The Sun.
London, England, 1824-11-02 00:00:00

SIR WILLIAM CURTIS.

It is always with pleasure that we record a
testimonial of gratitude for public services—for the only real
reward to which an honourable mind can look in the discharge
of public duty, is the expression of grateful approbation. There
is, however, a great difference in the manner of performing that
duty ; and it frequently happens that whilst we may admire the
Integrity and consistency which may mark public conduct, there
is a certain manner wanting, which is to endear the individual
to us, and to engender that respect and attachment which form
the best ornament of life. We know of no Gentleman who
has united these eminent qualifications more conspicuously, or
who has entitled himself more to the approbation of his coun-
try and to the regard and affection of his fellow citizens,
than Sir Wir.LiAst CURTIS. His patriotic liberality—hismanly and fixed adherence to public principle—his unshaken
loyalty to the throne—his bold and inflexible support of the
Constitution in times of extreme
.danger' and excitement—his
readiness of access upon all occasions—his zeal in every cause
undertaken by him—his never-failing good humour, and his
liberal and indulgent feeling towards those, who, in the just ex-
ercise of their judgment, have differed from him in political
opinion—aflord him the strongest claims upon the gratitude of
all, who, we may now say, have been honoured by his ser-
vices. We are led to these remarks by the very flatter-
ing Address which was unanimously voted to Sir WILLIAM
CURTIS by the Ward of Tower (over which it appears
he presided thirty-six years) in 1821, when, by regular rou-
tine, upon the death of Sir WATKIN LEWES, he MIS, as
.. ather of the City, removed to the IVard of Bridge Without.
The state of' the worthy Baromet's health prevented his receiv-
ing the Deputation appointed by the Ward till the 20th of last
month, when they waited upon him at his house in Lombard-
street, and presented the Address, which was beautifully
written on vellum, highly emblazoned, and set in a splendid
gold frame. Mr. Alderman LUCAS, (Sir Wit.unst's Suc-
cessor in the Ward of Tower,) together with the Deputy and
several of the Common Council, formed the Deputation. Mr.
Alderman LUCAS introduced the subject in a very complimen-
tary speech ; and after the Address had been read by the Ward
Clerk; and Sir NVILLIAM had made his reply, the Depu-
tation were sumptuously entertained at dinner by the worthy
Baronet.

The following are the Address and Answer :
TOWER W'Ann—At a Wardmote held at Bakers' Hall be-
fore the Right Worshipful Charles Flower, Bart. Alderman,
on Friday the 20th of July 1021, in consequence of a letter front
Sir Wm. Curtis, infbrming them that he had by ancient usage
succeeded the late Alderman of Bridge without,
Resolved unanimously,
That this Wardmote feel themselves called upon to express
their opinion of the conduct of Sir WM. CURTIS Bart., for the
long and important period of 36 years, during which he has re.
presented this Ward in the Court of Aldermen.
That while his conduct upon all occasions has been highly
honourable to himself, it has been equally advantageous to Ins
fellow citizens.

" That, by his manly and independent spirit upon many ar-
duous and interesting occasions, his constant attention to the
local interests of the Ward, his impartiality when presiding
over the several Wardmotes, and his never-failing urbanity of
manners, he has greatly endeared himself to.its inhabitants, and
has most deservedly obtained their esteem and gratitude ; and
they cannot therefore contemplate his retirement without feel-
ings of the most sincere regret.
That this Wardmote have great pleasure in recording his
zealous and unalterable attachment to the King and Constitu-
tion, and his personal example of patriotism in times of great
and appalling danger, by placing himself at their head, and
rendering such important services as enabled this %%rant to form
a gpTna taootf ftthtilieliasitniFiertpaeorrdsaimtnego
teforce
hi
eewrsehtf.tofcrl
tie}:aeshisreigsct,oetttlionitonrfly. defeating the de-
signs
their unfeigned thanks for his valuable
to assure him of their highest esteem and reg services, and
arr,l Sir
ex.
press press their most fervent wishes that lie may -enjoy a lung conti-
nuance of uninterrupted health and happiness.
(Signed) B. PA lt EV, Ward Clerk.

REPLY of Sir WILLIAM CURTIS to the ADDI!ESS of the

Ward of Tower, presented 20th October 1024. -
I thank you very much, Gentlemen, for the kind manner in
which you have been pleased to convey to me this handsome
and flattering testimonial of respect from the Ward of Tower.
It has been with unfeigned regret that I have found myself
compelled to postpone till now the pleasure of receiving this ho.
nourable distinction. The bad state of my health has alone
been the cause of the delay on my part ; for I can assure you,
Gentlemen, it is impossible that any thing could be more gra-
tifying to my own feelings, or more satistactory to my family
(who have witnessed the sincere devotion of myself to my public
duties), than to find the same kindness and attachment, and
the same readiness to acknowledge my exertions, at the termi-
nation of my services to the Ward of Tower, hich honoured
their commencement, and have attended their progress.
To express my feelings is more than I am able ; but this
mark of your favour is deeply engraven on my heart, and the
memory of it will last till the latest period of my existence.
It is true, that in the long and important period during which
I had the honour of presiding over the Ward of Tower, many
difficult and interesting circumstances have occurred in the po-
litical world. Fixed in certain principles, from a conviction of
their justice, I have uniformly adhered to them. 1 have en-
deavoured, without wavering, faithfully to discharge that duty,
which a man in the high station to which I have been called by
the good opinion of my fellow Citizens, owes to Society—to his
Country—and his God.
The great cause which I have so feebly but so sincerely sup.
ported has triumphed brilliantly ; our Liberties, our Laws, the
Throne, and our Constitution, are preserved entire, and our
Country is elevated to a pitch of pjory, honour, and prosperity,
unequalled in the History of the -VVorld.
To attain this satisfactory result, required the support and
confidence of the country itself. My fellow Citizens, and espe
d _
aily the Ward of Tower, by their zeal, their loyalty, and
steadiness, have manifested upon all occasions that support and
confidence ; and their cordial co-operation and unity of send-
ment have fortified me in that perseverance and constancy
which have marked my conduct.
Gentlemen, I again thank you for your kindness this day ;
and"( beg you will express to the Ward of Tower how deeply
impressed I am with gratitude for all the marks of politeness,
attention, and regard, I have received at their hands; assuring
them at tie same time, that although removed from them by the
usual routine of succession, I still retain in all its strength and
freshness the sincere desire to promote their interests, their hap-
pkness, and their prosperity, upon every occasion that may pre-
lent itself,