re a solitary exception, the civic barge
was the target of repeated vollies of yells and groans, levelled by no
unskilful, or ineffective voices at it, from the banks and bridges of the
river. The landing at Blackfriars was attended with a more concentrated
attack of 'public execration,' for, there, an immense multitude was
wedged together, anxious to be spectators of the scene, though not
inactive ones. On the procession passed amid the continued
manifestations of public disapprobation of the present, and respect for
the retiring Lord Mayor. Many interrogations of a searching nature were
repeatedly bawled forth, not that they could reach the right honourable
ear, but they were exercises in that peculiar art, styled 'talking at
folks.' The same description must apply to Ludgate Hill, St. Paul's
Churchyard, and Cheapside, in which place some merriment was created by a
party chanting in appropriate style:

'Oh, Alderman Gibbs,
Pray dub up the dibbs!'

"It was somewhat after 4 o'clock, when the cortege arrived at the bottom
of King Street, where, immediately before Guildhall Yard, about 2,000
persons had collected, and others pressing out of the several streets,
caused a dense mass to be formed. This was the place where a parting
salutation was to be presented to the new Lord Mayor, by his pitiless
persecutors, and a very good view of the scene was attainable from an
upper window at the western angle of Gresham Street. Hearty and
continued cheering announced the progress of Sir William Magnay; but, as
soon as the State coach with the new Lord Mayor arrived, the yells and
groans which broke forth, were perfectly stunning. Never was the manner
in which the two Lord Mayors had been received throughout the day, marked
with stronger contrast. The accumulation of carriages in Guildhall Yard,
caused the detention of the State coach for some minutes, during which a
real tempest of execration was poured forth upon the unfortunate
gentleman; and many persons did not hesitate to testify their dislike to
him in a manner to be condemned, by spitting at the carriage, their
distance from which, however, defeated their intention. In truth, Mr.
Gibbs had to endure a perpetual and pitiless storm of hisses, yells,
groans, gibes, sneers and jeers; and at every stoppage where the crowd
was in close proximity to his carriage, unusually furious bursts of
indignation broke forth; yet no missile was thrown during any portion of