The Sun.
London, England, 1830-09-17 00:00:00

TAUNTON ELECTION.

DINNER AND PRESENTATION OF A PIECE OF
PLATE, TO LIEUT.-GENERAL PEACHY.

Tuesday, the 24th of August, proved a day of
considerable importance and gratification to the Blue
party of Taunton ; early in the morning the bells
rang merrily, and persons were Been busy in deco-
rating themselves and families in the favourite azure
emblem; the managing supporters of General
Peachy bad considered it more prudent to avoid a
public precession, but the importunities of his friends
were so urgent, that the objection was cheerfully
removed, and in a few hours the Blue Banners that
were then decorating the walls of the banquet room
at the Castle, were transferred to the pole. At two
o'clock the procession was formed at the Eastern
Turnpike, from whence it conducted the General
through the principal streets of the town ; the
number of blue banners with the variety of devices
34d each person of the numerous assemblage wearing
a " bunch' Of blue ribbons" exhibited an appearance
highly interesting. The General was warmly greeted
from the windows as he passed,and from the hearty
flourish of his proud colour from " fairer hands," it
was certain that the " mere delightful portion of the
creation" were among his strenuous supporters.
The band selected many favourite airs on the occa-
sion, and when near the Parade it struck up the in-
spiring air of " All the blue bonnets, &c." The
General was conducted to Mr. Winter's, where he
addressed a few heartfelt sentences to the multitude,
and concluded by hoping to have the pleasure of
meeting many of them at dinner, and that all would
enjoy themselves on the Parade in the evening, in the
truly delightful recreation ofa dance. The banquet room
at the Castle Tavern, presented another proof of that
high taste, and graceful, as well as accommodating ar-
rangement, for vm hich Miss Sweet is
,so eminent.
At four o'clock upwards of 140 persons sat down
to dinner. Mr. W. Klatch Cox us the proposer of
General Peachy presided, assisted by Mr. Jesse and
Mr. Bullen. We observed at the head of the table
General Slade, Major Eliot, Capt. Ileley, E. J.
Esdeile, Esq., Charles Col field, Esq., William King.
lake, Esq., Thomas Mulet Charter, Esq., Rev. J.
Badcock, Rev. 11. Bower, &c. &c. On the re-
moval of the cloth we were much gratified to wit-
ness so considerable an addition to the already beauti-
ful appearance of the room, by the entrance of a bril-
liant cortege of ladies, who thus gave Vf nt to a little
pardonable curiosity to witness the presentation and
acceptance of the Plate. The President requested
every gentleman would follow his example by filling
a bumper, in which he gave " The King, and may
his liberal and generous Policy be an Example to
the World," after which the music in the orchestra
struck up the national air " God save the King."
As soon as the tremendous applause which followed
this toast had subsided, and the apologies for non-
attendance from Col. Barrow, and other gentlemen
had been read, a deputation consisting of six poor
voters, and six of the first tally, and preceded by
Mr. Richard White (the first voter polled), entered
the room followed by two persons bearing the
salver, supported on a splendid blue silk cushion,
most tastefully decorated with choice flowers, the
band playing " Bonnets of Blue." Mr. Richard
White then requested the President would oblige
the friends of General Peachy by presenting to that
respected gentleman this piece of plate, in testimony
of their acknuwledgmeut of his faithful political ome•
duct, and his general integrity and honour.
Mr. W. B. Cox then rose and said—" General
Peachy—l feel the highest pride and satisfaction in
being selected by my brother Blue electors to have
the honour of presenting you with this humble
tribute of respect for your independent conduct in
Parliament as well as the noble and manly manner
in which you have supported our cause in the late
contest, and although the issue of that contest has
for a time—(Cheers)—deprived us of your services
in Parliament, I trust the day is not far distant
when you will again resume your seat, and live
many years to make use of this piece of plate with
which I have now the honour and the gratification
to present you."—(Cheers.)
General PEACHY rose, and with considerable
emotion expressed himself ns follows My gal-
lant and respected friends, I consider the high
honour you have done me in presenting me with
this splendid mark of your approbation, first, as ex•
pressive of my humble endeavours to be useful ; mid
secondly, as evincing your personal regard, which
creates in me not vanity, but a just pride, emanating
from so 4i4tinpisheti u tribute of your confidence
and affection. This, my good friends, must ever be
impressed on my mind with deep feelings of grate-
ful recollection, as marking your honourable attach-
ment to our cause, and to myself, amidst all the con-
flicting circumstances of the two eleetions, end
stamp a conviction that the ;eel, the spirited and
manly exertions of those whom I have the happiness
ofaddrossnig, may be relied upon in the utmost
exigency ; in opposition to time seductive ens that
may be adopted, to induce you to swerve from that
which you consider the strict line of duty. The
presence of many ladies inspire me with additional
animation; it is doubly gratifying, arid will recal
the recollection of this day with tho most pleasing