The dashing Colonel's testimony in favour of Cockle's pills was the cause of many jokes at his expense in the election squibs. Messrs. Stone and Lowe were prominent members of the Birmingham Conservative party.
"Home they brought the news with dread!
He nor swore nor uttered cry:
His committee watching said,
He must weep, or he will die.
"Then they praised him, Stone and Lowe,
And called him worthy to be loved,
Jingo's friend and Gladstone's foe,
Yet he neither swore nor moved.
"Rose up Calthorpe from his place,