The Sun.
London, England, 1842-07-11 00:00:00

TESTIMONIAL TO MR. HARMER.
On Thursday there was was a very interesting party
at the residence of J. Harmer, Esq., at Ingress Abbey,
Greenhithe, for the purpose of presenting to him a ser-
vice of plate, as an acknowledgment of the opinion en-
tertained of his public services, and the estimation in
which his private character is held. It was the result of
subscriptions commenced, it - may be remembered, after
that gentleman resigned his Aldermanic .gown. The
subscribers, agreeably to arrangement, proceeded there
in a new iron steamer (Matrimony), belonging to the
Iron Steam-boat Company ; starting from Blackfriar's-
bridge soon after ten o'clock, and calling for the re-
mainder of the company at Brunswick-wharf, Blackwell.
About 200 gentlemen were present. The vessel having
arrived off Ingress Abbey, greeted Mr. Harmer with
I salutes of cannon ; and there was a most liberal salute in
return. The company having landed, proceeded in pro-
'ession to Mr. Harmer's residence, where they were re-
ceived by the worthy host.. For the reception of the
company, there had been prepared a large marquee on
the lawn, in front of Mr. Harmer's delightful residence.
There were ranged under it two oblong tables, and one
upper and cross table. They were most profusely covered
with a cold collation, fruits, wines, &c., and between
three and four o'clock, about 230 gentlemen sat down to
partake thereof. The appearance at such ti.ne was ad-
mirable, and mast animated.
Mr. Ilarmer presided : on his right were Ald. Sir J.
Duke and Hooper ; and on his left, Ald. 'l'. Wood and
Johnson • and near him were crowds of his old City
friends—Mr. Gpoway, Mr. Deputy Blacket, Mr. R.
Taylor, &c.
During dinner, as well as afterwards, the able band of
the Royal Engineers performed a variety of excellent
music. There was near them, and about half way down
the marquee, a stage under another marquee, on which
the plate to be presented was arranged ; and behind, but
towering above it, a right noble baron of beef, with a
knight to carve the same, and he was afterwards kept
very fully occupied. The whole scene was thus rendered
most interesting and varied, and though 'there was some
rain for a short time, it by no means damped the ardour
that evidently animated them all.
The plate naturally attracted great attention. The
centre piece consisted of a truly splendid and admirably
designed candelabra, anti was surrounded with four
corner dishes and covers, and two soup tureens, the
whole weighing about 1,000 ounces. The central piece
deserves more particular description : it was formed of
six massive Drenches, surmounted by a chased vase. The
column was richly chased, decorated with the acanthus
dower ; the foliage displayed beautifully. The column
was surroended by three figures • the first representing
Truth, with Bible and mirror ; die second, Justice, with
sword and scales ; and the third, Liberty, with the me-
morable cap of liberty, the column and figures resting on
a triangular-shaped base, that bore on its three sides—
first, the following inscription, boldly and neatly en-
graven : Presented to
JAMES HARMER, ESQ.,
With a Service of Plate,
by numerous Citizens and Friends,
on his Retirement from the Office of Alderman of London,
as a testimony of the high regard
which h!s estimable qualities, both public and private,
have acquired for him during a long and useful life,
as an able, just, and merciful Magistrate;
a kind, sincere, and generous friend and neighbour;
a firm and disinterested patriot,
the foe of every abuse,
and the steady supporter of the rights of mankind.
On the second side et the plinth were the names 01
the Committee, namely :
Committee.
Sir James Duke,-Knt., M.P., Alderman.
John Blacket, Esq. John Alex. Galloway, Esq.
Alexander Galloway, Esq. Henry Adlard, Esq.
Richard Taylor, Esq. John Lowe; Esq.
