A.V.

The Mayor had presented £50 to the District Visiting Society.

About 100 Rate Summonses had been issued.

Dec. 21st.—The Rifle Volunteers had attended St. Nicholas’ Church on Sunday in uniform.

The Magistrates were discussing the question as to who was entitled, in the absence of the Mayor, to the chair at the Petty Sessions.

Dec. 24th.—The Rev. F. W. Johnson, Minister of St. John’s, had died in London somewhat suddenly.

1860.

Jan. 4th.—The Artillery Company had secured the services of a band, and armed the trumpeters “with swords.”

Several herring boats had again proceeded to sea.

Jan. 7th.—Mr. Hulley and Sergeant Cattermole were playing in the N.A.V. Band.

Jan. 11th.—The “canard” that one of the M.Ps. intended to retire was denied.

Petitions were being largely signed in favour of marriage with a deceased wife’s sister.

About 30 gentlemen had attended the dinner of the Amicable Shipping Club, including Mr. Gourlay (who presided), the Mayor, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Martin, &c.

Jan. 14th.—It was stated that Mr. French (whose smacks had been sold under a deed of assignment) had lost his wife’s stays, in which a sum of £400 was sewn up, and that the reward offered was £50 or £100.

Jan. 18th.—The daughter of Mr. R. Guthrie (aged 6 years) had been run over by a cart.

Mr. Bowgin’s house at Southtown had been broken into and several articles stolen therefrom.

Court “Bear of the Forest,” 3187, had celebrated its first anniversary at the Bear Inn, Southtown. Fifty members sat down to dinner, Bros. Mitchell and Palmer occupying the chair and vice-chair respectively.

Several houses had been broken into by thieves.

Jan. 25th.—The Rev. H. Nevill had “politely requested” well dressed persons not to frequent the Beachman’s Church.

“Ghosts” were said to haunt Southtown, and had specially amazed one Macdonald, an engine cleaner at the Southtown Station.

Jan. 28th.—The following further appointments had been made in the N.A.V.:—Corporal: W. Marsh. Bombardiers: Rees, J. Fish, J. Taylor, and J. Myhill. Acting ditto.: J. Bartram, R. Dumbleton, T. W. Larke, and W. Hunt.

Feb. 4th.—At a meeting of the N.A.V., held at the Victoria Gardens, Lieut. Foreman and Gunner Morant were recommended to the Lord Lieutenant as Captain and Lieutenant of the second Battery which it was proposed to raise.

The Donegal Militia had given an entertainment at the Town Hall from 2.30 to 6.30 o’clock; the Band attended, and the company enjoyed a dance.

A second Company of Volunteers was being raised.

Bro. W. Wright had been installed W.M. of Lodge “Friendship.”

Feb. 8th.—It was supposed that the Prince of Orange was likely to become the husband of the Princess Alice.

Wild rifle practice was being indulged in at Cobholm Island and other parts of the town, to the danger of the inhabitants.

Feb. 11th.—W. Rising, Esq. had presided at the annual Market Dinner at the White Horse, when Mr. Mortlock Lacon had repudiated the suggestion that Sir Edmund intended to retire from the representation of the town.

The Medical Staff of the Military Hospital had given a ball to 120 guests at the Town Hall.

Mr. C. Melly had erected a drinking fountain in front of the Port Dues Office.

“Tom Sayers” was reported to be about to spend three weeks in the town previous to his “set to” with Heenan, the American.

Feb. 15th.—W. Worship, Esq., (Mayor and Chairman of the Board of Guardians) had given a treat to 293 inmates of the Workhouse.

Feb. 18th.—An amateur performance had been given at the Theatre in aid of the Hospital. In the first piece _Used Up_, Captain Hayes, Mr. Robert Harmer, Dr. Kingdom, Sergeant-Major Greaves, Captain Darcus, J. McCormick, Esq., Ensign Lecky and two professional ladies appeared. Sergeant Bonner then danced an Irish jig, after which the _Irish Attorney_ was given, in which the parts of the Attorney and Hawk were taken by Mr. Courtenay and Mr. Burton Steward, and the performance terminated with _Done on both sides_. About £25 was thus realised for the charity.

There had been a “great fire” on the Middle Market Road.

Many persons who had promised to subscribe to the “Petition Fund” were “backing out.”

E. P. Youell, Esq., was to be Captain of the 2nd Company of Rifle Volunteers.

On Valentine’s Day the ladies took great advantage of the fact of its being “Leap Year” in sending these missives to the gentlemen.

