representatives in Parliament), and the same amount by the Hon. General Murray (an uncle of Edward Milward by marriage). The corps thus raised consisted of 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, 3 corporals and 60 privates. As time when(sic) on a second company was formed, consisting of 46 members, whilst those of the first company were augmented to 83. The expenditure in 1798 was £434 14s. and in 1799, £420 9s. 11d. At a later date, with the above cited historical facts probably in rembrance(sic), and when it was known that Russia was preparing for a conflict with England and other European powers, the inhabitants again bestirred themselves. Thus, in 1852, on the 11th of February, a preliminary meeting was held in the Town Hall at Hastings, for the purpose of forming a Rifle Club, the meeting being presided over by the Mayor, as it had been 58 years before, for a similar purpose. A Committee was there formed to draw up a report on the best plan for the club’s formation. Seven days later (Feb.18th) a second meeting was held at the same place, when the report resulted in the formation of the “Hastings and St. Leonards Rifle Corps “ and rules were adopted. On the 6th of May the Rifle Corps held their first quarterly meeting, with Dr. Steavenson in the chair. The number of men that had been enrolled was 56, and the financial position showed a favourable balance of £6 after all expenses had been met. As time went on the movement slackened, there being no prospect of Government aid, and a considerable number of those who originally gave in their names having declined to bear their personal share of outfit and other expenses. But on the 6th of May, 1859, when it was thought that France was meditating a descent on England, a meeting was held to form a socalled Rifle Club for the two towns of Hastings and St. Leonards. Mr. Noth(sic), M.P. presided, and amongst the promoters were Messrs. Rock, Crake, Savery and Ransom, Dr. Hale, and about 50 other persons. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. W. Ransom, seconded by Mr. J. Banks, “That a Rifle Club be formed of volunteers for national defences, who engage to fund themselves in arms, and that rules be adopted, subject to confirmation at a subsequent meeting.” A week later, a second meeting was held, with V. B. Crake, Esq. in the chair, when the following letter was received from Mr. North, M.P.:- “Dear Sir, - I have just had an interview with the authorities at the War Office on the subject of the Rifle Corps. A circular -
