Cosgrove - Horse Association of Villagers 1798

COSGROVE                                 

  October 1st, 1798

At a numerous and highly respectable Assembly of the Villagers of England (for the Cosgrove District) it was Resolved unanimously that we become an Armed

HORSE ASSOCIATION OF VILLAGERS

That an humble Offer of our hearty Services be presented to his Most Gracious Majesty, our beloved Sovereign, to serve as an Horse Association to the extent of the Military District; and that we will be ready to act by Command of his Majesty or by Desire of the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, or any Magistrate upon any urgent Occasion.

That JOHN MANSEL, Esq. our associated Brother, be appointed COMMANDANT.

THOMAS EWESDIN, CAPTAIN

WILLIAM PITTAM, LIEUTENANT

WILLIAM CLARKE, CORNET

And that their Names be transmitted to his Majesty for the Honour of his Approbation, beseeching him to grant Commissions according to the Rank set opposite their respective Names.

That we forthwith set about learning our Duty and doing it as well as we can.

That this Corps shall serve without Pay, and shall at their own Expence provide such Uniform as shall be directed and approved of by the Commandant.

That this Corps shall meet once a Week at such Place as the Commandant shall appoint, to learn their Exercise; and that the days of Exercise shall be on Thursdays, between the Hours of Ten and Twelve in the Forenoon.

That every Member of this Association shall take the Oath of Allegiance before he is enrolled.

That a Request be made to Government to furnish this Corps with such Arms and Accoutrements that they may think proper, with a Trumpeter and Horse.

That a small Subscription be collected in this Association for defraying the Expences of Advertisements.

Resolved Unanimously that the Thanks of this Assembly be given to the Commandant, for the Proof that he has this Day afforded us of the Goodness of his Heart, and the Soundness of his Understanding.

THOMAS EWESDIN, Villager


VILLAGERS

No. 1 COSGROVE DISTRICT

THOMAS EWESDIN has the Honour to inform the Gentlemen of this powerful and highly respectable Association, that the next Assembly will be held in Cosgrove Church, on Monday the 14th of this instant October, at Ten o’clock in the Forenoon; when the Corps will proceed to muster, and Gentlemen will have the Goodness to fix their respective Districts. “Vanguard the Right and Left the Front unfold, and all may see who hate us how we seek Peace and Composure.”

As there are many Gentlemen to whom the Distance of the Cosgrove District would be highly inconvenient, they are humbly requested only to grace our first Muster with their Company, on the 14th instant; we will pair off in the Field, and Gentlemen will please to honour with their Attendance such District as will best suit their Convenience.

THOMAS EWESDIN, Villager

Cosgrove 3d of October 1798