The Mayor (Ald. Ross) having spoken up through the influence of Mr. North, M.P. for some kind of trophy of the late war with Russia for Hastings, as the principal Cinque Port and place of note in earlier fighting times, Lord Panmure replied that the application should have due consideration. The Russian gun was the result. To the application thus made might have been added that a considerable number of Hastings contributed to the ultimate success of the British arms in that fearful contest, some to be slain, some to be wounded, and some to return home safely. (See "letters from the local men at the seat of war" in Vol. 5). The efforts of Mr. Ross (Mayor) and Mr. North (M.P.) to obtain for Hastings a suitable memento, were, as already indicated, attended with success. A piece of ordnance captured by British soldiers in that memorable struggle was confided to the safe keeping of the Premier Cinque Port. The St. Leonards Gazette, of July 18th, remarked that "While regarding this as a tribute of respect, we are the more gratified that it has been nobly earned by the intrepid conduct of a number of our townsmen who did battle in that fierce encounter. The following is a copy of the letter received from Lord Panmure's private secretary:-
"To the Mayor of Hastings
War Office
July 10th, 1857
Sir,— in reply to your letter of the 3rd instant, I am directed by Lord Panmure to inform you that his lordship has much pleasure in presenting to the town of Hastings one Russian gun as a trophy of the late war, for the correct mounting and careful preservation of which his lordship feels confident he may rely on the public spirit of the inhabitants of the place."
At the Town Council meeting on Oct. 2nd, the Mayor stated that the Russian Gun was in readiness to be forwarded and it was for the Council to say by what conveyance it should be brought. Alderman Clement suggested that if the South-Eastern Railway Company were approached in a becoming spirit, they probably would bring it without charge. I do not know if this was done, but its arrival by the 14th of 15th of October was an accomplished fact, and its abiding place was on the late ship-building yard in front of the Pelham Arcade, which was cleared by a subscription of from one hundred to two hundred guineas each by gentlemen who had property in Pelham Crescent and Pelham Place - namely, the Earl of Chichester and Messrs. W. Crake, G. Scrivens, J. Landsell, B. Smith, R. Kirby, Joseph Kay, and W. Lucas-Shadwell.
