a memorial (signed by 42 persons) as follows: —
“Sir — We the undersigned inhabitants of Hastings have learnt, with deep regret that you are about to take your departure from amongst us, after a residence of nearly five years, during which time your name has become endeared to us by many acts of charity to the poor, and by the exercise of real kindness towards all. We cannot allow the occasion to pass without conveying to you the expression of our unaffected regard, as well as the sentiment of true respect generally felt by our fellow-townsmen. In bidding you, most reluctantly, farewell, we beg respectfully and fervently to offer our heartfelt wishes for the future welfare and happiness of yourself and family, and to hope that circumstances may hereafter induce you to restore the happy relations between you and the town of Hastings.”
In replying to the address, Mr. Pepys expressed the great pleasure it afforded him to receive such an unexpected mark of esteem on the part of his fellow-townsmen. With regard to anything he had done for the benefit of the town, he was sure that in such actions he had only followed the good example which the inhabitants themselves had shown. He regretted that he was about to leave Hastings, and should be very happy to renew his connection with the town. So much had he experienced the kindness of the inhabitants that he would wish to live and die with them. That this gentleman or some of his family afterwards revisited the borough is shewn by the fact that on the 7th of October, 1864, the death of Maria Caroline, daughter of Edmund Pepys, Esq., occurred at Warrior Square, aged 33 years.
Vestry Meetings
At the St. Clements annual meeting for choosing parish officers (the Rev. W. W. Hume presiding) J. Amoore and W. Ginner were re-appointed churchwardens, and J. Duke and Mr. Spencer, overseers.
A vestry meeting for All Saints was held on the 26th of December, when the accounts showed a balance of £52 in favour of the parish; and as extensive repairs to the church were necessary, a fourpenny rate for the year was agreed to.
Missionary Meeting
A Church Missionary meeting was held on the 24th of March, with Earl Waldegrave presiding. The Rev. J. Parkin read the report of the local association. There were also present the Revs. W. W. Hume, T. Auriol, T. Vores, and G. D. St. Quinton.
