The following particulars, relative to the interment of this much
lamented officer (who died while in command of Her Majesty’s steam
frigate “Driver,” in China), will, (the Editor thinks), no doubt, be
read with much interest:—
H.M.S. “Thalia,” at Chusan, China,
17th April, 1843.
As I have arranged, with the kind concurrence of Major General Sir
James Schoedde, that the interment of the late lamented Capt. Harmer,
of Her Majesty’s steam frigate “Driver,” shall take place to-morrow
forenoon at ten o’clock; it is my direction that the officers,
seamen, and marines mentioned underneath, be sent in boats also
stated against each ship’s name, so as to assemble round the “Driver”
at half-past nine o’clock. The procession of boats will leave the
“Driver” precisely at ten o’clock and proceed to the West pier,
abreast that vessel, when it will be met by the Major General and all
the officers of the garrison and a detachment of 100 rank and file of
Her Majesty’s 95th Regiment, as that gallant officer has, in the most
handsome and kind manner, expressed an anxious wish to pay every
possible mark of respect to the remains of the much regretted Capt.
Harmer. As many of the officers of the army lost their full dress
coats during the late war in this country, I have arranged with
General Sir James Schoedde, in order that both services may appear
alike, that all the officers of the navy and marines appear in
undress coats, epaulettes, cocked hats and swords, with crape on the
left arm above the elbow, if it can be procured in time. The marines
will be in full dress, but without chakos, and will be provided with
three rounds of blank cartridges for every man. The seamen are to be
in blue jackets and trousers, white frocks and black hats. All the
arrangements on the part of the army are to be conducted by Major
O’Leary, Brigade Major of Chusan; on the part of the navy, Capt.
Quin, of H.M.S. “Minden.”
The pall bearers are to be three Field Officers of the army, and the
Commanders of the “Pelican,” “Serpent,” and “Pylades.” Lieut. Kisbee, of
the “Driver,” will be chief mourner, supported by the Officers of that
vessel.
H.M.S. “Thalia.”—Four boats, three lieutenants, purser, naval instructor,
two medical officers, one midshipman, three volunteers (1st class.)
H.M.S. “Minden.”—Three boats, two lieutenants, master, purser, two
medical officers, two volunteers (1st class), one sergeant and ten
marines.
H.M.S. “Pelican”—Two boats, two lieutenants, one medical officer, purser,
one mate, one midshipman one volunteer (1st class), one sergeant, and
fifteen marines.
H.M.S. “Serpent” and “Pylades.”—Same as “Pelican” in every respect as to
boats and marines, and as nearly as possible with regard to officers.
All the officers and crew of the “Driver” will attend, excepting those
left on board to take care of the vessel. The above number of boats is
exclusive of those the Captains and Commanders will be in.
The colours of all the squadron will be hoisted half-mast high at eight
o’clock, and remain so till sunset.
Signed,
CHAS. HOPE,
Captain of H.M.S. “Thalia,” and senior officer Chusan.
P.S.—The boats will be provided with ensigns and pendants, but only the
former will be half-mast high.
Capt. Harmer was buried under the fort, surrounded by hundreds of his
brethren in arms, who were either killed at the last capture of Chusan or
who died from the effects of the climate. The officers of the “Driver,”
much to their credit, and evincing a proper respect for a much-loved
commander, have erected a neat monument over his remains at their own
expense. So highly was he esteemed, even by the Chinese, that numbers of
the respectable men of the city also attended.
The merchant ships, following the example of the squadron, kept their
colours half-mast high until sunset.
Of Capt. Harmer it might well be said, in the language of the order,
“that he paid proper respect to those who were destined to rule over him;
that he worked diligently, lived creditably, and acted honourably by all
men.” Brother, farewell.
Dec. 2nd.—Mr. John B. Bales had been presented with a splendid tea
service, inscribed, “presented to Mr. John Barney Bales,
Sergeant-at-Mace, by the inhabitants of this town, for their high opinion
of him as a public officer.”
A swindler, calling himself “Clinton,” had been victimising the
inhabitants.
Dec. 9th.—The first subscription concert had been held at the Town Hall.
Dec. 16th.—It was stated that the value of the Yarmouth living was then
estimated at £430 per annum.
Dec. 23rd.—The Birmingham and Leicester coach had run over Mr. John
Clowes, jun., at Caister, the hind wheel passing over his body and very
severely bruising his leg and thigh.
