February 1779

Monday 15th February 1779

It having been Signified to this Court by the Chairman on consequence
of a Letter addressed to him from the Right Honourable Lord Viscount Weepnorth one
of the Principal Secretaries of State it is apprehended the public peace may be
disturbed by certain evil disposed persons assembling in a Riotous and
Tumultuous manner in the public Streets in large bodies for the purpose of
compelling persons to illuminate their Houses It is Ordered that John
Wide< no role > Gentleman High Constable of that Division of the Hundred of Ossulston
within the County of Middlesex called Holborn Division do call the Petty
Constables and other peace officers within his Division to his assistance who are
hereby ordered to attend and assist the said High Countable accordingly and
that he and they do take care to patrole the Streets within his Division aforesaid
and pursue every legal means in their Power to prevent and Suppress any Riots
Routs or unlawful assemblies or other breach of the public peace within his
Division this day and tomorrow and what he shall do therein he is to
Return an Account of to this Court

The like order made upon George Elliot< no role > Gentleman High
Constable of that Division of the Hundred of Ossulston called the Tower Division

The like on Thomas Hurford< no role > Gentleman High Countable
of that Division of the Hundred of Ossulston called Finsbury Division

By adjournment Thursday 18th.

His Majestys Justices of the peace for this County in this present Session of
the peace assembled Do unanimously reelect Sir John Hawkins< no role > Knight
Chairman of the General and General Quarter Sessions of the peace for this
County for and during the half Year now next Ensuing

By adjournment same day

The Chairman having laid before the Count the Subsequent Letter
from the Right Reverend father in God the Bishop of London which Letter was
read as follows

Sir

The public & in particular the Governours of the Church are highly
obliged to you & your Brethren the Justices of the peace for the County of Middlesex
for Your Zealous Endeavours to inforce the due observance of the approaching
last appointed by his Majestys Proclamation & that of Good Friday, the
Seasonable interposition of your authority in regard to the Letter having had
a very good effect in the two last Years I hope and am persuaded that by the blessing
of God it will have this Year & for the future the same Success and in regard to the
fast to the Soleman & devout observation of which we are so loudley called upon
by every motion of duty & Piety & by the present alarming State of public Affairs