And on the third side Mr. Harmer's armorial bearings.
with the motto, " Labore et Honore." The whole was
supported by three British lions. They and the oak
branches were chased; the figures of Truth, Justice, and
Liberty were frosted silver. The candelabra stood nearly
three feet in height. The covers and tureens were beau-
tifally finished, with rich borders; and having on them
Mr. Harmer's armorial bearings. The appearance
of the whole of the plate. was most imposing and
splendid, and it may not be out of place here to remark
that, after the repast, the whole of it was removed and
placed in front of Mr. Harmer. Previously to the repast,
the Rev. Mr. Knapp said grace, and after it the same
Rev. Gentleman returned grateful acknowledgments.
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Harmer), the tables having been
partially cleared, but fresh supplies of wine placed on
them, ruse, he said, for the purpose of proposing the first
toast. Among other falsehoods, it had been declared
that ho was a disloyal man. He denied the imputation.
—(Cheers.) There was not a more loyal man in the
kingdom ; no man could give with greater sincerity
than himself "The health of her Majesty the Queen."—
(Loud and long-continued cheering, followed by three
times three most enthusiastically given.)
Anthem—" God save our gracious Queen," power-
fuly and tastefully given by Messrs. Broadhurst, Crew,
&c., the company ably and boldly joining in the chorus.
The CHAIRMAN afterwards gave " Prince Albert"—
" The Price of Wales and Princess Royal"—" Prospe-
rity to the Army and Navy"—which were most enthusi-
astically honoured.
Sir JAMES DUKE said he was delighted to find that the
ladies had honoured tie company with their presence on
so interesting an occasion. He much regretted that the
task which he had undertaken had not been confided to
abler hands, as he feared he should not be able to do it
justice. He had not had an opportunity of knowing
what were the feelings or wishes of the subscribers ; but
he knew that it' he failed in expressing those feelings so
well as he cou.d wish, they would, he was sure, excuse
any deficiency on his part. His excellent friend in the
chair was too well known, and respected by all of them
to render it possible that the object which had callea
them together that day should sutler in any degree from
a want of ability on his part. However painful it might
be to revert to circumstances of an unpleasant nature,
vet he kit that he must d• so on the present occasion.
It had been his good fortune to be associated with their
worthy host in the Court of the Worshipful Company
of Spectacle-makers, and of which he (Sir J. Duke) was
then blaster, and he (Sir James) now had the honour of
representing; the Ward of Farringdon Without, to which
their worthy host had rendered so much public service. He
(Sir J.) had been thought a.worthy representative of the
3116scribers on the present occasion. He regretted, as ha was
sure every one present did, that on a late occasion the
public mind had been turned against their respected
friend, and that lie had been deprived of those honours
to which he had a just claim.—(Hear, hear.) Having
served the Ward of Farringdon Without for many years,
without any imputation on the purity of his motives, he
was elected to fill the office of Alderman of that great
Ward. Ile was chosen by those who bed the best op-
portunity ef knowing his private worth, and of judging
of the benefit§ which that election would confer upon
the public, and he was elected without a single objection
being made to him. Ile was afterwards chosen to till
the distineuislied office of S ,erilf of the City of London,
the important duties of which lie discharged with cry da
to himself and advantage to the public, and he reseived
the approbation of his fellovv-eitizeits when his year of
office expired. The manner in which he discharged the
imp„rlaut duties entrusted to him had won for him the
approbation, respect, and confidence of his fellow-
eitizens.—(Hear. hear.) While lie was engaged in per-
Yenning the duties that devolvikl upon him as an Alder-
man and a member of the. Corporation of the City of
London, it was acknowledged that he had eorferred great
b nefit upon the public 'by his peculiar fitness for the
office, but when in his turn he looked for the highest
honour which the Corporation could bestow upon him,
some how or other his valuable services were a.together
forgotten—(Shame)--and he was deprived of those
honours which he had a just right to expect at the hands
Of his fellow-citizens. He (Sir James) told him, not-
withstanding all that had taken place, he ought
iot to resign his Aldermanic gown —(Hear)—and the
Company of Spectacle-makers, to which he belonged,
held a Court the day after the election, at which a simi-
lar opinion was expressed. He (Sir James) felt con-
finced, that if he did so, the public would at length be
,ensible of the injustice which they had done him, and
that the next year would see him triumphantly elected
,o fill the Civic Chair.—(Hear.) But other advice pre-
, veiled, and he was induced to adopt a different course,
and which he (Sir James) lamented, because the public
nad no opportunity of showing how much they were
mistaken. They, however, had assembled on the present
occasion to repair the injustice that had been done him
by the public.—(Hear.) Although it was frequently the
lot of individuals to suffer public disapprobation, yet,
when they had gone through life in a manner that en-
titled them to esteem and respect, the public ought to be
slow to reject them from the public service.
