History of Dover

Before the magistrates separated Mr. Cocke called the attention of the Mayor to complaints, which had recently which had recently been made of military pickets and other soldiers on duty occupying the footpaths by walking two abreast to the entire exclusion of the general public. He (Mr. C.) thought that the Commanding Officers, if they were acquainted with this practise, would interfere to put a stop to it as in wet weather it was great annoyance for persons to be driven into the sloughs of the carriageway because a party of soldiers did not think proper to walk in single file.

The Mayor said he had already received a similar complaint but he fully concurred with Mr. Cocke made aware of the inconvenience felt they would take steps to remedy it and he thought this would be best accomplished by a letter being addressed to Gen. Cranford. The Magistrates Clerk promised he would convey the feelings to the Bench to the Commandant of the Garrison in the method indicated. (1860)