On 20th April 1844 there was a by-election in Exeter occasioned by the appointment of William Webb Follett to the post of Attorney General of England and Wales. The High Sheriff, when he addressed the electors and returned Follett to Parliament made a pretty little speech:
"Gentlemen, before I proceed in the discharge of my duty, I cannot but make a single remark and that is that I do most cordially and sincerely congratulate you and the citizens of Exeter on the good temper and forbearance which has been displayed by all parties during this contest, It reflects the highest credit on you, and shows to the country at large and to the world that however the citizens of Exeter may differ on political subjects they know what is due to each other as men - they know what is due to order, - and having manfully fought their political battle, heartily desire again to emerge in the character of neighbours and friends, (Enthusiastic and general cheering.)
"Gentlemen: Having said this much, I will not detain you longer, but proceed at once to state, that the poll books having been made up and examined, I find the numbers are -
"For Sir William Follett...........1,203
"For Major-General John Briggs...........529
"Being a majority in favour of Sir Wm Follett of 764
"It therefore becomes my duty, and I do hereby declare Sir William Webb Follett to be duly elected to serve as a citizen in the present Parliament for the City and Borough of Exeter."
It was a glorious victory for the Tories and a dignified occasion (When and why did we start having Loonies in tomato-coloured onesies as parliamentary candidates?) but Sir William was a sick man. He died the next year and the citizens of Exeter soon had another opportunity to demonstrate their good temper and forbearance.
And, nota bene, Sir William went back to Parliament "to serve as a citizen" of Exeter.
Source: The Exeter Flying Post, 18th April 1844
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