The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

LONDON, October 8.
Ceremony of swearing the new Sheriffs.

The lord mayor, several Aldermen, the two Sheriffs, and the late Sheriffs, with the city officers went in state to Westminster hall in the grand City Barge, with the courts of assistants of the Clothworkers and Stationers companies, in their state barges up the Thames, and landed at Westminster.

About three, his lordship and the whole procession came into the Exchequer court, where they were received by Baron Mazieres.--The lord mayor being paramount of the fee, stood covered. The recorder made his long harangue in praise of the late Sheriffs, and then proceeded to expatiate on the high characters of the present gentlemen. The Baron shortly replied, that his majesty could not have any objections to the choice of his faithful citizens of London.

John Perring, esq. Clothworker, and Thomas Cadell, esq. Stationer, were then sworn into office. Thomas Pearing, esq. for the head under Sheriff was also sworn.

Warrants of attorney were recorded, and then came the mirthful part of this ceremony, about which so many thousand fables have been propagated; the truth being that the Sheriffs have not the most distant share in the business.

Usher of the Court, "Senior Alderman below the chair come forth, and perform suit and service for a certain manor and tenement, called the moor, in Com. Chester."--Alderman Newman accordingly mounted the table, as the Usher presented him with a bill-book himself holding a bundle, by the two ends, of white rod. with both hands: those the alderman cut in the middle with the hook.

Remembrancer. "How many are here?"
Usher. "Twelve."--A. "A very good number."

Then a hatchet was delivered to the Alderman, and another bundle of sticks was cut in like manner; but the Alderman missed his aim and cut one of his fingers.

Usher (again) "Senior Alderman come forth, and perform suit and service for a certain tenement, called the Forge, without side Temple-Bar, in Com. Middlesex,"

A bag was ready upon the table. and the Usher assisted the Aldermen in counting out six large horse nails.

Remembrancer--"How many are there?"
Usher.--"Six horses and fifty-four nails?"
A. "A very good number;" and accordingly they were registered.

The ceremony being ended, the lord mayor asked the baron to honor them with his company to dinner at Clothworker's Hall, which was politely declined.