The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, are derived from a manuscript copy of the _Journal_ of Richard Hoare, Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in 1740-41, in his own hand-writing, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year became memorable in the city annals, from their having been _three_ Lord Mayors during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq. Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal of the respectable house which, instituted by one of his predecessors, still bears the family name, was elected alderman of the Ward of Farringdon Without, on St. George's day, 1740, in the place of Sir Francis Child, who died on the preceding Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was conferred upon him, whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and equally so, was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly afterwards they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000_l_. to undertake and enter upon the office on the ensuing Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became each entitled to 100_l_. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this year been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid their fines to be excused." In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the places upon any vacancy." On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He continues,--