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308 were now to find fit and forcible utterance. Daniel O'Connell followed the Macclesfield silk weaver. All sorts of talent were there—every diversity of power. The meeting was assured by the great agitator that its agitation was certain of success if continued with intensity, energy, and singleness of purpose. Mr. John Brooks, of Manchester, followed O'Connell in a speech scarcely less effective. The chairman, before the close of the meeting, stated that an interview had been sought with Sir Robert Peel, and he was hourly expecting his reply. Sir Robert, however, was too cautious to comply with the request. The following are the notes that passed on the occasion:—

"Crown and Anchor, Strand, Feb. 7. "Sir,—As chairman of a preliminary meeting of deputies from associations and religious congregations from various parts of the kingdom, I am directed to request that you will favour the deputation with an interview on the subject of the repeal of the Corn Laws, if at all consistent with your convenience, previous to the announcement of the intentions of the government in Parliament, on Wednesday next.—I have the honour to be, Sir, yours, " "The Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel, Bart., &c." "Whitehall, Feb. 8th, 1842.

"Sir,—I am directed by Sir R. Peel to acknowledge the receipt of your note of Feb. 7, requesting, on behalf of a deputation from associations and religious congregations from various parts of the kingdom, an interview with Sir Robert Peel, on the subject of the repeal of the Corn and Provision Laws, previous to the announcement of the government on Wednesday next. Sir Robert Peel desires me to express his regret that it is not in his power, on account of the pre-engagements into which he has entered, to make the appointment which you desire.—I am Sir, your obedient servant,

"John Brooks, Esq." "

The meeting of the deputies on Wednesday was a highly interesting one. Mr. Laurence Heyworth put the question of repeal as a simple one of justice, and the Rev. Mr. Cairns, of Paisley, produced a powerful impression by his account of the state of that dreadfully suffering town, and by his eloquent denunciations of the impiety of intercepting the gifts which Providence had bestowed for the benefit