Diary – James Losh – 22 Jan 1833

I dined, as Recorder, at a sumptuous dinner given by the Master and Brethren of the Trinity House (The Trustees for a charitable Institution!).   Mr. Bell, M.P., the Mayor, and all the Tory crew formed the dignitaries at this feast much in principle resembling a parish dinner - given out of the poor rates.   I was nearly alone of the liberal party and the most studied attention and respect was paid me.   Mr. Bell affected to speak in the most friendly and familiar manner (after having during the election not spoken at all).   I received his advances with cold civility.   Mr. Brandling gave my health in civil and flattering terms, for which I returned thanks in a very few commomplace words.   As I have never had the slightest personal disagreement with any of the Brandlings, I now as always meet their friendly advances with kindness and cordiality.   It occurred to me afterwards that I might have given the Tories a severe rub  by proposing the health of Chas. Bigge, the Chairman of the Quarter Sessions - he being also chairman of the committee for securing the election of Beaumont.   Perhaps however it was a more dignified course to go through the forms, without condescending to notice the political and party spirit of the meeting.   Besides Bigge is too cold a reformer to  deserve to be made the hero of our party.