I remain, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
JAMES BALDWIN.
Committee Room, July 6th, 1852.
The nomination day arrived in due course, and each side marshalled its force of electors and non-electors to hear the speeches, see the farce, and join in the banter and fun of the day. This election, however, was different in respectability from the last miserable show of Chartistism; because both candidates were gentlemen, and in their individual position men of high moral character and standing, which cannot always be reported about Dudley candidates for Parliamentary honours.
The election came off July 8th, 1852, with a few black eyes and damaged hats, and the result was,—
| Mr. Benbow, Conservative | 400 |
| Mr. Baldwin, Liberal | 231 |
| —— | |
| Majority for Mr. Benbow | 169 |
Thus it was that Mr. Baldwin trotted back to Birmingham (rather crest-fallen) with his paper waggon and fiery steeds, whilst Mr. Benbow, the member (not of the electors of Dudley), returned to his books and his papers in Mecklenburgh Square, London.
Died July 22nd, 1852, Mr. John Holland, Builder and Contractor, Dudley. This melancholy death took place suddenly in a fit at a gipsy party. Aged 58 years.
Died August 18th, 1852, Sergeant Paine, an old Peninsular soldier, having hung himself in a fit of insanity. Aged 64 years.