Diary – James Losh – 25 Apr 1831

I travelled to N.Castle by the mail coach and reached that place precisely at 2 o'c, just in time for the public meeting.   I was called to the Chair, reluctantly because there appeared to have been no previous arrangement, owing, I think very much to Dr. Headlam's want of tact or judgement.  We got through the business better than could have been expected, tho' certainly my situation was not a very pleasant one.   I was determined to call upon Lord Howick to come forward, but as Mr. Beaumont's sentiments were not known, his friends were at a loss how to act, particularly as no one seemed to have had any direct communication with Lord Howick.   I however, determined to take a decided and straightforward course and to support two honest Reformers by every means in my power.