The kind of influence or coercion brought to bear is described in an “Address to the Independent and Worthy Electors,” which was issued by the “patriotic party,” May 5th:-- “Notwithstanding the extraordinary methods used by some of the Burgesses of the Westminster Court, the select vestries of several of the parishes, and the High Constable; who has in his own name, and by his own power, taken upon him to summon the inhabitants to give their Poll _against_ Admiral Vernon and Mr. Edwin; we have been already so successful in our endeavours to retrieve the _independency_ of this City and Liberty, in the Election for the next Parliament, that the old members have but a very inconsiderable majority (if any) of Good Votes against The Glorious ADMIRAL VERNON, And CHARLES EDWIN, Esq., who stand upon the Country Interest. Therefore, Gentlemen, now is the time for completing what we have so successfully begun; since it is certain that almost the _whole_ of the Interest on the other side is already near poll’d, and not one-fourth of ours. And considering the great and perhaps decisive turn that the Election of this City and Liberty may give to the Elections all over the kingdom, it is hoped that no man who has a regard for the Liberties of his Country, and the Independency of Parliament, will lie by or remain neuter upon this occasion. Therefore your Votes and Interest in favour of ADMIRAL VERNON, and CHARLES EDWIN, Esq., who have no other views than the good of their country and the prosperity of this ancient City and Liberty.” The contest thus stood: the king, Duke of Cumberland, and the ministers,--with all their patronage, but overburdened with unpopularity, especially as regarded certain acts touching the navy, the standing army, and excise and other new taxes disliked by most,--supporting candidates looked upon with disfavour, on the one side; opposed by the Prince of Wales and his active friends of the “patriotic party,” with a popular naval commander and “a friend of his country” as candidates, and the voice of the multitude, on the other; the arena being the hustings at Covent Garden, supposed to be regarded expectantly by all the constituencies in the country. [Illustration: TO THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORS OF WESTMINSTER. VERNON AND EDWIN. 1741. [_Page 97._]