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 Shelly, 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 fishing 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 Cockle,” 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 assembly 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 petition 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.”