I have thought it would be interesting to you to know something about the locality in which you live, as it was in times gone by.

The changes have been marvellous, but not more than many others within my recollection.

I knew the time when gas was not used, but when streets and shops were lighted with oil lamps. When no police guarded our streets, but watchmen paid their half-hourly visits crying out “past 11 o’clock, &c., and a starlight night, &c.”

I remember when no omnibuses ran, and cabmen sat by the side of their fares.

When 4-horse coaches ran to Greenwich, Kensington, and other suburban places.

When the only way to obtain a light was to strike a flint on a piece of steel, and catch the sparks on tinder, and to puff at the tinder till it lighted a brimstone match.When the Great Reform Bill was passing, and I used to be let out of school at 2 o’clock, because the men of Birmingham and Manchester, &c., threatened to march to London—The Tower was fortified—Temple Bar guarded.

I remember George the Fourth’s burial, and the people making a grand holiday.

I saw the procession at William the Fourth’s Coronation, and also at that of Queen Victoria.

“Long may she live.”