This is the burlesque election referred to at [column 825], when “upwards of 50,000 people were, on that ludicrous occasion, assembled at Wandsworth.”
That notice, with the interesting letter concerning the origin of this popular custom, from Mr. Massey to Dr. Ducarel, on [column 826], was inserted with other particulars, in the last sheet, for the purpose of inciting attention to the subject and under an expectation that the request there urged, for further information, might be further complied with. The hope has been realized to a certain extent, and there will now be placed before the reader the communications of correspondents, and whatever has been obtained from personal intercourse with those who remember the old elections for Garrett.
To mention the earliest within remembrance, it is proper to say that this public burlesque was conducted in 1777 with great spirit; sir John Harper was then elected, and a man in armour rode in that procession. The name of this champion was “Jem Anderson,” a breeches-maker of Wandsworth, and a wonderful humorist.
At sir John Harper’s election, on the 25th of June, 1781, he had six rivals to contend with. A printed bill now before the editor, sets forth their titles and qualifications in the following manner:—
“THE GARRATT ELECTION.
“The Possessions and Characters of the Seven Candidates that put up for that Great and Important Office, called
THE MAYOR OF GARRETT.
“Sir Jeffery Dunstan, sir William Blase, sir Christopher Dashwood, sir John Harper, sir William Swallowtail, sir John Gnawpost, and sir Thomas Nameless.