On our
return, the deafening shouts of the multitude, who were congregated
outside the Sessions House, proclaimed a favourable verdict for the
farmers, who, in the excess of their joy at having beaten their
reverend adversary, gave loose to the most unrestrained expressions
of exultation: a messenger was immediately despatched to Berkeley to
convey, express, the glad tidings; and the head farmers of the parish,
with whom were the church-wardens, determined to commemorate their
victory by roasting a bullock whole on the brow of the hill which
overlooked their vicar's residence, and for the preparation of which
festivity they also sent their instructions. The next grand point was,
how to ~289~~convey the witnesses, who were very numerous, to the scene
of action, a distance of eighteen miles. To have despatched them in
post-chaises, could they have found a sufficient number in Gloucester,
was neither in accordance with economy, nor with the wishes of the
parties themselves, who were very anxious to have a grand procession,
and enjoy themselves as they went along in smoking, singing, drinking,
and proclaiming their triumph to their neighbours and friends. Mine
hostess of the Ram, with every female in her establishment, had been,
from the moment the verdict was given to the departure of the group,
busily engaged in making large blue favours, of the colonel's colour,
to decorate the hats of the visitors, until Mr.
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