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173
Similar resolutions were passed in favour of Lord
Trentham and Sir Peter Warren in 1747, when the last
named gentleman was returned with Col. Cornwallis as his
colleague. In 1753-4, upon the decease of Sir Peter Warren,
Col. Cornwallis secured the support of the Vestry, and was
elected.
Alarmed at the defeat of the Royal troops in the north,
or stimulated by the telling action of Lord Orford, a
member of the Vestry, in the House of Lords, by which
the sluggish pulse of both Houses of Parliament was
quickened, the Vestry appointed a Committee "for discussing
some special matters for the service of his Majesty
and the public in general." The merchants of London had
undertaken, at a crisis in which "the fate of England hung
suspended on the winds and waves," to raise £250,000 for
the national defence. In this the Vestry appear to have
co-operated with fervour, as evinced by their Committee's
report, and the action thereon:—
21st November, 1745. This Committee taking into consideration the
planns pursued within this Kingdom, for the immediate support
and defence of his Majesty against the Rebels & for the preservation
of the publick peace; are unanimously of opinion that
books shd be forthwith open'd for a Voluntary Subscription
within this Parish for raising a sum of money to be employed as
shall be thought most proper by a Majority of the Subscribers
who shall subscribe the sum of £5, or more.
Five days later a Committee was appointed to wait upon
the Middlesex and Westminster Association. This interview
was obtained forthwith, and in three days a paper was
received from the Association and read to the Vestry:—
Nov. 29, 1745. Middlesex and Westr Association. At a meeting
of the General Committee the 26 Novr 1745.
Agreed and Resolved—That in the several Parishes within the
Bills of Mortality to which Subscription Books are sent three
or more subscribers of Five pounds or upwards may be if
they please a Sub Committee to manage and transact the
buisness of Inlisting Men in his Majesty's Land-forces
. . in such manner . . as they think fit.
* * * *
N .B.—The men to be Inlisted are to be above seventeen and under
forty five years of Age, and at least five feet five inches in