When he got home he was most worried.
Many hundred comical verses by this singular man have perished from memory since his death, but Ben was a great Tory in his time, and his latter days were sustained by political association and sympathy. The old man at last became houseless and very poor, and was eventually removed to the Workhouse, where he died in 1851, being upwards of eighty years of age.
TO THE FREE AND INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Gentlemen,
The proceedings of this morning at the Hustings having through your united generous efforts resulted in my being elected as your Representative in the ensuing Parliament, I hasten to tender you my most heartfelt acknowledgments for the honour you have conferred upon me in placing me in the proud position which it is now my privilege to occupy.
I abstain from referring to the contest, which during my canvass appeared to be before me, and I cheerfully congratulate you on the peaceful and successful termination of the struggle in which we have been engaged.
To you, Gentlemen, the victory is due; a more enlightened, faithful, and zealous body of supporters never rallied round a Candidate, even to vindicate the great right of Municipal Independence.
Gentlemen, my political principles are now well known to you, they have been unreservedly communicated, and have your unqualified approbation. Believe me, it shall be my study vigorously to aid in giving effect to them in the House of Commons, and also to further all measures of local improvement or general principle which have the approval of my Constituents.
I trust, Gentlemen, I shall ere long have an opportunity of renewing my personal acquaintance with you, and by interchanging those sentiments and feelings which have animated and sustained us in the contest now happily at an end.
Till then I bid you farewell; and once more offering you my grateful acknowledgements,