Manchester Mcmoiys, Vol. xliv. {\()00), No. I4. 29 



ingly a Summons was given out for us to meet this Morning for that purpose — 

 but previous to it a number of spiritel leading people had been concerting a 

 plan to defeat their purpose, a meeting was held at Forshaw's and at 8 o'clock 

 this morning, when a Numerous Company of Freemen met ^; heard the scheme 

 explained, they were exhorted to abide by their choice of Mr Brown, who 

 wou'd still refuse, a>id to sei-ve them stand a tryal, in the event of which they 

 would be put in possession of facts which wou'd entirely overturn this cursed 

 Combination — at about a (juarter before ten, we march'd forth in a body with 

 Colours flying, and took- possession of the Hustings, and the places round it, 

 and when the Council arrived and proposed another person (Mr Boats), to be 

 Mayor, every voice was exerted against him, they however proceeded to a poll, 

 being advised l)y Lawyer Davenport whom they had engaged for 100 guineas to 

 be present on the occasion. At two o'clock the books were closed, when there 

 appeared for Mr Boats 35 and for Mr Brown 342. they were therefore constrained 

 once more to declare him duly elected and we retired in Triumph — I never 

 enjoyed anything more in my life. Williamson was of infinite service in the 

 Affair, and your friend Wakefield a most active Man, he soon collected 100 or 

 two of freemen luit the head man was our worthy Captain who is the Idol 

 of the Common people. 



I am so full of this Victory that I could not help making you acquainted 

 with the particulars, and though you are not interested in it I am sure you 

 will rejoice whenever Liberty is triumphant and I hope long to tell you we 

 have compleated the affair entirely 



I am your sincere friend and Servt- 

 THOS. TAYLOR. 



The letter tells its own story plainly enough. At the 

 time it was written all municipal corporations were in a 

 very corrupt state. Liverpool received its first charter in 

 the reign of John, and for several hundred years its 

 administration was by no means pure ; up to the year 1780 

 the Corporation were in the habit of selling the freedom 

 of the borough at prices varying froin three to fifty 

 guineas, according to the circumstances of the purchaser. 

 Mr. John Brown was elected Mayor of Liverpool at the 

 end of 1782, but refused, to serve. Accordingly, on the 7th 

 of April, 1783, the Burgesses were summoned to elect 

 another Mayor by the Bailiffs. On the 12th of September, 

 1783, Mr. Brown took the oath as Mayor ; thus the town 

 was without Mayor for nearly a year. Taylor's letter is 

 interesting, inasmuch as it throws light on a situation for 



