of it still hangs in the Neptune Inn, preserved as a
curiosity. (This copy, probably the only one in existence, bears
intrinsic evidence of being a genuine document, and is a treasured
possession of the Baker family, to whom the "Neptune" property belonged,
the paper having been discovered some fifty years ago in a piece of old
furniture, by Mr. Phillips, a connection of his family.)

Resuming the history of the benefice, it may be observed that a doubt has
been raised whether Mr. Moreton had to go through a contested election in
1788, but there can be no doubt as to an electoral struggle in 1834. Mr.
Fisher soon found himself drawn into the vortex of factional strife, for
he was speedily pounced upon by the home party, and very much against his
will adopted as their figure-head, if not their champion.

When, on the death of Mr. Moreton, the period of Election came within
measurable distance, the excitement became more intense; the patriotic
supporters of Mr. White invading the Willenhall territory day after day.
Such challenging and fighting, such threatenings and retaliations, surely
never were known; one faction had no sooner hurled its defiance at the
other than both incontinently plunged headlong into the melee, and
rioting once more raged fiercely through the public streets.

Cracked sconces, broken noses, split ears and black eyes resulted by the
score; to which list of casualties must be added the number of the
half-drowned who had to be rescued from the canal. Onslaughts made on
public-houses and other party headquarters led to a considerable
destruction of property, which, however, was borne with much complacency
when it was remembered that the whole Hundred would be called upon to pay
the bill.

Among the candidates for the Incumbency were the Rev. R. Robinson,
lecturer at the Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, in recommendation of
whom Mr. G. B. Thorneycroft wrote a letter, dating it from Chapel House
in that town, 16 July, 1834; the Rev. John Howells, the Rev. Mr. Rogers,
the Rev. Mr. Gwyther, and the Rev. Mr. Wenman; but the Rev. George
Hutchinson Fisher, who had been Curate two and a-half years in the town,
was recognised as the most formidable competitor. He was the son of a
headmaster of Wolverhampton Grammar School, and an M.A. (1834) of Christ
College, Cambridge. He received his nomination from Mr. Jeremiah
Hartill, and there was little doubt of his ability to obtain the
necessary approval of