A light vessel had been placed in the Cockle Gat.
Dec. 30th.—The Temperance Society had held their annual festival at the
Town Hall, and in the course of the afternoon some members of Rechabite
Tent had walked in procession round the town, headed by the Temperance
Band, and carrying a few banners and the insignia of the order.
1844.
Jan. 6th.—At a concert and ball given at the Town Hall, a violin duet, by
the Masters Hulley, was played with “great spirit.”
Bartholomew Earle, “for the last eight years butler to S. Palmer, Esq.”
had been discovered quite dead, suspended by the neck from a beam in that
gentleman’s cellar. The inquest lasted seven hours, and was attended by
S. C. Marsh, Esq. (Mayor), and S. Palmer, G. D. Palmer, W. D. Palmer, C.
Pearson, G. Bateman, J. C. Smith, J. Hammond, and A. Woods, Esqs. The
deceased left a widow and four children; the verdict was temporary
insanity.
Jan. 13th.—The Railway Company had abandoned their plan of erecting a
bridge over the river with wharfs on the North Quay.
Jan. 20th.—The congregation of the Mariner’s Chapel had presented a
testimonial to their minister, Mr. Joseph Pike.
Jan. 27th.—The Hon. and Rev. E. Pellew had been presented with a
testimonial consisting of a teapot, coffee pot, massive silver waiter,
cream ewer, and sugar basin upon his resigning the Vicarage.
Feb. 3rd.—The Haven Commissioners had determined to oppose the proposed
Railway bridge over the Bure, the following Commissioners being present
on this occasion:—Robert Marsham, Esq. (Chairman), H. N. Burroughes,
Esq., M.P., Col. Petre, John Penrice, John F. Leathes, F. W. Farr, Geo.
Danby Palmer, T. O. Springall, John Marshall, Peter Finch, and W.
Hammond, Esqs.
The Borough Lands Committee recommended that the Rev. H. Mackenzie (the
incoming Vicar) should have the parsonage house at the yearly rent of 1s.
Feb. 10th.—John Franklin, the Southtown pedestrian, had walked from the
Duke’s Head Inn, Yarmouth, to the Shire Hall, Norwich, and back in 11½
hours for a wager of £10.
Feb. 17th.—In pursuance of the will of the late Mr. James Moyse, of
Yarmouth, the Rev. F. P. Baker and Mr. John Baker had distributed £50
amongst poor persons residing in the town, and Mr. E. C. Sharpin, of
Beccles, had distributed £10 amongst the poor there.
It was proposed to appoint a schoolmaster at the Gaol, with a salary of
£50 a year.
Feb. 24th.—A dispute having arisen between the Magistrates and the Town
Council as to the liability of the latter to furnish the Justices Court
Room, Mr. C. Austin’s opinion had been taken on the subject, which proved
to be in favour of the Justices.
March 2nd.—The electric telegraph had been laid along the railway.
March 8th.—A meeting had been held of the owners and occupiers of
property in the Market Ward, when it was proposed to oppose the Railway
Bridge scheme, and Messrs. Wm. Johnson and Richard Ferrier were appointed
a deputation to wait upon Sir E. Lacon (the only local Director) to urge
the views of the meeting upon him.
March 23rd.—The Town Council had determined to expend £500 in alterations
at the Gaol.
The Rev. R. G. Mason, “the Father Matthew of Scotland,” had held two
meetings at the Town Hall.
March 30th.—The Committee of the House of Commons sitting on the Railway
Bill had found the preamble as to the proposed Bridge over the Bure “not
proven.”
Mr. Pellew had been presented with the testimonial by Sir E. Lacon and B.
Dowson, Esq., on behalf of the subscribers.
April 6th.—Messrs. Wm. Cross, John Richmond, Wm. Burton, and J. T. Buston
had been appointed overseers.
The following gentlemen had been elected Guardians:—Messrs. G. Danby
Palmer, W. A. Burton, J. Fiddes, J. Fish, S. C. Marsh, J. Starling, J.
Tomlinson, D. A. Gourlay, J. Lawn, F. Clark, S. W. Bly, W. Smith, J. D.
Chapman, T. Hammond, J. Brightwen, and C. Pearson. There was only one
Tory candidate, who was rejected.