.No charge
of a dishonourable kind had ever been brought against
their worthy friend. He had always acted in such a
manner that his conduct could not be challenged.
There had been some hole-and-corner meetings he!d—
(Hear, hear)—where something was done which showed
that their promoters were—
" Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,
To hint a fault, and hesitate dislike."—(Cheers.)
The Spectacle-makers' Company, however, notwith-
standing all that had been said against him, unanimously
elected him to be one of their Wardms, two days after
the election for Lord Mayor had terminated. Their
excellent friend had a right to look back with pride upon
the manner in which he had discharged his public duti 's.
—(Hear.) That distinguished patriot, Washington, said
:hat he felt proud at being elected as the instrument .by
which the liberation of his country was to be achieved ;
but h never was so happy as when he retired from pub-
lic life, with a conviction that he had faithfully served
his country ; and, although his excellent friend had no:
filed so important a station as Washington, still he could
look back, with equal satisfaction, on his past conduct.
le had always acted with 'generosity towards those who
needed his assistance, and in the discharge of his magis-
terial duties lie had invariably acted with kindness and
mercy to those persons who were brought before him.
His active and benevolent mind sought every opportunity
of relieving the distresses of his fellow-creatures ; not
ostentatiously, however, for, un the contrary, he was one
of those who
" Did good by-steal h, and blushed to find it fame."
And he (Sir James) was sure that ever: one present
hoped that he might be richly rewarded. Macbeth, after
the murder of his sovereigi, said his station was not a
happy One—
" That which should accompany old age,
As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends,
I must not look to have ;"
But look to their excellent friend in the chair—he had
all those--(Hear)—and although deprived of that station
which he had a right to fill, nothing could deprive him
of the friendship of those by whom he was that day
surrounded.—(Cheers.) He trusted that many years of
'happiness were yet in store for their worthy and excel-
lent host. They had shown by the splendid plate on
the table the high opinion which they entertained -of
him. Had it been necessary the whole table would have
been covered with plate—ellear)--but 110 subberiptioni

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, JUL! 11, 1i442.

.
had been solicited ;on toe contrary, every thing had cellent health—he lived in the boeoui of his etially. an
been doee spontaneously ; and he knew that there were was eueroueded by excellent neighbours, and there
many persons who were now very much vexed that they wanted but one thing to complete his happiness, which
had neglected to forward their subscriptions until it was was that he might frequently see his old friends around
too late. He (Sir James) felt highly flattered at being him, talk over old time., with them, and that they might
selected by the subscribers to be their organ on the pre- enjoy with him the comforts of ingress Abbey. He
sentation of such a testimonial of their approbation of begged once more most sincerely to return his grateful
Mr. Hariner's public conduct, and their sense of his and hearty thanks to all present for the honour which
private worth ; and however feebly he. had represented they had conferred upon him." The worthy Chairman
the subscribers, he could assure them, that were he to then sat down amid loud and loneecontinued cheers.
