“It is with feelings of more than ordinary regret that we this week
announce the sudden death of John Shelly, Esq. This estimable
gentleman had concluded his examination on Tuesday forenoon last
before the Parliamentary Committee, and after being highly
complimented by the noble Chairman (Lord F. Egerton) for his ability
(feeling himself somewhat unwell), had retired to his inn, where he
directed the waiter to call him in half-an-hour. The servant went
upstairs at the time appointed, about two in the afternoon, and found
Mr. S. sitting in a chair, nearly dead. We repeat that we feel more
than ordinary regret at having this announcement to make. As a
leader and representative (if we may so say) of a party his death
will create a void that it will be long indeed ere it be filled. His
was a master mind—once embarked in a subject (whatever might be its
magnitude) it was sure to be treated powerfully and ably by Mr.
Shelly, the whole energies of whose mind were directed to its
elucidation for the benefit of his fellow townsmen. There might,
indeed, be those who excelled this really gifted man in some
particular department, but for general knowledge, facility, power,
ease, and even elegance of expression, our lamented friend, we should
say, has not left his equal in this, his native town. That he was a
warm partizan, no one can deny, but that he was directed in his every
movement of a public nature by sincerity and conscience is equally
clear to every one who had the happiness of knowing him. The great
majority of the shops kept by those in the Liberal interest are
shaded, to show the sense which is entertained of the irreparable
nature of the public loss sustained. But it is not alone in public
that the work of Mr. S. was known. As a father, husband, friend, and
Christian, his conduct was alike exemplary. We will venture to say
that, warm as was his political partizanship, he never made himself
one personal enemy. Mr. Shelly has left an amiable wife and eleven
children to deplore his loss.”
August 8th.—The Regatta had been held, when the cup was won by Sir Jacob
Preston’s “Maria”; on this occasion Edmund Preston, Esq., entertained
“about 200 of the fashionables of the town.”
August 13th.—The petition in favour of Corporation Reform had been signed
by 2,500 persons.