There had been a “great fire” on the Middle Market Road.
Many persons who had promised to subscribe to the “Petition Fund” were “backing out.”
E. P. Youell, Esq., was to be Captain of the 2nd Company of Rifle Volunteers.
On Valentine’s Day the ladies took great advantage of the fact of its being “Leap Year” in sending these missives to the gentlemen.
Feb. 22nd.—The Donegal Militia had given a second afternoon dance at the Town Hall.
Mr. T. M. Read had been elected second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.
“Monday was Cock (antique) or Orange Fair, when the Market Place was thronged by the usual ‘fair’ attractions.”
March 3rd.—“A most violent and destructive hurricane” had visited the town and country.
The petition had been heard, and the members retained their seats, which news had caused great rejoicing amongst the Tories, while “the money” question was likely to cause some trouble to the petitioners.
Captain Foreman and Lieutenant Morant had been gazetted to the first N.A.V.
The following had been elected officers of the second Company of Rifles:—Captain, Mr. Youell; Lieutenant, Mr. Harmer; Ensign, Mr. E. Preston.
An untanned leather bag, containing 70 coins of the reign of Henry VIII. had been found on the Beach after a great thickness of sand had been blown away by the late westerly gale.
March 10th.—Lieutenant Read and 70 members of the N.A.V. had escorted Captain Marsh, Captain Foreman, Lieutenant Morant, and Dr. Stephenson to the Railway Station on their proceeding to the Leveè; the other officers then present were Captain Orde, Lieutenant Youell, Ensign Tomlinson, and Surgeon Frederick Palmer, of the Rifles.
March 24th.—The “Donegals” had celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, beginning at five o’clock in the morning. In the afternoon the Officers gave another dance at the Town Hall and entertained a numerous party of friends at their mess at the Southtown Barracks.
April 7th.—Mr. J. Lee-Barber had been elected a Second Lieutenant in the N.A.V.
In the Rifle Corps, Corporals Dick and Pearson and Privates Barber and Cobb had been elected Sergeants.
April 11th.—On Good Friday both Volunteer Corps had “fraternised” and drilled together on the Denes; it was estimated that on this occasion, which was the first “turn out” of the kind, from 8,000 to 10,000 spectators, including Sir E. Lacon, M.P., Captain Holmes, Major Todd, and many ladies and gentlemen, were present.