It is, probably, the remains of a British camp, for near these premises are Drude-heath (Druid’s-heath) and Drude-fields, which we may reasonably suppose was the residence of a British priest:  the military would naturally shelter themselves under the wing of the church, and the priest with the protection of the military.  The narrowness of the trenches is another proof of its being British; they exactly correspond with the stile of that people.  The name of the pool, Bowen, is of British derivation, which is a farther proof that the work originated from the Britons.  They did not place their security so much in the trenches, as in the mounds, which they barracaded with timber.  This camp is secured on three sides by a morass, and is only approachable on the fourth, that from the Coldfield.  The first mound on this weak side, is twenty-four yards over, twice the size of any other; which, allowing an ample security, is a farther evidence of its being British, and tradition being silent is another.

PETITION FOR A CORPORATION.

Every man upon earth seems fond of two things, riches and power:  this fondness necessarily springs from the heart, otherwise order would cease.  Without the desire of riches, a man would not preserve what he has, nor provide for the future.  “My thoughts,” says a worthy christian, “are not of this world; I desire but one guinea to carry me through it.”  Supply him with that guinea, and he wishes another, lest the first should be defective.

If it is necessary a man mould possess property, it is just as necessary he should possess a power to protect it, or the world would quickly bully him out of it:  this power is founded on the laws of his country, to which he adds, by way of supplement, bye-laws, founded upon his own prudence.  Those who possess riches, well know they are furnished with wings, and can scarcely be kept from flying.

The man who has power to secure his wealth, seldom stops there; he, in turn, is apt to triumph over him who has less.  Riches and power are often seen to go hand in hand.

Industry produces property; which, when a little matured, looks out for command; thus the inhabitants of Birmingham, who have generally something upon the anvil besides iron, near seventy years ago having derived wealth from diligence, wished to derive power from charter; therefore, petitioned the crown that Birmingham might be erected into a corporation.  Tickled with the title of alderman, dazzled with the splendour of a silver mace, a furred gown, and a magisterial chair, they could not see the interest of the place:  had they succeeded, that amazing growth would have been crippled, which has since astonished the world, and those trades have been fettered which have proved the greatest benefit.