Page 152 - Reading Mercury

1801

1802

th
Mon 5 April
Reading, Saturday, April 3rd
th
The arrival of the definitive Treaty of Peace (Treaty of Amiens signed 26 March)
at Wokingham on Tuesday last, was received with universal joy. The assemblage of
people from the circumjacent neighbourhood (it being market day) rendered the happy
tidings more diffusive, while the harmony and satisfaction universally prevailed. On
Wednesday afternoon the Associated Foresters formed in a line in the Market-place,
and performed various evolutions with promptitude and precision. A grand foi de joie
ensued, after which three excellent vollies were fired which would have obtained
approbation from any veteran corps.
The band of music then struck up God save the King, and the surrounding multitude
joined in the chorus expressively testifying their loyalty and heartfelt satisfaction on
the happy occasion. Illuminations next succeeded, and not withstanding the little
notice for preparation many houses and windows were illuminated with great beauty
and brilliancy, and several expressive devices were displayed with good effect. Fire
works also were exhibited consisting of rockets and divers curious mutations and
devices. The motley crowd of spectators shared in the general festivity taking large
potations of the natural wholesome beverage of the country, good sound strong beer
which was dispersed in the Market-place, being the generous benevolence of the
worthy Captain of the Associated Foresters, James Webb Esq.
The Gentlemen of the Association, with many respectable Gentlemen of the town
and neighbourhood, assembled in the Town-hall, and partook of an elegant cold
collation provided by Capt. Webb. His Majesty’s health was reiterated with
enthusiastic plaudits, appropriate loyal toasts and songs gave infinite pleasure, and the
evening was spent with conviviality and harmony highly gratifying to all.

th
Mon 10 May
Reading, Saturday, May 8.
On Tuesday last Peace was proclaimed at Wokingham, in proper form; after which
Jas. Webb Esq., Commander of the Loyal Association, read the thanks of Parliament
to his corps, and at the same time acknowledged his gratitude for the support and
assistance he had upon every occasion received from them. They were then
disembodied—an elegant supper was provided at the Rose-inn, where a very
numerous company spent the evening with the utmost hilarity and cheerfulness.

nd
Mon 2 Aug
Reading July 31
On Wednesday last, James Webb, Esq., Captain Commandant of the late
Wokingham Loyal Association was (at the request of the Corps, and the inhabitants of
that town and parish) presented by Thomas Bunce, gent. The Chief Magistrate of the
Corporation, and the Officers of the Corps, with an elegant three quart gilt tankard
and cover, with the town crest engraved on one side and a suitable inscription on the
other, as a lasting testimony of their approbation of his assiduity and the attention
during the enrollment of that Corps.

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