say all that his feelings prompted him to do on this W. HILLS, Esq., the Vice-President cf the Fishmon-
occasion, he should detain them longer than he would be gers and Poulterers' Society, next rose and addressed the
justified in doing. He sincerely hoped that their ex- Chairman as follows :—"-My task, Sir, is a humble one
cellent and worthy friend would live long in the princely in comparison with I hat which has been so well dis-
enjoyment of his splendid income, which he had earned charged by my friend Sir James Duke. He has ex-
without the sacrifice of principle, integrity, or honour— pressed to you in language which I cannot emulate, the
(Loud cheers)—and that he would descend to his grave sense which the world general y entertains of your public
with the honest conviction that he had been useful in his conduct in the import ;nt sphere in which your coulee
• day and generation. That feeling should 'be the object has been run. I appear on behalf of a more contracted
and consolation of all public men. If they acted from circle. lam deputed by a single company—by a single
mere selfish motives they would be sure to meet with charitable association—to express to you that sorrow
disappointment. With these convictions he should pro- whicti all good men must feel at the secession from public
pose the health of their worthy host, with a hope ahat life qf one who has been illustrious even among the
the service of plate, with which they had just presented good!; and communicate to you their gratitude for
him, might remain in his - family from generation to favours continuously received, and efforts which have
generation, as a proof of the esteem and respect of the ever been found most strenuous when the necessity for
Ward which he had so ably and efficiently represented. them has been most urgent. The Fishmongers' and
The toast was drank with three times three, amid the Poulterers' Society has, Sir, flourished under your aus-
firing of cannon and the cheer's of the persons outside the pices. Many are the widows—many the orphans—whose
tent. As soon as silence could be restored, hour of misfortune has been lightened by the zeal with'
Mr. HARMER rose, and addressed the company to the which you have aided those hinds to which alone they
following effect :—" He was sure they would not be sur- could look for help. A decision which we cannot mur-
prised when he told them that he was so overpowered by mute at, although we cannot but lament it, has with-
the events of the day, and the compliments that had drawn you from public life altogether, and has deprived
been paid him, that he could not find words to express us of your efficient. aid as our President. It is as a slight
his feelings. He could assure them that he received, and unworthy testimony of the sentiments with which your
with the deepest feelings of gratitude, the elegant testi- conduct in that office has inspired us towards you, that
monial before him. It was valuable from its intrinsic the following address has been voted by the society—
worth, but more so from the occasion which had given an address which it is, I can, most unfeignedly say, one
birth to its presentation, and the flatterin inscription of the greatest honours which has fallen to my lot to
which it bore. On an occasion like the present, when be deputed to present to you. I will read the address."
he was performing that which he considered the last act Mr. Hills then read the following Address :
of his public life, they would, lie was sure, permit him " Sciciety for providing an Asylum and Relief for aced
to advert to past circumstances.—(Hear.) Before he and infirm Fishmongers and Poulterers, and their
was ten years of age, he had the misfortune to lose his Wives or Widows, a:so occasional Relief to their me-
father—an amiable and excellent man, though in bumble cessitous orphans.
life, he being a Spitaltields' weaver. After that loss he "At a Special and General Meeting of the Committee
was turned adrift upon the world to seek his fortune. of the above Society, especially convened,
He would not advert to the hardships, with which he, as " It was resolved unanimously—
a poor and friendlesS boy, had to contend, in order to " That the Committee having received from James
obtain his livelihood, but fortune favoured him, and lie Harmer, Esq., the first President of the Institution, his
::ever despaired ; and really when he reverted back to 'determination to retire from that office, cannot acknow-
past times, he was himself astonished at his own perse- ledge such an intimation without expressing their most
vering attempts to raise himself in the world. lie cer- sincere regret at losing the advantage of the active
tainly seized every opportunity, under all circumstances, benevolence of so good a man. They would, therefbre,
of bettering his condition, and it was his good fortune to convey to him, in the strongest language of which they
have opportunities of improving himself in knowledge, are capable, their gratitude for the ability with which he
having received but little scholastic education. He soon has presided over their annual festivity ; for the muniti-
became an expert writer, and a solicitor took him into cent generosity with which lie has aided thsir funds, and
his office, as an articled clerk, without any premium— tor the interest he has at ail times taken in this, as in every
premium, in fact, he (Mr. Harmer) had - none to ,society whereby the interests of humanity have been
give. That was in the year 1792, and fortunately forwarded, and the woes of the afflicted lessened.. In
ti,r him it took place as it did, before the Legislature bowing to his expressed and earnest wish to retire alto-
imposed a stamp duty of 1201. on articles ofclerkship, gether from public life, they receive with delight his
for if he had not been articled before that stamp duty consent still to remain one of their patrons ; and they
was imposed, he should never have been a member of beg unanimously and most earnestly, to tender him their
the legal profession. He remained in the service of that heartfelt hopes, , that in the retirement of domestic life
attorney about three years, and then he formed an at- he may enjoy that tranquility and happiness which his
tachment for a young lady, whom he afterwards mar- uniform charity towards his fellow-creatures so justly
ried. 'This displeased the attorney, and he turned him entitle him to.
