Henry Vincent

From 'Western Vindicator'

1839

Gloucester is a fine city, and contains a large cathedral, and several well- built churches. The people have long been divided between the two factions of Whig and Tory. We found a small Chartist society in existence, but so small as not to be known by the great bulk of the citizens. A public meeting was convened in the large room of the Upper George Inn, and we were much pleased to find the bills, convening the people together, placed in the windows of numerous respectable shopkeepers. Burns and myself went to the George at seven o"clock. The room was crowded, and numbers were in the street, unable to obtain admission. Mr. Sidaway, an intelligent mechanic, was called to the chair. An adjournment to the New Market was then moved and carried. The multitude walked to the market in a very orderly fashion. [Sidaway, Burns, and Vincent spoke] Numbers of tradesmen were present, who appeared to take a lively interest in the proceedings of the evening. The Charter and Petition were unanimously adopted, and arrangements made for getting signatures to the Petition, and for collecting the National Rent. The Radical women mustered well, and expressed their wish to form a Female Patriotic Association. I would recommend them to contribute as much as possible towards the National Rent, and aid their male friends in its collection. Cheers were given for the Charter, Convention, Messrs. Vincent and Burns, and the Chairman; after which the meeting broke up. I shall visit Gloucester again.