(with all due respect,) have been for years comparatively strangers. There was no want of employment for any,no scantiness of means,-and no scarcity of food; but little alienation of friendship, either from political, or politicoreligious motives: * the exercise of good neighbourhood and moderate conviviality shed their salutary effects in the encouragement of public and private Balls, Concerts, monthly Coteries, and Theatrical entertainments. And, for our better security, we had the co-operation of two Regiments of Militia, and one Regiment of the line, with the Derry Rifle and Yeomanry corps; and subsequently, the Cavalry and, Volunteers; and, though last, not least, Prosperity in the linen manufactures of our common country.

With respect to the Act of Union, passed in 1800, we shall only observe that, in reference to the interests of the two countries, the Union may be compared to a joint mercantile partnership of two,-in which the weaker could not possibly carry on successfully, without the influence and support of the stronger.

CHAPTER XV.

ECCLESIASTICAL BUILDINGS, &c.

I. Of the Established Church.

The Cathedral.-This venerable edifice, which is also the Parish Church of Templemore, occupies ground which had not been previously occupied by any other building, either civil or ecclesiastical, although the contrary opinion has been asserted by many: the latter assertion is, however, not true. For nearly twenty years after the Colony was planted at Derry, there was no place of worship capable of accommodating its then scanty population; a part of the old ruined Church of St. Augustine, which had undergone some repairs, being the only building hitherto used by the Colonists for the service of religion.

Under the superintendence of Sir John Vaughan, Knt. Governor and Alderman of the City, the erection of this

* Or that system which has been termed, "crooked morality.

There are still amongst us many elderly persons whose report can corroborate the foregoing statements,

building was commenced in 1628, but was not completed till 1633, at the expense of £4000, which sum was defrayed by the Corporation of London.

"The Cathedral of Derry," says Archbishop King in 1690, the year after the Siege," is a goodly fabric. It has an Organ, a square Steeple, (tower,) and a good ring of bells. It had formerly a Spire of wood, leaded, but it was decayed and taken down before the troubles. The lead was preserved till the late Siege, during which it was used for bullets. The Church suffered much in the roof from bombs, and other accidents." From an old account of the City, annexed to Captain Neville's plan, it appears that the Cathedral was entirely covered with lead over a strong roof of Irish Oak (Glen-wood Oak probably)" being the most uniform Church in the Kingdom, and the only Church that is covered with lead." On this roof cannons were planted during the Siege, which thundered defiance to those of the enemy stationed on the opposite side of the river, at Strong's orchard, and above the Waterside. In 1778, a new Spire of Free-Stone was erected at the expense of the Earl of Bristol, then Bishop of this Diocese. In 1802, this Spire was taken down, the tower supporting it being in a dangerous state: and in 1819, the old oak roof was taken off, and a slated roof substituted. Between 1805 and 1834, the sum of £4668 was expended in raising a new tower and spire, in other repairs and decorations, both externally and internally, for bells, organ, &c. which sum was raised by a very moderate subscription from the Irish Society; but principally by subscriptions from the late Corporation, the Dean, and the Citizens, and the late munificent Doctor William Knox, Lord Bishop of Derry. Bishop Stone, in 1745, presented a new Organ to the Cathedral, which continued till 1829, at which time another new one was inserted within the old case.

With respect to the Bells.—In a letter from the unfortunate Earl of Strafford, to Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, dated 7th August, 1638, he states :-" I have received the warrant for the bells of London-Derry, they are already sent down, and, by this time, I believe, merrily ringing forth as well his Majesty's (Charles I.) piety as bounty." In reply, the Archbishop states :-" Out I am of the hearing of the Londonderry bells, but I am glad they are there.”

* Strafford's Letters.

In 1813, the old bells were taken down, re-cast, and eight new ones were produced, and soon after suspended in the belfry; and are the same that now, but too seldom, cheer us. -The elevation of the "hill" (or island,) on the summit of which the Cathedral stands, is 119 feet above the level of the Foyle. The style of the church is that which is usually known among the architectural antiquaries, as the "perpendicular or Tudor style of pointed architecture; but since the late repairs have been completed, it has lost, externally, much of its antique, characteristic uniformity, by modern, fantastic decorations. The pinnacles assume the Gothic form. The sketches, however, exhibit its appearance at the time of the Siege: the doors which were then in the south side, are now closed. The length of the church (being rectangular,) independent of the tower, is 114 feet; the breadth, 66; and the height, 46 feet.The height of the spire from the ground, is 178 feet; or 297 above the river: and of the spire itself, 89 feet: the tower measures 89 feet* (including the battlements,) and is about 32 feet in square; in it are two doors, the entrances into the church. In the interior, there are no transepts, as there are only nave and chancel; the area is divided into one central aisle and two parallel or lateral aisles, separated by two ranges of pointed arches, resting on hexagonal pillars. Över each of the lateral isles is a spacious gallery, erected about 30 years ago, by subscriptions; and at the western extremity is an extensive organ gallery. The east, or chancel window is truly elegant, being divided by mullions into five lights, with only one transom. By the modern, external improvements, the east gable has on its summit a central cross; and at each angle is a round tower, much more elevated than those in the original plan. At each angle of the western gable also is a round tower. The spire is handsome and well-proportioned, terminating aloft in a cross and gilt pole. The internal appearance of the church is magnificent, particularly when lighted with gas. It accommodates about 1000 persons. The curates of the Cathedral now, are the Rev. Charles Seymour and the Rev. George Smith.

In the sacred recesses of our Cathedral are many tablets;

* From the top of the tower a very extensive view may be had,