Note 1126 — PART IV. From the Reformation to the present time. (continued 8)

Its constituents during the first stages of its existence bore the following names—Asty Harwick, Abel Hawkins, Geo. Foley, N. Elstobb, Sam. Browne, Peter Elyson, Rich. Marshall, John Mountaine, Nic. Anderson, John Bagge, Dan. Swaine, Jos. Lee, Wm. Taylor, Rob. Fysh, Edm. Elsden, Tho. Day, Rich. Sands, Henry Fysh, Robert Hamilton, Rich. Allyson, Wm. Ward, Scarlet Browne, Geo. Patteson, Tho. Berneye, Tho. Hawkins, and Jos. Taylor.—Most of these seem to have continued in the society to the last, though some were expelled for different reputed delinquencies.—It is curious enough to observe their mock formalities in the administration of their laws, and the maintenance of the government and discipline of the society, as they appear in their written transactions, which are still extant. A few specimens here may not be ungrateful to the reader—At one time Asty Harwick is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for carrying home the sword, contrary to the rules of the society—at the same time Richard Marshall is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for throwing a piece of pipe at Mr. Deputy governor—another time Samuel Browne is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for tearing the bill before it was discharged—another time Joseph Lee is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for interrupting Mr. deputy govr. Harwick—another time Jos. Lee is indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for pulling the governor Capt. Nic. Anderson’s wig awry—same time Asty Harwick and John Bagge, were indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined, for insulting the secretary in his office—another time Mr. Bagge was indicted, tried, found guilty and fined, for not attending the then governor, Mr. Richard Marshall, with the sword, Mr. Bagge being then sword-bearer.—Those who were indicted and tried were all found guilty, with only one exception, which was in the case of Wm. Ward, (April 14, 1750) who was indicted, tried, and acquitted, under the charge of affronting the then govr. Mr. Bagge, by conferring upon him the unworthy and degrading office of deputy secretary.—Thus did some of our most hopeful and reputable townsmen employ themselves between 60 and 70 years ago. Whether their successors or representatives of the present day employ themselves more worthily, may deserve some consideration. As to our courtiers and statesmen, it cannot well be supposed that they would have any great objection to our gentlemen and all the rest of the nation employing their leisure time in such a frivolous manners, as it would leave them at liberty to pursue their course with less observance or interruption. After all, had our society of True-Britons, been still continued we are not sure but they might have proved by this time, as useful to themselves, and as beneficial to the community at large, as either of our present Lodges of Free Masons.