POPULATION. 
Habits. The phrase habits of the people, taken in its most general sense, is applicable to the 
highest as well as to the lowest classes. It is abundantly manifest from the preceding parts of 
this memoir, that the tastes of the upper orders of the inhabitants of Derry, and its neighbour¬ 
hood, are decidedly utilitarian. There is no place of public amusement, except the theatre, which 
is seldom open. The concerts also have been discontinued, which were formerly given at the 
King’s Arms Hotel. Even the coerie has fallen into disuse, a name given to the assemblies of 
the nobility and gentry, which were under the control of a king and queen of the night. 
In the general recreations of the community at large there is nothing remarkable or peculiar. 
There is, however, one observance which claims peculiar consideration. The shutting of the 
gates of Derry by the apprentice boys, on the 7th of December, 1688, O. S., and the opening of 
the gates on the 12th of August following, have led to the observance of a curious ceremony, and 
to the establishment of various clubs. 
So early as 3 in the morning parties of youths marched through the streets, preceded by 
military bands, playing, among other airs, that of “ No Surrender,” an air connected with the 
siege, and to which words have been adapted by Mr. Henry Morrison, a descendant of one of the 
Morrisons who fought at it. The motto also of “ No Surrender” was displayed on a flag over 
the four principal g-ates before day-break. The effigy of Governor Lundy was likewise suspended 
from a gibbet, erected in the Diamond. The commencement of the ceremony was announced by 
the firing of a large cannon, while the bells of the cathedral also chimed some popular airs, con¬ 
nected with the siege. The red flag of the virgin city was hoisted, the vessels at the quays were 
gaily decorated, and a royal standard, with the date “ 1688” wrought in its centre, was planted 
formerly on the eastern end of the cathedral, but latterly on Walker’s testimonial. 
During the forenoon, crowds continued to pour into the city, and at noon several Orange 
lodges, adorned with standards and trappings, marched in to unite with the apprentice boys (a 
society so called,) in commemorating the day. After mustering at 1, they marched to the four 
gates in succession, and discharged volleys over them from the inside, according to the system of 
street-firing. After this they proceeded to the Diamond, discharged three volleys more, and gave 
three cheers for the king and constitution. The houses here were lined with people, and, amid 
shouts, music, and execrations, the effigy of Lundy was burned. The ceremony was concluded 
by an assembly of the gentry and apprentice boys in the corporation hall. Hither every man 
brought a glass, and a bottle filled with such beverage as he preferred ; and this conviviality, 
which was hence termed the bottle and glass, was celebrated with music, singing, and public 
speaking. On several successive anniversaries, divine service was performed in different places 
of worship throughout the city. 
Subsequently to the passing of an act of the 2 & 3 William 4, c. 118, by which such com¬ 
memorations became illegal for five years, from the 16th of August, 1832, and from thence 
until the end of the then next sessions of parliament, the above observances were modified. At 
the last celebration in December, 1834, the ceremony began in the usual form. A board in¬ 
scribed “ No Surrender” was affixed to each of the gates, the red flag was hoisted on the eastern 
end of the cathedral, and a duplicate of it on Walker’s testimonial. At 3 o’clock the effigy of 
Lundy was blown up amid shouts of “ Down with the traitors,” and “ God save king William,” 
but without music. There was no public display of badges, and the firing was limited to the 
discharge of six shots, from a 6 pounder, at the Testimonial, which began at 12 o’clock. Until 
of late the ceremonies were celebrated by persons of all religious denominations. 
Clubs. —There are three clubs of Apprentice Boys at present. One of these consists chiefly 
of old men, and is itself of an old standing. Another, which was formed in October, 1824, is 
called the “ No Surrender Club.” It consists of 150 members, who subscribe 2s. a year. The 
business is conducted by a president, vice-president, two secretaries, two treasurers, and five other 
members, and the club assemble on the first Thursday of November, February, May, and August, 
and hold general meetings on the 8th of December, and 12th of August. 
The third is of more recent formation. It is called the “ Death and Glory Club,” and is 
composed principally of journeymen tradesmen. 
There is also a club entitled the “ Friendly Brothers,” whose object is merely jovial fes¬ 
tivity. 
Rural condition. —In this parish the consideration of the rural part is so completely absorbed 
by that of the city, that there can be no impropriety in introducing the present notice here. 
In Creggan the cottiers are rather comfortable, the proximity of the city allowing a fair chance 
of employment. In the direction of Lough Swilly also, that is from Penny burn to Coshquin ; 
the houses beside the road look pretty well, and the population are apparently comfortable. 
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