THE HASTINGS BARONS AT THE CORONATION OF GEORGE II. AND QUEEN CAROLINE.
The following quaint and interesting account of the Coronation proceedings is extracted literally from the private collection of the "Collier Letters," by permission of Mr. Charles Lane Sayer, a descendant of John Collier, whose daughter, Sarah, married Henry Sayer.
5th October, 1727 (The Coronation of George II. and Queen Caroline). Mr. Collier, from London, to his wife at Hastings :
" I have not been able to learn many particulars about our Coronation affair, but I think its agreed we are not to have Esquires. There is to be a meeting of the Barons {of Cinque Ports) next Monday night to settle who are to support {Canopy Bearers) over the King and Queen in p'ticular. I have made no progresse in my Robes, nor shall not till I see what Others provide."
(In a Postscript to this letter he says, "Candles are risen 2s. 6d. a Dozen, on account of the Vast Quantity bought up for the Coronation Illuminations. I need not tell you that if they fire the Guns, none of the Children should be out.")
7th October, 1727 (Mr. Collier, from London, to his wife).
"Nothing else is talked of but the Coronation. I am in a little Dilemma about my robeing, but Lord Ashburnham yesterday offered me a Shirt and Neckcloth for the Ceremony, and I accepted. To buy one I should be much vexed. It must be full bottomed, and will cost, in my Complexion, 15 Guineas. I have seen the Wardrobe, and Every Thing is Exquisitely fine and Magnificient. Mr. Dyne {Mayor elect of Hastings) Came to Town this day about noon, and I have been Plagu'd with him to get his Accoutremts, but of this take no notice, for I think I have by this Manag'd soe as to Support the Queen's Canopy, wch I would not upon any accot loose. Itt's vastly the Greatest Honor and Indeed the Queen manages everything in the World. . . . We have Scarlet Robes lin'd with Crimson Sattin, wastcoats of the same Sattin, breeches of the same cloath, Scarlet worsted Stockings, because Silk will not take soe good a dye, black velvet Shooes with red heels, black velvet Caps, white Gloves, of wch the Topps are faced with Crimson, we are to wear Swords, and as to Wiggs and Linen as Rich as each Baron pleases."
-12th October, 1727 (Mr. Collier to his wife describes the Coronation). " I can now with pleasure Inform you that our Coronation affair (I mean as to the fatigueing pt) is happily over. Tomorrow at 12 we divide our Canopy, and the Shares of the Hasting 6 Barons is to goe into a Punch bowle, in perpetuity of the Grand Solemnity. I mean only the staves, as to the Canopy, we shall divide it amongst our selves, Tho' itt's not of Great Value. The Punch Bowle was proposed by Colonel Pelham, and thought mightily well of by our -