Feb. 22nd.—The Donegal Militia had given a second afternoon dance at the Town Hall.

Mr. T. M. Read had been elected second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.

“Monday was Cock (antique) or Orange Fair, when the Market Place was thronged by the usual ‘fair’ attractions.”

March 3rd.—“A most violent and destructive hurricane” had visited the town and country.

The petition had been heard, and the members retained their seats, which news had caused great rejoicing amongst the Tories, while “the money” question was likely to cause some trouble to the petitioners.

Captain Foreman and Lieutenant Morant had been gazetted to the first N.A.V.

The following had been elected officers of the second Company of Rifles:—Captain, Mr. Youell; Lieutenant, Mr. Harmer; Ensign, Mr. E. Preston.

An untanned leather bag, containing 70 coins of the reign of Henry VIII. had been found on the Beach after a great thickness of sand had been blown away by the late westerly gale.

March 10th.—Lieutenant Read and 70 members of the N.A.V. had escorted Captain Marsh, Captain Foreman, Lieutenant Morant, and Dr. Stephenson to the Railway Station on their proceeding to the Leveè; the other officers then present were Captain Orde, Lieutenant Youell, Ensign Tomlinson, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer, of the Rifles.

March 24th.—The “Donegals” had celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, beginning at five o’clock in the morning. In the afternoon the Officers gave another dance at the Town Hall and entertained a numerous party of friends at their mess at the Southtown Barracks.

April 7th.—Mr. J. Lee-Barber had been elected a Second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.

In the Rifle Corps, Corporals Dick and Pearson and Privates Barber and Cobb had been elected Sergeants.

April 11th.—On Good Friday both Volunteer Corps had “fraternised” and drilled together on the Denes; it was estimated that on this occasion, which was the first “turn out” of the kind, from 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, including Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Captain Holmes, Major Todd, and many ladies and gentlemen, were present.

April 14th.—There had been a grand Conservative banquet at the Theatre, at which 350 persons were present. Mr. R. Dumbleton occupied the chair, and was supported by Sir E. Lacon, Bart., M.P., Sir H. Stracey, Bart., M.P., the Mayor (W. Worship, Esq.), F. Worship, C. Cory, and C. J. Palmer, Esqs., Captain Marsh, Captain Mansfield, and Officers of the Donegal Militia and others; Mr. W. Wright and Mr. R. Breeze occupied the vice-chairs; Mr. Franklin catered for the party.

Messrs. Steward and Aldred had been re-elected Churchwardens by the Vestry.

April 25th.—The following Volunteer officers had been entertained at the Donegal Mess:—Captain Marsh, Lieutenants Burton Steward, A. W. Morant, John Lee Barber, and T. M. Read, and Dr. Stephenson (1st N.A.V.), and Captain Youell, Lieutenants Tomlinson, and Harmer, Ensigns Preston and Brown, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer (4th N.R.V.).

April 28th.—Great complaint was made as to the mode of levying the Poor’s Rate.

In the Divorce Court, James Cherry, Esq., had obtained a decree for the restitution of conjugal rites against his wife, who was entitled to the income derived from a sum of £8,000.

May 5th.—The Mayor had given a grand Ball at the Town Hall, when dancing was kept up until four o’clock in the morning.

The E.N.M. had been inspected on the Denes by Major-General Douglas. The Rifle Volunteers were also on the ground.

Bro. Hanworth, Secretary of the “Good Samaritan” Lodge, M.U.O.F., had been presented with an ornamental silver inkstand.

May 9th.—A Ball “of a very elegant character” had taken place at the Town Hall.

The E.N.M. had been disembodied, when “many of the men celebrated the event by getting drunk.”

The 1st N.A.V. had received 19,000 cartridges and 23,000 percussion caps.

A fine porpoise had been gambolling in the river, near the Haven Bridge.

May 16th.—The first lot of mackerel (300 fish) had been landed, and realised £4 per hundred.

May 23rd.—On the Queen’s Birthday, the 1st N.A.V. had fired a salute from the South Star Battery.

There was a scarcity of labour in the town.

May 26th.—The “launching foy” of the “Caroline” had been held in the Town Hall (this vessel had been launched from Powell’s yard, after being repaired at the expense of £5,000.)

May 30th.—From 40 to 50 lives had been lost off Yarmouth in a “fearful hurricane,” during which one of the pinnacles had been blown off St. Peter’s Church and damage done to the fabric to the extent of some £200.

June 2nd.—Sixty recruits were drilling for the Rifle Corps.

