Harmonic Society, London, accompanied on the piano by Mr. Hoyden, a member of the corps. The Mayor, Town Clerk and Mace-bearers took their seats on the platform, where also were several clergymen and other gentlemen. The solemn portion of the ceremony being concluded, a copy of the new rules was handed to each volunteer. “Stand at ease” was then the command, and the Honourable Captain explained that the said new rules were founded on those issued from the War Office, and had been sanctioned by both the Secretary of State and the Lord Warden. He would next call attention to the occasion on which they were then assembled. It was the first public muster since they had been an enrolled Corps, the first meeting of the new year, and the first opportunity he had had of taking the oath. He was himself under authority, and had had to ask the sanction of higher powers to his enrolment as their captain. He must remind them that parliament would be meeting in a few weeks, and he would, consequently not be so often with them as he had hitherto been. Long before he joined their ranks the members had met and drilled and taken the greatest pains to improve, and he now hoped, shortly, to procure for them the services of an effective drill-sergeant. Many of them had been kept to the first rules of the class in their manuals, but he hoped to place them in a better position. In consequence of the great demand which had arisen for the services of drill sergeants, on account of the noble volunteer spirit throughout the country, it was very difficult to obtain one. He had asked General Hay to assist in procuring one, but the General told him he had had twenty other applications of the same nature. He would take every opportunity that the meetings of Parliament would permit of his coming down to drill with them. It was not fear which had called forth the volunteer spirit [Applause], but it was no use to shut the door after the steed was gone; therefore they had taken steps to place themselves in a defensive position. Most of them knew that in no foreign nation would such a volunteer corps be allowed. There was in France a National Guard, but it was kept entirely under military control. This country was rather the envy of countries where there were persons who knew what liberty was but did not choose to let their subject enjoy it.... During the year which had commenced, he hoped the spirit of unity and perseverance would prevail; and should any foe dare to approach our shores they would show themselves ready to place themselves in such a position as almost to laugh at the fear of invasion. The Rev. T. Vores, by request, also addressed the meeting, and in addition to his subscription offered £5 for a substi-