April 13th.—On Good Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tomlinson had been thrown
from a gig at Fritton, and Mrs. Tomlinson was seriously injured, while
Mr. Tomlinson escaped with a few bruises; their little boy who was with
them was unhurt.
May 4th.—Contains the report of the opening of the Railway from Norwich
to Yarmouth, on the 30th April, it was stated that the works had been
completed in the space of eight months from their commencement, by
Messrs. Peto, Grissel & Co.
A _dejeneur_ had been given at the Assembly Rooms, Norwich, by the
contractor to 150 ladies and gentlemen, when the following toasts were
given:—“The Queen,” “Success to the Yarmouth and Norwich Railway,”
“Prosperity to the City of Norwich and the Port of Yarmouth,” “The
healths of the Mayors of Norwich and Yarmouth,” “Mr. Peto” (by the Mayor
of Norwich), “The Ladies,” (by Mr. Peto), after which they retired; “Mr.
Stephenson and the Directors,” and “Mr. Grissel” (by John Penrice, Esq.)
On the same day a train made its first trip to Yarmouth, starting at
twelve o’clock, and returning at 7 minutes to 4 o’clock, accomplishing
the return journey between Yarmouth and Norwich in 42 minutes.
On 1st May the shareholders and friends of the Railway gave a dinner to
the Directors, at the Victoria Hotel, the Mayor in the chair. C. J.
Palmer, Esq., was vice-president, and there were also present Sir E. H.
K. Lacon, Bart., Adam Duff, Esq., H. Bolingbroke, Esq., R. Till, Esq.
(treasurer), G. N. Tootal, Esq. (secretary), the Mayor and Sheriff of
Norwich, J. Penrice, J. E. Lacon, Capt. Lacon, RN., E. H. L. Preston, W.
H. Palmer, W. Johnson, W. Yetts, J. C. Smith, R. Hammond, W. Goldsmith,
T. M. Nelson, E. Youell, I. O. Taylor, W. S. Ferrier, H. Fellows, S.
Nightingale, C. Brown, and H. Aldred, Esqs.
May 11th.—A number of sailors had been thrown out of employment owing to
a strike of pitmen in the North and other causes, and it was proposed
that they should apply to the Guardians for temporary relief.
May 18th.—The Yarmouth Anti-Corn Law League had held a meeting at the
Masonic Hall, Mr. D. A. Gourlay in the chair.
A meeting of the Gas Company had been held in London, when it was agreed
to reduce the price of gas from 10s. to 8s. per 1000 cubic feet; (in 1840
the price had been 13s. 4d.,) the shareholders were then receiving 5 per
cent. on their shares.
Mr. Nelson had stated to Mr. Lacon that he could not redeem his pledge to
complete Kimberley Terrace.
Mr. T. C. Foreman (confectioner), had been assaulted by Mr. Bidden
(surgeon).
May 25th.—Miss Pestall had received a telegraphic message to provide a
dinner for the Railway Directors at five o’clock, which left Norwich at
four o’clock on the same day, and the order was fulfilled in “the fine
old carved room.”
June 1st.—The second instance of the escape of a prisoner from the gaol
during the last few months had occurred, this man’s name was Cooper.
June 9th.—A meeting, to establish a Marine Regatta, had been held, when
the following Committee was appointed for that purpose:—The Mayor, S.
Palmer, B. Dowson, John Penrice, and Chas. Pearson, Esqs., Sir George
Parker, and Lieut. Eaton.
The Victoria Brass Band had commenced playing on the Terrace.
June 15th.—Madame Vestris and Chas. Matthews were to appear at the
Theatre.
July 6th.—The “Byzantium,” 290 tons, had been launched from Mr. F.
Preston’s yard.
A meeting of the local Anti-Corn Law League had been held, and the
conduct of Messrs. Rumbold and Wilshere censured for not supporting the
movement for the entire abolition of these duties.
July 13th.—Mr. C. D. Arnott, of Gorleston, had obtained the diploma of
the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and had been admitted a
Licentiate of the Apothecaries’ Company.
July 27th.—At the Water Frolic, the “Red Rover” (S. C. Marsh) had beaten
the “Leviathan” (Bessey), and the “Pearl” (Sir W. B. Proctor), but was
disqualified on protest, and the prize awarded to the “Leviathan.”