out of his house. Thus was he again adrift, but he was. (By order of the Committee) • .
soon taken he() the office of Messrs. Fletcher and " WILLIAM HILLS, V. P., Chairman.
Wright, of Bloomsbury, and to whom his articles were "H. C. GOODMAN, }
Hon
assigned. Ile expected one of those gentlemen would ." G EO. SPRIGG INS. • Secretaries.
have favoured him with his company on the present oc- "AND. FORESTER, Assist. Secretary.
casion, but he had received a polite, and very friendly Mr. HILLS continued :—" With the hope with which
letter from him, regretting his inability to be present. this address concludes, I, Sir, most fervently concur.
(1 he worthy Chairman here read the letter, which con- May the evening of that life, which has been so bene-
eluded by stating that no person felt more satisfaction fiend to others, be tranquil and happy to you. On the
at his (Mr. IL's) success in life, and expressed a hope part of those for whom I appear "ere, I can say, we ee-
-1 that he would long live to enjoy it.) On the expiration sign your presiding influeece with a poignant regret:
•of his articles, he was indebted to a friend for the means and 1 trust I may be permitted to say for myself, that it
of obtaining his admission as an attorney, and he after- is with no light grief that I renounce the active assist-
wards commenced business as an attorney, with little ante of my most honoured and most wailed friend, in a
money and few clients, in the Ward which he afterwards sphere of usefulness in which we have so often laboured
had the honour of representing.—(Hear, hear.) For- together, and with such happy results. Accept, Sir, our
- tune, however, favoured him—business flowed in, gratitude, and our affectionate farewell."
and he succeeddd beyond his most sanguine ex- The CHAIRMAN said that he acknowledged with grafi-
peetations. He could enumerate the names of noblemen tude the compliment which had just been paid him, and
bankers, merchants, and even judges- among •his clients, lie thanked Mr. W. Hills for the flattering terms in
and he had the pleasure of knowing that they were all which he had presented the address. In early life he
satisfied with his conduct. In the year 1825 he became (the Chairman) had needed assistance, and he. should be
a candidate to represent the Ward of Farringdon With- wanting in that gratitude which he owed to Divine Pro-
out in the Court of CommOn Council. He thought that vidence, it he aid not feel for the poor and friendless.
every man was bound, and that it was a duty which he He assured the deputation, that he should always teel an
owed to his neighbours, to offer himself as a candidate interest in the welfare of their excellent institution.
for public offices. lie did so, although the acceptance of The CHAIRMAN next proposed the Lord Mayor and
that office would interfere 'with his professional engage- Corporation of the City of London, coupled with the
meats, and intrude upon his hours of relaxation. He name of Alderman Thomas Wood.
was elected, and he retained the office for eight succes- Alderman T. WOOD acknowledged the compliment.
sive years, during which time he was appointed chair- The CHAIRMAN next proposed the health of Sir James
man of three of the most important Committees of the Duke, and coupled with it the Ward of Farringdun
Corporation, which, perhaps, might be considered as a Without.
proof' that he was not an unsocial member of society.— Sir J. DUKE briefly returned thanks.
