The Virginia Gazette

Yesterday evening a respectable number of the livery attended at the Half Moon tavern, to consider of two proper candidates for the shrievalty. Mr. Bishop was called to the chair, and, after the usual introduction of the business, Mr. Hurford moved that the two aldermen, Mr. Kirkman and Mr. Plomer, be nominated by the company present for the shrievalty of the ensuing year. Upon which Doctor Lee nominated Mr. Stephen Sayre, citizen and framework knitter, and, in a very warm and sensible speech, recommended him to the suffrages of the livery, which reflected much honour on the Doctor's head and heart. Mr. Graham then entered into a very tedious detail, wherein he attempted to reflect on Mr. Hurford and sheriff Oliver, desiring that great care might be taken in the election of sheriffs; that as to Alderman Kirkman, he would by no means vote for him, and for Mr. Sayre, he was but little known; that of the three, Mr. Plomer was the most proper person. Mr. Hurford answered, that Mr. Graham's reflections were not worth attending to, but he should abide by the determination of his fellow citizens. Mr. Reynolds then endeavoured to recommend Mr. Alderman Kirkman and Mr. Sayre. Mr. Graham then preached another sermon, and Mr. Maskall took up the text where Graham left it, and inveighed against mock patriotism, with all the flowing rhetoric so peculiar to that gentleman, and which produced some applause. Other debates of less consequence took place, when Mr. Stone addressed the chairman, informing him that it appeared to him that Mr. Plomer was agreeable to all parties; that the contest seemed to be between Mr. Kirkman and Mr. Sayre: that Mr. Kirkman, as an alderman, would find great support in his election; that it was a matter of serious consideration whether Mr. Sayre could stand against Mr. Kirkman, who would be supported by both parties. He therefore recommended it to the gentlemen's mature deliberation, whether the two aldermen ought not to be nominated at this particular crisis, as any other nomination might eventually prove fatal. Doctor Lee again recommended Mr. Sayre very warmly, and met with great applause. After some other debates of little import, Mr. Graham recommended neighbour Frith, and was seconded by Mr. T. Garth. The question was then put, when a great majority of hands appeared in favour of Mr. Alderman Plomer and Mr. Stephen Sayre. The question was again put, when the same large majority of hands appeared for Messrs. Plomer and Sayre. The return of the nomination was then made, and received with great applause, and the meeting broke up at half after ten o'clock.