August 3rd.—The Regatta had proved a success, the following is the report
given of the sport:—
“The Regatta at Yarmouth, on Friday, was one of the most spirited and
gay scenes ever witnessed. The terrace, the shore, the Jetty, the
windows, were filled with gaily-dressed spectators, whose constantly
moving figures rendered the scene one vast and ever-changing
kaleidoscope. The day was glorious, and the sea was thickly
sprinkled with boats and vessels of all kinds, which merrily bounded
before the gale in quick and ever-varying succession. The following
was the result of the day’s amusement, which gave infinite pleasure
to the thousands who thronged from all parts of the country.
A silver cup and cover, value £50, for Yachts not exceeding 25 tons,
belonging to a Yacht Club.
Yachts tons. Owners. Colours.
1. Mystery 25 Lord A. Paget b & w Maltese
cross
2. Gnome 25 Thos. Meeson b & w with
crown
Carried away gaff topsail yard, and gave up.
A silver cup, value £12, by Pleasure Boats, 19 feet on the ram and
upwards.
Won by “Leviathan,” (Mr. W. Bessey), beating four others.
A handsome silver Cup.—A Rowing Match by Amateur Gigs, not exceeding
25 feet, given by Mr. Balls of the Victoria Hotel, which was won by
the “Enigma.”
A grand sailing match for a purse of 25 sovs. by Yawls of any
length.—First yawl to have 12 sovs., the second 5, and the third 3.
Won by the “Victoria”; 2nd, “Greyhound”; 3rd, “Royal Sovereign.”
A Rowing Match for a purse of 10 sovs. by Beach Gigs of any
description, and manned as they pleased. First gig 7 sovs., second 3
sovs., which was won by the “Princess Victoria” (Critten), the “Star”
being second.
The amount of receipts at the Repository held at Bath Rooms, on
Friday, including a few subsequent sales, was £77 8s. 0d., viz.,
received at the doors, £16 16s. 6d.; contributions by the members for
the Borough, £10; amount of sales, £50 11s. 6d.; the expenses of
fitting up the rooms, etc., were £12 8s. 0d.; leaving a balance of
£65, which was distributed as follows:—For the aged poor, £3; the
sick poor £1; and to the District Visiting Society, School of
Industry, and Blanket and Clothing Society, £20 6s. 8d. each.
Aug. 10th.—Five individuals were living in a house in the Lion and Lamb
Row, whose united ages amounted to 385 years.
Aug. 24th.—The tide had flowed up to Victoria Terrace and beyond Ansell’s
Buildings, affording an enchanting sight to the visitors.
The foundation stone of the New Wesleyan Chapel had been laid at
Gorleston.
Sept. 21st.—The organ of S. Nicholas’ had been re-opened, full Cathedral
service being performed, when about 5,000 persons attended the two
services. Mr. Mackenzie preached from Psalm 100, 1st and 2nd, and £72
10s. was collected.
A choir was about to be formed, under Mr. Warne.
Oct. 5th.—The Victoria Building Company had sold the ground for the
purpose of the erection of Brandon Terrace.
Oct. 19th.—The Magistrates had determined upon memorialising the
Postmaster General to have the mails transmitted by railroad.
Nov. 2nd.—A “Railway meeting” had been held upon the requisition of the
Mayor, and the following committee appointed to inquire as to the schemes
proposed. The Mayor (S. C. Marsh), G. Danby Palmer, E. H. L. Preston, W.
Johnson, J. E. Lacon, R. Hammond, R. Ferrier, R. S. Lonsdale, J. Clark,
S. Palmer, A. Palmer, W. H. Palmer, J. Orfeur, B. Dowson, D. Turner, and
J. W. Shelly, Esqs., and Messrs. C. Moore and T. Hammond.
The following had been again re-elected Councillors without any
opposition:—Richard Hammond, W. N. Burroughs, W. Johnson, John Owles, J.
Tomlinson, S. C. Marsh, Thos. Lettis, jun., J. W. Shelly, Geo. Danby
Palmer, W. Chambers, S. Crow, and T. Hammond.
Messrs. Chas. Cory, Geo. Danby Palmer, T. O. Springfield, R. Marsham,
Samuel Tolver, and Capt. Smyth, R.N., had had an interview with the
President of the Board of Trade on the subject of the proposed new Bridge
over the Bure.
Twenty-five gentlemen of the Corporation had dined at the Feather’s Inn,
to commemorate the opening of the new Fish Market by S. C. Marsh, Esq.
(the Mayor), who presided on the occasion.