Mr. Watkin had addressed a “Reform” meeting at the Corn Hall.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Northampton had confirmed 50 children and adults at St. Mary’s Church, Regent Road.

June 7th.—It was now stated that eleven fishing luggers had been lost with all hands.

Twelve fishermen out of the village of Horsey alone had been drowned.

The 1st. N.A.V. were forming a 3rd Company, of which Lieutenant Lee-Barber was to be Captain, Mr. Trafford 1st Lieutenant, and Mr. Green 2nd Lieutenant.

June 13th.—Fayerman (one of the witnesses at the hearing of the Election Petition) had been charged by Sir E. Lacon with perjury, while arising out of this charge actions for slander were being brought against that gentleman by some aggrieved “Blues.”

June 16th.—A meeting had been held at the Town Hall to raise a fund for the relief of the widows and children of the fishermen lost in the recent gales. About £500 was raised in the room.

June 20th.—The Mackerel voyage was only a “moderate success.” This fish was making 36s., and herring 12s. 6d., per hundred.

June 23rd.—Henry Fayerman had been committed for trial on a charge of perjury.

The Rifle Volunteers had shown themselves “remarkably well instructed in the theory and practice of the rifle.”

£2,240 had been raised for the families of the drowned fishermen.

“The actions against Sir E. Lacon for libelling the Liberal Committee had been postponed to next term.”

July 4th contains the following account of the

VISIT OF THE CHANNEL FLEET.

The Channel Fleet has at length visited our Roads, much to the
gratification of thousands of the Queen’s lieges, as well as to the
galling disappointment of thousands of the same excellent body. The
squadron came in in the open day, clear to the gaze of multitudes,
but disappeared like a majestic phantom in the night. A little more
than a week ago we were informed that the Channel Fleet had, after an
anchorage of sixteen days in St. Margaret’s Hope, Frith of Forth,
left its moorings under canvas, with auxiliary steam power, and
proceeded down the Frith and out to sea, destined for the Yarmouth
Roads. As we stated in our last impression, the consequence of that
information being diffused was to put all the speculators and
quidnuncs of the town and neighbourhood on the alert. Leaving St.
Margaret’s Hope on the Saturday, the fleet would certainly, it was
argued, be here on the Tuesday, on which day the Marine Parade and
the Beach were literally swarmed with expectant people, whose glasses
were searching the waters in every direction; but, owing either to
the perversity of Admiral Neptune, the weather office, or the
Vice-Admiral in command (who is admitted by everyone to be a pleasant
and courteous gentleman), the fleet did not arrive. Much
disappointment and innumerable prophecies followed, and while some
knowing individuals averred positively, and “on undoubted authority”
that the fleet had passed and would not come in here, others were
equally confident, on the strength of telegrams and “unquestionable
information,” that the great ships would be seen, on the “next
flood.” As, however, they put in no appearance up to Friday evening,
the conviction that they had omitted us began to be pretty general,
especially when “undoubted authority” satisfied us that the squadron
had been seen some distance to the south of this port, namely, in the
Wold. A few persons held out, notwithstanding their belief that the
ships would visit us, and were stirring early on Saturday morning to
catch the latest intelligence, when lo! the rumour spread that the
fleet was in sight. People began hurrying to the Beach, which,
between 8 and 10 o’clock a.m. presented, as to throng and bustle, an
appearance equal to that of Tuesday, with the single exception that
the fair sex had not had time to put on the gay attire in which they
looked so well on that day. As the Royal Albert, three decker, flag
ship of Vice-Admiral Freemantle, came in sight, the cry was, “There
they are!” and as the magnificent vessel steamed up into the gat
there appeared something so triumphant and majestic in her appearance
as to make every one who saw her feel proud of the “wooden walls,”
which have so long defied all the enemies of Old England. Britannia
from the top of the lofty pedestal in front of the gatway might look
down with pride upon the splendid ship which marched in stately
grandeur “o’er the mountain waves.” The Royal Albert was seen to be
followed by a long dark line of smoke, and every few minutes other
great ships came in sight moving apparently with ease and
controllable but irresistible force. As the flagship came through
the gat of St. Nicholas, the dense masses of people who lined the
shore expressed in a variety of forms their admiration of the
dimensions and commanding aspect of this great three decker. The
seafaring people looked at the matter with a professional eye, and
amongst them might frequently be heard such expressions as “Old
Rounce (the Gorleston pilot) is bringing her in stunnin!” On came
the great ship,—as gracefully and as gently as a swan would move upon
the surface of an untroubled lake,—until she was surprisingly near
the shore for a ship of her size. She then glided round in a most
beautiful manner, as if looking for the best place to drop her
anchor, a point which was soon decided, when it was found that she
was in about an exact line with the Victoria Hotel. The sight in the
gatway had now become grand in the extreme, as all the line of battle
ships were in sight, moving majestically forward by the aid of power
unseen, while the flagship was actively engaged in signalling to the
various ships as they came up as to the respective positions they
were to take. The ships seemed to be managed with perfect ease, and
could be turned or moved in any direction with surprising celerity.
The scene while they were taking up their positions and dropping
their anchors was beautiful and will not soon be forgotten by those
who saw it.

