1808. January. By the telegraph, orders from the Admiralty Office were received at Yarmouth, in 17 minutes. The chain of communication was by Strumpshaw, Thorpe Hills, Honingham, Carlton, and Harling, and from thence proceeded between Thetford and Bury, over Newmarket Heath to London. Captain Manby’s invention for rescuing persons stranded on a lee shore, was approved by the Lords of the Admiralty. Parliament rewarded Captain Manby at different times with grants amounting to £6000, and adopted his apparatus at many parts of the coast. July 29th. At a special assembly of the corporation of Norwich, an address to his majesty was agreed to unanimously, on the subject of the noble struggle of the patriots of Spain and Portugal against the Ruler of France, and of the generous aid given to their endeavours by the government. * * * * * 1809. January. In consequence of Colonel Robert Harvey not being joined by a sufficient number of the Volunteers under his command to become a local Militia Battalion, he resigned the command of the Norwich Volunteer Regiment, and was succeeded by Colonel De Hague. May 9th. The six Regiments of Norfolk Local Militia first assembled to perform 28 days’ exercise. They were stationed at Norwich, Yarmouth, Swaffham, and Lynn. October 15th. The Norwich corn merchants demanded of the farmers a month’s credit, instead of paying ready money for their corn as heretofore, but it was resisted by the growers, and ultimately abandoned by the merchants. November 2nd. After an interval of seven years, there was a grand musical festival here, combining oratorios at St. Peter’s Church, and concerts at the Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Beckwith, eldest son of the late Dr. Beckwith. Professor Hague, of Cambridge, led the band. * * * * * 1810. January 20th. The disputes between the corn growers and buyers in the city and county, having been amicably adjusted, a reconciliation dinner took place at the Maid’s Head Inn. Amongst the toasts was, “Fair Play—ready money on both sides, or ready money on neither.” February 4th. Died at Gunton, in his 77th year, the Rt. Hon. Harbord Lord Suffield. He represented Norwich from 1756 to 1786. He was much respected by his constituents. April 26th. The first stone of the new bridge at Carrow was laid by the mayor, T. Back, Esq., in due form. August 6th. The first stone of the Norwich Foundry Bridge was laid by Alderman Jonathan Davey, the projector of the undertaking. September 27th. A contest took place for the office of alderman of the great Northern ward, in the room of John Herring, Esq., who died on the 23rd, aged 61. The poll closed as follows—for William Hankes, Esq., 258; N. Bolingbroke, Esq., 229. The former was declared duly elected.