(A laugh.) In the year 1833 his most excellent friend Mr. Broadhurst then sung, in his usual excellent style,
and true patriot, Alderman Waithman, died, and some one of Moore's Irish Melodies, the commencement of which
of his (the Chairman's) then colleagues suggested that was peculiarly appropriate :
he
was a fit and proper person to succeed him. He de- " And doth not a meeting like this make amends
dined the honour proposed, until he found that a worthy For all the long years I've been wandering away,
and excellent friend of his, who was now present, and To see thus aronna me my- youth's early friends,
who had been much longer in the Ward, and served it As smiling and kind as in that happy day ?
most ably, would not come Forward ; and it was not until Though haply o'er some of your brows, as o'er mine,
he received an assurance to that effect that he allowed The snowfall of Time may be stealing—what then ?
himself to be put in - nomination. He was subse- Like Alps in the sunset, thus lighted by wine,
quently elected Alderman of the Ward of Far- We'll wear the gay tinge of youth's roses again."
ringelon Without, without opposition. By that Mr. Alderman JOHNSON proposed " the health of Miss
election he gained nothing in a pecuniary point Emma Chaplin, and the Ladies," which was drum: with
of view, fur he immediately relinquished a professional the usual honours.
practice which brought him in 4,000/. a year. Ilis The CHAIRMAN then gave "the health of Mr. Blacket;"
name remained in the roll of attorneys for the benefit of who, in a very appropriate speech, acknowledged the cone-
his successor, but he never interfered with professional pliment,
business afterwards. At the next election for Sheriffs The band continued playing, at intervals, during the
he was chosen ore of them. During his year of office above proceedings, and at seven o'clock the Chairman
some disturbances of a serious nature were apprehended left his seat, and the company shortly afterwards re-
in the the metropolis, and the Sheriffs were called upon turned home, highly gratified with the proceedings of
by the authorities at the Hoene-office to take steps to the day and the princely eetertainment which :hex
repress them. These disturbances were apprehended in worthy host had provided for them.
consequence of the measures adopted by the Govern-
ment with regard to the levying of taxes. The people
refused to pay. He offered to make the levy in person.
He did so, and no disturbance took place afterwards,and at a public dinner given to the Judges shortly after-
wards, the Duke of Richmond praised him for the line
of conduct which lie adopted on that occasion.—(Hear.)
As the time, however, approached when he had a right
to expect that he would be returned to fill the Civic
Chair, he found that an extensive combination had been
entered into to present him. having that honour, and he
much regretted to state that some persons who had pre-
viously been his intimate acquaintances, and whom he
hie! always considered as his friends, and from whom he
expected very different conduct, were among those who
combined together to destroy his reputation.—(Shame.)
The plan of attack had • been previously arranged. It
was commenced by the Bishops in the House of Lords.
It was followed by the clergy in their pulpits, and
some of his colleagues were in the back-ground
advising parties how to act.---(Cries of " Shame.")
They ail knew what fanaticism, bigotry, and falsehood
could effect. He was defeated. He was not mortified at,
the result, of the election, although lie regretted the dis-
appointment which had been experienced by his friends,
who had so zealously exerted themselves in his behalf.
He had been blamed by some of those friends for subse-
quently retiring from the Corporation, ant several of
teem said that the result of another election--(Hear,
hear)—would exceed his most sanguine expectations,
and that he would be triudiphantly returned.—(lieur.)
