HC Deb 03 August 1835 vol 30 cc11-3
Lord J. Russell

rose to move the Resolution, of which he had given notice, relative to the late Sergeant-at-Arms. No other opportunity had occurred for the Members of that House to express their opinion of the services rendered by that individual, and he had no doubt that they would readily avail themselves of the present. It was well known that the late Sergeant-at-Arms had been a zealous and faithful servant of the House for a long period of years, and that he had now retired upon an allowance, the amount of which would entail no additional expense upon the country; Appreciating, as he did, in common he believed with the rest of the House, the services of Mr. Seymour most highly, he would conclude by moving the following resolution:—"That Mr. Speaker be requested to acquaint Mr. Henry Seymour that this House entertains the highest sense of the exemplary zeal and fidelity with which he has uniformly discharged the duties of his situation during his long attendance in the service of the House."

Sir Robert Peel

had the greatest pleasure in seconding the motion of the noble Lord. Strong as political opinions were in that House on all party questions, there was always great satisfaction in finding one on which they could express an unanimous opinion. He believed the opinion of the House would be unanimous on the occasion. He did not believe that the duties of Sergeant-at-Arms could be discharged with greater assiduity patience, or suavity than they had been performed by Mr. Seymour. He knew little of Mr. Seymour personally, but judging of his mind and character by all he had seen of him in the performance of his duty, he very much doubted whether this unanimous record of the approbation of the House would not give much more satisfaction to a mind like his than any pecuniary reward.

The Resolution agreed to nem. con.