from the Marine Artillery connected with the 4th Cinque Ports Volunteers. Mr. Gibbs had been their captain and in command of a battery, and as this gentleman had been made acquainted with the intention to present him with a testimonial, he with his usual liberality provided a substantial meat tea on the occasion, and otherwise arranged for a few hours relaxation. Tea being over, the volunteers to the number of about thirty adjourned to the lawn at Mr. Gibbs residence in Maze hill to indulge in a “smoke” and where was also stationed Herr Kluckner’s excellent band. At dusk the whole party returned to the house, when Sergt-Major Picknell presented the testimonial. Mr. Gibbs expressed himself as extremely grateful for the kindness thus shown him, and remarked that however proud he might have been when first elected to hold a commission in the regiment, that moment of his life was an even prouder one. His election as an untried man suggested the hope that he might be in some way useful, and the presence of those whom he had had the honour to command did that evening serve to show that the hope was not altogether unfounded. There were two principles on which he had endeavoured to regulate his conduct while in command – one which induced him to look upon volunteers as banded together for the purpose of becoming soldiers, who might one day be called upon to render an act of service to their country, and for which they could only become qualified by a strict attention to dicipline(sic); the other, that they voluntarily gave their time and means to the attainment of those objects, and which entitled them to peculiar consideration at the hands of their leaders [applause]. He was always of opinion that it was better to lead men than to drive them. Referring to the cause of his resignation, Mr. Gibbs expressed regret at the occurrence, but remarked that he had no choice in the matter, having – to speak freely – been forced out of the regiment because he could not yield obedience to illegal orders, nor accept unmerited censure and reprimands which should, in justice, have been levelled at others. In conclusion, he again thanked them warmly for the compliment they had paid him. It would be his study to preserve the testimonial, and he was sure that his children would regard it with pride when he was no more. Mr. Gibbs then drank “prosperity to the 4th Cinque Ports, and especially to No. 3 Battery”. – A toast for the lady hostess being proposed by Sergt. Major Picknell, and responded to heartily, Mrs Gibbs expressed herself deeply gratified by the kind feelings evinced towards herself, but still more so by which the gentlemen of No. 3 Battery had testified their appreciation of her husband’s services. It was a thought which did honour to the head and heart of those who had devised and carried it out, and she thanked them all warmly for having so truly appreciated and understood her husband. – The remainder of the evening was spent in cheerful conversation and singing of patriotic songs.
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From Historical Hastings
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