He had reason for not consulting those friends whom lie
knew would advise him to remain in office. He had
strung motives for retiring from public life. In the first
place, had he continued in office .he might have sustained
a second defeat.—(Hear, and " No, no.") That would
not have been very gratifying to him. Why should he
seek for an office by which he had nothing to gain, and
which would have entailed irksome labour upon him for
twelve months, compelling him to keep in one house,
never to be let . out unless chained and guarded.—
(Laughter.) It was . a situation he was not envious of
obtaining,- for, when once elected to it, he could not re-
tire from the office. He would have been deprived of
that which he had always sought an opportunity of doing,
namely, spending his days in peaceful country retire-
ment. In the next place, he was anxious to retire from
all further association with men who had acted towards
him with the greatest duplicity.—(Hear.) He was
anxious for the honour and credit of the Ward which
he so long had the honour of representing, and which
had been distinguished for selecting men of talent and
merit, and he had no wish that a slur should be east on the
Ward in his person, or that it should have as its representa-
tive one whom the Livery of London had thought undeserv-
ing of the Civic Chair. Though many persons had acted
towards him with great duplicity, yet he was happy to
say that there were several highly honourable excep-
tions, many of whom he then had the honour of address-
ing, and whose names he was happy to find were en-
rolled in the list of subscribers to the splendid testimo-
nial before him. It was a consolation to him that the
Ward of Farringdon Without would not suffer by his
retirement, and that a gentleman, who was distinguished
for his talent and public virtue, had been appointed his
successor. Long might he live to enjoy that honour.—
(The Chairman shook hands with Sir James Duke in
the most cordial manner.) The inscription on the plate
said that he (the Chairman) was a foe to oppression and
abuse. he did ndt claim any merit on that account. It
was a duty which he owed to society. In his professional
practice, and which had been- somewhat extensive, he
had met with frequent cases of oppression. lie had been
, personsv,
.I.
iich t thoe
always willing to lend a hand to assist the oppressed ;
and whenever he witnessed injustice he exposed those'
who were guilty of it, regardless of consequences.—
(Hear.) If it were not so egotistical, he could relate
: severtahlecaatsl.einsgiunenteih,ich he had interfered in behalf of
weillniviciniji(lostfice had been done. In consequence
of his interference in the case of Holloway and 'Haggerty,
he was threatened to be struck off the rolls ler expos-
sineotfh etirivoi tipiersisstelsn,erand b
at(liie
brier:nide ill
ob-
tained. In that and other cases, where injustice had
been done, he made the wbo.e ca-se public.—(Hear.)
He took some credit to himself for iiavieg improved t e
practice of the criminal law. Formerly it was a reproach
to an attorney that he practised ut the Old Bailey. That
reproach had now been got rid of. He had also contri-
buted to reduce the number of executions for trivial oi'-
fences. He was tboreughly convinced of the inutility of
public executiens, particularly in cases where the offences
were riot of a serious nature. He had had the honour of
giving evidence before a Committee of the House of
Commons on the state of the. Criminal Law, and Sir
James Macintosh afterwards said, that his testimony
made more impression on the Committee than any other,
and passed a high ealegium son hint, of Which he felt
justly proud. He mentioned-all these circumstances, not
by way of self-commendation, but as he and they had
been stigmatized in the public prints, he was anxious to
show that he was an object not Whollylindeeerying -of
their support. He was now in tee enjoyment Qf all the
WvforPs 00444 wisb—Go4 hold blessvd bin) wits ex

The following is a description of Ingress Abbey,
Greenhithe, the seat of James Harmer, Esq., by Mr.
H. Smithsmith,
" Ingress Abbey is a fine pile of building in the Tudor
style of domestic. architecture. , It is surrounded by a
beautiful terrace, so cleverly construsted as to form a
principal feature and enrichment to the scene. All that
art could achieve to increase the natural beauties of In-
gress have been accomplished through the taste and mu-
nificence of the respected proprietor, whose arrangement
of the landscape scenery is beyond all praise. The har-
monious beauty of the fine outlines preserved in the
grouping of the park foliage, the powerful masses of
light and shade, so artfully contrived and increased
and the melting of sweet blue and grey colour, as pre-
sented from the ever-varying surface of the Thames, give
a grandeur and freshness highly attractive.
Tis-re is a wilderness leading to a romantic dell, to
Which the proprietor has given frequent permission to
charitable useful societies, and others to assemble and
and their funds by the enjoyment of innocent pleasure.
