not be two opinions as to the propriety of establishing a Volunteer Artillery Corps. He did not share the feelings generally entertained respecting the present ruler of the French, but they did not know what contingency might arise; and therefore he thought it should be the object of every Englishman to render his country invulnerable against all attacks to which it might be exposed. He would not enter into the subject to be considered, but would read some letters which he had received from some gentlemen residing in the neighbourhood. His Worship then communicated to the meeting the contents of several letters from gentlemen favourable to the cause.
E. V. Harcourt, Esq., proposed the first resolution - namely to form a Volunteer Artillery Corps, and observed that he was glad that that important branch of our national defences was no longer to be wanted in Hastings. He was also pleased that the Government had cared to support the people of England in such movements. In 1841, it was said that the Duke of Wellington was not acquainted with British citizens, and that, although no one knew better than he did what the soldier was made of and how to lead him on to victory, he did not appreciate the services of the citizens of the country. But he (the speaker) believed that this volunteer movement would place them in their proper position; that it would be the means of promoting the sympathy of one class towards another, and then if, as some people thought, the invasion should prove a bugbear, they would obtain many internal improvements and benefits as well as to be able to do much towards the external defence of the county.
The Second Resolution was moved by G. Scrivens, Esq. which had for its object the raising of funds by subscription for the purchase of arms, &c. He observed that it was their duty to do all they could for the defence of the town and country by assisting in the organization of the volunteer corps, either by becoming active working members or by providing what had been termed the sinews of war. Looking at the success which attended the Rifle Corps, he thought there would be no backwardness on teh part of many in contributing towards the necessary expense. He thought the Government had clearly shown that they approved of artillery corps by the facilities they offered; and by particularly alluding to them as being adapted for the sea coast. They were near the French and within reach of their guns if they came near these shore. He had seen and heard their guns fire, and -
