[2] It appeared as an advertisement in the _Morning Chronicle_, in these terms:--“To the public.--After communicating with several gentlemen upon the subject, I, in consequence of our unanimous decision, and for the purpose of obtaining the concurrence and co-operation of others, hereby give an invitation to all such gentlemen as wish to see Mr. Cobbett placed in the House of Commons, to meet me at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, in the Strand, London, on Tuesday, the 2nd of March next, in order to devise effectual means for accomplishing that purpose, which, in the present critical situation of the country, I deem to be of the greatest importance to the welfare of that country.--Thomas B. Beevor, Hargham, near Attleborough, Norfolk, Dec. 26, 1823. [3] According to “A Peep at the Commons” (Lond., 1820), the suffrage at Preston was nearly universal. “Nearly the whole of the inhabitants are Reformers, but, for want of the ballot at elections, undue influence has prevailed, and they have never been enabled to throw off the yoke of slavery. This town, however, is not without numbers who dare, in despite of power, to exercise their political rights.” [4] “The general election of 1826 was a severe struggle for the popular candidates, as the most strenuous exertions were made in nearly all the constituencies to get rid of them.” _Vide_ “Life and Correspondence of T. S. Duncombe,” i. 86. A very complete account of this election will be found in the _Morning Herald_ for June, 1826, _passim_. And the curious in such matters may consult “A Collection of Addresses, Squibs, Songs, &c.; together with the Political Mountebank, showing the changeable opinions of Mr. Cobbett, published during the contested election for the Borough of Preston, which commenced June 9th, and ended June 26th, 1826” (Blackburn, 1826). [5] Sir Thomas Beevor presently showed a balance-sheet of the expenses, by which it appeared the cost was 1843_l._ 9_s._ 5_d._, whilst 1701_l._ 4_s._ 6_d._ had been received, leaving a small deficiency for Cobbett to make up. Some of the “subscribers’ names” are suggestive:-- A poor disciple of twenty years’ standing, 10_s._ Cobbett, don’t be brow-beaten, 20_s._ Nicodemus, for fear of the Jews, 25_l._ To assist in getting the country out of its difficulties, so that property may become secure, 10_l._ Pro bono publico, 2_s._ 6_d._ [6] “A laugh” here, according to the reporters. [7] “History of England from the year 1830,” _Introductory Chapter_.