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banner, “who hath overcome the sharpness of death, and opened the Kingdom of heaven to all believers”. Rally, therefore round this standard, and be well assured that if in the hour of need female aid is required, the ladies who have taken so much pleasure in providing the banner, will be equally willing to sucour(sic) and comfort its manly defenders. I regret that Capt. Waldegrave has been unable to attend here, but he is endeavouring to make himself still more worthy of command by hard drilling at Plymouth in the 53 Regiment – one that is much endeared to him as that in which his elder and gallant brother distinguished himself in India. [Loud applause]. The noble lady then placed the flags into the hands of the Ensign and the sergeants of the escort who advanced to receive them. The whole of the Volunteers saluted the colours by presenting arms. The colour party retired a few paces and the men shouldered and took “close order”, the band playing the National Anthem. Lieut. Crake acknowledged the presentation in these words:- Lady Waldegrave and ladies of Hastings and St. Leonards – As senior officer present it is my duty to convey to you the thanks of our corps for the presentation you have just made to us. I assure you it is with pride and pleasure that we are again assembled for the purpose of receiving at your hands this renewed expression of the interest you take in our progress and welfare. If our efforts to become efficient Riflemen have obtained your approbation, we are fully recompensed. I will not affect to say that the time and attention required for instruction does not seriously curtail the leisure hours of many of our members already sufficiently limited; but cheered by your encouragement, I trust we shall persevere until we are qualified for the duties we have undertaken. Lady Waldegrave, you have kindly expressed your confidence in the conduct of those on whom you have bestowed that flag. It is not for me to enlarge on that subject; but I may be permitted to say that in accepting it, we feel that the honour of our country is intrusted(sic) to our charge, and I will venture to say there is not one member of our corps who for that honour should occasion require it, is not prepared to make the last sacrifice. Ladies, I again thank you. – Cheers were given for the Queen, the Countess of Waldegrave and the lady subscribers. – The Rifles marched to St. Leonards and deposited the large banner at Lieut. Crake’s residence, where they were refreshed, and then returned to Hastings. The banner was of white silk, with the St. George’s cross in red, and the Cinque ports arms in gold and silver. This was in conformity with what Mr. Ross discovered in the Cinque ports “Black book” in the Romney chest of -