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Westminster, and furthermore declare that I will prevent his
appointment to the Lectureship of the said Parishes so far as
I am legally authorized.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, 1820. A 'Report of Proceedings'
of the election is entered on the minutes similar to the
extract already given, the voting having been as follows:—
The Rev. R. V. B. Sandilands 449
The Rev. J. C. Denham 16
The Rev. Robert Drought 4
The Rev. J. H, Phillips 31
The Rev. Isaac Saunders 492
No. of votes recorded 992
The Rev. Isaac Saunders was thereupon declared
duly elected and chosen to be Lecturer.
A letter was read from Dr. Fynes, dated l1th Dec., 1820,
which is partially transcribed below:—
"I request you will inform the Churchwardens that I as
Incumbent disapprove of Mr. Saunders being appointed
Lecturer and have repeatedly signified to Mr. Saunders and to
the Vestry that I should not consent to such an Election. I
wish it to be distinctly understood, that no one can be authorised
to perform the duty of Lecturer of St. Margaret's Parish who is
not sanctioned by the Incumbent and licensed by the Dean and
Chapter of Westminster."
And the following was also received:—
" Cromwell, December 16, 1820.
" Sir,—Mr. Saunders thought proper to send me by yesterday's
post, a Copy of the Minutes of the Vestry respecting his Election
to the Lectureship; I have returned it to him to-day and
referred him to you for the answer I sent you to that Paper.
"It is with the utmost concern I heard from Mr. Rodber, and
read in the Newspapers the infamous behaviour of Mr. Saunder's
Partisans in Saint Margaret's Church on Sunday last. I trust the
Ringleaders in this most disgraceful Riot will be brought to Justice
and meet with the Punishment they justly deserve. It appears
to me that the Vestry are call'd upon to express to the Public
their unanimous detestation of the brutal Assault committed
upon their Minister in the House of God, when engaged in the
discharge of his sacred Duty; and that they ought to offer a
reward for the Conviction of the Instigator and Promoter of such
an atrocious unheard-of Outrage.