The Sun.
London, England, 1859-05-03 00:00:00

TO THE ELECTORS OF BARNSTAPLE.

BROTHER ELECTORS,
HAD my Defeat occurred in a fair fight, I
should not have had cause to complain, but the fight
was not a fair one, and that you know.
With three Conservatives at the poll it was impossible that
two could succeed, and the seat which I won for the Conser-
vative party from the Whigs in 1852, and which I preserved
in 1857, has been taken from me by the intrusion of a third
candidate, who had no claim on the Conservative party in
the borough.
In 1852 my majority over Lord Ebrington was 73 ; in 1857
it was 163 (nearly double my opponent), the largest ever
known in the borough—a tolerably clear proof of the opinion
of the constituency.
On the present occasion, Sir George Stucley and Mr. Potts
persisted in standing. Mr. Potts, in addition to his few per-
sonal supporters, succeeded in transferring a number of
pledged promises, sufficient to turn the scale from the Con-
servative to the Whig side, and by receiving Colonel Davie's
second votes, obtained for them both a majority on the poll.
I stood loyally by the party to the last.
Had Sir George Stucley or 111 r. Potts retired, I havenot the
slightest doubt that two supporters of the Government would
have been returned to Parliament. Sir Geoge Stucley, who
is under the deepest obligations to the Government, and who
has repeatedly acknowledged that my claims on the borough
were superior to his, persisted, and you have seen the con-
sequence.
Had I coalesced with the Whigs my seat would have been
secure.

The Conservatives of Barnstaple will not, I think, easily
find one who will work for them as hard as I have worked.
At the Nomination yesterday I three times asked it there
was an Elector who could find fault with my public or private
conduct, and whether I had ever done anything since my first
election in 1852 which should cause me the loss of one vote,
When I just now addressed you from the hustings, your
applause and expressions of sympathy assured me that my
political conduct was appreciated,
As regards the predominance of Conservatism in Barnstaple,
I believe I may say, in the words of the great Irishman, 'I
watched by its cradle, I followed its hearse."
The disast,r of to-day will not be easily repaired, and you
may possibly hereafter regret that you have substituted for
one who served you falthtulty, a representative who, after
pledgin.; himself to support Lord Derby, has brougkt about
his own election by assisting Lord Derby's determined
opponent,
Your obedient servant,
WILLIAM FRASER.
Filton-house, Barnstaple, Saturday evening.

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF CHICHESTER,
Z_ENTLEMEN,—I lose not a moment in return-
\ ing my warmest thanks for the high honour which you
have this day conferred upon me. I will use my very best
endeavours to prove myself not altogether undeserving of your
confidence.
In the midst of a tremendous European crisis I feel almost
overwhelmed by the weight of the responsibility which has
suddenly devolved upon me.
I shall strive to do my duty with all my heart and with all
my strength.
I shall look to your sympathies, and to that higher aid which
sustains men in times of difficulty for that support which in
such a crisis I shall require.

lam,

Gentlemen,
Your faithful Friend and Servant,
IL W. FREELAND.

Chichester, 30th April, 1859.

STATE OF THE POLL.

2 3 4

Names. A.M. A.M. A.M. NOON. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
lereeland ...... 15 50 95 128 150 190 251 300
Smith.... ..... . 12 46 83 109 131 175 235 282
Lenn0x........ 22 54 98 128 148 194 244 288