The Locust, steam tender, had arrived in the Roads previously, and
the ships that arrived with the Royal Albert, which has 121 guns, and
carries 1,100 men, were the Edgar, 91, flagship of the Rear-Admiral
Erskine, the Mersey frigate, 40; the Donegal, 101; the Trafalgar, 91;
the Conqueror, the Centurion, the Mars, the Diadem, the Algiers, the
Aboukir, and the Greyhound corvette, 17, acting as tender to the
Royal Albert. The fleet anchored in two lines, and presented a most
gratifying spectacle to the inhabitants, who felt what a security it
must be in a time of war, while at the same time they could not
refrain from reflecting on the terrible havoc that must be committed
were those quiet-looking ships to unbosom their thunders, and vent
their indignation upon the town for a space of about five minutes.
Soon after the Vice-Admiral’s flag ship had anchored, the Volunteer
Artillery fired a salute of 15 guns, but owing to the regulations of
the service, the ship was precluded from returning the compliment.
The band of the Artillery subsequently played on the Drive, and gave
a festive character to the morning. Reports rapidly got afloat as to
how long the fleet would stay, some contending that it would not go
till Wednesday, as the Admiral and officers had accepted an
invitation to a ball which the Mayor purposed giving at the Town Hall
on Tuesday evening; while, on the other hand, it was asserted that
the fleet would depart in the course of the night, as during the day
they received five or six despatches from the Admiralty, and thus
disappoint the thousands who it was expected would come into the town
by rail on Sunday. Neither of the predictions turned out to be true.
Had the ships not been detained at sea by the contrary winds, which
caused them to keep steam up even to the last, they would have been
here for four or five days. Before coming in they had for two or
three days been within 60 miles of us, trying to reach here with
their sails alone. They had not been long at anchor before sundry
mariners and bare-footed frolicsome and reckless tars, were seen
ashore, lugging away immense baskets of fresh bread, butter, &c., and
diversifying this duty by fraternising with as many of the girlhood
of the place as they happened to come in contact with. The Blue
Jackets are decided favourites ashore, and few people seem disposed
to prevent them doing as they please. It would give great
satisfaction to the inhabitants of this town, if, in their annual
cruises, the Channel Squadron would occasionally drop in here, for we
are sure that their present visit, besides being advantageous to the
town, will obtain many seamen; for who would wander about in a rotten
and miserable old collier when he might lead a worthy and a jolly
life amongst excellent fellows, on board a floating tower and mansion
equal to the most convenient and best regulated establishments
ashore? It is a long time since a fleet was seen in our Roads,
although there is probably no point upon the coast where so much
shipping passes as this. The last fleet that was in the Roads was in
1810, under the command of Admiral Somers, whose flagship was the
Victory (Nelson’s old ship), and that fleet passed here on its way to
the Baltic, the ports of which it was going to blockade. There were
then in the fleet besides the Admiral’s ship of 98 guns, the
Formidable, 98; the St. George, 98; the Dreadnought, 98, now a
hospital ship, and a number of 74’s, making together fourteen sail,
some of which were with Admiral Sir John Ross, at the blockade of
Dantzic, in 1812 (and frozen up there in 1813). In 1801, Nelson was
in here on his way to Copenhagen, and in 1807, Admiral Gambier’s
fleet was bound for the same place, and sailing hence fetched in the
ships and stores of the Danes. In the time of those fleets, the
North Sea and Baltic Pilots of this port were of great service—a
class of men of whom, we believe, only one remains. His name is
Richard Webb. He was frozen up in the Baltic in 1812, while acting
as pilot (wintered there during the burning of Moscow), and was
altogether engaged for 15 years in piloting government vessels in the
wars of that time, important services for which the old boy alleges
he has received nothing but unfulfilled promises from the “great
guns” aloft. One would think that an old sailor who had served in
the “battle and the breeze” for so long a period, and in such
momentous times, ought to have received some substantial recognition
of his services.