From the Maidstone Telegraph, Saturday 1 January, 1859. Price 1d.

TESTIMONY TO A POLICE INSPECTOR.

Thursday evening last, a large number of respectable inhabitants of the town of Woolwich assembled at the “Ship Hotel,” for the purpose of presenting a testimonial of respect to Mr. William James Budd, on his retirement from the office of Senior Inspector of Police at Woolwich Dockyard, after eighteen years' service. Mr. McGill, formerly chief inspector of police at the dockyards of Woolwich and Deptford, occupied the chair, and commenced the proceedings after offering some appropriate remarks upon the recent attempt to murder Mr. Budd, and his wonderful and providential escape from assassination. Mr. Graham, in an appropriate address, then handed to Mr. Budd the testimonial, which consisted of a handsome silver tea service, manufactured by Messrs. Webber, of Powis Street, Woolwich, and subscribed for the inhabitants of the town. Mr. J. W. Budd in acknowledging the presentation, observed that as an humble individual he had invariably endeavoured to discharge the duties of the office which he had filled in an upright manner, and yet so as to avoid giving offence to those with whom he came in contact. He had cause to be devoutly grateful for the overruling providence which had saved his life from the determined attack of an assassin; and next to that deep gratitude he felt thankful to those inhabitants of Woolwich who evinced their kindly feeling by presenting him with a testimonial of respect which he should look upon with pleasure during the remainder of his life, as a proof that the most humble individual, who endeavoured to perform his duties in a conscientious manner, would meet his reward in the approval of his friends and neighbours. In reply to the toast of “The Testimonial Committee,” Mr. W. Sloman, proprietor of the “Ship Hotel,” observed that it was an easy task to obtain subscriptions for the object, and a very large sum might have been obtained but it was felt that the end in view would be met by limiting each subscription to a small amount, and thus evidencing the general feeling of respect and sympathy entertained by the inhabitants towards Mr. Budd. After various toasts the company separated.