law officers of the Crown.[1] For myself, I somewhat regret this appeal to legal authorities ; on a point of law , I should readily accept their opinion as binding ; but on a point of honour I would rather appeal to them as gentlemen,than refer to them in their legal capacity ;and on a point of Archaeology , I think it would be more satisfactory, if we could carry our cause before a court, formed of eminent members of the great antiquarian societies of England, for instance, of the Society of Antiquaries, of the Archaeological Institute and the Association[2] which I have had the privilege to address.
But whether Hastings were the premier port, or not, she was now in the zenith of her fame, and contributed more than a third of the entire naval force of the kingdom . She also took her part in the civil commotions of the reign . In 1050, we read in the Saxon Chronicle, that the men of Hastings and thereabout, fought two of Godwin's ships with their ships, and slew all the men , and brought the ships to Sandwich to the king : and two years afterwards we find her fighting against the king : for Godwin enticed to him the boatmen (buss-carls) from Hastings, who declared they would die and live with him , and advanced with his fleet to London till he came to Southwark.
- ↑ Owing to the statement of Hastings having been submitted to Dover,without any intimation to our authorities that such a step was intended ; which they could not but regard as a breach of faith ; and as this proceeding would necessarily involve replies and counter replies, and so open up the question anew , the resolution to abide by the Warden's decision has been unanimously annulled by the corporation . This question, therefore , still awaits the arbitration of a court of Archaeology.
- ↑ The British Archeological Association.
