The first public meeting to explain the principles of total abstinence in Horncastle, was held in the British School Room, in November, 1836, on which occasion Mr. Biscombe Agent of the British Association for the suppression of intemperance, delivered a lecture, when fifteen signed the pledge. On the first of June, John Hocking, the Birmingham Blacksmith, delivered a second lecture in the old Methodist Chapel, which produced a powerful impression on the minds of the hearers, a great number gave in their names, and the society became regularly organized; and thus six yean ago the foundation of this society was laid, and by the laborious exertions, and untiring zeal of a few individuals, who with little influence, and still less money, but with feelings of sympathy for suffering humanity, applied themselves with ardour and perseverance to propagate its principles, to improve and ameliorate the condition of those, who, through the use of strong drink, were sunk into the lowest depths of poverty and degradation, to which it was possible for human nature to arrive, and also to raise an impassable barrier, to the progress of what undoubtedly is the greatest curse that ever afflicted this or any other country. And it is owing to the valuable services of those persons, who, in the face of the most determined opposition, and the indifference of others from whom was expected better things, that this society under the approbation of providence now holds its present position and influence in the town and vicinity. The committee have still cause to regret, that notwithstanding the flood of light, and truth, and knowledge, which has issued from the press and found its way into almost every nook and corner of our land, and the testimonies of living witnesses in every direction, around us, there still exists a great amount of ignorance, prejudice, and secret opposition to the onward progress of this glorious and god-like institution, proving too plainly that man is still a slave to interest and appetite, but being fully persuaded that the principles of the temperance cause are based on truth, which cannot be successfully controverted, and having within its bosom, a great many of the most eminent Ministers both in and out of the establishment, and medical gentlemen of the highest authority; and also having outlived the violence of many a storm and now being firmly established, they look forward to the period when this society will not have to expend its money and its energies in reclaiming the drunkard, but in preserving the rising generation as they attain to years of discretion, from ever becoming such. The Horncastle Tee-Total Society numbers at present 530 Members, of which 300 are adults, and 230 juveniles, including a great many reclaimed drunkards who have been raised from destitution and want, to a state of happiness and enjoyment.