The Mayor's dinner at Tamworth, on Tuesday, was attended by
the two Members, Lord Rayaham and Sir Robert Peel, and also by the Marquis Townshend. In speaking for the Navy, Lord Townshend, an old friend of Sir Charles Napier,—admitting that Sir Charles had dis- appointed public expectation, and shown that discretion which is the better part of valour —censured Sir Robert Peel for his late speech at Stafford, as containing words " uncalled-for and out of place." Sir Robert Peel somewhat warmly replied, that the Marquis was interfering between him and his constituents. This the Marquis disclaimed. Sir Robert went on— He knew that the sentiments he had uttered were shared in by some of the highest authorities in the country ; and, since the meeting at Stafford, the very highest authority in the country had written to him a letter ap- proving of what he had said, and stating that the conduct of Admiral Na- pier was most unwarrantable. While on this subject, he begged to utter his most indignant protest against the exertions which were being made by the gallant Admiral—whose failing intellect and shattered nerves made the effort even more deplorable—to lower the character of the British sailor, by pandering to the power and endeavouring to lend a helping hand to advance the prestige of our recent enemy. (Cheers.)
Lord Townshend explained. He said he had told Sir Charles from the beginning " what a scrape he would get into."
If he had remained quiet, nothing would probably have been said, ex- cept that the country would have regretted that a man in whom they had confidence had done nothing at till. But it was that unfortunate caooethes scribendi with which he was afflicted—that eternal love of talking—that perpetual hatred of leaving anything quiet, which had been Sir Charles's worst enemy." (Laughter.)
Later in the evening, peace was completely restored between the Peer and the Baronet.
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