His relative, Mr. Thomas Pelham, of Stanmer (afterwards created Earl of Chichester), was elected the member for Sussex."
Public Lighting. 2nd November, 1754. The following is an extract from a letter from Mr. Collier to the Duke of Newcastle : " . . . . The Town has been for a great many years lighted with lamps, beautiful and useful to the Corporation-- the original gift of Col. Pelham. Of late, the Oyl has been by one way or other provided, but has of late been managed with difficulty. I advanced the money this year, and am afraid there will be a deficiency, as the finances of the Corporation are low and we are in debt."
The Name of Cloudesley. Under date 26th April, 1755. -- Mr. Milward from Hastings, to Mr. Collier, then in London. " Last night's post brought me the melancholy news of the death of my Cousin Molly Lintott (From subsequent letters this lady, though referred to by her Maiden name, had, in fact, then lately been married to a Mr. Cloudesley Editor) who died suddenly the -- 23rd instant, and know nothing further -- being so unexpected, has actually shocked me so much, am scarce able to write, so beg you'd excuse any further scrawl." (Possibly a member of the family connected with Mrs. Cloudesley Shovell, mother of the Admiral who is claimed to have lived in All Saints' Street, Hastings. --Author.)
Rabbits and Refractory Paupers. 31st May, 1755. Mr. Milward, from Hastings, to Mr. Collier at Bath. "I and my family went to E. Bourn last Wednesday morning, and set out by six for the advantage of the sand, and returned yesterday by the road. . . (They probably took advantage of the sea shore ) We have now a fine stock of rabbitts and increase daily, and William and I have made further provision for their safely and security. My resolution is fix't not to kill 'till your return, unless unexpected company fall in. Have made free with your Garden to relieve our necessities. This day Morris (the Gardener of Hastings House) brought us three fine "Cowcumbers," being first we have had here."
(It appears from other letters that Mr. Collier and Milward, his son-in-law, used both to preserve rabbits. In old Maps one of the fields into which the West Hill was divided, is called " Coney Banks." Editor.) Mr. Milward also mentions " Several complaints from the Workhouse made against the poor, and have this day in Publick Court ordered Stepn Camber to be wipt, and old Philip Harrison to be turned out (and never to apply again for Relief under the penalty to be severely wipt) at his own request." (Mr. Milward was Mayor this year. Editor.)
The Priory Farm. 8th July, 1756. Mr. Collier mentions an action relating to the Priory Farm, Hastings, about which there are several letters. Editor. (A view of this old farm house will be found elsewhere.)
3rd February, 1757. Colonel Pelham to Mr. Collier, then at -- Hastings. " I am glad Mr. Murray (then Colonel Murray) has -
