But there are more objects of interest to be examined within its walls;
and among them pre-eminently stands forth the sword of Admiral Don Xavier
Francisco Winthuysen, transmitted by Horatio Nelson to the mayor of the
city, from the Irresistible, off Lisbon, Feb. 26th, A.D. 1797. The
sword, with its white vellum sheath ornamented with silver, is enclosed
in a glass case, with the original letter from Admiral Nelson, relating
the particulars of its capture. In these days of railways and universal
travelling, the trophy might prudently, we conceive, hold less
conspicuous place. No great stretch of the bounds of probability might
suggest the chance of some relative or descendant of Don Xavier Francisco
standing face to face with the uncomfortable memento of past misfortunes.
Leading from this chamber is a door-way, that opens out upon leads, where
in olden times the ladies and friends of the aldermen were wont to enjoy
the various spectacles offered by the processions and pageants then so
frequently displayed.

The other principal chamber, formerly used by the common-councilmen, and
now appropriated to sundry legal purposes, is adorned with the various
quaint and significant emblems that once figured in the guild
processions, in attendance upon his majesty, Snap, who, from the dignity
of his elevation upon the landing-place without, looks down with proud
and silent scorn upon all the modern innovations and reformations that
have swept away the glories that surrounded his throne;--but of him more
by-and-bye.

Beyond the council-chamber is the way of access to the old Record room,
whence, now and then, some "Old Mortality" may be seen emerging, laden
with treasures rescued from the mouldering heaps of antiquarian lore,
there lying buried beneath the accumulated dust and cobwebs of centuries.
All praise and thanks be given, as due, to these patient and industrious
workers, the fruits of whose labours so liberally are placed at the
command of all less learned and recondite scribblers, who scruple not to
gather of the crumbs that fall from the rich intellectual banquets they
have spread before the lovers of history, antiquity, or science.

An armoury room, where weapons of divers sorts and multiform invention
are stored, all bearing evidence of long disuse by rust and decay, and a
treasury of gold and silver, maces and sceptres, in their various
departments, claim notice; but as such things possess neither very great
intri