" The Lodge, the plantation,, and shrubby ries are ex-
tensive. • There is a cottage in the old English style,
called the Farm, with a rustic bridge, which ero,ses a
little lake, and leads to a high nniund, from which is ob-
tained several fine views of the surrounding scenery.
The, raised terrace and gothic; ballus!rade, behind which
is a sunk plane of sufficient dimensions to afford an
abundant supply of fruit and vegetable produce of the
rarest kinds, is very cleverly and successtully managed ;
and the mere to be admired, as the terrace stfectually
screens the kitchen-garden from being seen from the
houe.

onentering the hall of this' fine baronial dwelling,
the effect produced by Gothic tracery surmounting
a handsome corridor or gallery leading to the
upper rooms is very imposinr, while the eye perceives
through the plate glass of the opposite gothic door the
picturesque garden and foliage, and embellished by two
ornamental Ibuntains containing gold fish.
The dining room is strictly in the Tudor style. The
richly carved side-board, with gothic perforated panels;
the massive cellerat, fit accompaniment to the huge
baron of beef of the olden time, so admirably restored to
its pristine grandeur by the hospitable owner of the man-
sion, on receiving the " Harmer Testimonial," harmonise
well with the gothic side and centre tables. The beautiful
'oriel table, which is a fac-simile of an old favourite in the
Bodleian Library, at Oxford; the rich tracery of the ceil-
ing, the chairs, all in strict keeping with the style, render
this room at once imposing and grand. We hasten
through the " sanctum sanctorum" in which hang various
illuminated and emblazoned drawings, presented to the
worthy owner of the mansion for acts of kindness told
merit, and attempt a description of the library. The
style changes to the Elizabethan. It is impossible to
convey an adequate idea of the intrinsic and very rich
effect of the book-cases, which are divided into 32 com-
partments, in each of which is a bas-relief of well-de-
signed subjects and very superior workmanship; at least
ten of them are so considered by the first artists of the
day, who have examined them carefully. They are, in
fact, pictures possessing all the qualities of a painting,
with the exception of colour, describing, with all the
minuteness of German oak carving, the early
history of Christ, his birth, the wise men's. offer-
ing, his working with his father's tools at the
bench, tic. These productions are so ingeniously con-
ceived, so exquisitely grouped, and so beautifully
carved, that no pencil, however delicate, could convey a
more correct representation of these beautiful subjects.
The richly carved mantel, intended to receive a portrait
of the great Bacon, the beautiful pannels on the doors,
the enriched cornices, advancing boldly with the pic-
turesque old oak pediments and busts of Camden, and
the learned characters orthe day, are introduced in strict
keeping with the other decorations of this room, and re-
lieved by a background similar to old cloth of gold, ar-
ranged with cool and rich mellow colours. Messrs. Ar-
rowsmith, of Bond-street, Decorators to her Majesty, have
greatly added to their already high reputation by design-
int, and erecting the Elizabethan and Gothic decorations
and furniture in this princely mansion.
On the ground floor are Several other rooms, one of
them leading to a conservatory, at present in the course of
erection. The Drawing-rooms are in the style of Louis
Quatorze, and when painted will be exceedingl hand-
some. The ladies' boudoir on the upper floor, s a per-
fect bijou, with its beau! if 11., oriel window, the handsome
carved mantel, with Cupids suplartine- baskets of flowers,
and entraining plate glass, which reflects FatherTliamos
and the scenery beyond.
_ .

- 'IHE LIBRARY.
We 'must not omit to notice the carved whole-length
figures in this room. Two of these, Fortitude and Justice,
are arranged as candelabra. A St. Sebastian, finely carved,
and reminding us of the picture. of this subject so much
admired at the Dulwich Gallery; is very ingeniously
contrived to serve when required .as a reading desk.
Also a St. Paul, carved in the most masterly manner
the repose and dignity of this figtr e surpasses anything
we have seen of Brustolini or Grinling Gibbon.. The
fine expansive forehead, the head gently leaning forward,