Punch: Punch (6.1844)

212

PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

EXTRAORDINARY FEAT OF THE DRIVER OF THE INDIAN MAIL.

A remarkable experiment was a short time ago attempted
by the state coachman of the Queen, who undertook to drive
four-and-twenty well-trained hacks from the India House, in
Leadenhall Street, to the Treasury. At the appointed hour Peel,
the coachman, mounted the box, accom-

panied by his friend the Duke. When they got near the Temple,
and into the neighbourhood of the Law, they began to sncrt
and to show signs of impatience, but having caught a glimpse of a
Kennington omnibus, with the picture of a tame elephant on one
of the panels and "Elephant and Castle" inscribed above, the
leaders began to plunge in the most desperate manner. The kicking
and rearing became so formidable as to throw the guard of the
vehicle—the Indian Mail—from his seat, and it required all the
strength of Peel, aided by that of "the Duke," to prevent i
collision of the most alarming character. At length, however,
having picked up another guard the team became less ungovernable,
and they were at last brought cleverly round, though not till they
had received at the hands of the Duke a pretty severe lashing.

DINNER TO THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL ELECT. U
One of the principal dishes at this entertainment has
been provided by Sir Robert Peel. Jt consists, we

believe, of a stout and very crusty piece of pastry, called humble pie, which the Directors
will be expected to partake of, in compliment to the Ministry. Punch has had much

pleasure in forwarding something smart to Sir Henry Hardinge, who has been observed to ")V V•'~V^$t%^1

say—on being helped to something that may happen to be rather tough—" Really this is as hard ^ jQ^vOt /" T^^M
as a beard" This would be a graceful allusion to the injustice of the Board in recalling his "^^^^j^XT^pil lift
predecessor, as well as a polite intimation of his own intention to " stand no nonsense."

THE RECALL OF LORD ELLENBOROUGH.

It is believed that the Governor-General has had enemies about his household, some of whom were
cognizant of the intention of the Directors to recall him ; for, on his birthday, which recently occurred,
one of his attendants—no doubt, sarcastically—is said to have wished him " many happy returns."

OFFICIAL CHANGE.

Sir Henry Hardi.nge goes to India as Governor-General, and Sir James Graham, who expected
the appointment, goes, for the present, to the Wall.